"Who's sick?" Mori inquired about Akiko, who was bowing in front of him.
Of course, Akiko was apologizing because she had requested a sudden leave. That absence would disrupt team two's workflow. Kyoko might not mind anymore, but Akiko clearly still felt guilty.
Fortunately, Kyoko had mentioned earlier that there were no additional targets this week, so Akiko could feel a bit more at ease, but she still felt the need to apologize to Mori.
Mori, of course, responded calmly to her apology, but the question earlier had caught Akiko off guard. Akiko didn’t want to answer it.
“The person who took care of me since I was little,” Akiko answered as vaguely as possible.
“Oh, I see. I understand. Of course, you should be with them. No need to feel guilty. With the current workload, I think Kyoko can handle it on her own. You can take additional leave if needed. Since we aren't busy, you can use the leave reward you earned last t
Akiko wanted to cry to release all the frustration she had been feeling for the past few days, but she was very aware that this was an important moment and she couldn't allow herself to lose focus. Akiko pressed the call button, and within two or three minutes, the room was full.Akiko initially thought only the nurse and the attending doctor would come to check on Kenji's condition, but when the nurse saw that Kenji was awake, she immediately ran out.After that, five doctors rushed in together. Then, three more came in, crowding around Kenji. The room was spacious, but it slowly began to feel cramped and noisy."You still need to stay here for observation until you recover strength. You can't go home yet." One of the doctors quickly rejected Kenji's request to leave.Kenji groaned, but he couldn't protest either. He acknowledged that he had exhausted his strength just by asking to go home.Another doctor began discussing his physical
Kenji pointed to the blanket on the chair, and Inoue quickly grabbed it. But when Inoue was about to spread the blanket over Kenji's legs, Ryu stopped her.He pointed at Akiko, and Ryu triumphed. Kenji didn't protest further. The blanket was indeed for Akiko, who had once again fallen asleep near Kenji's hand.After their upsetting conversation, Kenji fell asleep due to the medication and discovered that Akiko had also fallen back unconscious.In addition to Akiko, Inoue and Ryu were waiting in the room. They arrived shortly after Ryu received the doctor's report."Should I move Akiko to the sofa?" Ryu whispered, with sincere intentions, to make Akiko more comfortable.But Kenji responded with a look that clearly said, "If you touch her, you'll die." Moreover, the possibility of Akiko awakening and encountering Ryu looms large."Okay, I was just offering," Ryu whispered back and approached the bed."Why did you tell her?" Kenji hissed
On the next page, Inoue checked the notes and mentioned what Kenji needed to finish."Nakano-san called you. She wants...""Reject what she wants. I don't want to deal with her right now," Kenji cut in. He didn’t want to waste time dealing with his fake fiancée at the moment."And what about the thing I asked for a few days ago?" Kenji asked, referring to the investigation report he had ordered yesterday."I only managed to go through half of the material, but I've already found several cases that are almost identical." I can give you the current report, but it won’t be complete yet." Inoue worked quickly, but it wasn't a magical process. The amount of data she was reviewing was vast."In that case, later. Once it's completed, all at once." Naturally, Kenji understood.Inoue nodded and noted the instruction on her tablet."Make sure no one knows what you're doing. I don’t want the involved parties to get suspici
"What is this?" Akiko asked, confused, as she received a jacket and hat from Inoue. She didn’t need any additional clothing.“You have to wear it,” said Inoue.“Huh? Why?”Akiko looked at her own outfit. Today she was wearing a t-shirt, warm pants, and a cardigan—no need for another jacket. The hat was understandable, but not the jacket.“Just wear it. Give that cardigan to Inoue. You put on the jacket and tuck your hair into the hat,” Kenji replied as he got up from the bed, wincing from pain but still taking two steps toward Akiko."If you want to go home with me, wear the jacket and hat." Kenji took the hat from Akiko’s hand and turned her around.“Hm?” Of course, Akiko complied—it was too late to protest. Kenji stood behind Akiko, gathering her long hair into his hands, then folding it upward.“Why did you grow your hair out? You usually prefer it short.
“Oh, it’s changed,” Akiko gasped as they arrived at Kenji’s house.There were several changes due to Kenji's condition, especially in his bedroom. Kenji's bedroom now has a large bed. The modern design featured earth-toned bed linens and black cushions.It didn’t quite match the atmosphere, but aesthetics weren't as important as Kenji’s comfort. If he had to get up from the floor every time, his body would struggle.“Yeah, and thank goodness for that.”Kenji walked with a cane and laid down on the bed slowly—very sluggishly. If not for his injuries, Kenji would have thrown himself onto it. He tossed the cane aside and sighed in relief.Kenji was beginning to understand why the doctor had forbidden him from going home. His body felt utterly exhausted from the simple act of walking into the house. His chest ached when he took a breath.“I’ll make some hot tea,” Akiko said,
Kenji looked at Akiko, who was busy in the kitchen preparing breakfast. He didn't like the sight of Akiko in her Shingi Fusaya uniform."Are you leaving?"At the same time, Kenji cursed silently. It seemed like Ryu was about to lose another life for failing to prevent Akiko from going to work, even though he clearly held the highest authority in Shingi Fusaya now. He should've been able to stop her easily."Yes, of course. I told you yesterday that I have to work, right? I've also prepared lunch," Akiko said, pointing to the fridge. She had stored the lunch there.Kenji didn't respond, and he walked toward the chair."I was planning to bring breakfast to your room; you didn’t need to come here," Akiko said, having already placed Kenji’s breakfast on a tray.Akiko didn’t want Kenji to move around too much. His injuries made him tire easily. He was still using a cane, walking slowly to reach the kitchen."No need. I wa
With anxiety still in her chest, Akiko carried the medical bag—filled with medicine and bandages—and slid Kenji’s room door open. The sight in front of her made Akiko want to turn around and run.But in the end, her feet stayed rooted. Kenji was sitting on the bed, unbuttoning his shirts one by one, in order.Akiko wished Kenji had done this earlier, so she only had to change the bandage without having to watch him take off his shirt. The outcome would be the same—Akiko would still see Kenji’s body—but the process made all the difference. Fatally so.Watching Kenji’s body being revealed little by little felt worse—or perhaps better, Akiko couldn’t decide—than seeing it fully exposed all at once.After a few seconds—after all the buttons were undone—Akiko sighed, turning her head and stepping inside.Akiko prepared the medicine and equipment, while Kenji took off his shirt.
"Shouldn't you be busy? Why are you bothering me?" Kyoko answered Akiko's phone, slightly annoyed.Akiko could imagine what caused that. Kyoko was most likely watching something or reading manga when Akiko interrupted her. Her attitude when working or reading manga was usually the same. She really hated being disturbed."Yeah, I was busy earlier. But I’m done now. I already cooked and did other stuff," Akiko said, sitting on the grass by the Koi Pond in the middle of the garden."So now you're bored and have decided to call me? Finally remembering me?" Kyoko’s irritation was still apparent, and Akiko knew the reason behind it."It's not that I didn't want to say goodbye to you, but the decision was really sudden. You can't be furious at me, Kyoko-chan," Akiko said, half-pleading.Kyoko was a bit upset when Akiko suddenly left the apartment without properly saying goodbye.Akiko had explained that her decision to go to Kenji
“Wrap it again!”As the nurse was about to leave, Akiko protested. She insisted on having the nurse wrap her head as she had done yesterday.“Tanaka-san, it’s no longer necessary. The surgical wound has healed well,” the nurse said with a smile. The full head bandage was no longer needed, leaving only a square patch covering the back side of her head.But the nurse understood why Akiko made such a strange request. Akiko was currently feeling her entire head, fighting back tears.According to what she felt, Akiko knew her hair was uneven—some parts longer than others—and she could guess that beneath the bandage, there would be a completely bald patch.“I must look awful,” Akiko muttered softly.“I’m sorry. We rushed to prepare for your surgery and didn't have time to evenly trim the hair." The nurse stroked the part of Akiko’s hair that still hung down to her should
Kyoko flinched slightly and looked at Ryu when he mentioned "liking," but then she realized Ryu was only speaking generally, with no special meaning. It didn’t make sense that Ryu would suddenly say something like that out of nowhere.“And I agree with that. The current Prime Minister’s work is terrible. If he has any shame left, he should just resign.” Ryu nodded in agreement with Kyoko’s opinion, looking satisfied.“After this, I hope you can help me win any debate against Kenji,” Ryu said.“Huh? What?” Kyoko was confused.“Forget it.” Ryu waved his hand dismissively. It was too early to discuss that."About the Prime Minister we were just discussing, he's bad, but you can't solely blame Kenji because there are other clans involved. As you heard earlier, Kuryugumi isn’t acting alone. They made the decision together. The individual who was elected was not the one Kuryugumi had
“Has she arrived?” Ryu inquired as he observed Inoue preparing to welcome him.“Yes. She was perfectly on time. Not a minute late,” Inoue replied, with a hint of sarcasm.Ryu could only offer a wry smile, knowing he was in the wrong. Ryu was late. He had to take care of something at Shingi Fusaya and couldn’t leave his office until half an hour past his meeting time with Kyoko.His lateness was serious, and there was no time for small talk with Inoue. Ryu quickly opened the door to Kenji’s office.Ryu had asked Inoue to arrange the meeting in Kenji’s office, which would clearly be empty for the next few weeks.Kyoko, who had been waiting inside, quickly stood up, looking surprised to see Ryu.“You…”“Yes, I’m the one who will formalize your work contract. Kenji… is busy.” Ryu removed the folder he had prepared and sat in Kenji's chair.&
"What's wrong?" Akiko grew more curious as she watched Kenji lower his head and cover his face with his hands."Sorry, just a moment." Kenji needed to calm himself. The fear he felt earlier was real. He had braced himself for Akiko's complaining of pain, clearly worried about her post-surgery scars.But Akiko was completely calm. A small ray of hope emerged amidst all the darkness that enveloped him."Are you okay?" Akiko asked again, gently touching Kenji's hand, which slowly loosened its grip."Yes, I'm fine. Everything is fine." Kenji smiled, causing Akiko's heart to race again. She reflexively covered Kenji's mouth."Don't smile like that," Akiko complained. Kenji raised his eyebrows in question."Just don't."Kenji found the request odd, but he nodded. Only then did Akiko release her hand, exhaling with a sense of relief."What's wrong with my smile? Is it scary?" Kenji didn’t think he had made a scary face, but Ryu
Akiko stared at Kenji as he walked in, once again placing a hand on her chest. She felt abnormal, her heart racing with excitement.Or maybe it was the man who wasn’t normal. Akiko couldn't imagine how she had married someone so... handsome.Akiko admitted it. Ryu, who had been with her earlier, was handsome, sweet, and had a clean face. Kenji’s face was the complete opposite.Kenji was handsome, but not sweet, and he looked rugged with stubble that seemed a few days old. But that wild side of him was driving her crazy. Akiko felt her stomach suddenly warm as those dark eyes looked at her.She wanted to look away—unable to withstand the excessive charm—but decided to keep looking. It would be strange to turn away so suddenly. After all, they were husband and wife. Akiko wanted to get used to looking at that face quickly.“Are you feeling dizzy?” As he sat beside Akiko, he naturally reached out to touch her
"Is this going to be permanent?" As soon as Kenji and Hayashi left the room, he asked his question.Hayashi ran a hand through his white hair, and the lines on his forehead deepened."The answer is, I don't know." Hayashi gave his honest reply with a long sigh.If not for the fact that Hayashi had done so much to help Akiko recover, Kenji might have snapped at him for his unhelpful response.It was Hayashi's job to diagnose Akiko's condition, not to be unsure. It was Kenji's responsibility not to be in the dark."Maybe this answer won't satisfy you," Hayashi said, noticing how Kenji was struggling to contain his emotions."However, I am unable to provide a definitive response. The neurologist who worked with me on Akiko's case before diagnosed her as unable to function normally, but after therapy restored her motor skills, her ability to remember and understand things slowly returned. When it comes to Akiko's condition, nothing is set in sto
Akiko followed Hayashi's flashlight beam, moving left and right with ease. There was no problem at all."What do you feel?" Hayashi asked with a friendly smile. Akiko looked at him. He was a kind and gentle doctor."Dizzy." Akiko had felt a sharp pain in her head when she tried to sit up earlier, but now it had eased significantly. That was her only physical complaint. As for her thoughts—Akiko couldn’t explain them."Of course you feel dizzy. You have a head injury."Akiko appreciated the doctor's warmth as he gently explained. She then touched the bandage on her head with a confused expression."What happened to me? Did I fall?" Akiko inquired, hoping for a quick explanation.But the doctor didn’t answer immediately. Akiko caught him glancing at one of the men standing on the opposite side of the bed. The man nodded.Akiko understood instantly that Hayashi had just sought permission. The doctor was seeking permissi
Kenji's thoughts immediately pointed to her. Only Karin could have come up with such a cunning plan, with the intent to hurt Akiko.After all, who else knew about the relationship between him and Akiko besides Karin? Kenji doubted his father would resort to such cowardly methods. His father had already shown his way yesterday—an attack from the front, forceful if necessary."I think we were wrong. Karin isn't interested in the Nakamura fortune. She's doing everything she can to hurt Akiko." Kenji corrected his earlier assumption that Karin was merely being materialistic when she tricked him. "Everything she's done since the beginning has hurt Akiko.""Why though? Why would she hate her own niece?" Ryu scratched his head, looking confused.It wasn't a question that Kenji needed to answer. Aside from not knowing the reason, Kenji didn’t care. What mattered was that Karin had hurt Akiko.Before this, Kenji could still forgive everything Kari
But Kenji's burden gradually lessened as he saw a smile spread across Hayashi's lips.“It worked. Everything was successfully retrieved. And Akiko's condition is very stable,” Hayashi said, giving a thumbs-up.Kenji let out a sigh of relief, but he knew his relief was premature.“How…”“I’ve requested that the biopsy be done as soon as possible, but it will still take at least a day. Be patient. Stay with Akiko when she wakes up. Huh, what happened to your face?” Hayashi inquired, noting Kenji's bruised and battered face.“Something happened, but it's over now,” Kenji responded vaguely. He might hear the full story later about the earlier commotion, but Kenji wasn’t too concerned. Kuryugumi usually had a team to clean up any public disturbances.Hayashi squinted at Kenji's face before patting his shoulder. “Take care of those wounds. But I must go. I’m not as youn