novellhall Chapter 13 Is April Fool's Day a joke played on me?
Chapter 13 Is April Fool's Day a joke played on me?
Have you clearly determined the pros and cons of this plan?
"Yes, I understand perfectly well," Miyazawa Itsuki said. "It's expensive, but not necessarily effective. That's what you meant when you summarized it, right?"
"Oh, you can interpret it that way too." Saito Shizuka spun around in her office chair, finally shifting her gaze from the medical records.
"As the deputy director of neurosurgery, I would agree to your insistence on the first option for the sake of the hospital's profitability. However, due to my personal feelings, I would advise you to pursue conservative treatment."
"Nerve damage is one of the most complex problems in the medical field, and curing it is by no means easy. You might give it your all and still not succeed, do you understand?"
"I understand." Miyazawa Itsuki said without changing his expression, "I've said it since the day I was admitted to the hospital: no matter what method I use or how much money it costs, my goal is to cure Shiori. I hope you can understand my determination."
"I am very grateful to Dr. Saito for his care and concern for Shiori. I know you are a kind-hearted person and didn't want us to end up with nothing, which is why you said all this for me," Miyazawa Itsuki said. "But even if there is only the slightest hope, I will seize it. I can accept failure, but I cannot accept having hope and not taking action. Even if..."
Even if the hospital's treatment plan is ultimately unsuccessful.
He will also be admitted to the University of Tokyo's School of Medicine and become a neurosurgeon, constantly improving his medical skills until he can cure Shiori.
This idea took root and sprouted from the first day Shiori was hospitalized.
With the help of the control panel, Miyazawa Itsuki has a greater sense of confidence.
As he goes on more dates, he'll eventually develop skills related to neuromedical treatment. If he doesn't reach the professional level, he'll level up his proficiency to Master or even Legendary.
He refused to believe that even pushing the skills to the limits of the system would not solve the problems of human medicine.
Saito Shizuka looked at him and chuckled.
"You silly child."
She picked up the medical records on the table: "Since the family has already made their decision, I, as a doctor, will certainly do my best."
"And you don't need to be too pessimistic. All of Miyazawa Shiori's indicators are very good, and the treatment is more effective than expected. If all goes well, she can finish the fourth course of treatment in the second half of this year. At that time, she will be able to walk briefly with the help of crutches instead of relying on a wheelchair."
"Thank you, Dr. Saito," Miyazawa Itsuki said sincerely.
After discussing the next phase of treatment plans with Saito Shizuka, Miyazawa Itsuki bowed and took his leave.
After buying a pizza at the nearest chain pizzeria to the hospital, Miyazawa Itsuki returned to the inpatient building and stood outside Miyazawa Shiori's ward.
He was about to knock on the door when he heard intermittent sounds coming from inside.
"...I miss Aoi-chan too...If you have the chance to come to Tokyo..."
It seems that Shiori is talking to someone on the phone.
"...Yes, I will try my best to get better, and then my brother won't have to suffer so much..."
"...Well, my brother should be back soon, let's talk again next time."
The sounds of conversation gradually subsided, and Miyazawa Itsuki remained silent for a while before gently knocking on the door.
"Shiori, I'm back."
The soft sound of Shiori answering the door came from inside the room, and Miyazawa Itsuki pushed the door open and entered.
He tried his best to make his expression look calm and relaxed.
"Elder brother."
Miyazawa Shiori greeted him with her angelic smile as always.
"I just spoke with Aoi-chan."
She had no intention of hiding it.
"Oh, is that Nanase Aoi from elementary school?"
"Yeah, she's in Kansai Junior High now, and she said she'll come to Tokyo to see me this summer." Shiori gave a knowing smile. "Aoi-chan has changed a lot these days; she's become a very popular girl. Your brother probably wouldn't recognize her."
"Really? The little kid from back then has grown up." Miyazawa Itsuki unpacked the pizza. "It's really rare for her to come all the way to Tokyo for a friendship from elementary school. We should treat her well when she comes."
"Hehe, I think half of the reason she came here was to see her older brother."
"...It can't be that bad, I've only spoken to her a few times."
"My elder brother has no idea how sinful he is."
……
The brother and sister shared the pizza amicably, chatting about relaxing topics, and neither of them mentioned those heavy things.
In the afternoon, Miyazawa Itsuki helped Shiori with her rehabilitation training in place of the nurse, and also pushed her wheelchair to a nearby park for some fresh air, enjoying the peak cherry blossom season.
For dinner, we ordered takeout. After eating, at Shiori's insistence, Miyazawa Itsuki enjoyed his sister's ear-cleaning service.
Because I was too relaxed, I don't remember much. I only remember that Shiori's thighs were very soft and her small hands were delicate and cool.
Finally, amidst Miyazawa Shiori's reluctant gaze, Miyazawa Itsuki patted her head and left the hospital.
Looking at the closed door, Miyazawa Shiori's expression turned lonely.
She lay quietly on the hospital bed, staring blankly at the lights of Tokyo outside the window.
Night shift nurse Asami came in with an IV drip.
"Xiao Xili, it's time to change your dressing."
Shiori obediently asked the nurse to change the IV drip bottle, and said softly:
"Mami-neechan, could you please turn on the TV for me?"
"Of course! Oh right, it's Sunday today, there's a STAR COLORS program! I almost missed it if Shiori hadn't told me!"
After changing the medicine bottle, Asami, a fan of K-pop, hurriedly turned on the TV.
The sound and images began to flow; there was no need to change the channel. The screen was frozen on a replay of an idol concert. It was already in its final stages.
"...We are very grateful for everyone's warm support all along. Every smile from our fans is our motivation..."
In the scene, a stunningly beautiful teenage idol stands in the center of the stage, speaking in a calm voice:
"...Yes, a brand new single, 'Unexpressible Longing,' will be released next month. This single will be included in the album 'Childhood Sweethearts.' It has been in preparation for a long time, and I hope that the song can heal everyone. Please give it your support."
The crowd below the stage cheered wildly, and the colors of the light sticks flowed like ribbons.
Some people were cheering the name of the group STAR COLORS, but most of the cheers were directed at the girl in the center of the stage.
The core of the idol group "Star Colors" is a nationally popular girl idol with overwhelming popularity.
—Shiri Hoshimiya.
……
After finishing his part-time job at Mori-zumi Cafe, Miyazawa Itsuki returned to his residence.
The elevator stopped on the fifth floor where he lived, and Miyazawa Itsuki noticed many cardboard boxes placed in the corridor.
"Is someone moving in?"
He looked at the door to the next room.
The room next door was larger than his; it was a two-person room.
The previous tenants were two female college students who moved out after graduating, leaving the rooms vacant.
I didn't expect that new residents would arrive so soon.
Miyazawa Itsuki didn't pay much attention; as long as his neighbor was a quiet person, he didn't care much.
Back at his rented apartment, Miyazawa Itsuki took a shower, reviewed his lessons, and then went to sleep.
Tomorrow is the start of the first semester of the second year of high school.
I vaguely remember there being class divisions, but I don't care how those things turn out.
He has no acquaintances he feels compelled to stick with, nor any adversaries he doesn't want to see.
Long live the ordinary.
……
April 1st, Monday, April Fool's Day.
It is also the start of the new school term for high schools in Japan.
On the bus that Miyazawa Itsuki was on, most of the passengers were students wearing the same uniform.
Tokyo Metropolitan Sakura-ryo High School.
This is the high school that Miyazawa Itsuki attends.
Although it is a public high school, its deviation score is among the top in Tokyo's prestigious schools.
It boasts facilities and faculty that rival those of private schools, and its uniforms are among the most stylish and attractive in Tokyo's top schools.
It's said that Sakura's uniform is very popular on Instagram and has even spread overseas, but that's not something Miyazawa Itsuki cares about.
Wearing [Passerby A's Glasses], even the best uniform and face can only lead to mediocrity.
Upon arriving at the school, without time to admire the grand gate, Miyazawa Itsuki followed the class assignments on the notice board and found his class.
"Second Year C Group... found."
He looked at the letters on the doorplate, and after confirming that they were correct, he stepped inside.
The classroom was bustling with activity as students gathered in small groups, chatting animatedly. Some were old friends from their first year of high school, while others were newly acquainted, and soon the beginnings of their circles were forming.
Miyazawa Itsuki missed the initial period of social circle formation because he was busy with Shiori's hospitalization and treatment, which caused him to feel out of place.
However, this marginalized life actually made things easier for him, as no one cared where a passerby would go after school.
As Miyazawa Itsuki walked in, many people's eyes lingered on him for a moment before moving on without a second thought.
Haha, a typical ordinary guy.
His physique and appearance were completely unremarkable; even otaku have something memorable about them. But Miyazawa Itsuki didn't.
Miyazawa Itsuki pushed up his glasses, satisfied with the effects of the system's items, and looked around for seats without backpacks, intending to find his own seat.
"Nakamura Yuta... Sato Junsuke... Tanaka Takato..."
"...Miyazawa Itsuki, found."
The corner spot perfectly suits the vibe of passersby.
Miyazawa Itsuki smiled.
He put down his schoolbag and sat down, intending to take a sip of water, when soon, a strangely familiar, melodious voice came from beside him:
Hi~ Hello.
Following the swaying, beautiful fingers, the girl's eyes and brows were so beautiful they were mesmerizing.
"My name is Asahina Mi. We'll be sitting next to each other from now on. Nice to meet you."
Her golden hair shimmered and dazzled in the sunlight.