Chiba University Hospital.
The health check-up took longer than expected. The initial report was only handed to Yuu around two or three in the afternoon.
"Compared to the last check-up, Sora's condition has improved to a surprising degree… Preliminary estimates show her health has returned to the level of a normal person. However, changes in immunity, metabolic function, and other reports are still awaiting blood and urine test results, which will be sent directly to your home in five days."
After observing Yuu, the white-haired elderly doctor smiled with satisfaction. The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were filled with warm affection. "It seems you've taken excellent care of her, Yuu. Your parents in heaven must be proud of you."
"You're too kind." Yuu shrugged, as if it were only natural. "Sora is the family I love most. I live well, so she has to live even better than me. It's just how it is—nothing to brag about."
A confident older brother declared that protecting his little sister's life was the right thing to do, unmatched by anything else.
"You little rascal, you're getting better at putting on a show."
The old doctor chuckled softly. He patted Yuu's shoulder, nodding firmly as if in praise. "But that's a good thing! Seeing you two rise from the past and your relationship become even better than before makes me a bit relieved… So, here's the deal."
Clearing his throat twice, he changed his tone. The old doctor winked, showing a mischievous expression. "Three years from now, Sora will be an adult. By then, I want to see a wedding invitation on my desk. If there's none, don't come see me again."
Before Yuu could speak, Sora, who had been sitting obediently beside him, her face growing redder, stood up abruptly. She hardened her expression and spoke in a deliberately cold tone:
"Grandpa Doctor, if there's nothing else, we're leaving!"
The old doctor waved his hand, speaking in a reflective tone. "Yes, yes, yes. Yuu's getting thicker-skinned, but Sora's getting shyer… She used to promise to marry Yuu in front of me all the time. Girls sure change easily."
"I haven't changed. It's still the same now." Holding the hem of Yuu's shirt, Sora spoke without hesitation. "It's just that there's no need to say it. Yuu won't leave me either, so whether we marry or not isn't important."
(Your thinking is a bit dangerous…) Without saying that out loud, the old doctor glanced at Yuu, signaling with his eyes.
Yuu nodded, indicating he understood and would manage his relationship with Sora properly to avoid any family tragedy like that.
Having watched them grow up, the old doctor had strong confidence in Yuu's devotion to his sister and his maturity in handling things. He didn't ask further and promptly let them leave the consultation room.
This was also the first time Sora left the hospital without bags of medications and health supplements, only carrying a simple health check-up report.
"I told you, the Life Potion was useful." Yuu raised his chin, his face full of pride. "Look, you gained two or three kilograms."
"Go die!" Grinning, Sora punched his stomach. Her punch did no damage. "Grandpa Doctor said this is called returning to a normal weight, not getting fat! Besides, it's your fault for always making delicious food every day—it has nothing to do with that suspicious potion, okay?!"
"Fine, forget the weight. What about the rest?"
"I've been exercising at home with Ring Fit Adventure, being careful not to catch a cold. I also took my meds and supplements on time as the doctor said—it's all my own effort!"
"Well, what you said makes sense, can't argue with that."
Yuu raised his hands in surrender. As long as the results were good, it didn't matter whether it was due to the potion or not.
(Unfortunately, her chest and height haven't changed at all since the last check-up… Wait? Maybe that's a good thing?)
"Hmph hmph~"
Though her expression didn't show it, Sora seemed happy that her body was no longer frail. A faint smile appeared on her slightly flushed face. Her steps were bouncy as she swung on his arm.
"Then it won't be dangerous when giving birth…"
A dangerous whisper slipped from her mouth. Yuu decided to pretend to be deaf for a moment and act as if he heard nothing.
The two left the hospital's main entrance. As they passed through the central courtyard, the angelic girl and her melodious tune were gone. Only elderly patients on shift changes remained, napping under the afternoon sun, occasionally speaking softly with nurses or caregivers pushing their wheelchairs.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Bicycle parking area.
Even before reaching their bike, Yuu and Sora stopped in their tracks, staring in shock at the girl and burly man in front of them.
"Yo, I've been waiting for you."
Blonde twin ponytails hung over her shoulders. Her deep purple eyes shone bright and cunning. The girl, who looked like a middle schooler, sat sideways on their bike's seat, casually swinging her legs.
"Long time no see. Did you miss me, Onii-chan~?"
Her melodious tone carried a hint of malice.
Undoubtedly, she was the embarrassing troublemaker, Natsukawa Mana, who hadn't appeared since being scolded in front of Masuzu at the luxury apartment.
Hiding behind her brother's broad back, Sora tugged at his sleeve, asking warily and irritably, "Who's she now? Why do you know a girl so much younger than you? Is that bald guy her bodyguard?"
"Natsukawa Mana, someone who came to cause trouble for her older sister. The bald guy is Yasuoka; I scolded him once alongside her."
Yuu spoke without hesitation. Yasuoka's expression remained as solid as marble. Meanwhile, Mana couldn't help but purse her lips, glaring at him fiercely.
"You remember such trivial things for so long. How petty of you. I'm amazed Masuzu could like you."
Sora quickly caught the key point. Her gaze grew sharper and more hostile.
"Masuzu? Like you?… So, she's your girlfriend's little sister?"
Before Yuu could answer, Mana spoke first, smirking mockingly.
"Exactly. Though I don't want to, I have no choice but to call this guy my brother-in-law~"
Her intrigued gaze shifted from Yuu to Sora. Mana winked. A mocking laugh slowly spread across her lips as she said flirtatiously, "So, who are you? Don't tell me you're his sisc—"
"If you finish that sentence, I guarantee you'll regret it."
Before Mana could complete her words, the late autumn weather suddenly turned to winter with Yuu's soft tone.
Yuu stared at her, his face smiling, but his eyes as cold as ice, deep and dark.
"How dare you be rude to my sister. Even a hundred bodyguards and ten Natsukawa Masuzus couldn't save you—that's my promise."
He was serious. So serious that he wouldn't hesitate to hurt a fourteen-year-old girl.
No one was allowed to harm his only family, not even with a single word.
"Young lady, please step back!"
Yasuoka instinctively stepped in front of Mana. His tall, muscular frame reflexively took a defensive stance, his breathing tense.
Under that cold gaze, Mana began trembling uncontrollably. But she didn't look scared—instead, she suppressed envy and excitement. Crossing her arms over her chest, she snorted proudly.
"I didn't mean to fight you. If my attitude made you… and your sister unhappy, I'm sorry! Forgive me!"
"…Huh?"
Yuu froze. He turned and exchanged a glance with Sora. Both looked bewildered.
"Such an arrogant apology…"
"Or rather, why is she kneeling so quickly…"