Fujimine Yukiko's cheeks burned red with anger and embarrassment. She shot Hayashi Shuichi a glare before scurrying back to the storeroom.
"So, what do you want?" Hayashi Shuichi asked, suppressing a laugh.
"Can't I just visit?" Tomizawa Chie fluttered her eyelashes, her gaze teasing. "After what you did to me… I'm here to make you take responsibility!"
Her words jogged Hayashi Shuichi's memory of the "nibble incident," and he gave an awkward smile. "You can't blame me entirely. If I hadn't done that, you'd have choked me out."
"Not blame you?" Chie raised an eyebrow, her eyes flicking toward the girl staring from the counter.
Leaning closer, she whispered with a smirk, "Should I spread the word and see if your two girlfriends can handle it?"
Hayashi Shuichi's expression didn't waver. "Threatening me won't work. They might get mad, but they'd understand eventually."
"You're so thick-skinned!" Chie gritted her teeth, frustrated. She was the one who'd be more embarrassed if that story got out.
"Stop dodging. What's the real reason?" Hayashi Shuichi asked seriously.
Chie blinked, smiling. "Can't I visit my savior?"
As Hayashi Shuichi moved to leave, she grabbed his sleeve, pouting. "Fine, no more teasing. I need your help."
"Nothing illegal," Hayashi Shuichi said sternly.
"Relax, it's perfectly legal," Chie huffed. "I just need you to investigate something."
Hayashi Shuichi pressed, "Be specific. What is it?"
"I was hospitalized at Mihama Central for my gunshot wound," Chie began slowly. "I met a sweet kid there, Asou Seiji."
"Asou Seiji?"
Hayashi Shuichi paused, recalling the child he'd seen when visiting Chie at the hospital—a cute kid who looked like a girl but was a boy.
"You mean the cute-looking kid who's actually a boy?"
"How'd you know?" Chie's eyes widened in surprise. "You've met him?"
"Yeah," Hayashi Shuichi nodded, his mood heavy. "What's wrong with him?"
"He's been frail since birth, always at Mihama Central. The treatment costs are astronomical," Chie said, frowning with worry. "His father, a famous pianist, is struggling to keep up."
"A few days ago, some friends visited Seiji. The hospital staff said Mr. Asou was planning to discharge him due to costs."
"But the doctor warned that stopping treatment now could mean Seiji won't survive to adulthood. Mr. Asou hesitated, and his friends convinced him to keep Seiji in the hospital."
"That's good, isn't it?" Hii Eri, who'd been eavesdropping, approached. "Is there a problem?"
"When his friends were persuading him, I overheard," Chie said, unease in her eyes. "They said, 'Just help us out when you go abroad,' 'One job will cover Seiji's treatment for two or three years,' 'Do you really want to watch your son die from giving up treatment?'"
"That sounds like something illegal," Eri said, shocked.
"Quick money's usually tied to crime," Hayashi Shuichi said gravely. "The law doesn't pave the way for fast cash."
"You make it sound like the law encourages crime," Eri shot her childhood friend a look.
"I'm worried too," Chie said. "Seiji's so innocent. If his father gets dragged into crime for his sake, their family's future is doomed."
"Then stop his father," Eri said, puzzled. "Why involve Shuichi?"
"I checked with Seiji. They live on Moonshadow Island. Mr. Asou's performing abroad on May 10," Chie sighed. "Some things can't be explained over the phone. To stop him, you'd need to go to the island."
"My gunshot wound's not healed. I snuck out of the hospital today. If I could go, I would've, not bothered you."
"You want me to investigate what his friends are up to and stop Mr. Asou from committing a crime," Hayashi Shuichi said.
"Exactly. It's a good deed. You, the goody-two-shoes, won't say no, right?" Chie smiled expectantly.
Last time at the amusement park, Hayashi Shuichi risked his life against an armed thug to save her. This was far less dangerous—she was sure he'd agree.
Hayashi Shuichi glanced at the wall calendar, thinking. "It's over two weeks until May 10. I've got school, so I can only go next Saturday."
Eri, worried, grabbed his arm. "Shuichi, are you really going? What if it's dangerous…"
Chie's eyes lit up at his response.
She stood, patting his shoulder. "It's settled then. I knew you wouldn't refuse. Moonshadow Island's not far, but be careful—the situation's unclear."
Hayashi Shuichi nodded. "Don't worry, I'll handle it. You focus on recovering. If your wound reopens, you're the one who'll suffer."
Chie pouted, feigning grievance. "I'm just worried about Seiji. If I had a choice, I wouldn't bother you."
She winked playfully. "But hearing you care so much warms your big sister's heart."
Big sister? By soul age, I could be your dad… Hayashi Shuichi thought, exasperated.
"What's that look? Think I can't be your big sister?" Chie shot him a sidelong glance, then turned serious. "Either way, be cautious on the island. Those guys planning to make big money illegally won't let their scheme be ruined easily."
"I'll be careful," Hayashi Shuichi said with a smile. "Rest up and wait for my good news."
(Chapter End)
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