I. The Verbal War
Kiro stepped away and closed the door to the room. The click of the latch was deafening in the sudden silence. He didn't move toward the window or the chair, but his eyes remained sharp and furious.
"So, Miss Himari Tsukihara," he began, his voice a cold, dry veneer of professionalism. "Would you like to tell the truth now?"
Himari quickly leaned back into the pillows, her dizziness returning instantly, replaced by a cold, protective defiance. "I think I already told evryone everything."
Kiro scoffed, a dark, unpleasant sound. "Oh really? Do you think I am that stupid to believe that stupid explanation?"
Himari forced a faint, chilling smile that didn't reach her unnerving eyes. "Oh really? I think you are. As well as your accompanying companions who believed in those stupid words you told. 'University protocol...non-negotiable.' Huh. Whom are you making a fool of? You are just a rep, okay? So be a rep, not some high superior. Or do you take others for dumb as well?"
She paused, allowing the silence to drive home her disdain. "I got injured. It's my fault. My headache. Okay. Thanks for your help. I don't want to sound rude, but I think you got some personal problem."
Kiro continued, his voice dropping to a menacingly soft level. "But I think as an injured person, you are talking too much. Or is this all just an act to get attention?"
Himari's face went crimson from the insult. Her rage was immediate and total. "Whose attention do you think, huh? Are you really that stupid, or can't you differ between acting and reality? And what makes you think it's acting?"
"Your working tongue, Miss," Kiro retorted rudely. "You're speaking like you're perfectly fine now. And as well, the two faces you show. I already had the feeling you were two-faced, but now I'm confirmed. You just need people-pleasing."
Himari shot upright, her anger a seismic wave that ripped through her physical weakness. She lifted her hand to clench the sheet in frustration, and the sudden, uncontrolled movement ripped the IV cannula partially loose from the back of her wrist.
Knock. Knock.
II. The Cold Call and The Forced Exit
The door opened and Shouta peeked in, followed by DJ. Shouta froze, his eyes instantly catching the dark blood now seeping rapidly from Himari's hand onto the white sheet.
"Dad!" Shouta yelled, instantly turning to the hallway, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced by frantic concern. "She's bleeding, Dad! You need to come—now!" He spun back to Kiro. "Reian called. We need to go back to the university, Kiro, now! I'm leaving, but Dad is coming!"
Kiro nodded instantly, the mention of Reian pulling him away from the confrontation. He gave Himari one last, piercing look of unresolved fury and betrayal before turning and leaving the room, following Shouta.
DJ rushed to the bedside. "Oh, Himari! Why did you move so fast?" She grabbed a clean towel and pressed it to the wound, trying urgently to stem the flow of blood. "Dr. Sakamura is coming; just hold still."
Dr. Sakamura rushed into the room, his attention immediately focused on the bleeding. He quickly addressed the wound, frowning when the faint azure light of his healing magic failed to work. He ordered DJ to apply pressure and retrieve the medical box.
Once the bleeding was stopped and the wound was carefully bandaged, Dr. Sakamura sat down. "So, how are you feeling, child?" he asked gently.
"All good, sir, and thanks for the treatment and the stay," Himari replied, feigning complete recovery.
"What is your full name?"
"Himari Tsukihara."
Dr. Sakamura nodded slowly. "I believe I know your father. Does your father's name happen to be Darian Tsukihara?"
Himari froze. "Yes, sir. How did you know?"
"We were back in time classmates, Himari. I'm afraid I'm obligated to inform Darian about this," he said, reaching for his phone. "I'm certain he'll want to hear this directly."
Himari's voice cut in instantly. "No, Sir, I think that's not possible. My father is in Veridian City, and I wouldn't want to worry him with something so minor."
"Then I will simply call him now and explain the medical necessity. I am sure he will agree to my medical advice over his own preference." Dr. Sakamura lifted his phone and quickly dialed.
The call picked up. After a brief greeting, Darian's voice cut through the room, sharp and unnerving. "She is injured? And what was she doing there late at night?"
Dr. Sakamura quickly passed the phone to Himari. She snatched it, silencing the speaker.
Darian's voice was brutal. "Didn't I tell you to not cause any trouble?"
"No, it's nothing serious, and I am totally fine!" Himari rushed.
"I didn't ask about you. Listen, Himari, this is the first and last time I listen to this stupid talk. Next time, don't bother on this irrelevant thing to me and anyone understood."
"Yes, Father," Himari whispered, quickly passing the phone back.
The doctor listened to the cold conclusion. "I talked to her," Darian's voice stated flatly. "She is saying she is totally okay. So thanks a lot, Ken, but I think she will be okay on her own. She is not a child, okay? So let her go."
III. The Combat Revelation
Dr. Sakamura looked stunned, but ended the call. "Your father has given his permission, Himari. But please, if you feel any dizziness or nausea, you must go directly to the university clinic. Do you promise?"
"I promise, Sir," Himari confirmed.
DJ looked at her. "Are you sure you'll be okay at the dorm? Your dad sounded so..."
"I will be all okay, and you also need to get better, DJ," Himari reassured her.
"I will," DJ said, pulling out her phone. "But look, I got the message from the university about the camp for magic practice, and you know we have that group project submission too."
"Relax," Himari said. "There are still three days. And since I already got my book yesterday, I'll be okay to complete the given topic." Himari then paused, her smile turning brittle. "As for camping, DJ, I'm not going to choose magic studies. I'm going for combat training."
DJ's expression twisted into one of utter disbelief and disapproval. "Combat training? Himari, that's the toughest training! Only students with little or no magic choose that! They get assigned to the military! Please don't be serious!" DJ tried to launch into a frantic plea, visibly worried.
Himari's smile faded into a firm, resolute expression. "We will talk about this later, DJ."
Just as Dr. Sakamura began to give final instructions, Himari knew she had shut down the conversation and sealed her dangerous new path.