Takemi heard Kael's words and looked him over again. "You really were my patient once? What's your name?"
Kael realized she was beginning to doubt him. His eagerness had exposed his intentions, raising her suspicion. Seeing this, Kael stopped hiding. "Dr. Takemi, you're sharp. Fine, I admit it—I wasn't your patient. I just think you're beautiful and wanted to ask you out."
Takemi scoffed. "Judging by your age, you're a high schooler, right? Are students this precocious now?"
Kael laughed. "High schoolers today are far more mature than you think. Do you have time, Dr. Takemi?"
Faced with his persistence, Takemi replied without hesitation: "No. I'm not interested in high schoolers." To her, they were just immature kids. She had no desire to date one.
But Kael didn't give up. "You may not be interested in me, but I'm very interested in you—especially your past."
Takemi's eyes sharpened instantly. "You were sent by that man."
She had once worked at a university hospital, confident her skills could save lives. But she was falsely accused in a drug scandal and forced to resign. She settled in Yongen-Jaya, hoping to develop effective medicine to clear her name.
Later, she learned the patient at the center of the scandal hadn't died—the truth was covered up by her superiors. Though she knew, she couldn't fight back. Her superiors were too powerful.
Eventually, she met the Phantom Thieves' leader. They changed the hearts of those responsible, exposing the truth, and she finally received justice.
But since P5's story hadn't begun yet, Takemi didn't know the Phantom Thieves. So when Kael mentioned her past, she assumed he was sent by her former superior. Why else would someone approach her and bring it up? It had to be a warning.
Her anger grew, and she glared at Kael with hostility.
Kael sneered. "Come on, Dr. Takemi, you think too little of me. That scum couldn't make me do anything."
Takemi was surprised—his disdain didn't seem fake. Could he really not be sent by that man?
"If you weren't sent, how do you know about me?"
"Because I admire you, Dr. Takemi. I've followed your story."
Kael smiled. "Does that answer satisfy you?"
Takemi rolled her eyes. Only a fool would believe that. "Tell me the real reason."
"There is no reason. I just want to help you."
As he spoke, Kael leaned closer. Takemi quickly shifted away. Kael smiled, unfazed. He had courted her in the game—why not in reality?
"Hey, kid, don't cause trouble in my café." Sakura Sojiro stepped in, warning Kael and rescuing Takemi. She was his customer, after all. He handed Kael a latte.
"Your coffee's ready."
"Thanks." Kael accepted politely. "Don't worry, boss, I won't bother little Takemi."
Takemi bristled at the nickname. Kael had just called her "Doctor," now suddenly "little Takemi." Too familiar.
"Young man, we're not that close. Call me Dr. Takemi or Doctor."
"Alright, Dr. Takemi."
Kael nodded. "Actually, I have good news for you."
"Good news? If you stayed away, that would be the best news." Takemi tossed yen on the table and headed for the door.
But as she left, Kael said: "That patient didn't die."
Takemi froze, her body trembling.
Kael's face lit with triumph. See? I can handle you. He knew her weakness from the game. Her reaction proved he had struck a nerve.
But then Takemi pushed the door open and walked out without looking back. Kael's smile stiffened.
"Huh? Just like that?" He was stunned. Hadn't he already cornered her?
Watching her disappear, Kael sighed. Fine, he admitted he'd been too presumptuous. He had relied on game events to manipulate her. But real people didn't react like game characters. Maybe he had scared her off.
Reflecting, Kael realized he had been too eager. Perhaps he should approach Takemi with calmness—it might be easier to win her over.
Afterward, he tasted Sojiro's coffee. It was surprisingly good. Clearly, Sojiro had put effort into his craft.
Kael lingered in the café until around noon. Sensing Akechi Goro leaving the TV station, he finally rose and left Leblanc.