Kudou Miyoko, affiliated with the Youko OFFICE branch.
Her work abilities were exceptional, and her role was akin to that of a personal assistant or secretary.
She was deeply trusted by Youko, and their relationship was less like that of a superior and subordinate and more like that of close confidants.
Because of this, while Youko hid her illness from her daughter to keep her from worrying, she did not hold back anything from Miyoko, telling her everything.
When she was previously hospitalized, she even listed Miyoko's name and number in the emergency contact section.
Miyoko felt both gratitude and sorrow toward Youko.
Had this world-renowned pianist not discovered her back then, carefully nurturing and guiding her, she would probably still be working as a corporate drone, being ordered around in some ordinary company.
Such a kind and approachable person—why did illness have to choose her?
And not just any illness, but a cruel one that, with the current level of medical treatment, was largely impossible to cure completely.
Looking at the unconscious Youko in the hospital bed, her pale face appearing utterly exhausted, Miyoko felt a deep anxiety and unease.
But in front of Kazusa, who was completely overwhelmed with fear, she had to maintain the composure of an adult, to be someone Kazusa could rely on, someone who could give her strength.
"…Dr. Takayanagi Norimasa is a world-renowned specialist in hematology. He's also an old friend of your mother's."
"He's currently discussing the next steps for treatment with the other doctors. Don't worry, the president will be fine."
"…"
Kazusa gave a small nod, but ever since she had left the hospital room, her gaze—one that had witnessed her mother in such a weak and frail state—had not changed at all.
Miyoko couldn't discern anything useful from her expression.
She let out a small sigh.
Of course—anyone would be unable to process such a situation, suddenly learning without warning that their mother had leukemia and was currently in a critical condition.
"…Come here."
Miyoko sat down beside Kazusa and gently pulled her into an embrace.
There was once a scientific study that suggested hugging could induce a sense of relaxation and happiness.
Even if it was just a little, Miyoko wanted to offer some comfort to the girl in front of her.
As the expressionless Kazusa rested in her arms, Miyoko's phone rang from inside her pocket.
She was annoyed at receiving a call at this moment, but she couldn't ignore it.
With Youko unconscious, most of the agency's affairs required her approval to proceed.
Now, more than ever, there could be no mistakes.
Understanding this, Kazusa gestured for her to answer the call, while she herself stood up and walked to the window in the hallway.
Miyoko picked up the phone, responding briefly at first. But as she listened to the voice on the other end, her expression gradually became complicated.
She softly said, "Hold on," then covered the phone and turned toward Kazusa.
"It's your aunt. She said Suzumiya-kun is with her right now…"
The moment Miyoko uttered that surname, she clearly saw a spark of life return to Kazusa's previously sorrowful and vacant eyes.
She continued,
"He couldn't reach you and was really worried, so he took leave and went straight to your house."
"He ran into your aunt while she was there to get some clothes for you. Now she doesn't know what to do… Do you want to talk to him?"
Kazusa took a deep breath and held out her hand toward Miyoko.
Understanding her intent, Miyoko quickly passed the phone to her.
"Hello, Aunt Ohara… Mm, it's me… Let Chisato take the phone."
Her aunt acknowledged the request.
Then, after some faint shuffling sounds, that familiar, reassuring voice reached her through the phone's speaker.
"Kazusa…"
There was no need for any extra words.
In this moment, just hearing him say her name—
Kazusa, who had been barely holding herself together until now, suddenly felt her nose sting. Tears welled up in her eyes.
She had never thought she could be this fragile.
"…Chisato… What should I do?"
…
An hour later, a taxi pulled up in front of the hospital.
Chisato didn't even wait for Kazusa's aunt to get out—he threw the door open, grabbed the change of clothes for Kazusa, and sprinted toward the inpatient ward.
Miyoko, waiting in the lobby, caught sight of him. Before she could say anything, Chisato urgently asked,
"Where's Kazusa?"
She instinctively answered, "Third floor," and pointed toward a staircase.
Without hesitation, Chisato rushed past her, taking the stairs three steps at a time and disappearing from view in an instant.
"…"
Miyoko glanced at the "No Running" sign posted on the wall nearby but said nothing. She simply quickened her pace and followed after him.
When she reached the hallway, she saw Kazusa—who had previously stood before her with a tense, unreadable expression—now crying uncontrollably in her boyfriend's arms.
Tears streamed down her face as she mumbled something incoherently.
Chisato held her tightly, his expression filled with both pain and tenderness, gently wiping away the tears on her cheeks.
Miyoko felt this was not the time to interrupt them, so she quietly turned away.
She needed to check in on Dr. Takayanagi and see how things were progressing.
For now, she didn't have to worry about Kazusa.
…
Even after thirty minutes had passed, Kazusa still hadn't fully calmed down.
Though her crying had gradually stopped, the sadness on her face remained undeniable.
"…I want to see my mom."
"Mm."
"…I want to see Mom."
"Mm."
Chisato nodded.
Supporting Kazusa, he helped her into the hospital room.
This room was clearly designed for high-class patients—equipped with a caregiver's bed, a television, a reclining sofa, and a private bathroom.
Youko lay on the most prominent white hospital bed, her eyes shut, lips completely pale, and complexion deathly white—so weak that she seemed to be on the verge of vanishing.
Kazusa crouched beside the bed and gently held her mother's hand, which had an IV needle inserted into it.
Her mother's hand was even colder than she had imagined.
The person she had once admired like a towering mountain, the one she had always seen as her ultimate rival to surpass, was now lying there so suddenly on that stark white hospital bed.
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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
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