After learning the full situation from Miss Kudou and witnessing her unconscious mother with her own eyes..
With a loud crash, it felt as if a ceramic jar had shattered inside Kazusa's head.
Her senses dulled, and everything she saw and heard seemed to drift farther and farther away. Even the doctor's words became distant and muffled.
It felt like her soul had floated out of her body, observing everything from a third-person perspective.
Even though this was happening to her, she felt detached, as if it had nothing to do with her.
Because just the other day, Mom, weren't you still chatting with me at home, debating which celebrity had the best looks?
And when you left the house, didn't you flash that annoyingly cheerful smile, saying you'd been cooped up for too long and were finally going back to work?
And that, thanks to your job, you might even meet some good men for a date?
"Youko-san will be fine."
Chisato also crouched down slightly and placed his warm palm over their clasped hands.
Miss Kudou had said something similar earlier, yet somehow, it felt completely different when Chisato said it.
Unlike Miss Kudou, his words carried absolute certainty.
Kazusa didn't know why, but just from that single sentence, she could feel his unwavering conviction.
"…Mm."
Her tear-swollen eyes turned toward him, and she nodded.
Before Chisato arrived, she hadn't even dared to stay in the room for long, let alone look at her mother.
She lacked the courage to keep her eyes on her mother's frail, pained face.
The suffocating helplessness of being unable to share her suffering weighed heavily on her chest.
A surge of overwhelming emotions had defeated her, turning her into a coward who fled the hospital room, unable to do anything but linger anxiously in the hallway outside.
Her dazed and despairing mind had been sinking deeper and deeper into negative emotions—until Chisato arrived.
Only then did the bottled-up emotions finally burst out along with her tears.
Ignorance breeds fearlessness.
She had always considered herself a strong and independent person, but after experiencing this firsthand, she realized—she was neither strong nor brave.
Kazusa didn't want to leave her mother's side, but she couldn't resist Chisato's gentle persuasion.
At last, she released her mother's hand and sat down on the sofa, picking up the bread Miss Kudou had bought earlier.
She had no appetite, but she still tore off small pieces, forcing herself to eat them with milk.
Chisato affectionately patted her head before pointing toward the door and standing up.
Nearly panicking, Kazusa grabbed the hem of his shirt, causing the milk carton in her hand to drop to the floor.
"Chisato, where are you going!?"
"Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere."
Chisato knelt slightly in front of her, picking up the fallen milk carton and placing it on the table. He took out some tissues and wiped up the spilled milk.
Meeting her fragile gaze, he gently tucked her stray bangs behind her ear.
"I just need to step out to call my homeroom teacher and ask for leave. I'll be right back. I'll stay with you here for as long as you need."
Kazusa looked into his eyes. Unable to argue, she silently withdrew her hand and nodded.
After making sure she was settled, Chisato turned and left the room.
—
Cough… cough, cough…
Two minutes later, Kazusa heard a weak coughing sound from the hospital bed.
Her eyes widened. After a brief moment of shock, she quickly rushed to the bedside.
"Mom, how are you feeling?"
Her voice, usually cold and composed, now carried an edge of urgency and hoarseness.
It was no surprise—she had been running a fever the day before, and she had just cried so much.
Recalling the doctor's instructions, she quickly pressed the call button at the bedside to notify the medical staff.
"…Mom… haha… cough… It's been a long time since I've heard you call me that so gently."
Even in her extreme weakness, the moment Youko saw her daughter's worried face, she couldn't help but tease her first.
But this time, Kazusa didn't respond as she usually would, snapping back with her usual bluntness.
Some things only become clear when you're on the verge of losing them—only then do you realize just how much space they occupy in your life.
Kazusa's eyes welled up again. She clutched her mother's hand and pressed it against her cheek.
Her mother no longer carried the familiar scent of her usual perfume. Instead, she smelled of medicine and disinfectant.
She hated that smell.
"…Idiot. What are you crying for all of a sudden?"
Youko gently pulled her hand away and, after several attempts, finally managed to reach out and wipe the tears from Kazusa's eyes.
"Help me raise the bed a little. I want to sit up for a bit."
Kazusa swallowed her emotions and pressed the button to slowly incline the upper half of the bed.
Then she adjusted the pillow so her mother could sit more comfortably.
Once everything was settled, Youko turned her gaze toward the window.
The sky outside was clear and bright. White clouds drifted across a vivid blue backdrop, while trees swayed gently in the breeze, full of life.
It was a beautiful day. She longed to go outside and enjoy it, but given her current condition, she doubted she'd be allowed to.
"When did you get here, Kazusa?"
"Last night, around eight."
"…And Miyako?"
"She told me everything."
Kazusa bit her lip.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"If I told you, you'd just worry too. You should just focus on enjoying your school life."
"But I'm your daughter!"
Kazusa's emotions surged again. The fragile composure she had just regained threatened to collapse once more.
Youko fell silent, staring at her for a long moment before finally forcing a faint smile.
"…Sorry."
"… …"
Seeing her mother like this, Kazusa felt another sharp pang in her chest.
Just then, the hospital room door swung open.
Dr. Takayanagi, dressed in a white coat, strode in quickly, followed by Miyako.
Kazusa let go of her mother's hand and stepped aside, feeling somewhat at a loss as she made way for the doctor.
Dr. Takayanagi asked a few questions, and Youko answered them one by one.
After a brief exchange, the doctor turned to Kazusa and Miyako, motioning for them to follow him outside.
"…Alright, Norimasa-kun, there's no need to hide anything from me."
Youko took a shallow breath.
"Just tell me right here—how much time do I have left?"
She asked in a half-joking manner.
But Norimasa's expression turned so grave that it filled the room with unease.
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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
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