CH 12

(… About my illness?)

After opening his mouth, Renji-san continues.

“That swelling of your body, it’s ‘Hypertrophy’, isn’t it? It’s a very rare disease, and there’s also no domestic treatment for it yet.”

“What? Ruka, y-you’re sick?!”

Chieri was surprised by Renji-san’s words.

I never really told them that I was physically ill, so no one in the class knew about it.

After all, If they knew that I was sick, even my younger sister, Saika, would be under suspicion. And because I’d hate that to happen, I kept it a secret from everyone.

But… It seems like a doctor can see right through it.

Renji-san sat down on the sofa across from me with Chieri.

“Sorry, have you been hiding your illness?”

“It’s alright, I have no problem with the two of you knowing.”

“That’s good. Here’s a suggestion… I’m a bit of a celebrity in the medical world. I have contacts among American doctors.”

The maid placed sweets and tea on the table in front of us, and Renji-san continued talking.

“If you are willing, I would like you to be a subject of the ‘Hypertrophy’ treatment. You will need to be moved to a hospital in the U.S. and live there for one year while being monitored, but we will support all your travel, hospitalization, and accommodation expenses.”

“— What?”

I was puzzled by this sudden request.

“We have a new drug for ‘Hypertrophic’ in the U.S., and it would be better to have as many test subjects as possible. And If we can get data on Japanese subjects, it should be easier to get its approval in this country, so we can help people in Japan who are suffering from the same disease as you.”

“Eh? Eh?”

Renji-san bowed his head, as I was still trying to piece things together.

“But of course, I will respect your wishes. It’s a new drug, so there’s no guarantee that it won’t have strong side effects. But I’d appreciate it if you would.”

“Hey, wait a minute!”

I thought about it for a minute and cleared my head before replying.

“It’s too good for me! And the cost should be quite a bit…”

“As I said before, you’re a test subject. This level of support is normal.”

“That can’t be right…”

“You’re the friend who gave my daughter a chance to grow up, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. And as a doctor, I want you to get better too.”

Renji’s eyes conveyed his sincere thoughts.

I also want to study a lot and become such a fine adult.

That’s what I thought.

“…Then, okay, I understand. I will work for the money and pay you back later… How about that?”

“Hmm, you’re stubborn. I’m starting to like you even more. So be it. But if you don’t have any money to pay me back, I’ll ask you to be Chieri’s caretaker. It’s sure to be hard work, so the money will be worth it.”

“— Dad? What do you mean?”

Chieri glared at Renji-san, but Renji-san continued smiling pleasantly.

They’re such a good family.

“I’ll talk it over with my sister, but I’ll be positive about the treatment.”

“Well, good! I’ll arrange a plane and a host family right away, so call me when you’ve made up your mind.”

Saying that, he gave me his cell phone number.

“Then I’ll leave the rest to the young ones.”

“Haa, Dad? Can you stop saying strange things?”

I guess Renji-san intends to work immediately.

He took out his phone and left the room somewhat quickly, talking to someone in English.

And as we were left alone like this, Chieri talked to me.

“I also recommend that you get treatment. I know whatever my father suggested will be good for Ruka.”

“Hmm, but you know.”

“Ara? What are you hesitating about now?”

“See, if I’m gone, someone else might become their target, right? Seeing how it is currently, I wonder if Chieri will be bullied at school instead of me when I’m gone.”

When I said that, Chieri burst out laughing.

“Pfft, haha! What’s with that? That’s what you were thinking about?”

“D-don’t laugh! I’m serious!”

“Haha! Well, if that happens—”

Chieri looked straight into my eyes while smiling gently.

“You should come to save me, Ruka.”

“—Eh?”

“If you will come to my rescue, I’ll be waiting.”

Chieri giggled again as she said that.

“Fufufu, that was a joke. Don’t worry, I’m my mother’s daughter. I won’t be bullied easily anymore. So don’t worry and go on your way.”

Even though I knew it was a joke, I couldn’t laugh when I imagined the situation where Chieri was being bullied.

Because of this, I ended up replying to Chieri with a serious tone of voice.

“— I promise you. I’ll be there to save you when that happens, Chieri.”

“… Heh?”

Because of my one word, the room went silent as if time had stopped.

This is… black history confirmed.

Chieri was also dismayed by the ridiculous atmosphere.

“S-stop with your jokes…! Hahaha! Okay, well, I’m going to take a bath now, so Ruka, when your clothes are dry, you can change and go home! And be careful on your way home!”

It’s probably because I said something embarrassing, because…

Chieri’s face reddened with shame, as she fled and left the room.

(I’ve done it!!!)

The maid, who seemed to have been watching everything from the kitchen, said, “That was very sweet!” But her thoughtfulness was painful for me.

I put on my clothes, which were warmed by the dryer, and went home, feeling a sense of warmth inside my frozen heart.