"Takashi, time's running out."

Mr. Kasugano was about to continue speaking, but Ogitsu Yoshiko suddenly cut in, tapping her wristwatch.

"Uncle, Aunt, I forgot to introduce her—this is my manager, Ogitsu Yoshiko," Takashi said as if just remembering, slapping his forehead lightly.

He brought Ogitsu Yoshiko along precisely for these kinds of conversations he didn't want to deal with himself.

Since he was under contract, he had to follow the agency's arrangements.

"If there's something to say, let's be quick. I have another engagement this afternoon."

Getting a photo of his parents was a nice surprise, but Takashi had no intention of wasting more time on them.

"Takashi, Sora was weak and sickly as a child and spent a lot of time in the hospital. Her health's improved, but I'm still worried."

After a pause, Mr. Kasugano gritted his teeth and continued,

"You know a lot of people in Tokyo. Do you have any connections at the University of Tokyo Hospital? I want to get a full-body checkup for Sora."

The University of Tokyo Hospital is the best hospital in Japan—bar none.

Recently, Newsweek published its annual ranking of the world's best hospitals. The University of Tokyo Hospital, located in Bunkyo, ranked 18th globally.

This isn't some sketchy list—it covers 2,400 hospitals across 30 countries, including emerging nations like Chile and Malaysia, as well as the U.S., Western Europe, Scandinavia, ten Asian countries, Australia, and the rest of the Americas.

The evaluation is based on peer reviews from over 85,000 medical experts, patient satisfaction data, and several other indicators, such as hospital quality metrics and standardized patient experience surveys.

"Please, I beg you."

As he spoke, Mr. Kasugano pushed back his chair, knelt on the floor, and gave Takashi a full, formal dogeza.

Mrs. Kasugano did the same.

Kasugano Haruka and Kasugano Sora were both shocked and confused.

There was a hint of irritation in Takashi's eyes.

He did have the ability to contact the University of Tokyo Hospital—even without relying on Hitomi or those rich girls.

Among Aoba's alumni, there were even attending doctors and vice directors at that hospital.

But still—why should he?

Why should he help them?

Asking someone for a favor means they owe you.

He had no emotional bond with the Kasugano couple.

When he needed them most, they were nowhere to be found. Now they show up asking for help?

And to top it off, they went straight to a public dogeza—as if to pressure him morally.

He was a public figure. If word of this got out, who knows what kind of backlash he'd face online?

"I really have no other choice..."

If he had any connections in Tokyo, Mr. Kasugano would never have come to his nephew, dragging his pride through the mud.

Takashi remained silent.

Hitomi didn't speak either, her eyes narrowing like a viper ready to strike.

At any moment, she seemed capable of taking out the entire Kasugano family.

To Hitomi, compared to Takashi's reputation, human lives were nothing.

After a long silence, Takashi finally spoke.

His tone was deeper than ever, as if suppressing something.

"Uncle, this kind of thing is a nephew's duty."

"Stop kneeling, the floor's cold. Please get up."

The Kasugano couple breathed a sigh of relief. But as soon as they looked up, Takashi's pitch-black eyes locked onto them like a vortex.

"In the future, don't bother coming all the way here for things like this."

"After all… you didn't come last time either, did you?"

The Kasugano couple understood the implication.

This was the first, and the last time.

"Takashi, we should go."

Ogitsu Yoshiko once again reminded him coldly.

Though her words were directed at Takashi, her gaze was fixed on the Kasugano family.

She was delivering the eviction notice on his behalf.

"In that case, we won't disturb you further, Takashi. Sorry to trouble you."

Having achieved their goal, the Kasugano couple immediately stood up, ready to leave.

"I'll contact the hospital, and Ms. Ogitsu will get in touch with you afterward."

Takashi had no intention of seeing this family ever again.

From now on, he'd let Ogitsu Yoshiko deal with them.

There were some things he didn't want to say himself—but Ogitsu Yoshiko could speak for him.

"We're leaving now."

The Kasugano couple pulled their children along as they headed out.

"No need to see you off."

Takashi remained standing where he was, with no intention of getting up.

When the sound of the door closing echoed clearly through the room, Hitomi stood from her chair and walked behind Takashi, gently placing a hand on his back.

"These kinds of things will only increase from now on. You shouldn't spoil them."

After becoming famous, it was true that everyone around you seemed to be a good person.

But all kinds of monsters and opportunists would also start clinging to you.

Takashi had once resigned from his stable government job and ventured out into the world, only to fail and return home for New Year's—at that time, people wouldn't even bother to greet him.

Later, when he got popular and made a little money, his relatives immediately showed their true faces. Quite amusing.

"It's fine. I know my limits."

Takashi tilted his head and rested it on Hitomi's hand.

He wasn't the kind of person who could be manipulated by guilt.

Helping the Kasugano couple this time was nothing more than a small favor for both him and Hitomi.

A trivial matter. Takashi didn't want to waste effort on it.

The reason he stayed silent earlier was to pressure them.

Had they gotten straight to the point and asked without hesitation, they'd probably have come running to him for every little issue in the future.

"Besides, we won't be seeing them again."

As he spoke, Takashi reached out and pulled Hitomi into his arms. The two locked eyes silently for a moment, then leaned in and kissed.

Ogitsu Yoshiko left the living room to give the couple some privacy.

"Didn't you say you were leaving soon?"

After a while, Hitomi pushed him away slightly.

They couldn't keep kissing.

This guy was way too good at it.

If it went on any longer, she'd start to feel things.

"Yeah."

Takashi didn't push further and simply held her quietly.

"But no matter how busy I get, I still want to make time for you."

Hitomi's gaze softened to something like water.

"You're really good at sweet-talking. Tell me, how many girls have you used that line on?"

She was realizing just how deeply she'd fallen for Takashi.

If one day she died, she'd definitely take Takashi with her.

It wasn't a joke.

"Only you."

Takashi lowered his head and rubbed noses with hers.

"Liar."

Hitomi glared at him playfully, though she didn't push him away.

"When are you leaving?"

Takashi smiled without denying anything.

"Originally, I planned on leaving today."

Hitomi looped her arms around his neck and gazed at him, as if he were the only person in her world.

"Let's leave tomorrow. I want to spend a bit more time with you."

Takashi tightly embraced the girl who belonged to him and suggested gently.

"Aren't you sick of spending time with me every day?"

Hitomi asked with a smile, her eyes filled with anticipation.

"I love you."

Takashi didn't give a direct answer.

"Stop dodging the question."

"I already answered."

"What was the answer?"

Hitomi's eyes sparkled with amusement.

Of course she knew what Takashi meant.

She just wanted to hear him say it directly.

"That's too cheesy. I'm not saying it."

"You have to say it, or don't expect to get in bed with me again."

Hitomi threatened fiercely.

"Because we're in love, we won't get tired of each other."

"Now that's better."

Passion surged once more as they kissed again.

The sun was warm that day, and the breeze was gentle. The boy and girl embraced and kissed, as if they wanted to melt into each other's bodies.

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