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Chapter 54
Word's counted --- 1500
Enjoy.
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Whistle "Wow, that might have tickled." Aki barely held back his urge to laugh at the harmless slap Akane received, but he kept it to himself, continuing to watch the drama unfold in front of him.
"Why'd you worry us like this? Why?" the girl who slapped Akane cried out, her voice thick with emotion. "You can always talk to us about anything, Akane." She pulled Akane into a tight hug, tears streaming down her face.
Akane, still dazed, returned the hug and whispered softly, "I'm sorry. I really am."
The emotional scene dragged on, with everyone comforting Akane in their own way, but Aki found it hard to endure much longer. Sighing deeply, he decided to intervene. "Say, I think Akane and her mom should rest for today. If any of you want to stay here and keep her company, you can, but it might be best to let them have some peace."
One of the boys looked at his friends, then back at Aki. "It's fine, we'll head out and come back tomorrow. She needs the rest." The others, including the girl who had been hugging Akane earlier, nodded in agreement.
Akane's mother looked at Aki with gratitude. "Shijo-kun, thank you. But I think we'll be fine too. We don't need to stay either. We'll get some rest at home."
Aki raised an eyebrow. "Eh, but I already paid for the room for the whole day. Wouldn't that be a waste?" He smiled, hoping to lighten the mood.
Akane's mother blinked, surprised. "You paid? Oh no, now I feel terrible for constantly accepting help from a child." She sighed, clearly conflicted, and after a moment of thought, she reached for her purse. "Alright, we'll stay the night. But Shijo-kun, I'll return the money. How much was it?"
It was a genuine offer, but she thought Aki had spent all his hard-earned money on her daughter, and she wanted to repay him.
Aki quickly waved it off. "No, no, it's nothing special. I just did what anyone would've done in that situation. Besides..." He glanced at Akane, who was still watching him, a mix of confusion and gratitude in her eyes. "I watch Akane's show, so I guess I'm a bit of a fan. So, really, it's no big deal." Aki lied without showing any hinch.
Akane's eyes widened slightly, her gaze lingering on Aki, still trying to process everything.
Her mother, still feeling indebted, asked, "Well, at least let me help you get home. Are your parents picking you up? Or do you need a ride?"
Aki scratched the back of his head, chuckling. "Ah, well, actually, I'll be staying here at the hospital too."
Surprised, one of the boys joined the conversation. "You've got someone sick or injured here?"
"Nah, nothing like that," Aki replied, shaking his head. "My mom's just away, so I'm here checking today's revenue."
The others blinked, not quite understanding. One of the girls chimed in, "Oh, so your mom must be the financial manager here or something? That explains why you're able to handle things."
Everyone nodded in agreement, thinking they had figured it out. If Aki was checking the hospital's revenue, his mother must have a high position in the financial department.
Akane's mother muttered, "It must be tough to burden a kid with such responsibilities."
Aki laughed, waving his hand dismissively. "Ah, well, technically, my mother owns the hospital. I'm just strolling around, taking notes here and there. That's all." He laughed again, but this time, everyone around him froze, their jaws dropping in shock.
Akane stared at him, completely speechless.
"Wait... your family owns this hospital?" one of the boys stammered, wide-eyed.
Aki shrugged, grinning. "Yeah, something like that."
It was late, about time for dinner, when Aki knocked on the door in front of him.
"Coming!" A voice called out, followed by hurried footsteps. The door opened to reveal Akane's mother, who blinked in surprise. "Ah, Shijo-kun, what brings you here?"
Aki smiled and held up a bag. "I thought I'd bring some dinner for you and Akane."
Akane's mother looked at him, then at the bag, sighing. "You've really done more than enough already." She shook her head but gestured for him to come in. "Come in, then."
"Hai!" Aki called cheerfully, stepping inside.
Akane's mother gave in, knowing there was no use refusing. Aki had been relentlessly thoughtful all day. Even when she tried to decline his help, he'd give her that guilty face, making her feel like she had no choice but to accept.
Aki set the bag on the table and sat down on a chair. "So," he began, looking at Akane who is laying on the bed, "how are you feeling now? Still thinking about... ending it?"
Akane remained quiet, staring at this stranger in front of her. She still didn't know how to process everything. First, he saved her from jumping, then she thought he had ill intentions, but instead, he brought her to the hospital. Then, when she felt guilty, he declared himself a fan of hers, and now, here he was, bringing food and acting as if they'd known each other for years.
She didn't know what to say. She was grateful, but also deeply ashamed of herself.
Seeing that Akane wasn't responding, Aki sighed. "So, what now? Are you thinking about quitting the show?" He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "If it's about the contract, don't worry. You're a minor, and after today's incident, I doubt the higher-ups will want to take any more risks."
Akane opened her mouth to say something, but Aki continued before she could speak. "But... I'd prefer if you didn't quit. As much as there are haters, there are always fans too." He pointed a finger at himself, grinning.
For the first time that day, Akane's eyes widened. She looked down, her heart racing. Slowly, she nodded. "I've worked so hard to get here... to become a more famous actress, to keep performing. Everyone's helped me along the way, and now..." She clenched the bedsheets in her hands, summoning her courage. "But I'm scared... I'm really scared. But I don't want to give up, not after everything."
Aki smiled, standing up to leave. He patted her on the head gently. "Good. Keep doing what you've been doing, and leave the rest to me. A small investment on my part, but I'll definitely expect repayment in the future." He winked, turning to walk out the door. "See you soon."
"Wait!" Akane called out, her voice shaky.
Aki paused, looking back. "Hmm? Is there something else you wanted to talk about?"
Akane hesitated, fidgeting with the blanket. "No, it's just... when can I see you again?"
Aki smirked. "Good question. Maybe... on your next show." He waved. "Good night, Akane."
And with that, Aki left the room, leaving Akane staring after him, her heart a little lighter than before.
What investment? What return is he talking about? Akane wondered, her mind racing. And "we can meet on my next show"? She sighed, doubt creeping in. I don't think they'll let me on the show for a while, not with all this news circulating...
As Akane was deep in thought, her mother came into the room holding a juice can. "Did Shijo-kun already leave? I brought some juice for him."
"Yes, Mom, he left."
Her mother looked slightly disappointed. "Oh... Did he say anything about visiting again?"
Akane shook her head, her voice quiet. "No... not today. I think... maybe another day we'll meet him."
Seeing her daughter so lost in thought, Akane's mother felt a bold idea forming. Is my daughter falling in love? she wondered, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
"Akane..." She began, ready to tease her daughter, but Akane spoke up first, her voice steady, with a renewed sense of determination. "Mom, I'm not quitting my show. I'll continue my path. I've worked too hard to stop now. Besides... among those who hate me, there are people who love me too."
Her mother sighed in relief, her heart swelling with pride as she moved to embrace her daughter. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered, hugging her tightly. "You're stronger than you know, Akane. And no matter what, I'll always be here for you."
Akane closed her eyes, hugging her mother back. For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt a glimmer of hope in the midst of her struggles.
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I want to write next arc but it taking forever.
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