After answering the inquiries of the criminal police and detectives, Okino Yoko suggested going to the hospital with them.
Detective Chiba Kazunobu did not reject Okino Yoko's proposal.
Thus, Okino Yoko rode in the Metropolitan Police Department's car to the hospital where Akikawa Kyusuke was.
Yoko Okino knew well that Chiba Kazunobu and the detectives were not heading to the hospital to visit her brother, but to further question her brother's agent and confirm the motives of Nishihara Koichi.
Recalling the way Detective Chiba Kazunobu whispered to the 13th Division of Megure Juzo when he identified Nishihara Koichi as the perpetrator at the Imperial Theatre, Okino Yoko realized that the Metropolitan Police Department was already aware of her relationship with Akikawa Kyusuke.
This was why she accepted being seen as an "outsider" in that moment and took a ride in the Metropolitan Police detective's car to visit the victim at the hospital.
When her mother, Ryoko Akikawa, was murdered last year, Okino Yoko received a call from the criminal police of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Even though she claimed at the time that she had not been in contact with her mother or brother for many years, her identity had clearly left a deep impression on the detective handling the case back then.
---
Upon arriving at the hospital, Okino Yoko met Itakura Misaki, who appeared drained from everything that had transpired.
She knew Misaki Itakura was her fan.
However, at Wonderful Agency, there were countless managers and artists who joined the company inspired by her image. At first, Okino Yoko did not pay much attention to them.
The reason she took notice of Misaki Itakura was simply because she happened to be Akikawa Kyusuke's agent.
Okino Yoko did not want too many people to know about her relationship with Akikawa Kyusuke.
But if she didn't reveal her identity to the doctor, it would be difficult to learn the specific condition of her brother's injuries.
Fortunately, Misaki Itakura was her fervent admirer.
Yoko Okino understood that even if Misaki Itakura discovered her connection to Akikawa Kyusuke, she would never reveal it to anyone.
Without needing to say much, Misaki Itakura detailed Akikawa Kyusuke's condition to her, saving Yoko Okino a lot of trouble.
---
Okino Yoko noticed that, like most ordinary people, Misaki Itakura had an inherent fear of the criminal police.
However, Yoko Okino had already confirmed this back when Akikawa Kyusuke first arrived at the Imperial Theatre to rehearse.
The pure-hearted manager in front of her was someone who, as long as shown a little kindness, would unconditionally comply with instructions.
Just as she had at the Imperial Theatre, despite being terrified, Misaki Itakura still accompanied Akikawa Kyusuke to the hospital at her request.
In that moment, Misaki Itakura once again overcame her fear of the detectives due to a few simple words from her, obediently agreeing to the interrogation.
From this perspective, Misaki Itakura was someone she could easily guide, making her the best candidate for her brother's manager.
---
After parting with Misaki Itakura, Okino Yoko pushed open the door and entered Akikawa Kyusuke's hospital room.
Under the moonlight streaming through the window, she saw her brother's thin face resting against the hospital bed.
Okino Yoko silently walked to the bedside.
She reached out and gently touched Akikawa Kyusuke's cheek, which was bandaged on the forehead, as he slept soundly.
It was a touch akin to a mother caressing a baby slumbering in her arms—gentle, filled with love.
---
"Clearly, Kou, you could have lived on your own after Mother's death."
"You could have taken Mother's insurance money and lived a good life in a place where no one could find you."
"We hadn't seen each other for so many years."
"So why did you have to come back to me?"
Okino Yoko had once secretly visited Akikawa Kyusuke on the day of their mother's funeral.
After confirming that her brother could live independently, she felt at ease.
But she never expected that, three months later, she would see her younger brother among the new artists in her company.
Okino Yoko had heard her manager, Sae Nakata, mention that Akikawa Kyusuke had no intention of becoming an artist.
However, upon learning that Wonderful Agency was her company, he changed his mind.
And that day happened to be the day they buried their mother.
Her younger brother, who had spent more than half his life in isolation and far from Tokyo's center, had rushed to Shibuya after their mother's burial and joined her agency.
His reasons were evident.
---
Even after years of separation, the loss of their mother led his first thought to be returning to her.
Okino Yoko didn't want her brother to become an artist.
But she couldn't bring herself to act harshly and force him out of the agency after he had endured rigorous training and come to her with a frail body.
So she could only pray he lacked the talent needed to succeed as an artist and hoped he would eventually lead a normal life.
However, during rehearsals, she witnessed her reclusive younger brother displaying acting skills on par with her own.
This realization struck her deeply.
---
Okino Yoko knew her brother's looks and acting talent made it nearly impossible for him not to gain fame.
But fame meant exposure to the public eye, and with it, danger would inevitably follow.
As she relished the new and joyful experience of sharing a stage with her brother while remaining vigilant against potential threats, danger arrived sooner than expected.
And it was her own actions that had inadvertently drawn the fire toward her brother.
---
In the silent room, the only sound was Akikawa Kyusuke's steady breathing as he slept.
At some point, Okino Yoko's trembling hand, which had been caressing her brother's cheek, froze.
Her other hand clutched tightly at her chest, as if trying to hold together her aching heart.
Her usual cheerful and infectious smile twisted into one of anguish.
Tears spilled from her eyes, sliding down her chin and soaking into her clothes.
She had promised to let her brother live a happy life.
She had resolved to live for Kou.
Yet, once again, she had put him in harm's way.
---
"I'm sorry."
"I'm so sorry, Kou! I'm sorry."
The gentle drizzle of tears turned into a torrential downpour.
Okino Yoko knelt by the bed, burying her face into the sheets as a heartbreaking sob escaped her lips.
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(End of Chapter)