In less than a week, Masashi's wounds had completely healed, something even the doctors considered miraculous. Although Rumiko wanted him to stay for further observation, he insisted on being discharged, and she had no choice but to agree. However, during the discharge process, something unusual happened: the hospital refused to accept Masashi's hospitalization fees. When asked why, the nurse explained it was an order from the hospital director.
A traditional woman, Rumiko went to the director and insisted on paying the fees. In the end, both the director and Masashi's attending physician ended up kneeling, pleading with her, which left her startled and confused.
"Mom, it's actually simple. If you hadn't come to see me at the last moment, they might have treated me like any other corpse. This is practically a case of accidental manslaughter. Isn't that right, Director?" Masashi said with a smile.
The director and doctor's faces changed, and though they had just stood up, they knelt down again immediately.
So that's why Masashi was given a VIP ward and didn't have to pay any fees in the end.
Rumiko felt sympathetic and was about to say something when Masashi gestured for her to stay silent.
"Actually, you did save my life, so I won't pursue this matter any further."
Upon hearing this, the director and doctor beamed with relief.
"Director, Dr. Nagasaki, thank you for taking care of me during this time." Masashi spoke sincerely as he helped the two men to their feet.
The director and doctor, moved to tears by Masashi's kindness, offered that if Masashi or his family ever needed medical treatment, the hospital would cover the cost.
"That's too much," Masashi said firmly.
"Masashi's right, we can't accept such a generous offer. It's getting late, so we'll be on our way. Take care, everyone."
"Please, madam, you must accept this gesture, or we'll remain kneeling," the director insisted, his determination practically radiating a fierce intensity.
Seeing the director and doctor's resolute expressions, Rumiko reluctantly agreed. When she nodded, the director and doctor cheered in relief.
Kazumi, who had been watching the whole scene with a cold expression, noticed Masashi's faint smile and felt a chill run down her spine. Seeing her brother take advantage of such a situation and still receive such gratitude from the "victims" gave her a strange feeling of awe and distance. If she hadn't been used to his face, she might have thought he was someone else entirely.
As they left the hospital room, Masashi casually picked up Rumiko's handbag, prompting her to stop him, worried he'd strain his injuries.
"Mom, I'm really fine. Don't worry."
Hearing this for the second time, Rumiko couldn't help but feel her eyes well up, her heart warming as she looked into her son's clear gaze.
Soon, they spotted Officer Maeda's tall figure approaching.
"Hello, Mrs. Hirota. And Masashi, Kazumi. I heard from the doctor that Masashi was being discharged today, so I came to pick you up."
"You're too kind, Officer Maeda. We're already so grateful for all your help; we wouldn't dream of troubling you again."
"No need to be so formal. Just call me Maeda like my friends and colleagues do. Today, I'm here to thank Masashi on behalf of the department. A brave young man like him is rare these days. You must be tired; my car is just outside. Please follow me." Without waiting for a response, Maeda picked up Masashi's bag and led the way.
Rumiko and the others had no choice but to follow.
"Oh, Masashi, that robber who stabbed you has been caught," Maeda said as he drove.
"Oh, really?"
"That guy was cunning. He escaped to Hokkaido and disguised himself as a fishmonger. If he hadn't gotten drunk and caused a scene, it might have taken longer to catch him."
"What about the old woman who was robbed?" Rumiko asked.
"She's fine, though all her money was spent by the robber, unfortunately."
"Hmph, letting a high school student chase after a robber, yet she didn't even thank him. Serves her right for getting robbed."
"Kazumi, don't say things like that. She might have her own reasons."
"Mom, you're too kind. You're easy to take advantage of that way." Kazumi pouted and turned her head.
"Oh this child."
"Officer Maeda, you don't have a wife or girlfriend yet, do you?" Masashi suddenly asked, breaking his silence.
"H-how did you know?" Maeda replied, a bit embarrassed.
"Masashi, that's rude! You shouldn't ask such things."
"Mom, I was just concerned for Officer Maeda. After all, he's not that young anymore."
"Masashi!"
"Alright, I won't ask anymore. Don't be mad, Mom."
"Uh, but I'm curious, how did you know I was single?" Maeda couldn't resist asking.
"Mom, Maeda asked me, so I can answer, right?" Masashi said, winking playfully at Rumiko.
"You cheeky child." Rumiko was both amused and exasperated.
"It's simple. There's no trace of anything feminine in your car. Although you may have tidied up, certain corners are still somewhat messy. For example, there are two cigarette butts by my foot. Also, there's no scent of perfume on you. Don't get me wrong—I just have a keen sense of smell. And, I've seen you twice with your collar not properly turned down. From all this, I deduced you don't currently have a wife or girlfriend. Of course, there are exceptions, like if your partner is very untidy."
"Incredible, truly incredible. If you became a detective, we police officers might be out of a job."
"Sounds good. I'll count on you, then."
Rumiko and Maeda laughed.
"Who would want to marry someone like me? My work keeps me so busy I don't even have time for dates, and I'm hopeless at sweet-talking girls. My family set me up on a few blind dates, but they all ended miserably," Maeda said with a wry smile.
"Don't give up, Officer Maeda. Heaven won't forsake a good man like you. I'm sure you'll find a wonderful wife."
"Thank you, Mrs. Hirota."
They soon arrived at Masashi's apartment. Maeda willingly carried the bag inside.
"Officer Maeda, I don't know how to thank you. Please come in for some tea."
"No need, I have something else to attend to. Maybe next time."
"In that case, thank you again for looking after Masashi all this time." Rumiko bowed to Maeda.
"You're too kind."
As Rumiko was about to enter, Masashi suddenly walked up to Maeda.
"Mom, you go ahead. I'd like to speak with Maeda privately."
Although puzzled, Rumiko went inside.
Once she had gone in, Masashi looked at Maeda with a serious expression.
"What's wrong, Masashi?" Maeda felt slightly uneasy under Masashi's gaze.
Masashi stayed silent, then suddenly asked, "How old are you?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Just answer."
"Alright. I'm 35," Maeda replied honestly.
"That's fine. Not too far off. Where were you born?"
"Nagasaki City."
"Do you have siblings?"
"Yes, one brother and two sisters."
"Do you like to drink?"
"A little."
"Do you smoke often?"
"Yes."
"Do you like my mom?"
"Yes. Wha-what did you say?" Maeda suddenly realized.
"So it's true, not just my imagination."
"I…misspoke. Please don't misunderstand." Maeda quickly tried to explain.
"Let me ask again, do you have feelings for my mom? Don't deny it if you're a man."
What kind of logic was that? But under Masashi's intense gaze, Maeda finally lowered his head.
"There's something you might not know. My mom has been separated from my irresponsible father for over four years. She's been alone ever since." Masashi said casually.
"Is that true?" Maeda looked up, surprised.
"It is. They likely won't reconcile. If you genuinely like my mom, I won't stop you from pursuing her. But you must promise to treat her well. Otherwise, I'll make you wish you were dead." At those words, Masashi's gaze changed. Maeda couldn't describe his eyes, but felt a chill run down his spine.
"Alright, I've said my piece. The rest is up to you." Masashi withdrew his gaze, patted Maeda on the shoulder, and went inside.
Maeda gradually returned to normal, watching Masashi's back as he realized he didn't fully understand this seemingly ordinary high school boy.