Dressed in a white suit, with a deep red backpack that complemented her look, Yukiho had originally planned to take the elevator down after work. However, after receiving a phone call while waiting, she changed her destination and headed toward the conference room at headquarters.
At first, no sound escaped through the frosted glass, and the orange light cast shadows of two figures inside. Haruna leaned against the doorframe, unable to suppress her growing anxiety. She had followed Yukiho here, hoping to uncover something that would ease her unease.
From the shadows reflected on the glass, Haruna couldn't discern who was speaking with Yukiho, but judging by the build, it appeared to be a middle-aged man.
"There's nothing more to discuss; I’ll resign from here at the beginning of next year." Finally, as the voices rose, Haruna clearly heard the conversation inside. It sounded familiar yet she couldn't place it.
"You promised to stay until the end of next year; let’s talk about it then." Yukiho maintained her usual kindness, making it easy to imagine her smiling face.
Upon hearing the word "hospital," Haruna suddenly realized who was on the other end of the conversation—it was Yukiho and her father. Earlier last month, Yukiho had confided in Haruna about her father's desire for her to take over the hospital sooner. However, Yukiho loved her job here and had no immediate plans to resign.
While studying journalism in college, Yukiho was also excelling at Kumoto Medical School as she prepared to inherit the hospital.
Previously, Haruna had casually suggested that Yukiho discuss this matter with Okamoto. To her surprise, Yukiho had only smiled in response without offering any further comment.
It was from that moment that Haruna began to suspect their relationship with Okamoto might have been discovered. Every time she saw Yukiho smile at her, a chill ran down her spine and cold sweat began to bead on her forehead.
"Yukiho, are you going with me to Keisyu Street? Morikawa Town Keiju District 3—201."
Yukiho's father seemed somewhat angry as he tightened his voice, lacing it with a hint of threat.
The conversation inside paused for a while before Haruna heard Yukiho softly reply, "Understood," and then they resumed talking, shifting to discuss the newly emerging Electronic Company. It seemed there were more important matters to address as they entered the meeting room.
Morikawa Town is a fair distance away, located on the western side of the city. It takes about an hour to reach there by Line 1. The town isn’t particularly bustling, with various small shops lining the streets.
Haruna once bought a pink paper umbrella from a shop called Nagazawa in the Keisyu District, and it still sits in her family’s warehouse. Why does Yukiho avoid that place?
Haruna struggled to recall details about Morikawa Town and the Keiju District, trying to find a connection between the two, but she had only been there two or three times herself and had no clues.
“Senpai, you’re still here?” Haruna turned around to find Takashi Fujishiro standing there, holding a stack of documents with a hint of confusion on his face.
“Ah…” Haruna thought her expression must look quite awkward at that moment, feeling embarrassed as she pondered how to respond. Until Fujishiro spoke up, she hadn’t even noticed he was behind her. When did he arrive? Did he know she had been eavesdropping?
“I wanted to talk to Yukiho about something,” Haruna tried to make her tone sound as natural as possible.
“Oh.” Upon hearing Haruna’s explanation, Fujishiro immediately showed an understanding expression. “I turned around and saw you standing here; Asada Senpai should have already finished work. I brought over the final documents for today.” He raised the stack of papers in his hand as he spoke.
“I see, got it. Thank you,” Haruna replied, forcing a smile while secretly relieved that Fujishiro hadn’t noticed her earlier demeanor.
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