Tokyo Sick Girlfriend

Chapter 99 Medicine

Shiratori Seiya closed his eyes, feeling the hot water rushing down from above his head, his mind filled with thoughts of Hojo Shione.

Actually, he wasn't as relaxed as he appeared on the surface; at least, he hadn't figured out how to deal with Hojo Shione.

As time went on, he could feel her ardent feelings for him more and more, which were hotter than water at forty degrees Celsius, scalding the skin on his left arm.

He wasn't stupid. The reason Hojo Shione knocked on the door immediately after he got home was probably because she had been waiting for him to come home by looking through the peephole...

Although it sounds unbelievable, there is no other explanation...

Is it because of anxiety?

Is it because of insecurity, fear, and worry about being left behind that you chase after yourself so intensely?

Shiratori Seiya tried to put himself in Hojo Shione's shoes, carefully considering the reasons behind her actions, and attempting to come up with a solution in his mind.

Although he felt some pressure, he wouldn't actually stay in the bathroom like a coward and be afraid to go out.

After he finished washing, he turned off the water heater, quickly wiped himself down, changed his clothes, and went outside.

However, as soon as he stepped out of the bathroom, he saw Hojo Shione sitting on the sofa, holding her wine-stained clothes and staring blankly at the balcony.

At first, Shiratori Seiya didn't think anything of it, but following Hojo Shione's gaze, although he didn't see anything, he immediately remembered that Saori's vest and underwear were still hanging on the balcony...

Oops.

That was my first thought.

But then, his heart quickly calmed down.

If I had to explain why, it would be because I have a clear conscience. If something didn't happen, it didn't happen. The more I rush to explain, the more suspicious she becomes.

Although it sounds like I'm just giving up, that's really the case.

Mio's situation was already giving him enough headaches, and he was even less willing to waste his energy on this.

Let her think whatever she wants.

Hearing Shiratori Seiya close the door, Hojo Shione snapped out of her daze, turned to look at Shiratori Seiya, and gave him a forced smile.

Before she could speak, Shiratori Seiya stared into her eyes and asked directly:

Why didn't you tell me you were moving in beforehand?

"..."

Hojo Shione's lips moved slightly, and her fingers, hidden under her clothes, unconsciously clenched.

If I tell you in advance, will you be able to hide these things beforehand?

Filled with jealousy, she pursed her lips and, a hint of guilt in her eyes, said:
"Sorry……"

Upon hearing this, Shiratori Seiya was taken aback, then realized what he meant and asked in return:
Why are you apologizing?

"Moving across from Kiyozai without your permission must have been very troubling for you, right?"

"It is indeed a bit of a hassle, but why did you suddenly move here?"

Even though he knew perfectly well what was going on, he still decided to give the other party a way out.

"sorry."

As if she had anticipated his question, Hojo Shione lowered her eyes, apologized again, and then sighed:

"After all, it caused such a big performance accident. The ticket refunds and contractual losses amounted to a lot of money, so I canceled my original rental agreement. I thought it would be better to move to a smaller place, and besides..."

"Besides, I'd be so happy every day if I could be closer to you, Kiyoya..."

She paused, then raised her tear-filled eyes, her voice trembling as she said:
"I'm sorry, I was too selfish, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."

In his memory, Hojo Shione had always been poised, elegant, and gentle. Seeing her so humble now, Shiratori Seiya frowned, feeling somewhat irritated. However, remembering her long-term depression due to his departure, he patiently and softly said:
"Alright, none of that matters anymore. It's just moving across the street from my house; I wouldn't actually object. You just needed to let me know beforehand." He paused, then asked:

"So you said you'd treat me to dinner this afternoon because of this?"

"Ah."

The girl nodded, hunching her shoulders and keeping her legs together, her watery eyes revealing a timid expression.

Seeing this, Shiratori Seiya sat down next to her, thought for a moment, and asked directly:

"Are you afraid of me?"

Upon hearing this, Hojo Shione didn't speak. She opened her mouth and stared blankly at him. After a long while, she shook her head vigorously and whispered:
"Kiyo, I'm too happy to be afraid."

Seemingly worried that Shiratori Seiya would continue, and not yet mentally prepared, she quickly lifted the dirty clothes in her hands and asked:

"Kiyoshi, did you go drinking tonight?"

"I'm not even twenty yet. If I've been drinking, I probably won't be back this early tonight."

Seeing the continued look of confusion in Hojo Shione's eyes, he continued to explain:
"It's because of some things to prepare for filming. I went to meet the producers tonight."

"Filming?"

She asked in return, then blinked and asked:
"Is Takahashi-san going to film a movie?"

"Ah."

After a brief two-second silence, Hojo Shione's eyes flashed with uncertainty as she tentatively asked:

"A TV series? Is it the script you wrote, Kiyozai?"

Shiratori Seiya was somewhat surprised that she had thought of this so quickly, but he still nodded in agreement.

"Ah."

"As expected of Kiyoya, he's amazing at everything he does..."

Upon hearing this, Hojo Shione first sighed, then a bitter smile appeared on her face as she said:

"She must be very talented, right? I met her at the training center last time. She must have just started training not long ago, right? To be able to act so quickly... Unlike me, I only disappoint Kiyoya..."

Upon hearing Shion mention encountering Mio at the agency, Shiratori Seiya habitually narrowed his eyes. He had never heard Mio mention this before, and was hesitating whether to ask Shion what had happened. Noticing his expression, Shion blinked and said:

"Takahashi-san should have told you, right? It was on Sunday, October 31st..."

She remembered clearly how Takahashi had given her a thorough dressing-down that day.

Upon hearing her say that, Shiratori Seiya recalled for a moment and realized that the 31st was the day Saori's house leaked.
Thinking about it carefully, no wonder Takahashi went crazy that night...

Was it because of some kind of trauma?
Meeting Hojo Shione's gaze, Shiratori Seiya sensed that she was testing him for something. He nodded calmly, then changed the subject:

"Hmm, more or less, but your throat seems better lately? Have you gone to the hospital for a check-up? What did the doctor say?"

Even though she knew he was changing the subject, hearing him say these words made Hojo Shione feel a surge of emotion welling up in her chest. She gave Shiratori Seiya a bright smile and said:
"It's nothing serious, the doctor said I need to rest, and as for medication... I need to take it according to the prescribed dosage..."

Seeing her hesitation, Shiratori Seiya understood she was referring to antidepressants and frowned as he asked:
"How long do I need to take that medicine? How many courses of treatment are there? Did the doctor say?"

Upon hearing this, Hojo Shione shook her head, a bright smile appearing on her face, and said:

"Actually, today is much better, if I can see Kiyoya..."

As she spoke, she raised her hand and trembled as she reached for Shiratori Seiya's hand. However, seeing that he did not dodge, she instinctively gripped it tightly.

In an instant, she felt as if she had grasped her future, and tears of joy welled up in her eyes.

She pressed the other person's hand to her chest, her face flushed, her eyes welled with tears, and her lips trembled as she choked out:
"If I could see Kiyoya, everything would be much better."

……
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(End of this chapter)