Chapter 33 Past ⑦

“It’s a concussion. The MRI didn’t show any abnormalities in the brain. Rest is absolutely necessary, but there’s nothing to worry about.”

At the hospital where he had been rushed to, the doctor said this while looking at the MRI scans of Satoru’s brain.

Upon hearing that, both Satoru’s and Reika’s families let out a sigh of relief.

“Given his age, I’d say it’s best to keep him hospitalized for a while. But wow, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen someone brought in after being attacked by another person. I’ve been here for many years, but you’d have to go back decades for a case like this.”

The atmosphere had been so heavy that the doctor, perhaps trying to reassure them that things really were okay, added that last comment with a light chuckle.

Satoru’s family managed a wry smile, but Reika and her mother couldn’t even muster that much of a reaction.

“I’m truly, truly sorry! This is all my fault. I’ve caused your precious son to go through such a terrible ordeal… I don’t even know how to begin apologizing…”

“Please don’t blame my mother! I’m the one who dragged Satoru into this. I’m so sorry!”

In the hospital corridor, late at night, both Reika and her mother bowed deeply to Satoru’s family.

The original decision had been a mistake.

She had thought that as long as she alone was the target, things would somehow be okay.

In the end, not only had she terrified her daughter, but she had caused someone else to be seriously injured.

Even if they prostrated themselves in apology, Reika’s mother felt that it still wouldn’t be enough to earn forgiveness.

“…Please, raise your heads. We have no intention of blaming either of you for this,” Satoru’s father said gently.

With hesitation, the two slowly lifted their heads at his urging.

Then, turning to Reika, Satoru’s father said,

“You’re Reika-san, correct? You’ve been with Satoru all this time, haven’t you? To be honest, he’s right in the middle of a rebellious phase and hardly speaks with us anymore. But we could tell that something had changed—he was working hard, studying diligently. We figured he must’ve found some kind of motivation. I imagine that’s thanks to you.”

“I—I don’t deserve such praise…”

“The fact that he went so far shows just how important you are to him. Though I suppose that might’ve caused you trouble…”

At those words, the dam inside Reika finally broke, and she burst into tears, unable to hold it in any longer.

“So if being with him isn’t something you dislike, I hope you’ll continue to stay by his side. I truly believe that’s what’s best for him.”

“Yes…! I’d be happy to…!”

“And ma’am, since my son came out of this okay, there’s no issue on our end. However, I do think it’s a serious matter on yours. So I’d like to ask that you explain everything that’s happened so far, both to the police and to us.”

“Yes, of course.”

Once Reika’s mother had given a full account of the situation and all parties had been informed, word came that Satoru had finally regained consciousness.

In a corner of the ICU, Satoru lay on a bed.

“Geez, being rebellious was one thing, but you really went and caused a scene, 

huh?”

“…I don’t have any excuse this time.”

“Well, the important thing is you’re safe. Still, try not to give us a heart attack like this again.”

“Yeah… I’m sorry.”

“So, that girl—she’s really pretty, huh? You like her?”

“…You really gonna ask me that now?”

“I mean, considering what you pulled, the answer’s pretty obvious.”

“Shut up.”

“Sounds like she’ll be visiting soon, so you better think about what you’re gonna say to her.”

“Yeah, yeah, just get out already.”

Even in this condition, just talking a bit was enough to return things to their 

usual rhythm.

As he said, the family began to leave the room.

“…Hey, Chisa. Mind staying a bit?”

“Huh? Me? Of course, that’s fine.”

“Alright, we’ll give you two some privacy,” their father said, and he and their mother left.

Now alone with just his little sister, Satoru spoke.

“Well, I’m still a kid, so I wasn’t told all the details, but… man, you really went and did something wild.”

“I’m well aware.”

“They say the guy you beat up is scared out of his mind. Keeps saying you were a monster. That’s not exactly the kind of reaction you’d expect from the attacker.”

“…That’s good. Maybe now he won’t try to get revenge on Reika.”

“She’s super cute. If someone like her was in trouble, I can see why you’d throw caution to the wind. You’re like a knight—you protected her.”

“…Not a very dignified knight, though.”

“Apparently the cops said you were smiling when you got hit? That’s totally unhinged. No wonder the guy called you a monster.”

“…”

Why had he smiled?

He couldn’t bring himself to explain it—not to his parents, not even to his sister.

“…You know, maybe it’s just because we’re siblings, but… I think I get why you smiled then.”

“Would be impressive if you did. What do you think the reason was?”

Satoru decided to test her. If she got it right, he’d be honest.

“You’re amazing, but you hate yourself. I’m kind of the same way. Maybe… you wanted yourself to break?”

“Damn, you really are amazing. That’s exactly it.”

“Thought so. I kind of got the feeling when you kept me back. No way you could’ve talked about that with Mom or Dad.”

“…Yeah. Maybe what I did saved someone, but I still ended up being a lousy son.”

“Totally. More than a knight, you’re more like a ‘dark knight’ who fell into darkness.”

“I like that name.”

And so, the nickname that his sister gave him then became the beginning of what people would later call “The Dark Knight.”

“The name sounds cool, but it might freak people out, so please consider changing jobs, okay?”

“Sure.”

“Just getting a normal reaction out of you makes it worth staying behind. And don’t forget—you’re my proud big brother.”

He always thought she was more mature and dependable than he was.

“You’re my pride too. That’s why I have a favor to ask.”

“What is it?”

“While I’m stuck in the hospital, take care of Mom and Dad for me.”

“…You got it. Not that you’re usually home anyway!”

“Fair point. So just like usual, I’m counting on you.”

“Okay, no worries. But in return, you’d better stick with Reika, alright?”

“Shut it, what’s it matter to you?”

“Of course it matters. Having a beauty like her around can only be a good thing. If you feel bad about all this, then win her over. That’ll give you some self-confidence too.”

“…Damn, can’t argue with that.”

“So make sure you go charm her later, okay?”

“While I’m all beat up and looking like this?”

“Ahaha!”

A burst of laughter rang out, seeming almost out of place in the ICU.

Never had Satoru felt prouder of his little sister than at that moment.