Living Normally In An Abnormal World

Chapter 70: After Waking Up

2 days after waking up.

“Yuuto, are you okay?”

“I’m really fine.”

“Are you really, really okay?”

“Yeah, there were no abnormalities today either.”

“I see.”

“It’s not Erina’s fault, so don’t feel responsible.”

“But if I had gone there at that time, this wouldn’t have happened.”

When they found out that Yuuto had woken up, everyone wanted to rush to see him. However, they decided that it would be better to visit in smaller groups to avoid overwhelming him. They set up a rotation where two or three people would visit each day.

The first person to visit was Erina.

She had been overwhelmed with guilt about the recent events, and this continued even after Yuuto woke up. That’s why those around her thought it would be best for her to see him first, and they arranged for her to go.

As soon as she entered the hospital room and saw Yuuto, she ran to him and hugged him tightly.

This was something she would never normally do, but this time was different.

During their conversation, she continued to hold him, making it easy to imagine how much pressure she had been under.

After yesterday’s events, Yuuto became more aware of his own worth.

“It’s okay, train me again. I’ll become even stronger, enough to dodge an unexpected attack.”

Erina, hearing this, thought to herself, ‘There’s no way this kind of situation would just happen all the time.’ But Yuuto’s words were enough to reassure her.

“Yes, I’ll be more harsh. I’ll push you to your limits.”

“Eh?”

“Not just swordsmanship, but also judo and karate. And for your legs, maybe boxing. Oh, and let’s not forget basketball.”

“Wai–!”

“Fufufufufu, our training time. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Okay.”

Yuuto slightly regretted his words, thinking, ‘She’s going to be more strict?’ But seeing Erina back to her usual self, he decided it wasn’t a problem at all.

A few minutes after leaving Yuuto’s room, Erina felt embarrassed, remembering that he had also gently stroked her head.

“Yanagida.”

“Yes?”

“What’s this all about?”

Next to visit was Yanagi.

As soon as she entered the room, she quickly ran to Yuuto and hugged him tightly, casually burying her face in his chest.

“I was so worried. I was really, really worried. Yes, I was so worried I couldn’t even write the newspaper properly. So, I think this much is forgivable.”

“I understand.”

“I’ve compiled the major news from the three days you were asleep into a notebook.”

“Oh, that’s great.”

“I want to tell you about it myself, so I won’t give the article to you.”

“Okay, that’s fine.”

“So, let’s start with this.”

“Yes, yes, another politician’s corruption scandal?”

“Yes, unfortunately.”

Tanagida stopped hugging him and leaned her back against his chest. Then, she showed him a page from the notebook.

Yuuto, feeling that Yanagida had no intention of letting go, thought, ‘Well, I did worry her,’ and let her continue.

Yanagida explained the news in a very detailed and easy-to-understand manner. But the last piece of news left Yuuto puzzled.

[Toudou Satoru Goes Into Hiding! No Word from Grauzer Either!]

This was sure to cause a lot of trouble.

When they heard about the incident from Mana everyone was concerned to some degree. But the extent of their concern varied from person to person.

In Satoru’s case, he had gone into hiding.

“He’s still in hiding. It’s been four days now.”

“Can I call him?”

“Sure.”

“Thanks.”

Yanagida felt that it was time.

She was satisfied because she hadn’t noticed anything wrong with Yuuto, and she had been able to enjoy herself.

‘… Grauzer?’

“Yeah, I’m sorry for worrying you.”

‘Huh? Are you awake?! I’m coming right now! Don’t leave the hospital, no matter what! Promise me!’

“Okay, okay.”

‘Mom! The helicopter! Get the helicopter ready!’

“Wait, that’s too flashy.”

‘Wait for me!’

Yuuto wished the other person would wait, but the call was cut off before he could say anything.

“Here, watch the TV.”

Whether it was because of her thoughtfulness or not, Yanagida forced him to watch TV.

‘Satoru-kun has been in hiding for four days. He used to go out with a smile, but why is he hiding now? Why? Why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why? Is it because of Grauzer? Is it his fault? I want to get rid of him…

Due to circumstances, we will now change the program.’

“…”

“It’s probably fine.”

“Here I just woke up.”

“How insensitive of them.””

“Let’s change the channel.”

‘Oh, it’s a helicopter! That’s the Toudou family’s private helicopter! Where are they going in such a hurry? We’ll send a drone to track their movements.’

‘Huh? … No, it’s the hospital? Could it be that Grauzer wasn’t seen anywhere not because he didn’t want to, but because he couldn’t? We’ll bring you more updates from the scene.’

(Will there be a press conference about this later?)

“Grauzer, Grauzer, Grauzer, Grauzer!”

“I’m sorry for worrying you.”

“I’ve been so worried about you!”

“I’m glad you’re awake.”

“I’m sorry, Haruki-san. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“No, I’m just glad it didn’t turn out worse.”

As Yanagida was leaving, Satoru-kun and Haruki-san entered the room.

It was nice to know they were worried for me.

But,

“What are we going to do about this?”

“I don’t know!”

“Hmm, this…”

The TV, which was still on, showed reporters gathered in front of the hospital. Though both Satoru-kun and Haruki-san came in through the helicopter, so I doubt it would be for something.

“Hey, Grauzer. Are you okay? Wanna go somewhere?”

“I need to rest for a while. So, I can’t go out to play.”

“Hmphhh.”

“It’s okay, there were no abnormalities found yesterday or today.”

“Then it’s fine! Let’s go on a picnic next time.”

“Yeah. By the way, how long do you plan to keep hugging me?”

“Until I feel better.”

This was the third time Yuuto had been hugged by someone that day. He wondered if it would be the same when other people visited later. Yuuto felt a mix of emotions.

Then Satoru continued the conversation, saying, “I just passed by a woman! Is she Grauzer’s girlfriend?”

“She’s not my girlfriend, but she’s someone I trust and rely on.”

“She looked at me with a rational gaze.”

“I always go to her when I’m in trouble.”

However, sometimes he brings her troubles too.

“Oh, I see.”

“But please, don’t say anything unnecessary to the media.”

“Am I that loose-lipped?”

“You’re so loose-lipped it’s scary.”

“That’s harsh!”

“Haruki-san, please also warn Satoru-kun.”

“Okay, I understand.”