I, Aki Tomoya, will not be a simp.

He countered with a question, a mocking glint in his eyes.

He wouldn't believe it if Kudo Sayaka wasn't in a hurry.

In a few years, I'll be turning thirty, and it's time to settle down on marriage.

In Aki Tomoya's opinion, isn't it perfectly normal to get married around the age of thirty?

Even if it's after thirty, it's not too late.

However, it is worth noting that thirty years old is definitely the final deadline. Of course, this is only how Aki Tomoya thinks.

There's no need to delay too late, nor too early; there's no need to rush.

Aki Tomo has considered marrying Kudo Sayaka, but he's waiting for the right opportunity.

He also set a deadline, and he was certain that he would take responsibility for Sayaka Kudo.

"Who's in a hurry?! I was clearly talking about your friend!"

She blushed, her eyes filled with a coquettish reproach, yet the questioning in them remained.

Sayaka Kudo clearly still wanted an answer.

Whether it's definite or vague, there should at least be some explanation.

It would be a lie to say she wasn't anxious; Sayaka Kudo herself had some thoughts on the matter.

There's a saying that goes, "A relationship that isn't aimed at marriage is just playing around!"

To put Sayaka Kudo at ease, Tomoya Aki uttered a well-known and profound saying at this moment.

They've been together for so long, it's definitely time for them to consider marriage.

As for any obstacles, there aren't really any major ones; it's just a matter of time.

"So, do you want to be a hooligan?"

"Do you think I'm suited to be a thug? Have you ever seen a thug with such high standards as me?"

"That's hard to say, the world is full of wonders!"

Chapter 476 Making a prompt decision

It wasn't difficult to put Sayaka Kudo at ease.

Even if he wasn't particularly eloquent, the years of getting along, supporting each other, and the deep understanding and trust they shared were enough to put Kudo Sayaka at ease.

Let's keep this as a tacit understanding for now regarding marriage.

But if things continue to develop smoothly for them, marriage is not the end, but a turning point.

The so-called right time is actually when Aki Tomoya is waiting for his career to stabilize, and he believes he won't make Kudo Sayaka wait too long.

"There are still quite a few hooligans who can be reasonable!"

After saying that, Kudo Sayaka didn't waste any more time on the matter.

Even though I can't say I'm completely satisfied with Aki Tomoya's answer, I'm much more relieved.

Aki Tomoya probably won't stand her up.

However, when her gaze fell on Takagi's wedding invitation, Sayaka Kudo's eyes still revealed a great deal of envy.

For her, the word "marriage" was still very alluring and sacred.

……

Takagi's wedding is next year, during Golden Week, which is almost half a year away.

If there are no unforeseen circumstances and the time is confirmed, I can just go there then. There's a schedule in the department, and I'll ask Sasaki Ichiru to help me out.

It was Christmas time, and the outside was bustling with activity. Students were also on winter break at this time.

However, for those who are already working, whether it's Christmas or the so-called winter vacation, it doesn't really matter to them unless they have any special plans.

"It's great to be on duty at the hospital during Christmas instead of spending time with my girlfriend."

Whether it was genuine or not, Majima, who was staying at the hotel with Aki Tomoya on Christmas Eve, said something that left Aki Tomoya both amused and exasperated.

"Are you serious?"

Aki Tomoya looked at Majima behind him in surprise.

When did he become so passionate about his work?

He actually put his work before his girlfriend.

"I'm being pressured into marriage."

Majima gave a very simple explanation.

For a moment, Aki Tomoya fell silent, no longer daring to say anything about Majima's problems.

He completely understands.

Takagi had just sent them wedding invitations not long ago.

Considering that Majima and his girlfriend have been together for so many years, it's understandable that he would be pressured to get married.

After all, Aki Tomoya had a similar experience.

However, after returning home that night, Kudo Sayaka didn't hint at anything further.

Meanwhile, Majima seems to be entangled.

Upon learning that Mashima was being forced into marriage, Aki Tomoya not only empathized with her but also felt a little amused.

"I'm glad you understand, but if you dare to laugh at me, I'll definitely fight you!"

Majima seemed to notice the subtle change in Aki Tomoya's face, and at this moment he understood that his friend was definitely teasing him in his heart.

"How could I dare laugh at you? It's pretty much the same on my end. That kid Takagi said he brought us some good news, but he also brought us some trouble!"

At this moment, Aki Tomoya unhesitatingly shifted the blame to Takagi.

If it weren't for Takagi, Majima wouldn't have been constantly pressured by his girlfriend to get married.

Majima neither agreed nor disagreed with Aki Tomoya's words, but simply shook his head and sighed.

As the two chatted, they realized it was already late at night. Just as they were about to talk about other things, the emergency room came to ask for help.

"I'll go."

Majima got up and followed the person who came outside.

Aki Tomoya was left alone in the department.

He focused on his thesis, thinking that Mashima could handle it on his own, so he didn't think too much about it.

About two hours later, he returned.

During the time Aki Tomoya was waiting for him to return, nothing unexpected happened.

"what's the situation?"

Aki Tomoya casually asked Majima when he returned.

"look by youself."

As he spoke, he pushed the diagnostic report he had brought back in front of Aki Tomoya.

She is a 22-year-old female patient who underwent mitral and aortic valve replacement surgery in Osaka seven years ago. She was brought here tonight by an ambulance from the Tokyo Fire Department.

"There's a blood clot... aortic regurgitation... tricuspid regurgitation, you need surgery immediately!"

Postoperative thrombosis following mitral and aortic valve replacement surgery, coupled with aortic and tricuspid valve insufficiency, has led to hospitalization.

Based on the current situation, the outlook is not optimistic, and surgery must be prepared immediately, the sooner the better.

"We have already administered cardiotonic drugs, diuretics, oxygen, and cardiac support. The patient is doing well now, but we will have to wait until Dr. Sasaki and his team arrive this morning to determine the surgical plan."

"Is the situation still stable?"

"He's temporarily stable after taking the medication and has fallen asleep. He should be fine tonight."

Majima had already made the arrangements, so Aki Tomo didn't ask any further questions.

However, this patient must not be taken lightly, a point that both of them agree on.

Even if surgery is not possible now, it is still important to actively prepare for the procedure.

Because the emergency room admitted a patient whose condition was not optimistic tonight, the two of them were on high alert and prepared to pull Yoshida Aoba out of bed at any time.

Looking at the patient's complete report and past medical history, Aki Tomoya already had a general plan in mind.

However, he didn't want anything unexpected to happen tonight.

It would be best to wait until everyone arrives tomorrow morning, finalize the surgical plan, and then perform the surgery as soon as possible.

Time passed slowly, and before they knew it, it was six o'clock in the morning. Aki Tomoya and Mashima, who had stayed up until now, showed no signs of fatigue and were still full of energy.

The patient who arrived in the middle of the night and was admitted to the hospital seemed to have stabilized, but the two of them still dared not let their guard down.

"It seems the situation isn't too bad. After talking to Dr. Yoshida and Dr. Sasaki this morning and having another complete pre-operative examination, the surgery should be ready!"

Aki Tomoya glanced at the time. Since there was still no movement, his worries were temporarily put aside.