Tokyo, 1994, starting with medical training

Chapter 61 Should I repay you with my body?

I don't know how long it took.

The whistles from behind finally faded away.

Kiryu Kazusuke pulled her along and hid in an abandoned park.

The two hid in the shadows behind the slide, panting heavily.

Saionji Mina leaned against the slide, feeling like her legs no longer belonged to her.

But looking at Kiryu Kazusuke, at his chest rising and falling slightly in the darkness, she suddenly felt that even if she were caught tonight, it wouldn't be a big deal.

Kiryu Kazusuke calmed his breathing and peeked outside.

Safe.

The beam of light from the flashlight at the alley entrance flickered twice, then turned back immediately.

Also.

Faced with two lunatics wielding metal baseball bats and causing trouble in front of the city hall, he symbolically pedaled his bicycle a couple of times, just to make a show of it, and that was enough to justify his salary.

If we actually catch up with them and I get hit by a stick, who will reimburse my medical expenses?

"Huff... huff..."

Mina Saionji's body slid down the cool slide and finally landed heavily in the sandpit.

It felt like there were two fires burning in my chest, and every breath was excruciatingly painful.

A metallic taste, characteristic of someone who had been running intensely, churned deep in his throat.

Is it very uncomfortable?

feeling bad.

She covered her mouth.

But I still can't control myself.

First came a silent laugh, then a low, panting laugh, and finally a loud laugh.

"Haha...hahaha..."

She laughed until tears streamed down her face, and she was panting as she laughed.

This feeling is insane.

Kiryu Kazusuke leaned against the swing set, watching the woman laughing like a madwoman.

This level of running is almost like a warm-up for him.

[Saionji Mina's world line has been resolved]

[Reward: Improvement in physical fitness - slightly]

This is the third time.

Kazusuke Kiryu clenched his fist.

This feeling is wonderful.

There were no visible changes in appearance; it wasn't an explosive transformation into a Super Saiyan, and the muscles didn't bulge out like they were being inflated.

But the body's feedback doesn't lie.

As a doctor, he has a good understanding of his own physiological condition.

That sprint just now was at least one kilometer long.

If you were in a state of sub-health for a long time, your heart rate would still be pounding at over 140, you would feel a burning sensation in your lungs, and lactic acid buildup would make your legs feel heavy as if they were filled with lead.

Now, my heart rate has dropped below 100, and my breathing is stable.

The fatigue after strenuous exercise is subsiding at an astonishing rate.

This level of physical function is roughly equivalent to that of an adult male who maintains a high-intensity fitness routine year-round.

Although there is no change in appearance.

But the heart beats with tremendous force, delivering oxygen precisely to every corner of the body with each pump.

"Let's go, it's time to go back."

Kiryu Kazusuke straightened up and looked down at Saionji Mina, who was still grinning foolishly in the sandpit.

"Ah, I'm sorry, Kiryu-san..."

She looked up, her face, which usually carried a hint of distress, now flushed from the exertion.

"I...I'll get up right away."

Saionji Mina tried to stand up by bracing herself against the ground, but her legs were as weak as noodles, and she fell back down after only getting halfway up.

Reason regained its footing.

The cowardice and humility ingrained in my bones surged back like a tide.

Kiryu Kazusuke reached out, grabbed her wrist, and lifted her up like a chick with a little force.

"Thanks."

After regaining her footing, Saionji Mina withdrew her hand somewhat embarrassedly.

She looked extremely disheveled.

His hair was messy, his face was covered in dust, and his sportswear was covered in sand.

"If we stay any longer, the patrol officers will come back around."

Kiryu Kazusuke tossed her the baseball bat, which he had taken from her while they were running away.

Unexpectedly, Saionji Mina grabbed the baseball bat and followed behind with small, quick steps.

The two were walking back to their apartment.

Late at night.

There are fewer cars on the road.

After the adrenaline subsided, Saionji Mina wrapped herself tighter in her sportswear.

Am I dreaming?

No.

are you afraid?

Scared.

Regret?

No.

The smashed information board in front of the city hall was the most satisfying thing she had ever done in her life.

She quickened her pace, closing the distance slightly.

"Um... Kiryu-san."

"Um?"

"Why are you doing these things for me?"

Saionji Mina finally asked the question.

What Kiryu Kazusuke did went beyond the scope of an ordinary neighbor.

Maebashi is, after all, part of the Tokyo metropolitan area, and the indifference typical of big cities is no exception; no one will show kindness to another person for no reason.

unless……

She twisted her fingers, unable to help but think in that embarrassing direction.

Kiryu Kazusuke stopped, turned around, and looked her up and down.

His gaze was direct and undisguised.

That gaze made Saionji Mina tense up instantly, her hands instinctively gripping the hem of her clothes, her heart pounding.

Could it be... that he really likes me?

Is the next step to confess your feelings?

On these deserted streets, after this crazy night?

How should she answer?

refuse?

Will you agree?

But I haven't been officially hired yet, and I still have family burdens to support...

"What, are you going to repay me with your body?"

Kiryu Kazusuke's voice was flat, making it impossible to tell whether he was joking or serious.

"Huh?!"

Saionji Mina was hit by this sudden, direct attack, and her face instantly turned as red as a ripe tomato.

I thought that even if it wasn't a confession, I would at least hear a slightly warm reason like "because we're neighbors" or "I don't want to see you being bullied."

"No... um... I..."

She stammered, her steps faltering, unsure whether to nod or shake her head.

Kiryu-san is joking, right?

It must be a joke!

"Go home."

Seeing her helpless expression, Kiryu Kazusuke shook his head and turned to continue walking.

If I'm not mistaken, she's currently experiencing the "suspension bridge effect."

This means that when a person is in an extremely stressful or fearful environment, such as walking across a swaying suspension bridge or having just smashed the information board at the city hall, their heart rate will increase and their breathing will become rapid.

The brain may mistakenly attribute this physiological excitement to attraction to the opposite sex in front of you.

This illusion is very useful.

Saionji Mina stood there stunned for two seconds before she reacted and quickly chased after him.

"that……"

"Well... although I can't repay you with my body..."

"But could I treat you to a meal to express my gratitude?"

She mustered her courage and finished speaking very sincerely.

After all, Kiryu-kun could tell that she wasn't happy. He had spent the whole night being crazy with her and had taken such a big risk. She would feel bad if she didn't do something to show her appreciation.

I may not have much money or skills, but I still understand the principle of gratitude.

"Forget about the meal, let's just have cash instead."

Kiryu Kazusuke refused without even thinking.

"what?"

Saionji Mina was once again caught off guard.

"that……"

"Didn't I just give you 3000 yen?"

She hesitated for a moment, then pinched the hem of her dress.

(End of this chapter)