Chapter 216: Doing One’s Best
After carefully reviewing the data, the attending doctor, with black-and-white hair and stitches on his face, announced:
"His body is generally fine now. Just make sure he gets plenty of rest. He can be discharged tomorrow."
The girls, who were worried about his health, finally breathed a sigh of relief. Doctor Black Jack, understanding the mood, quietly left the room.
The young unicorn girl, Eri, cautiously tugged on Saten Ruiko's skirt.
Today, Eri wore a brand-new red-and-white dress, lovingly chosen by the maid-like girl. She even had an adorable, stylish little purse slung over her shoulder.
Although Ruiko might seem easygoing at first glance, she is remarkably perceptive and thoughtful when it comes to noticing the atmosphere and caring for others.
Eri isn't the type of girl who lowers her guard easily.
Of course, most of the credit goes to the person lying in the hospital bed.
Being able to make her smile again, even if just a little, is already a wonderful start.
Someone has shown her through actions that heroes do exist.
Shadows, dark clouds, and even darkness itself will eventually fade away.
The kind-hearted girl cheerfully greeted Shokuhou Misaki:
"Alright, Misaki-chan, you've worked hard today!"
"As we agreed, it's time to switch shifts, right?"
Shokuhou Misaki feigned confusion and replied playfully:
"Really? Isn't there still one more hour left?"
While the two exchanged sharp remarks, Accelerator found himself feeling somewhat awkward as he faced Eri, especially since he had passed out at the very last moment.
(How pathetic...)
He rested his bandaged hands behind his head, then casually turned over and said:
"I didn't save you because of anything special. I just did what I wanted to do."
"And a kid like you shouldn't get involved in this disgusting mess of darkness anymore."
"Try to live a normal life."
It was clear these words were meant for Eri, though her confusion and his awkwardness made Shokuhou and Ruiko exchange knowing glances before smiling gently.
He's just as awkward as ever.
"Pfft, can you believe he's saying that?"
Ruiko couldn't help but laugh, while Shokuhou, recalling a certain coffee photo on his SNS account, responded with a resigned tone:
"Honestly, I'm starting to find this hard to listen to."
Accelerator, still lying on the hospital bed, pretended not to hear them. With his back turned, no one could see his expression anyway.
The ever-thoughtful Ruiko gently patted Eri's head and softly encouraged her:
"At times like this, just tell him how you really feel."
Eri's small hand gripped Ruiko's skirt tightly. She lowered her head, looking at the person with his back toward her, and spoke in a quiet voice:
"...I don't really... understand."
"But... everyone has been so kind to me."
"I want to respond to their kindness."
The man facing away from the young girl replied:
"That's enough. Originally, I told you to go see it for yourself."
"But now, things have changed. You need to see it with your own eyes."
Worried she might not understand, he explained again:
"Simply put, go experience what life is like with everyone."
"For a kid like you, being able to smile from the heart is what really matters."
"Hmph, I can't manage a genuine smile myself, so I hope you can do it instead."
With that, the room fell silent once more.
Ruiko, sharp as ever, knew he was out of words, so she offered to take Eri for a walk around the hospital while letting Shokuhou take over the next shift.
Before leaving, she didn't forget to hand over a homemade lunch to the one badly in need of nourishment.
Accelerator had spent three days in a deep unconscious state, sustained only by IV drips.
Every day, Ruiko would prepare a homemade lunch in case he woke up.
With a gentle gaze, she looked at him and spoke softly:
"Even though you're awake now, Accelerator-kun, you still need to rest properly."
"And make sure to eat well. If you don't feel like eating now, I can reheat it later."
"Well then, I'll take Eri for a little walk~"
Standing at the threshold of the hospital room, the cook girl didn't turn around, but her slightly trembling voice came through.
"Are you... really okay?"
Accelerator responded immediately.
"Of course I'm fine."
Hearing this, the cook girl returned to her usual demeanor and led Eri out for a peaceful walk.
At this moment, Shokuhou Misaki, sitting by the hospital bed, reached out with a slightly stiff motion, grabbing his leg through the blanket with concern.
"...Really?"
He sighed and repeated his answer.
"Of course I'm fine."
"...Really?"
As if asking twice wasn't enough, the blonde girl confirmed once more.
"Yes."
"I know my own condition, and didn't the doctor already confirm it in front of you all?"
This time, Shokuhou Misaki fell silent. After a long pause, she finally spoke slowly.
"I'm just worried."
"I know better than anyone the power you have, and I trust you more than anyone else. But I still worry about you."
"Accelerator, you're important to me, you know?"
He saw tears flowing from her starry eyes.
He nodded seriously and replied.
"I'll try my best."
In fact, the cook girl had felt the same way when she left his hospital room.
And what could possibly escape the senses of someone already adjusting to his surroundings in this small hospital?
Hearing Accelerator's promise, Shokuhou Misaki showed a relieved and beautiful smile. Aside from the tear streaks on her face and her slightly reddened eyes, it was as if she hadn't cried at all.
There were some things he hadn't said to Eri, after all. In his eyes, if even someone like him could be changed by others, then there was no reason why a naturally kind and gentle little horned girl couldn't change too.
Thinking about the inevitable upcoming visits, he couldn't help but feel annoyed.
Propping himself up on the pillow with both hands, he stared at the ceiling and complained.
"Ugh, what a pain."
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