Chapter 41. When Everything Feels Temporary

The warm, salty breeze drifted in from the ocean, carrying the rhythmic sound of waves crashing gently against the shore.

The villa's terrace lights cast a soft glow over the group, sprawled comfortably across lounge chairs and cushions, the remnants of dinner still on the table behind them.

Laughter echoed as Haruto leaned back, stretching his arms behind his head. "Seriously, I didn't expect today's volleyball game to turn into a spectator sport."

Keiko chimed in, sipping her drink. "Right? It felt like we were in some sports drama. Especially with Akihiko out there. I swear, half the beach was cheering every time he jumped."

Kazumi groaned dramatically, waving his hand. "Fan club doesn't even begin to cover it. There were hearts practically floating in the air."

Everyone burst into laughter, glancing toward Akihiko, who sat coolly at the far end of the terrace, expression unreadable as always. But there was a faint upward tilt at the corner of his lips.

Yuki grinned mischievously, pointing a finger. "Oh, and let's not forget that moment when he walked over and just draped a towel over Ayaka's head. Classic jealous boyfriend move."

Ayaka nearly choked on her drink, waving her hands frantically. "W-Wait, it wasn't like that!"

But the teasing only grew louder.

Hikaru smirked. "Possessive much, Nakamura? You basically chased off every guy within a five-meter radius."

Ryuuji snickered. "Then everyone felt defeated when they saw how lovey-dovey you two were."

Ayaka's cheeks burned, her heart hammering far too loudly despite her attempts to laugh it off.

Akihiko didn't deny anything, merely leaned back, one arm resting lazily along the back of his chair, his glacial blue eyes flicking briefly to her before returning to the waves.

The others whooped, clapping and laughing, the teasing relentless.

But Ayaka couldn't help but glance at him, pulse fluttering.

Beneath the laughter, the waves kept rolling in steady, crashing softly against the shore like a secret rhythm neither of them dared to speak aloud.

Gradually, the conversation dulled as the sea breeze lulled everyone into drowsy comfort.

One by one, the group drifted off, retreating inside or falling asleep on the terrace itself.

Ayaka found herself alone with Akihiko under the quiet sky, the sound of the waves filling the silence between them.

She turned to glance at him, ready to slip away, but stilled when she caught his gaze fixed steadily on her.

"Ayaka." Akihiko began, his voice breaking the comfortable silence, "There's something I've been meaning to ask you."

She tilted her head, curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

He hesitated for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully. "Can I ask again? Is there... someone you like? Someone special?"

Ayaka's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the directness of his question.

She averted her gaze, focusing on the dark horizon where the sea met the sky. "W-why does it matter?"

Akihiko leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his intense gaze never leaving her face. "So there really is someone, judging by the way you react."

She felt a blush creep up her neck, warmth spreading across her cheeks. "I-It's nothing, really."

A brief silence settled between them, filled only by the distant murmur of the ocean.

Ayaka stood abruptly, brushing invisible dust from her clothes. "It's late. We should get some rest."

As she turned to leave, Akihiko's hand shot out, gently grasping her wrist. Startled, she looked back at him.

"Ayaka." he said softly, rising to his feet and stepping closer.

Without releasing her wrist, Akihiko moved closer, his presence overwhelming.

He raised his other hand, placing it against the wall beside her, effectively trapping her between his arms.

The sudden proximity made her breath hitch, her back pressed against the cool surface behind her.

His voice came low, almost a murmur meant only for her. "You really are too oblivious sometimes." he said, his eyes never leaving hers.

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "It's frustrating... how much patience you're making me lose."

For a heartbeat, it felt like he might close the distance entirely.

Ayaka's pulse fluttered, her mind racing to process the intensity of the moment. The world seemed to narrow down to just the two of them, the sound of the waves fading into the background.

But before anything more could happen, Akihiko straightened subtly, his expression softening. He took a small step back, giving her space to breathe.

"We should get some rest." he said gently, his tone returning to its usual calm demeanor. "We're leaving early tomorrow."

Ayaka felt her chest tightened, she couldn't tell it was him. She felt afraid, if Akihiko finds out he might instantly turn her down.

------

Morning arrived far too quickly...

The sun had barely begun its slow ascent, casting faint gold across the horizon, as the group boarded the bus barely-eyed, luggage thudding onto the storage racks.

Ayaka settled by the window, arms folded tightly, gaze distant.

A shadow fell over her seat.

She blinked, surprised to see Akihiko slip in beside her without a word. Before she could react, he popped his earphones in and—without hesitation—tilted his head, resting it casually against her shoulder.

Her heart jolted violently.

Eyes still closed, he spoke, voice quiet enough only she could hear. "I wanted to sit beside you since the start." he murmured. "But Suzuki kept dragging me to his seat."

He shifted slightly, his hair brushing against her cheek. "Is that straightforward enough for you?" he added lazily.

Ayaka stared, utterly speechless. Before she could muster a reply, his breathing evened out, his hand loosely resting on the seat between them. Fast asleep.

The bus rumbled to life, the soft chatter fading as exhaustion lulled everyone into silence.

Ayaka swallowed hard, blinking rapidly as tears pricked at her eyes.

'When we get back... I need to finish the remaining chapters...'

'Then... the contract with Akihiko will finally be over.'

She squeezed her eyes shut, her chest tightening unbearably.

------

Hours passed. The skyline of Tokyo greeted them as the bus finally pulled to a stop.

Laughter echoed as everyone retrieved their luggage, exchanging sleepy goodbyes before parting ways.

Ayaka barely registered the noise, her movements mechanical as she helped unload her things.

Akihiko appeared at her side without prompting, effortlessly taking her bags from her hands.

"I'll drive you home." he said simply.

The car ride was quiet. Ayaka stared out the window, struggling to compose herself.

The earlier warmth of the morning moment felt far away now, replaced by an ache she couldn't soothe.

Akihiko glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "You okay?" he asked softly.

She forced a smile, laughing a little too lightly. "Yeah... probably just a stomachache. I think I ate too much..."

He frowned but didn't press.

"I might finish the chapter tomorrow instead..." she added, voice carefully neutral. "I'm a little tired."

Akihiko reached over briefly, patting her head. "Rest up." he said simply, smiling faintly. "Finish it when you feel like it, we're not in a hurry..."

When they arrived, he carried her bags inside, placing them gently by her door.

"Thanks for everything, Akihiko..." she murmured.

He paused, then pulled her into a brief, unexpected embrace. His hand lingered at the back of her head. "Get some rest, alright?" he said quietly. "I have to work tonight."

The door clicked shut behind him, leaving Ayaka standing frozen.

She pressed a hand to her chest, but the ache remained.

Dragging herself to bed, she curled beneath the covers, exhaustion pulling at her limbs.

But sleep didn't come easily.

Because no matter how tightly she closed her eyes, she couldn't escape the feeling that something precious was slipping through her fingers.

------

The following morning arrived heavy and sluggish, as if the sky itself was weighed down by gray clouds.

Ayaka curled deeper under her blankets, hoping that maybe—just maybe—the nagging ache in her stomach would ease if she stayed still long enough. But it didn't.

Instead, the pain had worsened overnight, a persistent, twisting discomfort gnawing at her insides.

It felt sharp yet dull all at once, like something coiled tightly in her gut, refusing to let go. Beads of cold sweat gathered on her forehead as she sat up slowly, wincing.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she reached for her phone on the nightstand. After a brief pause, she scrolled to her brother's name and pressed call, biting down hard on her bottom lip.

The line rang twice before Kei's familiar voice answered, warm but instantly alert.

"Hello? Ayaka?"

She swallowed thickly, her voice sounding much weaker than she intended. "Kei… can you set me up with an appointment… with Dr. Hasegawa?" She tried to keep her tone light, but the strain was obvious. "I'm having a terrible stomachache…"

A beat of silence. Then his voice sharpened with concern. "Did you eat something bad? Are you running a fever?"

Ayaka shook her head, though he couldn't see. "I—I don't remember. Maybe… but it's been hurting since yesterday."

Kei's voice softened but carried an undertone of worry. "Alright, alright. Don't move around too much. I'll have Kai swing by to pick you up. He was heading there anyway."

She blinked. "Kai? Here? Why?" Her thoughts felt sluggish. "I didn't get a chance to clean the guest room yet…"

Kei sighed lightly, his voice trying to sound casual but not quite succeeding. "His neighbor's throwing some wild party today, and he's got an online lecture to teach tonight. So, he'll crash at your place for a while. Don't worry about the room. Focus on getting checked."

Ayaka rubbed her forehead, exhaling slowly. "Okay… I'll prepare the room when I get back from the hospital."

"No, Ayaka. Don't push yourself!" Kei's tone was firmer this time, almost scolding. "Just rest. Kai will be there soon. Don't overthink."

She murmured a soft thanks before ending the call, the phone slipping from her fingers.

For a moment, Ayaka sat there motionless, listening to the dull throb in her abdomen as if it were a drumbeat keeping time.

Something about it felt different today—more insistent, more relentless. It wasn't like a simple stomach upset. It lingered, stubbornly, like it refused to be ignored.

After a while, she forced herself out of bed and dressed slowly, her movements sluggish. By the time she shuffled into the living room, the doorbell chimed.

Kai stood there when she opened it, casually dressed but wearing a concerned frown.

"Ayaka…" His sharp eyes swept over her pale face, instantly reading how unwell she looked.

He shifted the strap of his laptop bag over one shoulder and stepped inside without preamble. "You look awful. Let me just drop my things and then we'll go."

He placed his laptop and an overnight bag inside the guest room but paused, glancing back at her. "Don't worry about cleaning up. I'll take care of the room later when we're back. You should be sitting down."

Ayaka offered a weak smile, touched by his quiet concern. "It's fine… I'll be okay once I see Dr. Hasegawa."

Kai didn't look convinced but nodded, already fishing his car keys from his pocket. "Come on. Let's get you checked."

The drive to Tokyo Medical Center passed in a haze. Ayaka stared out the window, watching the city blur past, her mind restless despite the pain pulsing beneath her ribs.

Kai drove in silence, glancing at her from time to time, his brows knit together.

By the time they pulled into the hospital parking lot, Ayaka's fingers were clutching the seatbelt a little too tightly, her knuckles white.

Kai rounded the car and gently opened her door. "Lean on me if you need to. I'll walk you straight to reception."

She nodded faintly, allowing herself to lean against him just a little as they entered the bright, sterile hospital lobby.

Kai's phone buzzed briefly. He glanced at it, then looked down at her. "Kei already called ahead. Dr. Hasegawa knows you're coming. He'll see you right away."

Ayaka murmured a quiet thank you, feeling weak from the pain.