Time was short, so Hayashi Maki didn't go overboard.
He gave Saki Kawasaki a bit of "guidance," then let her go.
Saki was breathing hard, cheeks still flushed, as if she hadn't recovered from their closeness. She'd stumbled on Hayashi Maki having trysts with girls more than once and had always believed she'd never get involved with this womanizer. Yet fate is strange—because of her parents, she'd come to him on her own.
Hayashi Maki reached up and fastened the button at her chest, covering the black lace bra, then gave her a gentle smile.
"Alright—consider this stamped. From now on, you're my girl. I know you're worried about your parents, so I won't waste time."
"Here. There are a few million on this card—use it. Also, take these two potions. If you trust me, give them to your parents in an emergency; they'll keep them alive."
He pressed a bank card and two violet vials into her hands. They were life potions he'd made via alchemy. For ordinary people, mana equals life force, so these would be life-saving.
Looking at what she held, Saki felt warmth bloom in her chest. She straightened and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Hayashi Maki. I'm going to save my parents now. No matter what happens, from today on, I'm your woman."
She mustered her courage, kissed his cheek, and hurried down the stairs. Outside the school gate, she hailed a taxi for the first time in her life and rushed to the hospital.
Hayashi Maki touched the spot she'd kissed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. An unexpected bonus. Saki really did "taste" wonderful. He couldn't help looking forward to their next meeting—but for now, she needed to solve her family crisis.
…
Saki quickly reached the hospital and used Hayashi Maki's card to pay for the surgery. The operation succeeded, but the doctor warned her to be prepared for a vegetative state. Her parents' injuries were too severe; debris had struck their heads. Even if they survived, they might never wake.
The news hit her like a thunderclap. Gazing at her parents on the beds, oxygen tubes in place, her eyes filled with tears. She'd traded away her future and gotten Hayashi Maki's help to fund the surgery, yet she couldn't feel happy now. With a younger brother and sister still at home, what would they do if their parents remained like this? Drop out and work?
"No… maybe there's one more option."
Saki took out the two potions Hayashi Maki had given her. The violet liquid looked eerie. She had no choice but to trust him now. She briefly removed the oxygen tubes, administered both potions, then reinserted the tubes. Under her anxious gaze, her parents' bodies began to glow faintly. Their eyelids fluttered—and slowly opened.
It looked like their consciousness had returned.
Saki covered her mouth, staring in disbelief as tears poured down. Afraid she was dreaming, she just stood there, dazed, watching their eyes open.
"Dad… Mom! You're awake?"
"Mm… Saki?" her mother answered first, voice weak. "Sorry… for making you worry."
Saki grasped her mother's hand, felt the pulse, and, blinking back tears, shook her head.
"It's enough that you woke up."
Her mother glanced at her husband, whose face showed pain and confusion, and sighed softly. She understood: both parents injured at once was a catastrophe for a family that wasn't well-off to begin with. Who knew how much the hospital stay would cost. The old house they'd finally managed to buy might have to be sold. As for compensation—there would be none.
They were just construction workers; there was no insurance. The main culprit behind the shoddy project, Sugō, had been taken away for investigation; the government had advanced some humanitarian funds, but far from enough. That was why Saki had swallowed her pride and offered herself to Hayashi Maki.
"It's okay, Dad, Mom. As long as you recover, everything will get better," Saki said, wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes. "I haven't told my little brother and sister."
Her father's tears wouldn't stop. He blamed himself—he'd worked so hard, yet this still happened. Thinking about the medical bills made his heart ache.
After settling them to rest, Saki stepped out to a quiet spot and called Hayashi Maki. It was already afternoon.
"Hello, Hayashi Maki? It's me—Saki Kawasaki."
Hearing that her voice was steady, Hayashi Maki asked gently, "Saki, how did it go?"
She took a deep breath. "They've woken up—thanks to your potions. Thank you. Really… thank you!"
The corner of Hayashi Maki's mouth lifted. "Saying thanks doesn't count. Make sure you please me later, okay, wife Saki?"
At the word "wife," Saki's face went red. Flighty and philandering as he was, she still nodded and answered earnestly, "Okay—whatever you say."
"So obedient? I'll look forward to it. For now, take good care of your parents. Next time I want to see a lively, bright-eyed Saki."
His words warmed her. No matter how much of a flirt or scoundrel he was, the hand he'd extended at this moment was priceless.
"I will. Thank you! Hayashi Maki… hubby!"
She forced out the title in embarrassment—both to please him and to show her gratitude. Hearing it, Hayashi Maki's heart skipped. The cool, serious Saki Kawasaki calling him that—she really was trying to accept him.
"Alright, I'm hanging up. Rest well, and eat properly."
~~~
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