Part 7: Silent Guardians
The academy bell rang, and the students began packing their bags, voices echoing faintly through the corridor.
Akari walked through the academy gates, scanning the courtyard for the triplets. She spotted a few students lingering around, but before she could call for them, a familiar voice came from behind.
Daigo:
"Akari! Over here."
She turned to see Daigo standing just outside the teachers' lounge, holding the door open slightly as if he'd been waiting for her.
Akari raised a brow.
"Daigo? Is something wrong?"
Daigo shook his head gently.
"Come inside for a moment. I need to speak with you privately."
Without further explanation, he stepped back into the lounge, clearly expecting her to follow.
Akari hesitated only a second before entering — Daigo never called her like this unless it was serious.
The door closed behind them, and the noise of the academy faded away.
Akari stood straight, unsure why he had called her in so urgently.
Daigo exhaled, choosing his words carefully.
Daigo:
"Akari… I want to ask about Haruto's current medical report."
Akari's eyes widened slightly.
She shook her head softly.
Akari:
"I'm sorry… I can't tell you. I'm restricted from sharing his medical details."
Daigo nodded slowly, not surprised.
Daigo:
"You don't need to tell me everything. I'm only asking one thing…
Are his reports improving?
Or are they still the same as before?"
Akari hesitated.
Her fingers tightened around the file she carried.
Akari:
"…I think it's worse."
Daigo's eyes softened but remained serious.
"I see… thank you for telling me, Akari."
He paused, choosing his words carefully.
"I also spoke with Yuna. She told me everything that happened during the break in class — about Haruto's eyes glowing before he lost control."
Akari's stomach tightened, realizing just how serious the situation had become.
Daigo continued, voice low but firm:
"I want you to take a careful look at him. Please check with Dr. Ken. Make sure you're watching over him at all times… don't leave him unattended. Take care of him quietly, without drawing attention."
Akari nodded solemnly.
"Understood. I'll make sure he's safe."
Daigo's expression grew heavier.
"Haruto's father once told me about an incident at home — it wasn't catastrophic, but still serious. In the five years I've taught him, nothing like that has happened… until today. I don't know exactly what triggered him this time. Be careful, Akari."
He gave a firm nod, as if sealing the instruction.
"That's all for now. You can pick up the triplets and bring them with you. We'll meet again later."
Akari bowed respectfully.
"Yes… thank you, Daigo."
With that, she turned to leave, her mind already calculating how to safely take the triplets and check on Haruto without alarming anyone.
Akari entered the classroom and called to the triplets.
"Alright, everyone… time to go."
The triplets quickly gathered their things, following her out of the classroom. Akari gently guided Haruto by the shoulder, keeping a careful eye on him.
As they walked along the academy path toward the hospital, Kaitō frowned, glancing at the direction.
"Big sister… this isn't the way of going home, is it?"
Ayame smirked and nudged him playfully.
"Noo… is she kidnapping us?"
Akari smiled softly, keeping her posture straight as they walked.
"Yes… I'm kidnapping you all. And taking you to the hospital."
Haruto's eyes widened in surprise.
"Hospital…? For what?"
Akari gave him a reassuring look.
"Dr. Ken wants to check on you — just to make sure you're alright. Nothing to worry about."
Ayame rolled her eyes, pretending to be annoyed but secretly curious, while Kaitō reluctantly followed, trusting Akari's lead.
The group continued walking quietly, the academy fading behind them as Akari focused on keeping the triplets close and preparing for the checkup at the hospital.
After a short walk from the academy, Akari and the triplets arrived at the local hospital. The building stood quiet, the evening sun reflecting off its windows.
Akari led them inside. Haruto's steps were slow, still processing the events from the academy fight, while Ayame and Kaitō stayed close, keeping an eye on him.
They reached Dr. Ken's office. The doctor, standing behind his desk, looked up and gave a small, reassuring nod.
Dr. Ken:
"Ah, Akari. You've brought them safely."
Akari nodded.
"Yes, Dr. Ken. I wanted you to check Haruto, please."
Haruto stepped forward, slightly tense, as Dr. Ken began the examination. He checked his vitals, examined his posture, and observed him carefully. After a few moments, Dr. Ken leaned back, expression calm but focused.
Dr. Ken:
"Haruto's reports show no symptoms of the sickness. Everything is fine — his body is stable, vitals are normal, and there's nothing abnormal in his checkup. You don't need to worry."
Akari let out a soft sigh of relief.
"Thank you, Dr. Ken. That's… a relief."
Haruto glanced at Dr. Ken, a hint of a small smile appearing. Ayame and Kaitō exchanged glances, feeling reassured as well.
Dr. Ken handed Akari the detailed report.
"Keep monitoring him, of course, but for now… he's doing well. No complications."
Akari nodded, carefully storing the report. She looked at the triplets and Haruto, determination in her eyes.
"Let's head home. You all need some rest after today."
The group turned to leave the hospital, the tension from the academy fight slowly easing as they made their way back, the sun dipping lower in the sky.