After the issue with Hiroki Hiroki Sawada was resolved, everything came to a temporary end.
This was a rare moment of peace for Hayashi Yoshiki.
He didn't have to worry about writing a new book, nor was he under pressure from Gin to suddenly select a new target. The relaxed, peaceful life—where he didn't need to be constantly alert—was surprisingly comforting.
"Mr. Hayashi, your physical examination report is ready."
"Okay."
Hayashi Yoshiki took the report from the doctor.
It wasn't that anything was wrong with his health—he simply had some free time and decided to go for a comprehensive check-up.
The idea had actually come from Gin.
"How long has it been since your psychiatrist died and your last psychiatric visit?"
"Go get a full physical check-up."
—That was all Gin said before ending the call.
Did the Organization really care about the health of its members?
Yoshiki found it strange, but he had always valued his health, so he went anyway.
"From the various indicators, Mr. Hayashi, you're in excellent health with no underlying conditions."
"The brain angiography also shows no abnormalities."
"So, as for your 'time disorientation,' you'll need to consider non-pathological factors. I recommend consulting a psychiatrist."
The doctor confirmed that Yoshiki was perfectly healthy. The girl beside him—Ran—seemed visibly relieved.
"That's great, Yoshiki."
Ran smiled as the doctor finished speaking.
She was here at the request of her mother, Eri Kisaki, who had asked her to accompany Yoshiki for the results.
"Yeah, Aunt Eri is really thoughtful. Sorry, you had to come all this way, Ran."
"Of course, I had to come! Knowing your personality, if something was wrong, you'd just keep it to yourself, right?"
"Would I?"
"Yes, you would!"
Ran placed her hands on her hips, frowning.
"Brother Yoshiki is always like that."
"…"
Yoshiki had no defense. He simply stayed silent.
At that moment, the doctor picked up another sheet from the report.
"Has Mr. Hayashi experienced any mood swings lately? Irritability? Inattention?"
"No, not at all," Ran answered.
"Yoshiki-nii is always very calm and gentle. Why do you ask?"
"All the tests were fine—except one. Mr. Hayashi's sex hormone panel shows an unusually high serum testosterone level."
"…Will that have any effect?" Ran asked, her tone slightly anxious.
"Elevated testosterone can affect mood swings and sexual desire."
The doctor glanced at Yoshiki.
"Since the number is significantly higher than average, I'd like to ask about specific symptoms before making a judgment."
…Strong sexual desire?!
The doctor's blunt phrasing instantly made Ran's face turn bright red. Her eyes widened in shock.
Even Yoshiki froze for a moment.
"...Um, can I not answer that?"
His reluctance, clearly out of consideration for Ran's presence, was understood by both the doctor and Ran.
Which only made it more awkward.
Looking at Yoshiki's handsome, refined face, Ran found it hard to believe. He always seemed composed, polished, almost aristocratic in demeanor.
Could he really be…
As Sonoko would put it—a carnivorous guy?
But then again, there weren't many girls around him…
The doctor offered a few instructions, including possible treatments (though not necessary at the moment), and ended the consultation.
Yoshiki took the report, thanked the doctor, and walked out with Ran.
This hospital—private and discreet—clearly values guest privacy. Still, Yoshiki couldn't help but wonder if the place was funded by the Organization.
"What are your plans next?" he asked as they got into the car.
"Hmm… I'm meeting Sonoko and some classmates for cake at 3:30. They might stop by the office first."
"Looks like I missed my chance to treat you to dessert today."
"But you don't even like cake, Yoshiki! Next time, let's eat something you like."
Ran's smile was bright and sincere.
Yoshiki nodded and focused on driving. A few moments later, he suddenly spoke again:
"Ran, could I ask you to keep the report confidential?"
"See? There you go again, trying to hide things!"
"...No, it's just... the contents of this check-up are kind of... embarrassing."
He glanced at her, his tone deliberately playful.
"Please, Ran?"
"...I got it, Yoshiki-nii."
She answered shyly.
Did I just discover an unexpected side of Yoshiki today?
Now I have to keep a secret for him too…
She couldn't help but steal a glance at him.
From her view, Yoshiki's eyes were always calm and clear, his movements refined and polite…
You really can't tell at all.
He dropped her off at the Mouri Detective Agency.
After politely declining her offer to come up for tea, he stepped on the accelerator and drove off.
All in all, he was just glad the report showed good health.
While on his way to the office, his phone rang.
He glanced at the caller ID and answered.
"Hello? Dr. Agasa?"
"Ah, Mr. Hayashi! I was wondering—are you free tomorrow?"
"I am. But your voice sounds off—are you okay, Doctor?"
"Caught a cold, I'm afraid... So I was hoping—you see, I promised to take the kids skiing tomorrow, but I'm not well. Ai suggested I ask if you could take them instead if you're free?"
"Ski resort? No problem."
Yoshiki paused briefly, then agreed right away.
A ski trip… Dr. Agasa is sick… He could already picture it clearly:
The bus hijackers, Judy and Vermouth, Shuichi Akai… It's going to be a lively scene.
"Ah! Thank you so much! I'll message you the exact time later?"
"Sure thing, Doctor. I'm driving now, so let's talk soon."
"Okay, okay!"
Back at Dr. Agasa's house, after he hung up, he gave Ai a subtle thumbs-up.
She gave a small smirk and went back to her magazine.