Dumped by One, Chased by Another? My Ex's Sister Is a Gal and She's Coming for Me - Episode 70

After returning from the hospital, I was on a call with Haruki, just like always.

We were so used to this routine that we could even work on other tasks while talking.

Haruki was working on her school assignments.

I was studying for the national medical licensing exam during the call.

It’s just my personal theory, but I believe studying has two stages:

One where you focus intensely, and another where you concentrate moderately.

Staying too tense all the time is exhausting, so having time to study together with someone like this is important too.

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“Yesterday, you met with dad, right? How did it go?”

“Yeah. Actually, it was pretty enjoyable.”

And I meant it.

I’m still only a fourth-year student.

It’ll take another two years to graduate from medical school.

Being able to see the field firsthand, even a little, is a huge privilege for a future doctor.

While Ayase Hospital doesn’t accept interns yet, it could still become a potential place of employment.

Getting to hear from Tokishirou about hospital management was also very educational.

The only regret was that the conversation ended so quickly.

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“Kengorou-san, you’re really amazing, you know that?”

“Haha, I’m just doing what I think needs to be done.”

“Needs to be done?”

“I told you before, right? I can’t help but try to help people. That’s why.”

“Hmm… I’m not sure I follow. What do you mean?”

“If you don’t know the right way to help someone, you might end up doing more harm than good.”

“Ahh, I see.”

Haruki clapped her hands in understanding.

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“Back in the old days, there were lots of medical mistakes, weren’t there? Like how they used to think bloodletting could cure almost anything—even though that’s obviously wrong…”

“Well, I wouldn’t go that far back, but yeah, something like that.”

Even when it comes to helping others, there are best methods, decent alternatives, and bad decisions.

That’s why you should always aim to find the better way, and think carefully about what you can do.

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“Even so, most people wouldn’t go that far.”

“Haha, is it weird?”

“No, not weird—just really admirable.”

Haruki’s cheerful voice came through the phone.

It wasn’t confusion or uncertainty—she genuinely meant what she said.

Anyone else might have been puzzled by what I said, but hearing that from Haruki made me feel… happy.

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“I’ve been thinking, maybe I should try doing more too.”

“Hmm, maybe. But you’ve got exams coming up.”

“Of course exams are important. They’re my top priority. But… I want to be like you, too.”

“……”

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Now what am I supposed to say to that?

Saying she wants to be like me… that’s complicated.

After all, I’m still just a student myself.

And if helping people is what defines Akishima Kengorou, then Haruki is already walking the same path.

Because she’s already saved me.

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“Haruki.”

“What is it?”

“Thank you. I really, really like you.”

“Eh—?!”

There was a strange squeal, followed by a loud thump, like something fell.

What was that?

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“Are you okay, Haruki? Did something happen?”

“No, no, everything’s fine! Totally fine! A textbook just fell, that’s all!”

“Oh, I see. Be careful, okay?”

“Y-yeah, haha…”

“Anyway, back to what we were talking about.”

Sometimes, it’s best to gently change the subject.

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“Uh… what were we talking about again?”

“You said you wanted to be like me.”

“Right, I did.”

“You already are. You’re someone who can help others. After all, you helped me.”

“Kengorou-san…”

From her voice, I could tell she was shaken—but in a different way from before.

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“I-I just did what I wanted to do, that’s all.”

“Exactly. And that’s enough. If following your heart leads to saving someone, then that’s more than enough.”

People who make a difference in the world do so because they choose to, in their own way.

Maybe it’s by process of elimination, maybe out of duty or a sense of purpose.

Or maybe, like me, it’s just acting without thinking too far ahead.

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“That’s why I think you should live the way you want to.”

“Yeah… you’re right. Thanks.”

“Did that help at all?”

“Yeah. I’ve made up my mind, in my own way.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“Oh, one more thing.”

“Yeah?”

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Was something still bothering her?

I braced myself for whatever she might say.

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“I really, really like you too, Kengorou-san.”

“………”

Crash.

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“Wait, are you okay?”

“Ah—no, I’m fine! Totally fine! Just dropped a glass!”

“Pretty sure that’s not fine…”

And with that, I took a critical hit in return.