Tokyo: Let the wicked women pay the price!

Chapter 42 makes its grand finale appearance.

Fujino was unaware of the impending crisis.

He and his assistant, Saki, were heading straight for the train station with Kitano Megumi, preparing for their last attempt of the day.

"Riding the tram alone for three stops (9 points of fear):"

Despite Fujino being right beside him, the steel dragon before him still instilled a deep sense of fear in Kitano Megumi.

She bit her lip, unable to give up.

"Relax a bit." Fujino gently patted Kitano Megumi's shoulder. "Just like raising children to be successful, even though we say we want them to do this or that, we really just want to encourage them to live a good life."

"Even if you're a corporate slave, clocking in and out every day, you won't break down."

This startled Saki, who grabbed Fujino's arm.

"Hey! What are you doing, Fujino-san?"

This guy didn't say "you have to do this or that," but instead said "it doesn't matter if you fail"?

What a terrible doctor! How can anyone comfort a patient like that?

She held up a finger to her lips: "Is it okay to say something like that?"

Before Fujino could wave his hand, Kitano Megumi started moving first.

"It's alright, Saki-chan. Fujino-san is right."

She stood up and walked to the door of the tram that had just entered the station and had not yet come to a complete stop.

"It was precisely these harsh words that encouraged me and gave me the courage to try!"

stab-

The tram doors opened.

"Hey you two, I'll be waiting for you in three stops."

Saki forgot to let go of Fujino's arm.

She stared blankly at Kitano Megumi, as if she couldn't understand why this woman had suddenly mustered up the courage.

Fujino watched quietly as Kitano Megumi's figure disappeared into the crowd until the tram slowly started moving.

He took out his notebook and quickly filled in the form.

"Taking the tram for three stops by myself (9 points of fear): I can do it. I have a fear of it, but with medication, it should be fine."

"Let's go, we'll follow them."

Sitting on the tram, Saki was still a little uneasy.

"Fujino-san, isn't this too difficult for Kitano-san?"

Fujino was organizing the day's events in his notebook, not looking up, but still patiently explaining.

"The most distressing aspect of mental illness for patients is actually its erosion of their lives."

"They could have been working and studying peacefully, but they couldn't control themselves because of their illness."

"The feeling of regaining control of life," he put down his pen, smiling at Saki, "will make them happy."

"And seeing your patients like that gives you a sense of accomplishment. That's the meaning of my work."

Saki nodded thoughtfully, but clearly she didn't understand the meaning of those words.

The tram ride to the three stops wouldn't take more than a few minutes, and before Saki could even process what was happening, the announcement that they had arrived at their destination was made.

The crowded people forced her to grip Fujino's hand tightly.

Although there was no romantic atmosphere, it still made her pretty face blush slightly.

Just as she squeezed out of the train and before she could even stand firmly on the platform, Saki heard Kitano Megumi's laughter.

It was even more cheerful than being in a ramen shop.

She stood in the middle of the waiting hall and rushed towards Fujino without any hesitation, crashing heavily into his arms.

"Hey!" Saki suddenly widened her eyes.

Let me go...

You're the one who should let him go!

But soon, she saw that Kitano Megumi's eyes were filled with tears, and she did not try to leave a mark on Fujino like Hanako, that philandering cat.

She could only express her gratitude repeatedly: "Fujino-san! Thank you!"

"I really never thought I'd have a day where I could ride the tram by myself."

"Thanks so much!"

Saki felt Fujino stiffen in her palm, as if his fingers were tightening.

She thought of lemon jam again, but still let go and said softly, "Hey, don't you know that when a woman cries, you need to pat her on the back to comfort her?"

She took two steps back and watched as Kitano Megumi and Fujino embraced, their hearts filled with gratitude.

Despite how incredibly sour it tasted, she seemed to understand what Fujino meant.

This sense of redemption from suffering is truly captivating.

When he gets home in the evening, he'll need to take a few more showers.

She didn't want another woman's perfume scent in the house!

......

Thursday afternoon.

Fujino Kazuki got out of the taxi at the school gate.

Today is the day of the cultural performance.

Everywhere was decorated with lanterns and colorful banners and decorations.

There was even a Christmas tree in the corner of the playground.

Yes, Christmas is almost here...

Saki followed behind Fujino, still imagining what it would be like for Fujino to give her a Christmas present.

Little did he know that Fujino's thoughts had already drifted elsewhere.

He was alert; the end of the year was fast approaching.

With the specialized medical exam approaching, why has there been no announcement?

The last time Kotori tried to persuade Kitano Megumi, it was an assessment, but what qualifications does she have to make such a big decision?

But today, he didn't have time to think about things that far ahead.

I can only focus on each patient, including Kitano Megumi in front of me.

"Fujino-san, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting." Kitano Megumi arrived looking travel-worn, with a hint of weariness on her face.

"Ms. Kitano doesn't seem to be feeling very well."

"Yes." She nodded slightly. "I specifically got used to the pressure of the tram beforehand in order to watch the performance."

She was dressed to the nines today. She wore a gray and black striped women's suit jacket, with thick gray stockings underneath the skirt. Already tall, she stood out even more with the help of high heels. Her hair was styled in a bun at the back of her head, which further accentuated her gentle and graceful appearance.

She had intended to link arms with Fujino, but upon seeing Saki, she withdrew her outstretched arm. "Jiro hasn't finished class yet. Can we go to the venue to get used to it first?"

Fujino nodded slightly, indicating that it was perfectly acceptable.

Saki knew she couldn't get a word in edgewise, so she just silently followed behind Fujino.

The school's meeting place was just an activity room with a small stage set up in front.

Folding chairs were placed on the wooden floor to serve as the audience seating.

Kitano Megumi touched this and looked that, and couldn't help but sigh, "So the venue wasn't that scary after all."

She gently touched her chest and smiled at Fujino: "I feel my heart isn't beating as fast anymore."

Fujino didn't offer any comment; he simply took out his notebook and started writing.

"Alone in an empty venue (8 points of fear): Basically nothing unusual."

"Going to watch Jiro's performance alone (10 points of fear):"

But he knew the real test was yet to come.

Not long after, according to the staff's arrangement, Kitano Megumi took her seat as a parent, while Fujino and his companion, as outsiders, could only stand at the back of the hall to listen.

Kitano Megumi received an encouraging look from Fujino and, watching the teachers and students gradually begin to set up the field, secretly clenched her fist.

People were coming and going on stage, and Jiro's performance was the second to last.

Looking at the activity room with its interplay of light and shadow, Kitano Megumi suddenly felt a surge of restlessness and... unease.

Can she hold out until Jiro takes office?

She watched the waka performance, the haiku recitation, and the contemporary song singing...

The various lampposts made her dizzy.

Her hands trembled as she pulled the medicine out of her bag, drank it with water, but her heart was still beating faster and faster.

No! Just taking medicine won't work.

Inhale—exhale—exhale—

Kitano Megumi felt her breathing become much more steady, and her fingers were no longer stiff.

Yes! She did it!

Just as this thought crossed her mind, Jiro also went on stage.

Megumi Kitano smiled as she watched her proud son dancing in the group.