In a hospital room, Rena's eyes began to open.

Rena:[Ah, I passed out again. How awful, to think I can't do anything about it…]

Maruo:"You're awake."

Rena turned to see Maruo sitting next to her in her bed.

Rena:"...Shouldn't you be in class?"

Maruo:"That's really your first reaction? Classes are over."

Rena:"My apologies, I should thank you for coming over."

Maruo:"...Please do not worry. I've already spoken with the doctors, you should be discharged within a couple hours."

Rena:"You really don't have to worry about me like that. Or is it because of the fanclub?"

Maruo:"While I am the founder, I would still come regardless of if the club existed or not."

Rena:"Is that so? Speaking of, I'm surprised someone like me could even have fans...I must be a disappointment to that club in my state."

Maruo:"We did not create this club because we had a skewed viewpoint of you being perfect, rather we simply did it out of respect for what you do. You could be the weakest person in the world and we wouldn't hesitate to do the same thing."

Rena:"...Thank you, I appreciate it."

Maruo:"Say, I was wondering-"

Suddenly, the door opened to reveal a certain teacher. As he came in, Rena suddenly lit up.

Monogaku:"Good to see you're alright."

Maruo:[Tch, it's him again.]

Monogaku:"Oh, Maruo-kun. You're here again, your parents must be worried."

Maruo:"It is no problem that I am here. Rather, I wonder what someone such as yourself is doing here."

Rena:"I've known him since high school. He was my teacher back then."

Maruo:"...!"

Monogaku:"Besides, what's so wrong about looking after a coworker? I find it more strange for a student to come."

Maruo stared at Monogaku, who stares right back.

Monogaku:[Hm, is this kid lusting after her body? Well, I'll be damned, someone cares about this bitch, if even a little.]

Maruo:[Who does he think he is? And why does sensei care about him so much?]

Rena:"Now, now, I'm glad you're both here."

Maruo:"...Yes, we must focus on your rest first and foremost."

Monogaku:"Yes, I suppose we should. Hey, Maruo-kun. You like magic tricks? Look at how this object levitates-"

Maruo:"Not interested."

Monogaku:[Tch, smartass.]

…

Maruo had experienced multiple instances where Rena would have to go to the hospital. Sometimes he would see Shimoda outside the room, too scared to go in, but most of the time, they were completely alone. Despite how her life was clearly being held along by the strings of this disease, leaving her as nothing but a puppet in her own life, she never gave up. At first, during his second year, he thought that maybe this was simply her way of dealing with life. Maybe she had just seen that she should still try to live a normal life. But, for such a personal statement, there must have been a trigger. Maruo's question to the matter was answered when Monogaku came back to teaching. He understood that Rena had feelings for this man. Even if Maruo was open about his feelings, he realized that he never stood a chance. She had already fallen for someone before they even met. This was the first time Maruo cursed how unfair life was.

Isanari:"Who cares?"

Maruo:"Huh?"

Isanari:"Who cares if you've got no shot at her heart? Obviously, I didn't think you'd actually get through to her."

Maruo:"Huh!?"

Maruo began to turn into a shadow.

Isanari:"B-But that's not the point! If you truly want her to live, whether she likes you or not, is it not important that you're always there for her?"

Maruo:"...You're only talking like that because of Shiraishi-kun."

Isanari:"W-What!? N-No, I don't know what you're talking about!"

As Isanari tried making excuses, Maruo began to ponder.

Maruo:[I do want her to be safe. No matter what circumstances led her to this, there's no denying she's been suffering through a large part of her life. If other doctors are too incompetent, then I shall simply take the mantle and save her myself!]

…

Rena:"You'll become a doctor?"

Maruo:"Correct, that is the path I have chosen."

Rena:"That's great. I just hope you're ready, as that's quite the difficult prospect."

Maruo:"I'm prepared for anything. I promise you, I will cure your sickness."

Rena:"Huh?"

Rena's shoulders relaxed as she sat down.

Rena:"Please don't spend your life for someone like me."

Maruo:"Preposterous, I will do it no matter what. And nothing will get me to change my mind."

Rena:"...You're right. I shouldn't discourage you from your dream. In that case, I hope for your success and I'll be waiting!"

Maruo:"I will succeed!"

…

Eventually, Maruo along with Isanari graduated. After Isanari and Kotoha left, Maruo said his goodbyes.

Maruo:"This will be the last time we see each other for a while."

Rena:"You've done a great job. I can only hope you find what you're looking for."

Maruo:"I will, just wait for me."

Rena:"Yeah."

With that, Maruo left the room and Rena looked out the window.

Rena:"That conversation...reminds me of my own."

Rena's eyes widened a bit.

Rena:"Could it be...that Maruo-kun like-"

Her thought was interrupted once Monogaku came in.

Monogaku:"A full three years of teaching, I'm more than impressed with you."

…

…

Maruo spent the next few years excelling at every subject in college and eventually, medical school. No matter how many years were required of him to become a doctor, Maruo gladly took the challenge. Thanks to his extreme effort and perfect grades, he was moving along the career path much faster than normal. With enough years, he was finally qualified to become a full time doctor, eligible for a wide variety of subjects in the field. Immediately, he began working on a cure for Rena, having never forgotten about her, while also doing his job with the greatest accuracy. His great accomplishments allowed for him to gain riches and multiple hospitals under his own name. But these rewards were not what mattered, rather he simply wished to see Rena again, even if he had made no progress on his cure. One day, he would get his wish, but at a cost…

"We have an emergency, doctor! A new patient has come in and it seems like she's about to give birth!"

Maruo:"Very well, get everything ready, I shall take care of this."

Maruo quickly went to where he would see the patient. As soon as he saw who it was, his heart sank.

"The patient is known as Nakano Rena."

Maruo:"Sensei…"

Rena:"...Ah! You're…!"

On the day he finally reunited with Rena, Maruo had to deliver the birth of five babies. He did the job flawlessly, but there was no doubt his mind was not in the right place. Reports from the nurses would say that this was the first time they could see anger on the doctor's face.

End of Chapter 106