(Haku POV)

As the doctor came to examine Mizuki, we stepped out of the room. It seemed like it was time to leave the hospital. Right now, I have three objectives: be strong, protect my daily life, and open a cafe to enjoy my youth. Hmm... that means there are four things, I have to work my ass off for.

"Erika, I'm going home today. Are you going to stay with Mizuki?" I asked.

"Ah, I think I'll go home... too? If Mizuki wakes up, a lot of his family might come, and it would be awkward if we interrupted their family moment," Erika replied, sharing my sentiment.

Once we reached the hospital lobby, I was taken aback when people greeted me. "Congratulations on your recovery," said Miyuki, holding a bouquet that made her shine in the lobby, and it felt like all eyes were drawn to us.

"Congratulations, Haku-san," Honoka and Shizuku also offered me flowers, and I see Tatsuya and Leo as well.

"Heh... I didn't know Haku could blush like this," Erika teased, causing everyone to chuckle.

I couldn't help but feel embarrassed. Being cared for by friends was a new experience for me since I had no one else except my mother and the children from the orphanage.

"Thank you, guys, for coming here to congratulate me on your day off. I feel a little guilty for making you all waste your time," I said.

"Don't worry about it. We're friends, aren't we?" Honoka replied, clenching her fists in agreement.

"But I'm confused. I know Haku is strong, but why did he have to be hospitalized?" Leo seemed puzzled, and Shizuku also looked incredulous. "If you think about it, that's true. Just a psychological check shouldn't require hospitalization, right?"

Well, the truth was, ever since my crazy quest as a high school student, Momoyama-sensei and his 'acquaintance' orchestrated a conspiracy to protect me from the media. Making me appear as a victim was also part of their plan, and staying in the hospital for a while was a key element. Despite evidence like recordings and eyewitnesses, Jarvis (A.I.) managed to handle all the rumors, ensuring there were no wild internet videos of me.

At least this fact is something only Mayumi-senpai and I know. But I doubt these two see beyond that. When Miyuki and Tatsuya noticed my gaze, Miyuki tilted her head in ignorance, while Tatsuya simply glanced back at me.

"Since a magician's mentality is also important, these doctors are worried that leaving some kind of trauma might affect my ability to use magic," I explained, and Honoka, Shizuku, and Leo seemed to understand.

From a medical perspective, if a magician experiences a mental breakdown, they might lose their ability to use magic. Of course, half of what I said was just a lie.

"So... are you guys going straight home like that?" Erika changed the subject, probably curious about their plans.

"I'm going to visit Mizuki, same for Miyuki," Tatsuya replied with a nod toward Miyuki. Then, I turned to Honoka, Shizuku, and Leo.

"Oh! Same here," Leo said, giving a thumbs up.

"Count me in too! Right, Shizuku?" Honoka chimed in with enthusiasm.

"Yes, how about we all go to the cafe after that? Oh, that's right, Haku, how about we start talking seriously about our business?" Shizuku's eyes sparkled with excitement, immediately piquing their interest in this 'business' she mentioned.

I remembered the brief conversation I had with Shizuku while cooking in the cooking club's kitchen. She liked my cooking and wanted me to work for her family, but I declined, expressing my desire to open my own cafe. That's when Shizuku offered to become my investor.

But the timing wasn't right. Alpha was already waiting for me in the hospital parking lot, so I had to decline her offer.

"Ah, if Haku still doesn't feel well, we can talk about this another time. Sorry, I didn't think of this before," She said, realizing that I might have made Shizuku feel bad.

"No worries; actually, I'm feeling fine, Shizuku. It's just that my friend who picked me up is already waiting. How about we make an appointment at my place so I can show you my cafe plans? You all are welcome to join too," I suggested, not wanting to exclude my friends from the conversation.

"Oh, I like that plan," Shizuku said, her enthusiasm reignited. "Wow, for real? Count me in, Shizuku!" Honoka's eyes gleamed with excitement.

"Great, let's have fun together," Erika added, confirming my suspicion that she was bored.

"What... you have a cafe? Well, your hamburger was really good last time. I'm definitely coming," Leo said, nodding enthusiastically.

"Of course! Onii-sama and I will come too, right?" Miyuki asked Tatsuya, who nodded in agreement.

After saying our goodbyes, I went to Alpha, who was waiting for me. I had my hands full with three flower arrangements from the girls, feeling grateful for the friends I had by my side.

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