A Book Can't Be Judged By The Cover

Chapter 117: A Visitor

The last day of the school trip arrived the next day and Hajime found himself still staring at the ceiling. It was probably due to the new environment he found himself in. Staying in another house with his classmates was something he expected for the school trip, but then again, his mind wasn’t prepared for it. He was fine with it during the daytime, but he couldn’t find himself sleeping last night. His guard was up, which was odd since he didn’t perceive any of his classmates as threats at all.

"Good morning,"

"Good morning."

Greetings filled the halls of the Aoi Umi Dormitory as Sasajima Hajime headed back to their group’s room. After a brief greeting with everyone, the group decided to get breakfast outside together.

"We heard what happened yesterday, apparently you rescued Keiichi from three kidnappers? Man, that’s insane." Shoichi commented as he patted Hajime on the back. freeweɓnovel.cѳm

"We’ve seen the news. Apparently, the three men you brought down are connected to a huge gang here in Japan." Shinji added as he temporarily stopped reading the novel he’s got on his hands. "Rumors said that those three men had been running rampant in the city of Tokyo for a few months now, but the authorities turned a blind eye to them since they were only doing petty crimes. And also, apparently, their gang has connections with the authorities."

"Fortunately, you have enough incriminating evidence and it left the authorities no choice but to put them behind bars. But if I were the two of you, Hajime, and Keiichi, I’d act really carefully whenever I go outside. You never know what these gangs are capable of and at this point, you don’t want to find out."

"I’ll keep that in mind," Hajime nodded. He didn’t really give the entire situation that much thought. And honestly, this was the first time he heard details about the kidnappers. The policemen who were in the station didn’t really give them information about the criminals, instead, they just endlessly asked him questions. If it weren’t for the chief of police stepping in, they’d have stayed in the station for hours on end.

"You know, I’m not really worried about Keiichi here since he has the money and the security to back him up. But you, Hajime... I don’t know, just be careful out there." Kichiro was the last one to speak. "With that said, should we go get some breakfast?"

Everyone nodded.

Before the group could head out, Keiichi raised his hand and pursed his lips. "If you don’t mind, guys, breakfast’s my treat." He said. Ever since the incident yesterday, Keiichi had been acting under the weather. His usual cheerful self couldn’t be seen, not a single shred of it was left after that transpired yesterday.

"Sweet! Let’s eat somewhere expensive." Kichiro pumped his fist in the air as the group excitedly headed out.

.....

At the Mikadzuki General Hospital

A man in his late thirties, wearing a plain blue collared shirt and pants walked towards the receptionist by the end of the reception hall. A huge smile was plastered on his face, and a friendly aura exuded from his presence. Tipping his sunglasses down to get a better look at the receptionist, he proceeded with his greeting. "Greetings dear miss," He began, pointing at the bouquet of flowers he was holding in his hand. "I’m here to visit my niece, her name is Sasajima Akiko,"

"Sure thing sir, please wait just a minute." The receptionist returned before calling someone on the telephone beside her. "Here’s your visitation pass, sir, can I please see your ID?"

It was still in the morning so anybody can walk in inside the hospital. That’s why the receptionist didn’t bother checking the ID whether it was fake or not. It did look legitimate anyways so why bother? Besides, they receive hundreds of visitations during the day. She couldn’t possibly take up their time by running their IDs, right?

With that out of the way, the receptionist led the man through the halls of the hospital, asking him general questions like how his day was. The man responded with his usual friendly attitude. He’s got a Spanish accent in his Japanese way of speaking but that wasn’t a problem for the receptionist at all, nor did she find anything suspicious regarding his character.

It didn’t take long before the two of them got to the room where Sasajima Akiko slept. The man who assumed the role of his uncle smiled a warm smile at the receptionist. "May I go inside? I haven’t seen my niece in so long." He continued.

Usually, this request is granted since there’s no harm to a relative seeing a patient. Besides, it’s not like Akiko was in a critical state that barred her from visitations. Then again, it’s standard procedure for someone to accompany a visitor, that’s why the receptionist nodded along to the request and accompanied the man inside.

For a brief moment, the receptionist could’ve sworn that the man looked evilly at her but she couldn’t tell since the man was wearing sunglasses. He grabbed a chair from the side and seated himself, observing Akiko as he talked to her.

"How are you doing, Akiko? Are the doctors treating you all right? I’m sorry I couldn’t visit... I was out of the country for the past year and only heard about what happened from your brother." The man began, reaching over to Akiko’s hand and clutching it.

The receptionist then sat beside the man. "We’re taking good care of her, sir, your niece is in good hands." The receptionist assured the man as she wore a gentle expression on her face. Her guard was totally down. And the man could tell that her guard was down.

Reach!

Before the receptionist nurse could react, the man posing as Sasajima Akiko’s uncle reached for her throat, squeezing the air out of it. The nurse gasped for air but no air came into her lungs. In one split second, her relaxed state turned into a sense of dread and panic. She tried clawing the man, but the man held her by the neck with his arm outstretched.

"Haagh~ that was easy," The man muttered to himself, cracking his neck before redirecting his attention towards Akiko. "It won’t be fun if I killed you right here and now, young girl, but I’d enjoy torturing your brother from this point on." He muttered with a smile, his Spanish accent painting his words as he spoke.