Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You. (どうせ、恋してしまうんだ。)

Syugo, wait!

That's dangerous!

To-ou Medical University Hospital

We haven't seen each other in three years...

And this is how we reunite?

This may sting a little.

That looks hella painful!

No fractures.

Nothing abnormal in their brain CT scans as well.

No, it's abnormal.

Starting a fight on a pedestrian bridge?

Falling down the stairs?

Are you two stupid?

Kizuki!

Are you sure nothing's broken?

Are you really okay?

I told you. It's no big deal.

Such a drama queen.

Shut up!

You'd react the same way if you got a call from Mizuho saying:

"They're going to die! Help us!"

My soul left my body!

Then I saw Kizuki for the first time in forever!

Two grown adults all banged up

grabbing and thrashing at each other on the ground!

Of course I'd think something's messed up!

I was going to go home once I blew off some steam.

How dare you take my car and drive us to the hospital without my permission?

Like I'd let you go home after that!

You stubborn four-eyes!

Oh my god, you're so loud.

You two also caused trouble for Mizuho, too.

Kashiwagi.

Hm?

Your childhood friends are a riot.

I'm leaving the rest to you.

Okay...

Why were you even in Omotesando, Syugo?

I check out restaurants I'm interested in on my days off.

Diligent about your work research, I see.

It was my fault.

Syugo has a right to be angry.

"I'm useless to Mizuho if I can't swim."

I drowned in those thoughts and I...

Mizuho's not like that.

Yeah. You're right.

I'm sure she'd accept any version of me.

But I...

The past me didn't realize that.

Childhood friends are so nice.

Would you like some coffee? I'll have one, too.

You've known Kashiwagi since you were little, right, Nishino-san?

Yes. I've heard from Shin that

you've been friends with him since college, Kuroda-sensei.

What?

Um, well..

That's not really true.

I was only sticking around Kashiwagi by my own will.

So it wasn't like that.

Is that so?

Shin has it really good.

I should have just been friends with Kizuki, too.

Syugo?

I'm going home.

What?

I'll go with you.

Let me catch a ride.

It's too far for you.

I don't need a buddy to keep an eye on me.

I'll spend the night at my dad's.

I'm worried about you, Syugo.

Do what you want.

Wait for me!

Thanks, Shin.

Yeah.

I'll be chewing you out the next time I see you.

It's been a while since we've heard Shin-chan's lectures from the heart!

Kizuki.

I don't know what you want to do.

But I'm never letting you have Mizuho ever again.

To-ou Medical University Hospital

Kashiwagi?

Nishino-san...

left with the guy wearing glasses.

Oh.

Thanks for before, Kuroda.

You were a big help.

Yeah, yeah.

I'll treat you to something next time.

Okay. I want a super expensive meal.

You always ask for that.

Kashiwagi makes me smile.

But also hurts me a bit.

2022

Let's see...

Building C...

Room 3002?

Where is that?

Excuse me.

Building C is over there.

If you're in anatomy, that's where I'm headed.

So we could go there together...

Oh. That would be great.

Thank you so much.

Oh, it's nothing!

This way, then.

You okay, Kashiwagi?

I'm just super sleepy.

I see.

Who would have known the welcome party was all night karaoke?

I wonder if college is like this all the time.

Hey. Can I ask you something?

Hm?

What inspired you to become a doctor?

Oh. My family owns a hospital in Fukuoka.

It's been passed down for three generations,

and I have to take over the family business.

Something basic like that.

That's really impressive.

Nah...

I'm telling you this because it's you, Kuroda.

Back in elementary school,

the mom of a childhood friend of mine passed away from an illness.

My friend, who used to always smile without a care in the world,

made the saddest expression I've ever seen.

And I couldn't forget that face.

I wanted to be a doctor who could cure any illness...

So I can ensure my friend will never feel that kind of sadness again.

I took those feelings seriously.

That said...

My resolve sounds more basic.

It's kind of a selfish reason for me, right?

That will be all for today.

Be sure to submit your report before the next class.

Kashiwagi.

Hm?

Did you pull an all-nighter again?

You need to take it easy.

Even doctors need to rely on their own health.

Yeah.

Oh! Shin!

Mizuho. Kizuki.

Why are you two here?

When I visited home the other day, your mom gave this to me.

We were about to go to your place.

I see. Thanks.

How've you been, Shin?

Bye, Shin!

Oh. I see.

She must be...

The childhood friend Kashiwagi was talking about.

Is Kashiwagi absent today, too?

Are his credits gonna be okay like this?

Oh.

Bye, Shin-kun.

Let me spend the night again, okay?

Is that a new girl you're dating?

No, it's not like that.

Here.

Notes from two biology lectures.

If you keep this up, you won't make it to your third year, Kashiwagi.

Leave me alone.

While you're at it, take the notes you brought last time, too.

What?

I don't know what I'm studying for anymore.

Even if I don't do my best...

Everything will be fine.

You need to show up to class.

How long are you going to keep this up?

Weren't you going to be a doctor for your childhood friend?