Chapter 227: Tsubaki's Request "How is Sawano doing?" I inquired.

The elderly doctor adjusted his glasses, appearing concerned as he responded to my question.

"She's managed to pass the critical phase, but honestly, making it this far has been somewhat miraculous.

It might be better for her to be hospitalized now..." Is this where it ends? No, contrary to the doctor's opinion, I'm just grateful for Tsubaki's resilience up until today.

However, Terada-san, who rushed with me from the live hall to the hospital, seemed reluctant to acknowledge the doctor's advice.

"No, Doctor.

Her voice has just begun to resonate! There's so much she still needs to do with us." "Terada-san, please calm down for a moment..." "Doctor!! Doctor!!!" I guided the excited Terada-san to a small park arranged in front of the hospital.

Seated on a bench with a dejected expression, Terada-san put a cigarette in his mouth from the shirt pocket.

Watching him closely, I intercepted the cigarette from his lips, saying, "I understand your feelings, but smoking at the hospital isn't a good idea."

"Ah, right.

There are other patients around..." He stowed the pack back into his pocket and asked, "So, what's the plan now?" "Well, what can we do? We've been prepared for this since accepting her.

I'm just thankful she's overcome this dangerous phase." "You seem calmer than I expected.

But I can't help it.

All I've thought about since coming to the hospital was what if something went wrong with her." Terada-san, who started his producer role due to the Virtual Idol project, had spent a lot of time with the trainees who passed auditions.

As for me, my knowledge of music was similar to that of an average person, so I relied on Terada-san and Ueno-san for everything related to the trainees.

The debut of these four was decided after much deliberation by Terada-san and Ueno-san, and among them, I've heard that Tsubaki was particularly cherished by these two.

It wasn't as if her illness affected the panel's decision in any way.

Tsubaki already knew how to infuse emotion into her voice, and she fearlessly chose 'Please Hold Me,' the most challenging song among many.

When she first sang her song in the recording studio, Terada-san was so captivated that he dropped the cigarette, not even realizing it landed on his thigh.

"She was so excited about her debut stage until yesterday..." "The timing was unfortunate.

It was the first time all of them were going to perform together, and of all days..." Come to think of it, what happened to her performance after she was brought to the hospital? As my conference began, she collapsed and lost consciousness, and the ambulance waiting outside immediately transferred her.

Thankfully, they had arranged for an ambulance in case her condition worsened or an incident occurred during the event...

Amidst my melancholic thoughts, my phone buzzed at my waist.

"Yes, this is Kang Junhyuk." "Oh, Director.

How's Sawano?" "Miyazaki? I was about to call.

Tsubaki is okay.

According to the doctor, she's passed the critical phase." "Ah...

That's a relief.

I thought something serious had happened when she suddenly collapsed.

Until this morning, she seemed fine.

Maybe the pressure of going on stage was too much?" Miyazaki wasn't aware of Tsubaki's illness and why she had come to the hospital.

I comforted her surprise and inquired about the event's progress.

"With Tsubaki's performance canceled, was there any backlash from the users?" "They were very disappointed, but something miraculous happened." "Something miraculous?" "Yes.

Kanna suddenly volunteered to sing her part and even covered Sawano's song right after." "If it's Kanna's skill, she's more than capable of substituting for Tsubaki." It could have ended in disappointment for the live event itself, but thankfully, Kanna showed courage.

"Hehe...

this should really strike a chord with gamers.

Most will probably not resist coming to Kobe, right?" ...Initially complaining about how tough it would be, eventually diving in themselves...

Lately, it seems like Morita's closely collaborating with Uchimura, someone they get along well with, solely on Virtuoid's costumes.

Sometimes, seeing Morita immersed in their work, a hint of madness seemed chillingly apparent in their eyes.

"How much is this flower?" "Visiting a patient?" Responding to my query, the flower shop lady approached with a warm smile.

"How did you know?" "Our store's near the hospital, so our customers often come to buy flowers.

They usually ask for the same flowers." Scratching the back of my head, I replied.

"Oh...

it just looked neutral..." "Patients need some kind of stimulus too.

Since their rooms are probably filled with these kinds of flowers, why not go for something a bit more vibrant?" fre(e) I barely knew the difference between rose and azalea, so I didn't know what flower the lady suggested, but the pastel-toned, colorful vibe appealed to me.

"Alright, I'll go with your recommendation." "Thank you." After a while, holding the nicely wrapped flower basket, I arrived at the hospital, parked my car, and gazed up at the building.

Inside Tsukaki's hospital room, under the bright sunlight, the white flowers I'd picked earlier were beautifully arranged by the window.

"Haha...

the lady was right..." As I looked at her room, a faint sigh escaped me as I took my steps forward.

"If she undergoes surgery today, she might never sing again.

Please...

just let her stand on stage and sing even once.

Yes...?" The doctor's insistence on immediate surgery echoed in my mind, reminding me of her plea.

She wanted to sing on stage more than anyone else.

Yet, I couldn't give her an answer back then.

"Perhaps today, I have to give her that answer..." Even if she might end up disappointed in me...

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