"Welcome. We've been expecting you."
When Misago handed over her patient card at reception, she was met with a deep bow, given with utmost respect.
Next, he placed the ID he had just received from the Men's Protection Bureau on the counter. The receptionist accepted it with a solemn expression, as if handling something of great importance.
"Please, allow me to guide you."
Despite the number of people in the waiting room, they were led straight inside without delay.
Hachikuma followed closely behind, her demeanor making it clear that she was here in an official capacity.
"You know, we could have used the back entrance instead of coming through the front. It must have caused quite a stir."
Hachikuma made a remark that sounded more like an odd show of consideration than a genuine concern.
"We're not doing anything wrong, so there's no need to sneak around."
There had been a brief stir when they entered, but that was all. So far, there were no real consequences.
"As you wish, Hisui."
Hachikuma, acting as a bodyguard, showed no signs of concern.
"Besides, my grandmother insisted that we make a show of it."
Misago said this nonchalantly, even mentioning that they should march in like some grand procession.
"I see. Well, from our perspective, it's quite the visual treat, so please pass along our thanks."
That was quite the exaggerated response.
"I'm only here for a consultation, so I'll head off on my own for a bit."
With that, Misago split off.
"I'll leave Hisui in your care, Hachikuma-nee. If I finish first, I'll be waiting at reception. And no attacking him outside, alright?"
"Am I getting attacked?"
"I wouldn't!"
Misago threw in an odd warning, which Hisui decided to play along with as a joke. But Hachikuma responded with a serious retort.
He had expected at least a teasing "Heh heh heh," but was left disappointed.
"Please change into this outfit in that locker room."
As the nurse gave the instruction, Hachikuma entered the locker room first, checking the space for safety before allowing Hisui inside. It must be a tough job…
While acknowledging this as someone else's problem, Hisui followed her in.
The examination gown provided was quite thin. Holding it up to the light, she could see right through it.
Oh well, it wasn't cold indoors anyway.
Without much thought, he removed his haori and started to change into the gown—
"Wait, please! I'm still—"
Hachikuma's flustered voice called out.
"I'm not bothered. It's fine, really."
It wasn't like a man's bare skin was anything scandalous, so Hisui continued changing. The gown was about as revealing as a yukata, but since it was a pale green single-layer fabric, certain areas stood out unnecessarily.
Meanwhile, Hachikuma, who had attempted to cover her eyes with her hand, had no time to react properly.
Her face turned bright red, her fingers slightly spread apart as if betraying her intent. Was there really a demand for this kind of scene?
"You're way too defenseless. Someone might attack you."
Hachikuma sighed, placing a hand on her forehead as if troubled.
"Well, as long as it's the right time and place—and you're gentle—I wouldn't mind?"
Hisui replied with a sweet smile.
"You and Misago seem close. And we just finished the paperwork, too."
They had submitted their marriage registration at the city office earlier. The commotion at the counter had been quite the sight.
"Are you really okay with this? With someone like me?"
"You're beautiful, so I have no complaints."
That was all he could say for now—there hadn't been much else to evaluate. But since Misago, wife number one, was enjoying herself, it couldn't be too bad.
Tying the gown's strings, he hung up his old clothes, locked the locker, and pulled out the key.
"If marriage involved a more thorough screening process, we'd have to bathe together and share a bed for a night."
It was almost as if she had simply trusted someone's recommendation and gone with the flow.
"Actually, I'd prefer that!"
Hachikuma reacted with unexpected enthusiasm.
Hmm…
"Here, hold this for me."
Hisui handed her the locker key.
"And lend me your ear."
"Hmm?"
Chuu
With a slight shift in posture, he pressed his dry lips lightly against Hachikuma's cheek. It was barely a kiss, more of a brief touch. No moisture, no strange scents—nothing to make things uncomfortable.
"W-W-What?!"
"Consider this a reservation for tonight?"
Hachikuma's flustered reaction was oddly satisfying. So this was what it felt like to have the upper hand in romance?
The way she panicked was adorable. Height and build had nothing to do with it.
Hisui wanted to push things further right away, but considering their size difference, pinning Hachikuma down would be a challenge.
Would a surprise throw work?
Wait, what would be the point of throwing her?
She mentally corrected herself and sighed.
"Alright, I'm dressed."
Ignoring the still-frazzled Hachikuma, Hisui stepped out of the locker room.
"Yes, this way, please."
A nurse with a bright red face welcomed him.
...
"Did you hear all that?"
"It was quite loud."
The nurse admitted, clearly embarrassed.
"Well, sorry about that."
"No, not at all. It was… inspiring, actually."
"Huh?"
That was an unexpected response. Hisui tilted his head in confusion.
"145 cm and 50 kg, correct? You look slimmer than your weight suggests—do you have a lot of muscle?"
"Let's check your body fat… 15%? Males really do have low percentages, huh?"
The nurse seemed oddly impressed.
Hisui couldn't help but glance off into the distance, wishing he had just a bit more height.
"We'll need to take a blood sample. Apologies for pricking the rare male patient."
"That's dramatic. Either arm is fine, whichever is easier."
"Thank you. Now, please hold still."
"Your vision is 1.5. You see well."
"Alright, inhale… hold your breath… exhale."
"Your X-ray looks clear."
Rather than printing film, they displayed the results directly on a screen. Had they already switched to digital back then? Hisui vaguely recalled past company health checks still using film.
"Your ECG shows no issues."
"Raise your hand when you hear the sound."
"Good, your hearing is fine."
"You had food earlier, so we'll schedule your endoscopy and colonoscopy for another day. Just fast overnight before coming in. We'll give you the details later."
"Now for the ultrasound. There's something quite… charming about being covered in gel, don't you think?"
That last comment felt like an unnecessary personal revelation.
The checkup proceeded smoothly, with Hachikuma occasionally radiating silent pressure whenever someone made an odd remark.
"Here's a cup for your urine sample—please fill it up."
Why did that test always seem to multiply in number?
The moment he handed it over, he swore he saw the nurse almost celebrate.
"Alright, final step: the consultation and… a semen analysis."
And there it was—something weird right at the end.