July 15th, the first semester at Tokyo University ended.
Tomorrow, the 16th, marks the start of the summer vacation. They had promised to meet up if they were free during the summer vacation, but it seemed Takagi, Majima, and Aki Tomoya were all quite busy during the summer vacation.
When he mentioned to Takagi and Majima that he had decided to go to UDI, those two also marveled at Aki Tomoya's determination.
The word 'dissection' is indeed very attractive to medical students. Takagi and Majima also knew that Aki Tomoya would go to that place purely because of the connection to forensic medicine and pathology, and the opportunity to observe.
"Aki, you're going to be exposed to dissection one step ahead of us?"
"I can only be a record keeper."
"But that's still good, right? Everyone only understands human anatomy from books at this stage, but it's different if you can come into contact with remains, especially at UDI, where there will be various kinds of remains."
Takagi patted Aki Tomoya's shoulder, and the three of them walked towards the school gate together.
While talking about UDI, Majima also mentioned something he knew: "Aki-kun, the Director at UDI is Mr. Kamikura Yasuo, right?"
"Yes, you know him?"
"No, I just know of him. When that Director was still an official in the Medical Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, he had some dealings with my Father."
That Director, I didn't expect him to have been an official at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare before...
But he didn't put on airs.
But why would he give up a good position at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to come to the UDI Research Institute, where the budget is tight?
Aki Tomoya had briefly learned about the situation at UDI before, mostly from what Dr. Toukairin had told him in advance.
UDI's budget depends on allocations from the Ministry of Police and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. For this reason, that Director has to make many trips for the budget each time.
Was it because he couldn't make it at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare?
Or is it that it's hard to be a good person in this world?
"Aki, there's a junior high student waving at you!"
Just as he was thinking curiously, Takagi beside him nudged his arm.
Coming back to his senses, Aki Tomoya looked in the direction Takagi pointed.
"Senior!!!"
Takagi imitated the voice of the junior student Izumi Hashima, who was wearing a Toyosaki Academy uniform outside the school gate.
This sickening voice gave Aki Tomoya goosebumps.
He glared at him in annoyance.
At the same time, he slowly walked out the gate and came before Izumi Hashima.
"Senior, I came to see you!"
Izumi Hashima's smile instantly infected Aki Tomoya.
Seeing her smile on this first day of the first semester felt like receiving a gift.
"You guy, you're much more popular with women than us! We won't bother you! Go die!"
Takagi said in his Kansai accent, then slapped him on the back.
Majima, who was beside them, waved goodbye and left with Takagi.
"Senior, did I interrupt you?"
Looking at Takagi and Majima leaving, Izumi Hashima asked.
"Not at all, they are my classmates and good friends. I don't have anything else planned. I'm very happy you came to see me!"
A sincere smile appeared on his face.
It had been a long time, and Izumi Hashima had entered Toyosaki Academy. She had taken over Eriri's position in the art club and was serving as the ace.
When he heard about this at the time, Aki Tomoya couldn't help but sigh that Toyosaki Academy's good fortune hadn't dissipated.
His alma mater, at least this year, had recruited another talent capable of winning awards at art exhibitions.
"Hehehe..."
Hearing Aki Tomoya's words, Izumi Hashima smiled.
Just as he was about to offer to treat them, another familiar voice came from a distance.
"Aki Tomoya!!!"
"Huh?"
Am I this popular today?
Another person came!
He turned his head to look in the direction the voice came from and saw two golden twin tails. So fast!
"Eriri, what do you want now?"
It was one thing to see Izumi Hashima today, but unexpectedly, Eriri also appeared here.
At this moment, Izumi Hashima also looked towards Eriri, and their gazes unintentionally met.
Seeing someone had gotten there first, and it was Izumi Hashima, Eriri was slightly surprised, but she didn't pay it much mind and politely greeted Izumi Hashima.
After inviting the two of them to a nearby cafe, Aki Tomoya finally asked them the purpose of their visit.
"It's University now, so you should be free this summer break, right?"
"I also want to invite Senior to CM. I'll be exhibiting this year too, and I want you to see my new work!"
As expected, it was about summer break plans.
However, Aki Tomoya wasn't sure if he would actually be free.
"I'm going to work part-time at the research institute during the summer break, so I might not have time. We'll see then."
He would have to see how the research institute scheduled shifts and whether it would be busy.
Aki Tomoya couldn't easily agree to these two things; he would have to see how to arrange the time later.
Eriri just sighed about him still not being able to sit idle for a moment, then asked the somewhat disappointed Izumi Hashima if she wanted to go to CM together. She was quite interested in Izumi Hashima's work this time.
Izumi Hashima nodded, looking somewhat overwhelmed, as she already knew that the person sitting next to her was Kashiwagi Eri, whom she had admired for a long time.
"Aki Tomoya, what research institute are you going to work part-time at?"
When Eriri asked about his part-time job, Aki Tomoya told her without reservation.
Hearing that he was going to a forensic medicine institution and would frequently come into contact with remains, Eriri and Izumi Hashima had somewhat subtle reactions. While expressing surprise, they also seemed to associate it with something frightening.
After browsing with Eriri and Izumi Hashima in the afternoon, Aki Tomoya returned home and began preparing for work the day after tomorrow.
On July 18th, Aki Tomoya officially entered the UDI Research Institute as a part-timer. He received a customized uniform, name tag, and work ID from Director Kamikura Yasuo.
After changing into his uniform in the changing room, he entered the office and formally greeted the members of the San Cheng Class and the Chutang Gang.
"Aki-kun, you're finally here!"
Clinical Laboratory Technologist Sakamoto Makoto was so excited it seemed like he might shed tears of joy at any moment.
Misumi Mikoto and Dr. Toukairin politely welcomed him, then got busy with their own work.
As for Nakatado Kei, he was probably lying in the dissection room again.
"The remains we talked about yesterday have arrived. Everyone, please prepare. Aki-kun will be guided by Dr. Sakamoto."
Just as Aki Tomoya sat down, Director Kamikura Yasuo walked in with a file, solemnly informing everyone in the office.
Will I face remains on my first day of part-time work?
It doesn't seem bad...
"Aki-kun, come with me."
Sakamoto Makoto stood up, looking at Aki Tomoya with expectant eyes.
More than anyone, he hoped that Aki Tomoya could get used to working here.
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