Chapter 25: Raphael
"My name is Raphael. I’m your father’s sister," said the black-haired woman as she leaned casually on her desk. Her sharp eyes watched Leo carefully, as if trying to read every flicker of emotion on his face.
"I’m the Head Doctor of this hospital... and for the time being, I’m also acting as the Chairman," she continued, her tone calm and deliberate, though a hint of hesitation briefly laced her voice.
"Your Parents... well, about a year ago, they were in a terrible accident. It happened so suddenly. They... They died on the spot."
She clenched her fist tightly, the knuckles whitening as her eyes lowered for a moment, unable to meet Leo’s. The grief was still there, buried under her strong exterior.
Leo said nothing, his eyes fixed on her, not with surprise.
"After he passed away," Raphael went on, her voice softening, "I was asked to temporarily take over his duties as Chairman. You were the only family I had left. And I just— I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you too."
She exhaled shakily, then gave a weak smile. "So... I decided to take a position at your school as the infirmary doctor. That way, I could keep an eye on you every day without interfering too much in your life. I thought... if I was nearby, maybe I’d feel less alone. And we’ve been living together for almost a year now, haven’t we? Yeah... that’s everything."
Leo hummed thoughtfully, his eyes briefly blinking as he took in her words. Then he tilted his head slightly, a small smile playing on his lips. "So... you gave up working here full-time to work at a school clinic... just for me?"
Raphael looked down, a tiny chuckle slipping out before she nodded gently.
Leo stared at her with something that was almost admiration—mixed with envy. ’Damn guy...’ he thought to himself, jealousy simmering under the surface. He envied the life this body had, the people who cared for it so deeply.
"Can I... hug you?" he asked suddenly, his voice softer now, more honest.