Tokyo Exorcism Diary

When Hoshino Gen went to the hospital, it was Hoshino Rin who accompanied him.

Although he felt he didn’t really need it, he didn’t say much. Given his current physical condition, having someone by his side while going out served as a precautionary measure.

Hoshino Gen had always been this way—he never demanded anything unconditionally from others. However, if someone actively offered him something he needed, he would accept it.

Like the money his parents gave him.
Like the bike his sister gifted him.
Like a drink offered when he was thirsty.
Or a ride given out of kindness when he was tired.

Hoshino Gen was just human—not a machine, nor some omnipotent immortal cultivator straight out of a novel. He couldn’t live in this real-world society entirely free of desires, nor could he exist in splendid isolation from the mortal world.

He was merely someone who knew a bit of magic and alchemy, a human who was slightly stronger than the average person. He had the same needs as ordinary people and faced similar difficulties.

Like now, for instance—he was sick, and quite seriously so, which was why he was at the hospital.

Actually, calling it a hospital might be an overstatement; it was more like a clinic. In Japan, the medical system is highly specialized. Many large hospitals don’t even treat minor ailments like colds or fevers and often focus exclusively on specific diseases.

Of course, given Hoshino Gen’s family background, whichever hospital he went to would welcome him with open arms. Even if he merely sneezed, they’d gladly prepare a luxurious VIP suite for him if he so requested.

But Hoshino Gen wasn’t the type to complicate simple matters.

He picked a clinic nearby that looked decent, walked in, registered, and went through the preliminary check-up—all within five minutes. Then, glancing at the thermometer, he saw it read a feverish 41°C.

The nurse conducting the initial check-up was startled, quickly fetching a cooling patch for physical cooling. She then brought over a blood test kit to draw some blood. After leaving with his sample, a middle-aged doctor in a white coat soon came over to measure his blood pressure and listen to his lungs.

Once the nurses and doctor finished their examination, they even huddled together to discuss something. In the end, the nurse who first attended to him returned with an IV drip and infusion needle.

When the nurse started inserting the needle, Hoshino Gen remained calm. However, Hoshino Rin, who was accompanying him, grew frantic, repeatedly asking the nurse about her brother’s condition.

In Japan, it’s quite rare for hospitals to administer IV drips or injections for a simple cold or fever. Their approach often leans toward letting the body’s immune system naturally combat the virus, thereby building immunity. Hoshino Gen’s situation, however—being discussed among the medical staff and immediately hooked up to an IV—looked concerning.

As the nurse carefully inserted the needle into the vein on Hoshino Gen’s left wrist and secured it with medical tape, she explained, “From the blood test, we found that this gentleman has an abnormally low white blood cell count, especially neutrophils. If the high fever persists under such conditions, the consequences could be very serious.”

“For now, we’re doing everything we can to lower his temperature. After this, I strongly recommend both of you go to a larger medical facility for a comprehensive check-up.”

The nurse offered a gentle, apologetic smile to Hoshino Gen before leaving.

Hoshino Rin looked at her brother anxiously, her eyes brimming with tears. “How could this happen? You were fine just yesterday…”

“…” Hoshino Gen didn’t intend to say much, but seeing his younger sister on the verge of tears, he sighed, exasperated. “Stop overthinking. It’s just a normal fever. The weakened immunity isn’t due to any disease—it’s because some of my ‘supernatural powers’ got out of control yesterday. Once the fever subsides, it’ll recover on its own.”

Hearing this explanation, Hoshino Rin heaved a huge sigh of relief. She had been scared witless by the nurse’s earlier comments about low white blood cell and neutrophil levels, even imagining dire illnesses.

Feeling somewhat embarrassed about almost crying, she puffed her cheeks and muttered softly, “You could’ve said that earlier! You really scared me…”

Ignoring her complaints, Hoshino Gen leaned back against the couch and closed his eyes.

Seeing this, Hoshino Rin pouted, then took out her phone. After scrolling through social media and reading praise about herself online, she entertained herself for a while but soon grew bored.

She turned her head to look at her brother. At that moment, Hoshino Gen was slumped on the couch, either relaxed or utterly drained. His head rested lightly on the chair’s back, eyes closed. His usually expressionless face had softened in his sleep.

Long eyelashes, a high nose bridge, and perfectly shaped lips—Hoshino Rin couldn’t help but admire him. As expected of her twin brother, his looks were on par with hers!

Entranced by his sleeping face, a mischievous thought crept into her mind. Slowly, Hoshino Rin extended her hand toward his face, inching closer and closer… just as she was about to pinch him—

Hoshino Gen’s eyelashes fluttered, and he opened his eyes.

Staring at the pale, dainty hand hovering before his face, Hoshino Gen turned his head to glance at his sister, who froze awkwardly on the spot.

But Hoshino Rin’s quick thinking as a performer kicked in instantly. With a bright smile, she said, “I just wanted to check if your fever has gone down…”

She then smoothly shifted her hand from an attempted pinch to a casual gesture, placing it on Hoshino Gen’s forehead.

“…” Blocking her hand with his own, Hoshino Gen retorted irritably, “If you’re so bored, why not go grind in the backyard? You seemed pretty good at it last time.”