Chapter 121: The Divine Fall and Mikado Ryōko's Opinion
"Lala, take a look at this crystal—does it seem like a green energy core to you?"
Casually tossing the crystal over to her, Franklin dove toward the still-falling Ren.
"How's it feel now? Need me to hit you again?"
The crazed expression froze on Ren's face. Only when Franklin caught him by the collar and lifted him in midair did his focus return.
With a complicated look, Ren murmured, "I lost. I won't bother you again."
As soon as he finished speaking, white smoke burst out, and the person Franklin was holding turned back into Run.
Seeing her trembling and struggling weakly, Franklin sighed, scooped her up in a princess carry, and descended slowly.
Nestled against his chest, Run blushed faintly and said softly, "Thank you, Lin-kun. Ren's fallen into a bit of depression right now… He won't trouble you again."
Franklin's expression didn't change; he simply nodded. As he landed gently on the rooftop, Kotegawa Yui and Sairenji Haruna looked on with disbelief.
He bent slightly to put Run down—when that familiar dizziness and sudden weakness struck again. His body went limp, and he collapsed on top of her.
Feeling the softness beneath his palms and against his lips, Franklin froze. A warm, moist sensation spread across his mouth before his brain finally caught up.
Their lips were touching.
From behind, Kotegawa and Haruna both gasped. Haruna covered her face with both hands, though she still peeked through her fingers in curiosity.
Kotegawa, however, was furious. "Franklin! You've harassed two girls in broad daylight—what on earth are you trying to do?"
She yanked Franklin off Run and hurriedly helped the blushing girl up.
Still regaining his strength, Franklin stood and protested weakly, "It's really not what it looks like! I just… suddenly lost all strength again."
Kotegawa stepped protectively in front of Run, glaring at him coldly.
"Stay back. Whether it's an accident or not, the fact remains. You can't talk your way out of this one."
Franklin rubbed his temples in frustration. "Run, I'm sorry. My body really acted up again just now."
Run's face flushed deeper, but she shook her head. "I believe you, Lin-kun. That kiss… it was warm. I'll never forget it."
Before Franklin could say anything, she turned and bolted down the stairs, covering her face.
Scratching his head helplessly, Franklin muttered, "She doesn't seem mad. Maybe… we can just pretend that never happened?"
"No," Kotegawa snapped. "You still did it, intentional or not. That's another day added to your punishment. But if you don't want to accept it, I can't force you."
Franklin sighed. "Fine, fine. I'll accept it, okay? But you saw it yourself—it really wasn't on purpose."
Remembering how his body had completely gone limp, Kotegawa let out a small "hmph" and turned away.
"I don't know whether you're faking it or not, but what I saw did seem accidental. If you can actually prove that this is some kind of medical issue, then… maybe I can forgive what happened this morning."
"I believe you, Franklin," said Haruna softly, blushing as she followed after Kotegawa. "If you were really that kind of guy, you wouldn't resort to such nonsense. Maybe you should have Dr. Mikado check you out—I'll tell the teacher you're excused."
With that, she hurried down the stairs, face red as a tomato.
By the time Lala landed, the rooftop was empty again. She blinked. "Hmm? Where's Ren? And why are Yui and Haruna gone too?"
Franklin sighed. "That weird fainting thing hit me again. I… accidentally kissed Run. She ran off. I'm going to see Dr. Ryōko—want to come?"
"Of course!" Lala smiled brightly. "Anything about Lin is my business. If you're sick, I have to help!"
Still smiling, she practically shoved him all the way to the infirmary.
But when they arrived, the room was empty.
"Ryōko's not here," Franklin said, scratching his head. "Maybe we should come back later."
"No need!" Lala chirped. "I've got plenty of gadgets that can check your body. I'll handle the preliminary exam before she comes back!"
Before Franklin could respond, the door shut with a click, and Lala pushed him back onto the infirmary bed.
In the next instant, she transformed—now wearing a pink nurse outfit complete with a miniskirt.
Franklin rubbed his forehead, groaning. "Lala… did you maybe, I don't know, watch some inappropriate videos back home?"
She didn't deny it—her cheeks flushed, but she climbed right onto him, straddling his waist and pressing her hands on his chest. Their eyes met at close range.
"Lin," she murmured, "I can't help but feel like I'm falling behind. You and Bulma… you've already gone that far, haven't you?"
The playful smile on Franklin's face faded instantly.
"…I'm sorry, Lala. I really meant for my first time to be with you. But because of… various circumstances, it ended up happening with Bulma instead."
Lala didn't look hurt. Instead, she reached down toward his lower body, whispering, "So I really am behind, huh?"
Then, with a soft motion, she removed Peke—her intelligent outfit—leaving herself completely bare before him.
"Lin… I really like you. I don't want to fall behind."
Feeling her skin and seeing the determined glimmer in her eyes, Franklin froze—unsure how to respond.
He could fix this situation tonight, in a completely different way… if he wanted to.
But before anything could happen, the infirmary door swung open.
Startled, Franklin instantly rolled over, pulling the blanket over Lala's body.
When he looked up and saw who had entered, he finally let out a breath of relief.
"Dr. Ryōko…"
Mikado Ryōko stood at the door, arms crossed. "What are you two doing? Playing doctor and patient? Franklin, remember—don't cross the line."
Then her sharp eyes turned to Lala. "And you—don't think you can catch up by doing that. What Franklin needs right now is strength. If you want to help, invent something powerful for him—tools, equipment, anything that can truly aid him."
She gestured at the crystal. "Didn't he give you a green one? Modify it. Make it a special device only Franklin can use. That way, he'll need you. Offering your body? That's what a decorative vase does, not a real partner."
Her blunt words hit hard. Lala's cheeks turned crimson. She yanked the blanket over her head.
"You're right, Ryōko-nee. I'll… be more mindful next time."
Only then did Dr. Mikado sit down at her desk.
"So, Franklin," she said, leaning back, "you wanted me to look into this… sudden fainting thing of yours, right? You already said it—I can't help much. Even in reality, there's no medical way to explain it. It definitely involves a higher-level force."
She tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"My best guess? It's Lin-jie giving you a little reminder—a punishment, maybe. You did almost get yourself killed during that thunder tribulation, remember? You were way too reckless back then."
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