**Chapter 7: Unveiling the Truth: The Rescue**

Haari climbed up to Ashi’s balcony, his heart pounding. He took a deep breath, crouched, and leaped onto the balcony. The landing jarred his knees, but he pushed past the discomfort and hurried to the glass door. Finding it locked, he retrieved the spare key from the aunt and unlocked it. As he pushed the door open, a wave of cool air from the air conditioner greeted him.

The room was dimly lit, with the late afternoon sun filtering through sheer curtains. Sparse furnishings included a small bed with a crumpled blanket and a clothesline where Ashi's garments were hung to dry. A low table was cluttered with magazines and coffee cups. The walls were adorned with framed photos and a calendar with the date circled in red.

Haari's gaze fell on a pair of Ashi's underwear hanging on the line. " It's Nicawa-san under wears." He caught sight of a cup and noticed, wow A size cup, she have some serious weight on her chest." Shaking his head, he murmured to himself, "No, no, no, this isn’t the time for thoughts like these."

Haari’s heart raced as he saw Ashi lying on the floor, her body covered with a bath towel. Her skin was flushed with fever, and she was clearly in distress. He rushed to her side, kneeling beside her. His face was a mask of concern as he gently touched her forehead with the back of his hand. "Nicawa-san, are you alright? What happened?” he asked, his voice trembling.

Her fevered skin felt scorching to his touch. “She’s burning with a high fever. I need to do something,” he muttered, grabbing a blanket from a nearby chair. He draped it over Ashi with careful, deliberate motions, his hands trembling slightly.

Haari pulled out his phone and dialed emergency services, his eyes darting between the phone and Ashi’s pale face. The room seemed to close in around him, every second stretching into eternity as he listened to the ringing tone on the other end. Outside, the distant wail of sirens grew louder.

He glanced around the room, noting the disarray—an open drawer filled with cosmetics and a small bottle of medication on the bedside table. His expression was etched with tension, the waiting becoming almost unbearable.

In the doorway, the aunt stood, her face etched with worry. “Are they coming soon?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“They’re on their way,” Haari said, trying to sound reassuring despite the anxiety tightening his chest. He rested his hand lightly on Ashi’s forehead, hoping to offer some comfort until help arrived.

**In the hospital**

The sterile scent of the hospital mingled with the soft beeping of medical equipment. Ashi’s aunt sat by her bed, her fingers fidgeting with a tissue.

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Ashi stirred, her eyes fluttering open. “Gasp, gasp,” she murmured, disoriented.

Her aunt leaned closer, her voice soothing. “Oh, you’re awake.”

Ashi blinked, taking in her surroundings. “Eh? Aunty, what are you doing here, and where am I?” Her voice was weak, tinged with confusion.

“You’re in the hospital,” her aunt said, offering a gentle smile.

“Hospital? How did I get here?” Ashi’s brow furrowed in confusion.

“First, drink some water and eat something,” her aunt said, handing her a glass of water and a few crackers. Ashi took them gratefully, her hands slightly shaky.

After eating, Ashi's curiosity got the better of her. “So, how did I get here?”

“A man brought you,” her aunt explained. “He came to visit you last night. When you didn’t answer, he jumped onto your balcony and found you with a high fever.”

Ashi’s face flushed as she remembered. “Oh yeah, I wasn’t feeling well. I took some medicine and then went for a bath, but after that, I don’t remember anything.”

“Wait, bath. That means...” Ashi's face turned red with embarrassment.

Her aunt's reassuring tone continued. “Don’t worry, he didn’t see anything. He called me right away and he was very considerate. He didn’t touch you.”

“Do you know who he is?” Ashi asked, her curiosity piqued.

“No, but he had an ID card from your company. Perhaps he works there,” her aunt said.

Ashi’s eyes widened. “He was from the company?”

**The Next Day**

The office was abuzz with its usual activity. Rafta looked up as Ashi walked in. “You’re back! What happened? Why were you absent for two days?”

Ashi shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant. “I wasn’t feeling well, so I took some time off.”

Oki, concerned, stepped closer. “Are you alright now?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Ashi assured them.

Oki’s brow furrowed. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

“I was too sick to inform anyone. I promise it won’t happen again. Even if I need to take leave, I’ll complete my work beforehand,” Ashi said, determination clear in her voice.

“It’s not just about work,” Oki said gently. “We can manage that together. Your health is important. If you’re still recovering, you should take the day off.”

“No, I’m fine now. It wasn’t that serious,” Ashi insisted.

“Are you sure?” Oki’s gaze was searching, looking for any signs of lingering discomfort.

“Yeah, I’m totally fine,” Ashi confirmed, her voice steady.

Oki nodded, her concern easing. “Okay, if you say so.”

Ashi thought about her aunt’s revelation. “Aunty mentioned the person who helped me was from my company. Only three people knew I was absent that day: Habi-san, Densi-san, and Kichiro-san. Since it was a man, it wasn’t Habi-san. That leaves Densi-san and Kichiro-san. I need to find out who came and thank him.”

**Break Time**

On the rooftop, the sky was a soothing mix of soft blues and grays. A gentle breeze rustled the potted plants along the edge. Haari sat at a table, sipping his drink. Ashi arrived, carrying her lunch in a small container.

“Ah, Kichiro-san, you’re here too,” Ashi said, spotting him.

“Oh, Nicawa-san. Are you here for lunch?” Haari asked, surprised.

“Yes, Habi-san was still working, so I came up here to eat,” Ashi explained, settling down at the table.

“Then enjoy your lunch before the break ends,” Haari said, nodding towards her food.

“Kichiro-san, what were you doing the day before yesterday?” Ashi asked, her tone light but curious.

Haari choked on his drink, his face reddening. “Where is this coming from?” he managed to ask, his voice slightly strained.

“Just wondering if you were alright. If any of us falls ill suddenly again, it can be hard for others to manage the work,” Ashi said, her voice casual but probing.

“No need to worry about me. I’m fine. I went to a friend’s place for a night party,” Haari said, attempting to sound casual.

Ashi raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on her lips. “You’re not very good at lying, Kichiro-san,” she whispered quietly.

To be continue.....