We rode in the car for a while as the scenery continued to change.

Before long, when the station came into view ahead, a building made up of several connected complexes appeared. A sign by what seemed to be the entrance read “General Hospital.”

So this is the place.

They called it a major hospital, but it looks more like a university hospital. It reminded me of ones I’d seen before.

“Here we are.”

Hiiragi adjusted the route and drove inside, heading down to the underground parking area.

The underground lot was completely empty, not a single car in sight, and there was a strange atmosphere hanging there.

“Not even one car… that’s kind of weird.”

It was around noon. Usually this would be a busy time at a hospital. And yet, not a single vehicle.

“It said to avoid unnecessary contact with men, right? They’re probably making sure no one gets near the route leading to the extraction room.”

“That seems likely. We were specifically told to park here.”

Their explanation made sense to me.

“I see.”

We left the car and headed toward the entrance.

A woman in a white coat was standing there. About my height, brown bob-cut hair, and gentle, drooping eyes.

Kurusu and Hiiragi both stepped in front of me, taking position on either side so they could move immediately if necessary.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Mori, from the Sperm Extraction Department. Thank you for coming today.”

She showed the ID hanging from her neck as she greeted us.

“Likewise.”

Since she introduced herself, the two of them also relaxed and greeted her.

Mori didn’t react at all to how cautious the guards were. It must be a routine situation for her. Probably standard procedure for meeting anyone new.

“Right this way, please.”

Led by Mori, I walked forward with Haruka and Hiiragi close on either side.

…Hey, don’t start clinging just because you can.

I glanced up to look at Haruka’s face, but she stared straight ahead like nothing was happening—though her eyes flicked this way every now and then.

Well, I can’t make a scene here. I’ll just ignore it.

I’ll assume she’ll still do her job properly as a guard.

…Probably.

Before long, we reached the floor labeled Sperm Extraction.

“This is the floor. You will be using a private room. Please come this way.”

She looked back over her shoulder as she explained, then continued ahead.

We really didn’t pass by anyone on the way. I guess having a guide is necessary, but beyond that, there was absolutely no one around.

“This room.”

Mori opened the door and urged us inside.

Hiiragi lowered her head slightly to enter. Meanwhile, Haruka—who had been bothering me as we walked—ended up—

Thud.

She hit her head on the top of the doorway and crouched down.

“Ow.”

“You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

She rubbed her forehead and stood up.

The room was spacious, clean, mostly white. A bench, and another door leading further inside. That was all.

“We will conduct a short interview here first. After that, you’ll move to the next room for the extraction.”

So there’s an interview first.

“Next, about the procedure. The guard officers will wait here. I will stand in front of the outer door, so please call me when you are finished.”

So Mori waits outside, and the guards stay at the closest point.

“Lastly, this container is what you will use. Once finished, place it in the slot inside the room. That will complete the procedure.”

Then she asked.

“Any questions so far?”

I asked something I was curious about.

“It said the results would be sent later… what exactly is being sent?”

“They’ll send your health evaluation, along with the finalized compensation amount.”

“I see. Thank you.”

“Anything else?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“In that case, let’s begin.”

She operated a tablet and asked several questions—about my condition, medical history, and recent lifestyle. Probably just confirming I’m healthy.

When the interview ended, Mori left the room. I moved toward the inner room.

“Hey.”

“What?”

Haruka called out. Her eyes were… kind of sparkling.

“If you want, I could help you?”

Yeah, that’s embarrassing as hell.

“Stop that!”

Hiiragi smacked her.

“Ow.”

“I’ll restrain her. Please just finish quickly.”

Hiiragi held Haruka in place so she couldn’t move.

“O-okay. Thanks.”

While Hiiragi pinned her down, I went into the room and locked the door.

Inside was a desk and chair, and the prepared materials were set on the desk.

“…Alright.”

After some time, the procedure was finished and I returned to the waiting room.

Hiiragi went to call Mori. Haruka hurried over to me.

“Good job—”

She looked like she regretted not being able to “support” me, but also seemed relieved.

“Nothing went wrong?”

“No, everything was fine.”

Mori and Hiiragi returned.

“Thank you for your cooperation. The results will be sent later.”

“Understood.”

“I’ll escort you back to the parking area.”

We returned once more to the empty, silent underground lot.

“Alright, let’s head home.”

We got into the car. …And for some reason, Haruka was sitting next to me in the back seat.

“Hm? I just feel like sitting back here today.”

I glanced at Hiiragi.

She looked resigned, facing forward and starting the car.

Well, she won’t start anything while we’re driving. Probably.

…Maybe this is happening because I keep letting things slide?

While I occasionally responded to Haruka messing with me, I looked outside the window.

Soon, we arrived home.