Villainous Kamen Rider in Pretty Cure

Extra Case File 53 The Disruptor

Relying on Saya’s connections, Nonoka, who got seats in the front row for the press conference through her friends, was clearly in high spirits. She was happily swinging her slender legs, while Saya beside her was quietly chatting with her close friend Yu.

“Yu, are your legs okay now?”

Although she had heard the good news, seeing Yu actually stand up made Saya feel surprised and reflective of how difficult it had been for Yu.

“Yeah, I can stand!” Yu nodded excitedly as she spoke about it. “The doctor was right; I can indeed stand up, it’s just the process wasn’t very pleasant…”

“Hmm,” as they walked and talked, Saya’s gaze shifted to Ash, who was sitting beside Hana, resting his chin in his hand, saying nothing and showing no clear expression.

It seemed this doctor did have some real talent.

But could it be that he had kept other deeper secrets from them?

As for Ash himself… he really didn’t have any sinister plans. He genuinely wanted to see the special effects movie as soon as possible, looking forward and hoping to understand what kind of story it would tell.

“What does Yu want to do after standing up?” Saya continued chatting with her friend, but her eyes remained fixed on an empty seat in the distance as if waiting for someone.

“Yes, since giving up my flight attendant job due to recent circumstances, who knows what’s next.”

After overcoming her fear enough to stand up, perhaps she should muster more courage in the future. For example…

“Actually, I wonder if I could jump on ice again.” Yu, no longer gloomy like before, could also joke about this somewhat heavy topic now. “Even though it was something I excelled at as a child and a dream, it has been so long now that it might not be possible anymore.”

After all, who hasn’t had hopes for the future as a child? But how many actually achieve them?

“Saya, I truly envy you.” Looking at her friend’s profile, Yu’s eyes showed sincere desire. “You’ve realized your childhood dreams and become a famous actress, which is amazing.”

“Aiming to become who you want to be…” something seemed to have struck Saya deeply, her eyes unmoving, her face showing intense frustration as she firmly bit her lip.

“Saya?” Feeling something amiss, Yu called out to her friend but did not immediately get a response.

“Saya?” Her voice filled with instabilities, Saya retorted without turning back. “Is it really happiness to achieve your dreams? Could past desires not turn into shackles binding your future?”

“Saya… Why, why are you asking all of this?”

In the past, she indeed aimed at her mother as a model and wanted to share her platform, thus wanting to become a renowned actor was her childhood dream.

However, now marked by her shadow from the start of her career, after experiencing such helpless and hopeless reality, I am starting to doubt my future dreams…

“Hana-senpai, what drink do you want?”

Hearing Himizuki’s reminder, Hana looked over to Ash who had ordered a café Americano, and gracefully ordered an espresso herself as well.

Since being captivated by Ash’s genuine emotions that day, Hana had also noticed she had become increasingly attentive to him, although at the time she was mocked for liking him. Nevertheless, she still believes there will be a day he acknowledges her!

“Yet, it’s surprising, little Hana actually likes such strong pure black coffee, huh?”

“Regarding mature women’s choice, it’s undoubtedly this, correct?” Having overcome troubling physical issues, having beautified appearance and even a charming male companion, I am currently invincible in female charm!

Today, I aim to step past my old impressions and take the first step toward becoming a mature woman since childhood despite never achieving it!

Thinking along these lines, Hana, learning from the example of Ash standing beside her, likewise drained her cup of coffee.

“Pfft—”

Then, amidst Ash’s unsurprised gaze, she sprayed it out unexpectedly.

“You should choose milk coffee instead.”

“N-no problem, I actually like it—cough, cough, cough!” Oh no! Why is it so bitter? If I don’t rinse my mouth…

Holding such thoughts, Hana stood up hurriedly, causing Ash standing behind her to not have time to warn her. Yet again, her high heel caught another shoe, making her spectacularly tumble before a shocked waiter, rolling off a carpet, causing concern that the coffee might have been laced with poison.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I am truly very sorry!”

Why did it end up like this? After preparing for a new beginning as Nonoka, only to encounter a major failure…

Seeing Hana abruptly rise, her cheeks instantly blushing under others’ gazes, and her continuous bowing and apologizing in response to the audience’s bewildered silence and suppressed laughter, even Ash couldn’t help hiding his face with his hand.

“What’s wrong with this fool?”

Could it be that she misunderstood my words that day?

If so, I need to clarify it with her…

“Hey, hey…who let that lady in, this is a premium venue?”

Originally, this was merely a scene showcasing Nonoka’s awkward moment, but somehow an odd, discordant voice arose among the crowd.

“Playing around, this isn’t a school play stage, whose are you laughing for?”

“How uncouth, even her friends would find it embarrassing!”

Coincidentally, these words echoed Hana, who was bowing repeatedly in apology, creating additional tremors in her spine.

“Isn’t she invited by one of the female leads? Associating with people like that, she can only be considered…”

“You!” Saya suddenly changed her usual gentle demeanor, storming toward the source of the discordant sound. Her face displayed a frightening expression. “Such slanderous comments are enough.”

“Sorry, everyone.” Interrupting Saya before she lost control, Hana lifted her head and forced a cheerful smile. “I’m feeling a bit dizzy, haha, maybe I’ll go use the restroom…”

“Wait, Hana, why so sudden?”

“Hana-senpai! Hey!” Himizuki, holding her head in frustration, redirected her glance at Ash, who appeared completely oblivious, even looking up expectantly. A spark of irritation ignited again.

“What are you doing, weren’t you the one who brought Hana-senpai here? Talk to her.”

At least try comforting her. Even if you’re uninterested, you’re still a man!

“There’s someone,” Ash responded suddenly, baffling her.

Ash squinted and as those strange voices began, he followed his intuition and looked up to the second-floor balcony. There, he faintly saw the familiar sight of a disheveled man with a book leaving the scene… Thus.

While the crowd buzzed with discussions on this disruptive incident, a cold chill ran down everyone’s spine. Instinctively, they gave Ash a wide berth.

Ash stood up sternly. Amidst the astonished reactions of the crowd, he kicked over a chair with a loud impact, and without hesitation pushed through the crowds back towards where the commotion was.