“Morning.”
“Good morning.”
It was rare for Sara to arrive this late.
I wondered if something had happened... wait, was she holding something?
“What’s that? It looks wet.”
Sara carefully spread the item out across her desk.
It was a shirt—a boy’s school uniform shirt!?
She began pressing a towel against it, soaking up the moisture.
“Wait, what’s with the shirt? Whose is... well, it couldn't be anyone’s but Takanashi-kun’s. What happened?”
There wasn't really any need to ask whose it was. That was probably the reason she was late.
“Actually, a truck splashed us on the way to school. Takanashi-san shielded me and got soaked in my place...”
Oh boy, that sounded like a mess. But as expected of Takanashi-kun, he was quite the gentleman.
“Rough start to the morning. How is he doing now?”
“He dried off in the Infirmary and changed into his tracksuit.”
I couldn't imagine that Sara just stood there and watched.
“Did you help him dry off?”
“Yes. I had him take off his shirt, and then I thoroughly wiped down his head and body.”
Wow, typical Sara—she actually went that far. And she said it without a hint of embarrassment. Maybe she just wasn't aware of how it sounded.
So that was why she’d brought the wet shirt back with her.
Still, it was an unbelievable sight: Sara spreading a guy’s shirt on her own desk to dry it. I wondered what everyone else was thinking.
“Morning, Satsukawa-san... Um, is that a guy’s shirt? Why do you have it, Satsukawa-san?”
“I have my reasons. I’m busy right now.”
“Ah—man, my shirt got wet too. What should I do...”
“Me too. Satsukawa-san, would you—”
“...”
And she ignored them.
I wondered if they’d ever learn. Couldn't they tell they weren't even in her field of vision?
“Satsukawa-san, about that shirt...”
Still at it, huh? There really was no saving fools who couldn't read the room.
“You’re being noisy. This is my precious person’s shirt. Please do not interfere with my work.”
Oh, now she’d gone and said it.
“What!? Who!? Who are you talking about!?”
“Wait, I never heard about this!”
“Satsukawa-san, do you have a boyfriend!?”
“No way!”
Well, that was the expected reaction.
It would be a problem if Takanashi-kun got targeted, so I decided to jump in.
“It’s just the shirt of Sara’s precious best friend. Let her concentrate, okay?”
“Best friend? So he’s just a friend?”
“Oh, a friend. Phew, you scared me.”
“I don't know, a guy being friends with Satsukawa-san is still something I can't ignore.”
“I’m jealous enough as it is.”
“Oh, he’s that guy—the first-year who’s been coming to school with her every morning.”
“That guy, huh?”
Well, there was no way they wouldn't know by now.
“That nobody who doesn't know his place...”
“It is you people who do not know your place. You are quite noisy. I fail to see why I should have my friend criticized by people whose names I do not even know.”
That was fast. This was getting dangerous.
“No, I mean, I’m in your class...”
“I do not know you. I have no interest in you. Let me make one thing clear: I will absolutely not forgive anyone who insults Takanashi-san. Remember that.”
Ah-ah, they’d gone and truly angered her.
Maybe it was because they hadn't expected her to get this mad, but all the boys went silent.
I figured I should probably talk to the Class Community later. It felt like the number of guys triggering her wrath was only going to increase.
The First Bell rang.
“Sara, the teacher’s going to be here soon.”
“Once I've absorbed a bit more water, I’ll fold it neatly and put it away.”
“By the way, Takanashi-kun got so soaked... I hope he doesn't catch a cold.”
“You’re right... I’ll check on him during Lunch Break.”
Speaking of which, it was raining today, so I wondered where they’d end up eating.
Ugh, my head... it was starting to get really bad.
This felt like a full-blown migraine.
I wished the break would come sooner... I really needed to take my medicine.
Having PE at a time like this was torture. Every time I stopped moving, my head throbbed.
I managed to survive the class and take a Painkiller, but the pain hadn't fully subsided.
Finally, Lunch Break arrived.
The plan was to eat in the Student Council Room, since it was supposed to be empty today.
Holding my aching head, I made my way there. Sara-senpai and Natsumi-senpai were already waiting.
“Sorry, am I late?”
“Not at all. We only just arrived ourselves.”
“Takanashi-kun, today has been one disaster after another for you...”
“Well... I’m alright, though.”
I didn't want to worry them, so I tried to push through it.
“............Takanashi-san. I intended to ask how you were feeling, but it seems it would be better if you lay down first. Come here.”
After staring at my face for a moment, Senpai suddenly reached out, took my hand, and led me toward the sofa.
“Eh? Sara, what’s up?”
“Sara-senpai?”
“Lunch and conversation can wait. Please, just lie down for a moment.”
As Senpai sat on the sofa, she pulled my hand, forcing me to sit down right next to her.
Before I knew what was happening, she guided my body down until my head landed right on her thighs... wait, a Lap Pillow!?
“Sara!?”
“S-Senpai!?”
“Do not raise your voice. Please, just calm your mind. It’s all right.”
As she spoke, she began to stroke my hair.
Ah... it was so soothing. Just like that, the headache felt like it was starting to recede.
“Hehe... Just rest your body like this.”
Senpai kept one hand resting against my head while the other gently stroked my hair.
This was dangerous... I felt like I was going to fall asleep. But I couldn't... I...