Takanashi-san’s breathing had settled into the steady rhythm of sleep.
It appeared he had finally found some peace.
I had heard before that a fifteen-minute nap could do wonders for a person’s well-being. Since we still had plenty of time for lunch even after he woke up, I decided to let him rest a while longer.
Falling asleep so instantly suggested he was utterly exhausted, perhaps even more mentally than physically. Was his condition really that poor...?
I placed my hand against his forehead. He didn't seem to be running a fever.
“Was Takanashi-kun really doing that badly? I didn't notice a thing... How did you catch it, Sara?”
Since Takanashi-san was asleep, Natsumi spoke to me in a hushed whisper.
“Eh? It was obvious at a glance. He was quite clearly forcing himself to endure it.”
Was it really that hard to see? It had been clear to me from the start.
“No, I didn't notice at all. I bet it’s because you’re always watching Takanashi-kun so closely. That’s impressive, Sara...”
...I didn't think I was doing anything particularly impressive.
“But what happened? Was it because of this morning after all?”
“For now, he doesn't seem to have a fever. He doesn't have a runny nose or a cough, either, so it doesn't seem to be a cold, but...”
As I stroked Takanashi-san's head, the way his expression softened into one of relief was simply adorable. Fufu.
“Sara, I know you’re happy, but Takanashi-kun is actually suffering, you know?”
...She was right. Takanashi-san was unwell; my excitement was inappropriate.
“Takanashi-san... it’s time to wake up...”
A very gentle voice reached my ears.
The sensation of the hand stroking my head was so pleasant that I found myself leaning into it instinctively.
“Fufufu... Oh, Takanashi-san.”
“Hey, Sara. Don’t just bask in the moment, wake him up already.”
Sara? ...Sara-senpai...!!!???
“Wh—!?”
Lucidity flooded back instantly as I realized exactly what was happening. Oh no, I actually fell asleep... and what did I just do!?
“I-I’m sorry, Sara-senpai!”
As I tried to scramble to my feet, Sara-senpai gently held me down.
“You mustn’t. It’s dangerous to stand up so quickly. Since you still aren't feeling well, Takanashi-san, please try to sit up slowly.”
“Sorry. I’ll get up now.”
I slowly raised my upper body.
The headache felt much better. The medicine and the brief rest must have done the trick.
“How are you feeling?”
“Yes, the headache seems to have settled. Thank you very much.”
“So it was a headache... Were you enduring a lot of pain?”
“The medicine hadn't quite kicked in earlier, so it was a bit tough. But thanks to the nap, I’ve calmed down. Thank you.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Do you think you can eat your bento?”
I could probably eat now. Until a moment ago, the very thought of food would have been impossible.
“I’m fine. Natsumi-senpai, I’m sorry for the trouble.”
“No, honestly, I couldn't even tell you were feeling bad. Sara handled everything on her own, so make sure you thank her.”
“Yes. Sara-senpai, I’m really sorry.”
“It’s fine. For now, let’s just eat our bento.”
We took a little more time than usual to finish our lunch. Once we had settled down, we resumed the conversation.
“Again, Sara-senpai, thank you so much for your help.”
“I am simply glad I could be of use. You mentioned it was a migraine?”
“Yes. I’ve always suffered from migraines. When the weather is as bad as it was today, they tend to flare up. Having PE on top of that just made things worse because of the physical exertion...”
If I hadn't had PE, things likely wouldn't have spiraled this far.
“I see... In that case, you really should have sat out during PE.”
“Ah... I see. Consulting the teacher was an option, wasn't it? I didn't even think of that...”
“If that’s the reason, the teacher might take it into consideration, so you should try asking next time,” Natsumi-senpai added.
That was true. I would try asking next time.
“But it’s a good thing, Takanashi-kun. Sara noticed because she’s always watching you, but you were planning to just endure it without saying a word, weren't you?”
To be honest, I hadn't wanted to cause any unnecessary worry, but in the end, I had just caused more trouble...
“I’ve really been a burden to you, Sara-senpai...”
“? I don't consider it a burden or a nuisance at all.”
Sara-senpai spoke with a perfectly composed expression.
“In fact, it is far more problematic if you hide the fact that you are feeling unwell. Please, do not worry about me—you must always let me know.”
I figured she would say that, but even so...
“Sara, I understand how you feel, but Takanashi-kun was holding back because he didn't want to worry you. I know you truly mean what you say, but you should forgive him for that much.”
Natsumi-senpai followed up for me, just as expected. I was truly grateful.
“...I understand. In that case, I will make sure to notice from now on. If Takanashi-san finds it difficult to speak up, then I simply have to be the one to notice, just as I did today.”
“Uh... well, I’m not sure what to say, but... thank you?”
“No need. This is my declaration of determination.”
“Man, how should I put it... you two really get along. It makes me happy... and it’s very entertaining.”
I couldn't exactly be honest and say something spoiled like “I’m feeling unwell today~” no matter how much I wanted to...
“We still have a little time, so let’s relax. Oh, Takanashi-san, would you like to lie down a bit longer? If so, I can offer the lap pillow on the sofa again...”
“No! I can't keep causing trouble like that.”
“Mu... If it is for you, Takanashi-san, I would never think of it as trouble. As for the lap pillow, please feel free to ask whenever you wish for one.”
Ugh... my willpower was being steadily chipped away.
Only Natsumi-senpai looked genuinely delighted by the scene.
The headache didn't return for the rest of the day. It had really been a lifesaver.
By the way, I had forgotten my shirt, but the next day it was returned to me, beautifully ironed.
It didn't smell like my home at all. Instead, it carried Sara-senpai’s wonderful scent—it was a truly magnificent shirt.