Ding-dong
"Coming..."
Honestly, I didn't want to answer the door, but ignoring it when I was clearly home felt even worse.
Click
When I opened the door, Sara-senpai was standing there, a smile on her face that carried a peculiar, overwhelming aura.
Wait, what!? Why is she here!?
"Takanashi-san, how is your condition? My apologies for the intrusion, but before we discuss the details, might I come into your room?"
"Huh? Oh, sure, that's fine, but..."
"Then, excuse me."
No sooner had she spoken than Senpai marched into the apartment and practically herded me toward the bed in the back.
Before I could say a word, she had me lying down and pulled the covers over me. Meanwhile, Natsumi-senpai, who had followed her in, was already opening the windows to ventilate the room.
I was burning up from the fever, so the cool breeze felt like a blessing.
Sara-senpai placed her hand on my forehead to check my temperature.
Her other hand was already stroking my hair... It was incredibly soothing.
"Your fever seems a bit high... Are you in any pain?"
"Just a bit of a runny nose, I think."
"If you feel like you can manage, let's hold off on the fever reducer for now. They say it's better to let the fever run its course for a faster recovery..."
I agreed with her; the way I felt now, I didn't think I needed medicine yet.
Still, I never imagined she would actually come all the way to my house.
Well, I suppose I should have known I couldn't stop her.
"Takanashi-san, let me apologize again for barging in so suddenly. However, once I learned you were absent with a cold, I simply could not overlook it..."
"I know Takanashi-kun lied because he didn't want Sara to worry, but now that things have turned out like this, you'd better just stay quiet and let her nurse you. If you don't, she’ll just end up sad, you know?"
When she put it like that... I felt nothing but guilt.
"I'm sorry, Sara-senpai..."
"Natsumi, please do not say unnecessary things. Right now, Takanashi-san only needs to focus on recovering from his cold. Please do not burden him with my personal feelings."
"Y-Yes, sorry."
Natsumi-senpai headed toward the kitchen and started bustling about.
It seemed Senpai was in total Serious Mode today.
And it was all my fault...
"Takanashi-san... Don't worry about us. Just try to relax."
While keeping one hand on my head to continue stroking it, she gently took my other hand in hers.
It looked like Sara intended to put Takanashi-kun to sleep... or rather, ensure he got some proper rest.
Still, I didn't expect Sara to snap at me like that.
Well, considering how much guilt she’s carrying over this and how responsible she feels toward Takanashi-kun, I guess she doesn't have much composure to spare.
It’s probably best if I don't say anything careless.
But... hmm...
She’s clearly worried, but she also looks so happy stroking Takanashi-kun’s head...
Did she awaken to something after that lap pillow incident the other day?
Maybe I'm actually a bit of a third wheel here...
Right, I should get the rice porridge ready while I have the chance.
If I actually cook it, Sara will definitely get mad at me, so I'll just handle the prep work.
Ugh, typical bachelor life. His place is full of instant food... At least he has rice.
Sorry, Takanashi-kun, I'm checking the fridge... There are eggs, so I should be able to manage the rice porridge with just this.
"Sara, I'll wash the rice and get the prep done, okay?"
"Thank you. As for the cooking..."
She replied in a whisper. I guess that means Takanashi-kun fell asleep.
"I'll leave the rest to you, Sara. Once I'm done here, I have to head back to school and show my face at my club activity."
"I am very sorry for making you tag along for this..."
"No, I was worried too, so it's fine."
Well, I'll leave the rest to Sara and head back.
The cool sensation against my cheek felt so good that I found myself leaning into it.
"Fufu... So cute... Takanashi-san, it's about time to wake up."
I could hear Senpai's voice... Wait, why was I...
"...Sara-senpai...?"
"How are you feeling?"
When I opened my eyes, I saw Senpai looking down at me with a worried expression.
"......I think I feel a little better."
"I see. I've prepared some rice porridge; do you think you can eat?"
"Yes, I think I can manage."
"Please don't force yourself; just eat what you can. I've put some yogurt and fruit in the fridge as well, so please eat those tomorrow morning if you feel up to it."
It seemed she had done so much for me while I was asleep.
"Yes, thank you. I'm sorry for all the trouble..."
"Not at all. To be honest, I wanted to stay and look after you a while longer, but I really must head home soon."
I checked the clock and... what!?
It was already past 7:00 PM. I felt terrible for keeping her here until this hour.
"Senpai, thank you so much. You really saved me. I'll be fine now."
I really wanted to see her off, but...
She’d probably just get mad if I suggested it, and physically, I wasn't in any shape to move anyway.
"Fortunately, it is the weekend. Once my Student Council duties are finished tomorrow morning, I will be free in the afternoon. On Sunday, I intend to stay by your side all day to look after you. If anything happens, please contact me via RAIN."
"Eh, no, you don't have to stay all day..."
"I must. This happened because you protected me from the rain that day, which means I have a responsibility to provide nursing care. Though, I would do so even if I had no reason at all."
That’s a bit much...
Ah, but she warned me about this before. I should just accept her kindness gracefully.
If our positions were reversed, I'd probably be doing everything in my power to help her, too.
Besides, if I tried to refuse, she’d probably make that look again.
"I understand. Thank you... I really appreciate it."
"Yes! Well then, I shall see you tomorrow... Oh, that reminds me. Regarding the fact that you lied to me yesterday, you will be receiving a lecture once you've recovered. Good night, Takanashi-san."
"............Yes."
Senpai's rice porridge was delicious.