Chop, chop, chop...
Simmer, simmer...
I heard a pleasant sound. It felt nostalgic, as if I were listening to something I hadn't heard in a very long time.
Then, something soft brushed past me.
A cool sensation settled on my forehead.
It felt wonderful... and since I felt so flushed, it was a massive relief.
"Nn..."
What... was I doing again?
I sensed someone approaching.
"Takanashi-san, are you awake?"
"Sara... Senpai..."
"Yes. Good morning... though I suppose it’s a bit late for that. It will take a little longer, but I am preparing a meal. If you don't mind, please try to stay awake."
My consciousness finally cleared.
That’s right—I had fallen asleep just like that.
That was a bit... no, that was a very unfair move she made.
"I'm sorry. It looks like I slept for a long time..."
I glanced at the clock; it was already past 18:00.
"Takanashi-san, your only job right now is to get plenty of sleep and nutrition so you can recover from your cold quickly. Everything else is my job."
When Sara-senpai gave me a bright smile, my face started to burn. Was my fever spiking?
"Oh? Takanashi-san, has your fever gone up, perhaps...?"
She leaned in close and placed her hand against my forehead.
"Hmm. It doesn't feel like it has risen particularly high."
"No, I'm okay. It's probably just the fever making me feel a bit flushed."
"Ah, I see. I switched to using a cooled towel a while ago, so you might be feeling a bit of a reaction to that."
So that was it. That cold, pleasant sensation I’d felt earlier was a cooled towel.
Which meant she had been looking after me the entire time I was out.
"Thank you. Even now that I'm awake, I can still feel how good that felt."
"I am glad to hear that. Well then, I will finish up the preparations, so please wait just a little longer."
A delicious scent, like a savory stew, wafted from the kitchen.
...I already knew this, but Senpai really was amazing. To be perfect even at domestic things that had nothing to do with school or studying... I wondered how I could ever hope to pay her back.
Hmm-mm, mm-mm...
Watching Senpai efficiently handle the cooking while humming a little tune to herself made my face feel hot again. It had to be the cold's fault.
"Now then, thank you for waiting. The meal is ready."
I’d been dazing out again, but her voice snapped me back to reality.
"A-Ah, thank you."
Placed on the table was a stew packed with vegetables.
"This is Vegetable and Chicken Cream Stew. It might feel a bit light, but since your stomach might be sensitive from the cold, please bear with it for now."
"No, not at all! 'Bearing with it' is the last thing I'd call this. It looks incredible!"
"I am glad, then. I'm afraid tomorrow’s menu will be a bit light as well... but as a reward for when you’ve recovered from your cold, I will make you a freshly made Hamburg Steak."
Freshly made?!
That was amazing... seriously amazing!
"Fufu... Takanashi-san, you are so honest. Seeing you look that happy makes the cooking feel very rewarding."
"...Is it really that obvious?"
"Yes, very."
Man, was it really showing on my face that much? I didn't remember anyone ever telling me that before...
"Now, please eat before it gets cold."
Needless to say, it was absolutely delicious. Senpai's cooking was incredible no matter what she made.
By the time Senpai finished cleaning up, it had already grown quite late.
Since I couldn't walk her home in my condition, I started to worry that she needed to head back soon.
"Sara-senpai, I'm sorry for keeping you until this hour... I can handle the rest on my own, so before it gets any later..."
"You're right. It is about time for me to take my leave. I can't believe how quickly the time has passed."
"I really wish I could walk you home, but..."
"No, it's fine. I will take the thought alone. Please don't worry; I expect I will be inviting you to my home in the near future anyway."
...Wait, what?
"Uh, is that so?"
"Yes. My mother has instructed me to invite you over when the time is right."
Whaaa?!
I have to go greet her mother?! Why?!
"But for now, please focus entirely on curing your cold. Well then, I apologize, but I will be heading out for today. I will come again tomorrow morning."
"Ah, Sara-senpai, wait a moment!"
I realized that if I was still asleep when she arrived tomorrow, it would be a huge hassle for her. Besides, it wasn't like I was planning to go anywhere.
"If I'm still asleep tomorrow morning, it'll just cause you trouble. Please, take my key with you."
".........Are you quite sure?"
Senpai looked at me with an expression that was a mix of surprise and being deeply moved.
Did I say something strange?
Regardless, I handed it over, and she accepted it firmly.
"...Then, I shall look after it. Until tomorrow... Good night, Takanashi-san."
Leaving me with one last, brilliant smile, Senpai headed home.
Now that I was alone, I looked around the room. It was the same sight as always, yet for some reason, it felt strangely desolate. I wondered if it was just my imagination.