Today was a truly fulfilling day.
...Saying that makes me feel a bit apologetic toward Takanashi-san, but it is the truth.
This came as a surprise even to me, but I have never disliked Housework; in fact, Cooking has always been a field I quite enjoyed.
However, after Taking Care of Takanashi-san's personal needs today, I never imagined I would feel such a profound sense of accomplishment.
To be honest, I felt a pang of reluctance when it was time to leave Takanashi-san's House.
I wish tomorrow would come sooner...
Ah, I mustn't think like that. I need to plan the Menu for his Bento starting on Monday.
I have to consider the Nutritional Balance more carefully...
...That's right... I was entrusted with his House Key.
To think he trusts me that much... I am so happy, it is truly moving.
Ring-ring~ 🎵
It was a call from Natsumi.
"Good work today."
"Yes, good work to you too."
"So, how was it?"
"Even if you ask me how... I am not quite sure how to answer."
"Sorry, sorry. How is Takanashi-kun doing?"
"He still has a fever, but he is eating his Meals properly. If he rests all day tomorrow, he should hopefully be better in time for Monday..."
"I see. Did anything unusual happen?"
"No, I simply performed my duty of Taking Care of him."
"Just for my own reference, can I ask exactly what you did for him?"
"Yes. Well, Takanashi-san was mostly resting, so aside from the Meals and cleaning up... I suppose I only wiped down Takanashi-san's body?"
"Is that so... (Wiping a boy's body is already plenty unusual, though...)"
"Oh, and I was entrusted with his House Key."
"What!!?? Takanashi-kun's House Key!?"
"? Is there a problem?"
"I mean, he gave his House Key to a girl!?"
"Yes. I am incredibly happy that he places that much trust in me."
"............Huh? ......That's it? ...What about Takanashi-kun?"
"He said it would be a nuisance if he couldn't wake up easily to let me in tomorrow morning..."
"...Is that all from his side, too? ............You really are a Like-minded Couple."
"Pardon?"
"Sigh, never mind. So, you're going there first thing tomorrow morning?"
"Yes. Does Natsumi have a Club Activity?"
"The Tournament is coming up soon. Well, even if I didn't have club, I wouldn't want to get in your way... I have no desire to get kicked by a horse."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Nothing. Good luck."
Come to think of it, if I invited Takanashi-san to cheer for Natsumi at her Tournament, would he come with me?
Knock, knock...
Since I was entrusted with the House Key, there was no need to force him awake if he was still sleeping...
...It certainly wasn't because I wanted a glimpse of Takanashi-san's adorable Sleeping Face.
Click.
"Excuse me..."
"Zzz... zzz... ugh..."
?
What was the matter?
Oh, his Night Sweats were terrible... He must be recovering, but I couldn't just leave him like this.
"...Forgive me, I'll have to look through your Dresser... This Shirt, and for a Top, this one should do... I'll get yesterday's Bath Bucket and Towel ready too."
"Takanashi-san... Takanashi-san, please wake up."
"Ugh... nnh..."
"Takanashi-san... Let's see, let's wipe off that sweat first."
As I wiped the sweat from Takanashi-san's Forehead and Neck, he opened his eyes.
"Huh... Sara-senpai...?"
"Good morning. I'm sorry to wake you, but your Night Sweats were quite heavy..."
I certainly felt like I’d sweated a lot.
No wonder my sleep had been so restless...
"I’m sorry. I keep making you do things like this..."
"No, it’s quite alright. But we can't leave you like this, so if you're able to sit up, could you please remove your Top?"
"What!? Right now!? Um, I can wipe the sweat myself—"
"I told you yesterday that I would be more thorough today, didn't I? Besides, this is my job."
"...Right. Sorry, please go ahead."
I immediately surrendered to that smile of hers—the one that left no room for negotiation.
As I moved to take off my Top, Senpai reached around to help, lifting the hem from the Back.
...Man, I’ve been like a helpless kid since yesterday...
"Are you cold? Are you doing alright?"
"I'm hot, so I'm fine."
"Then please stay still."
No sooner had she spoken than Senpai began wiping the sweat away, first with a dry Towel and then with a damp one she’d wrung out.
The difference from yesterday was that, without the obstructive Top in the way, she was being incredibly meticulous.
"How does that feel? Is there anywhere else that feels uncomfortable?"
"I-I'm fine."
"Then, excuse me while I do the front."
I'd thought this yesterday too, but Senpai had no hesitation at all. Was she really not bothered by being so close to a guy’s naked Upper Body?
Or did she seriously just see me as a child!?
By the time I finished overthinking things, she was already done... I should have focused... I'm being indecent.
"I'm sorry, I opened your Dresser without permission to find some Changing Clothes..."
"No, no, it's fine. Don't worry about it."
"Well then, let's get you into your Changing Clothes, shall we?"
When I reached out to take the clothes from her, Senpai tilted her head curiously.
"Sara-senpai? The clothes...?"
"Yes, let's get you changed. Here you go."
Senpai held the Shirt open, facing it toward me so I could slip right into it.
...Wait, was she really expecting me to just dive into it like this?
Bracing myself for her to look at me with exasperation and ask, "What are you doing?" I thrust my arms into the Shirt she was holding out. She guided it over me in one smooth motion, perfectly matching my movements......... Apparently, this had been the correct answer after all.