Ughh, this sucks… my head hurts like hell, everything is spinning, I can't stand, can't open my eye. Why did I think that it's a good thing to get soaked in the rain for half an hour after not getting enough sleep? I think I would be just fine if I immediately took a bath after, though… instead, I took a pair of clothes and fell asleep on the sofa. You reap what you sow, I guess… I took a deep sigh.
Did Amano make it home okay? The rain didn't get weaker for almost two hours, I think it got stronger even. But she had an umbrella, so I think she's perfectly fine.
I mustered all of my strength to reach for my phone on the table beside me. I need to tell Haru about my situation.
Just looking at the screen feels like my mind is being tormented. Can I even text Haru if I'm like this?
After failing to press the message icon for a while, I finally hit it right. I struggled to type properly, but I did manage to send a somewhat understandable message, so it's all good.
Kenji: Heyman, I cnan't co.me t to sckhool touday ddue to a colld. Plelase ttell t he teaachers. Thanks★
It's probably going to take a while before he replies… or so I thought. It was not even a whole minute and my phone was vibrating non-stop.
Haru: WHAT COLD?!
Haru: Didn't I lend you an umbrella???
Haru: Tell me exactly what happened!
Haru: You better have a good reason for this.
Haru: What's your address? I'm going to visit after school.
What are you, my mom? Hell, you even beat my mom when it comes to worrying.
I told Haru my address and that I'll explain everything when I get better. He replied with "Okay", then I tossed my phone to the side and tried to get some sleep.
zzZzZZZzzzZZZzzz--
I woke up to the violent sound of the doorbell ringing on repeat. Looking at the time, it seems like I've been asleep for a good four hours. They should be having their lunch break right now… I wish I could eat Haru's lunch. But why is the doorbell still ringing??
I tried pretending that no one's home by not answering, but the culprit just kept on smashing the button. What the hell? I figured it was just some kind of a crazy prank by children who has nothing better to do, but it's been a while and the doorbell's still on a loop.
The sound of a repeating bell is driving me crazy. I think I'm feeling worse every second.
That's it! I'll make sure to give that kid a good whack if I ever caught that bastard in action.
It appears that the motivation to smack a kid in the head was too strong because standing up didn't take a lot of effort. Or I guess it's because I already had some rest… Anyways, I quickly made my way downstairs and crawled to the door as quietly as possible. I made sure not to make a single sound, so I can give this kid a good surprise.
Slowly, I put my hand on the doorknob. I waited for the doorbell to ring, so I can time it perfectly. If I did just that, then whoever was behind this door won't have enough time to react and will be caught off guard.
After hearing a 'ding!', I quickly turned the knob and prepared my left hand to grab the culprit. What was waiting on the other side though, was the one who caught me off guard. A reverse card??? My heartbeat started accelerating at the sight.
It was a godly figure accompanied by a sweet scent. I thought I was dreaming at first or it's just the cold messing with my head until the figure spoke.
"Why did you have to be so careless...?"
It was a cold voice. No, it was heavy... it carried different kinds of emotions, like anger and worry.
I stood there, unable to say even a single word. Crap, I think my state is getting worse. Just when I thought I was finally getting better.
My head slowly started spinning and I felt myself getting out of balance. I tried to hold on to the door frame, luckily, my hand slipped, causing me to fall. I think I would be in the hospital if Amano hadn't caught me.
"So much for a cool guy… There's no helping it. I'm coming in."
Amano wrapped my left hand around her for support. Her body is so soft... and her hair smells so good. It's too dangerous! Come on self, keep it together! This angel's trying to help us! Stop with these creepy thoughts!
"Where's your room?" I don't know if my hearing is distorted, but Amano's voice wasn't the usual cold one. It was a small voice. Perhaps, this position makes her uncomfortable?
"You can just throw me there," I pointed at the sofa. "That's where I slept last night, anyway."
"That's not what I'm asking."
"Are you really sure you want to go to my room?"
Amano went silent for a moment. I could see some tint of red start to spread on her cheeks.
"Just as I thought. If I got some sleep on the sofa, I'll probably feel better after waking up. Come on."
I took the first step, but Amano didn't move.
"…It's better if you lay down in a bed. You'll be more comfortable."
"Huh? Aren't you embarrassed?"
"T-This is not about me!"
She's embarrassed alright.
"Do you have any siblings, Taneki-kun?"
"Don't have any, why are you asking?"
"Then, that room upstairs is yours, right?"
Did I just fall right into her trap?
Before I could utter a single word, Amano pulled me with her upstairs. I couldn't resist because my body was so weak at the moment. I think Amano being this close and me smelling her sweet scent has something to do with that.
"So this is your room, right?"
We stopped right in front of my door. There's no use lying now, besides, she'll just help me onto the bed, nothing wrong with that.
I nodded at her to confirm.
I need to calm down. This is the first girl except for my mom that will enter my room. When was the last time I cleaned? I hope there's nothing weird lying in the open.
"Pardon for the intrusion," Amano gently turned the handle, and we proceeded to enter.
My heart is leaping out of my chest right now… I hope Amano can't feel it. Calm down self, calm down!
I peeked at Amano's face. I couldn't exactly see due to her hair blocking the way, but I could see her ears were slightly red. I guess I wasn't the only one.
"Here is okay, thank you."
Amano gently helped me lay down. Our gazes accidentally met in the progress, but we quickly averted our eyes. Calm down self...! CALM DOWN!
"Are you hungry?"
"Huh?" Amano's sudden question caught me by surprise.
"Well, you're sick, so I doubt that you can cook anything, or If you can even cook in the first place."
Harsh, even though it's true.
"Um, yeah, just a little bit."
"Is there anything on your fridge that can make up food?"
"I guess there's enough to make a porridge… Wait? Are you planning to—"
"Of course, who else will do it? Neither of your parent is present." Amano said matter-of-factly.
"B-but—"
"You don't want to?"
"No, it's not that but… I want to avoid being a bother."
"I won't do it if it bothers me. So, wait here, it won't take long."
I can only nod at Amano's unexpected hospitality while my brain is still processing what just happened. Amano? Of all the people in the world? It's Amano we're talking about here. The dreams and hopes of many students in our school. No one would believe me if I told them that Amano just cooked for me. Hell, even I am having a hard time believing it.
It took Amano about fifteen minutes to return with the porridge, still wearing an apron. I immediately engraved the image into the depths of my mind. If this was a dream, please don't wake me up. I almost drooled at the thought. What a creepy idiot. I wish I could take a picture though…
Amano must have sensed these weird thoughts as she tightens her eyes. "It'd be a shame if this porridge somehow made its way onto your face."
I could only gulp as I immediately averted my eyes. She had this look on her face that she'll actually do it. So scary…
"Can I have a taste…?" I pointed at the porridge she was holding.
"Sit up, it's still hot, so wait for a bit."
"Yes ma'am."
Amano looked at me with disapproving eyes. "We're the same age."
"Don't mind that."
"I'll go get some water while you wait for this to cool down a bit." Amano proceeded to walk.
"Hey, Amano-san."
"What?"
"Thank you," I unintentionally gave her a genuine thankful smile.
Amano, who was looking at me quickly turned her face towards the door.
"I-it's nothing. I was partly at fault, anyway."
I see. So that's all there is to it. The reason she was doing all of this is because she thought she was also to blame for my cold. I don't know why, but thinking about it like that made me feel a little off. So she's only doing this because she felt guilty...
"I was the one who forced the umbrella on you, so you don't need to feel like you owe me or anything. I'm the only one at fault here."
Amano's expression stiffened, and she pointed her head downwards. She didn't say anything, she just slowly walked outside the door, proceeding to go downstairs.
I know, Amano's only doing all of these to repay the favor, there's nothing more to it than that. It's not like I'm expecting any reason, anyway. Besides, why would a person like her would want anything to do with me.
It didn't take long until I heard the sound of footsteps coming closer.
"Here's your water." Amano's tone is back to the usual cold one.
"Thank you…"
Silence filled the room. The sound of the clock was as clear as day. I think something is wrong with the atmosphere… perhaps I did something to make Amano upset? Did my words come out as offensive? I couldn't help but feel guilt towards my actions.
"After you're done eating the porridge, drink all of this," she pointed at the water. "Your body needs it. Go to sleep after, and you should feel better after waking up," her voice was flat.
She even went all the trouble to come here and cook for me. And all I could do to repay her was to make her upset? What kind of a stupid person does that?
"Well, looks like you're all set now. I'll be taking my leave then," Amano turned her back on me and walked towards the door.
"H-hey, Amano-san…" a small voice came out from me, but it was enough to stop Amano in her tracks.
"What?"
My mind went autopilot.
"C-can… you… please..—"
"What?"
"Ca-can you please accompany me."
Amano was obviously shocked at my sudden request, as she instantly turned around to face me. Her eyes wide, her cheeks were red, and her expression is puzzled.
"P-please forget about it!" After realizing what I just did, I quickly waved my hands awkwardly and averted my gaze.
Someone please kill me now.
Amano was just standing there, not saying anything. She's probably disgusted with me now. I guess this is where we part ways… you just had to say it, huh? You stupid little—
"O-okay."
A small voice interrupted my self deprecation. Huh? Am I hearing things? I immediately glanced at Amano, who has a shy look on her face. Seeing Amano like this, it's like the world just stopped spinning. It's different from what I often see at school. My heart started beating rapidly, certain emotions clouded my brain and I couldn't think straight.
"I-if that's… what you want, then…" Amano was fidgeting her hair. If cuteness could kill, I'll be dead by now.
"W-what?" was all I could mutter while I looked at Amano with confusion. Still had a hard time believing all of this was real.
"If you don't want to, then I'll leave," her expression changed as fast as I could blink.
"N-no, please stay…"
"…Okay," Amano slowly walked towards my direction.
What is happening right now? Did I fall asleep already? Please don't wake me up.
Amano, facing the floor, took a sit beside me on the bed. What the hell? This is way too close! I can smell her sweet scent really clear at this distance. It's making me go nuts. Don't you have anywhere you can sit on?!
"Eat your porridge, it will get cold."
"R-right…"
I propped myself in a sitting position and I took a spoonful of the porridge in front of me, it has a scent that will make one hungry.
After taking the first bite, I felt a sensation in my tongue that I've never felt before. The texture was so good, the seasonings were on point, and the feeling of eating it is something I couldn't get enough of.
"So goood~"
"I'm glad you like it," Amano gave me a warm smile which made my heart yet again, skip another beat.
"How did you get this good, Amano-san?"
"I often accompany my mother when she's cooking, I guess that's why."
After gulping the porridge in an instant, I suddenly felt sleepy, maybe because the tension in the air was already gone and Amano's presence is also relaxing.
Amano chuckled at the sight of a satisfied man. "You certainly looked like you enjoyed it. I'm happy."
"I did enjoy it, it was perfect!"
"Thank you. I'll go wash the plate. Go get some rest now."
"Okay…"
I stared at the ceiling for a moment while Amano made her way downstairs. I got to see a lot of different Amano today… Who would've thought, right? I certainly made a lot of progress, thanks to my dumb self making a dumb decision. It was all worth it in the end.