The soft rustling of leaves and the gentle chirping of birds outside my window pulled me slowly into consciousness. As my eyes flickered open, the blurry scene gradually sharpened into focus. I found myself in an unfamiliar place, lying on a comfortable surface. Confusion clouded my mind momentarily until the events of yesterday flooded back.
I was in my living room. How did I end up here?
The realization hit me as I remembered the dizziness and the darkness that overcame me after she handed me the homemade cookies. Did I faint? Embarrassment crept over me.
Yamamoto-san appeared, seemingly from nowhere, holding a tray with a steaming bowl of soup. She had changed into a comfortable-looking sweater, her hair pulled back into a loose ponytail.
"Ah, you're awake," she said with a warm smile. "How are you feeling?"
I tried to sit up, and she immediately helped prop me up with a cushion.
"My head is still spinning a bit," I admitted.
"You caught quite a cold yesterday," she replied, concern evident in her eyes. "But don't worry, I'll take care of you."
As she handed me the bowl of soup, the aroma wafted up, and my stomach grumbled in response. I took a sip, and the warmth spread through me.
"Thank you for the soup," I mumbled between spoonfuls. "But why am I here?"
Yamamoto-san hesitated before answering. "Well, you fainted at doorstep. I couldn't just leave you there, right? So, I brought you inside."
I felt a mix of gratitude and embarrassment. "I appreciate it. Sorry for the trouble."
Yamamoto-san waved off my apology. "No trouble at all. Besides, it's my fault you caught a cold. I dragged you into the rain with my problems."
I paused, looking at her. "What happened yesterday? Why were you sitting alone in the rain?"
She sighed, her smile fading. "It's nothing, really. Just some personal stuff."
I could sense she didn't want to elaborate, so I changed the topic. "You didn't have to go through the trouble of taking care of me. You can go home now."
Yamamoto-san shook her head. "I'm not going anywhere until you're completely better. Besides, I feel responsible for your condition."
"But—"
"No buts," she interrupted with a stern yet gentle expression. "I insist. Consider it my way of saying thank you for yesterday."
The following days blurred together as Yamamoto-san took care of me. She brought me food, medicine, and even stayed to chat for a while each day. We talked about everything and nothing — school, hobbies, dreams. The walls around her seemed to crumble, revealing a person beyond the princess facade.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Yamamoto-san sat beside me on the couch. "You know, Natsuki-kun, I never expected you to be this interesting."
I chuckled weakly. "Likewise. I never expected the popular princess to have such a caring side."
She looked down, playing with her fingers. "People see what they want to see. It's easier that way."
There was a moment of silence before she spoke again. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this. You didn't need to get sick because of me."
I reached for her hand, surprising both of us. "It's okay. I don't regret helping you. Besides, you're the reason I got to taste your amazing cooking."
Yamamoto-san blushed, and a small smile played on her lips. "Well, I'm glad you appreciate it."
[Evening]
"I think you're well enough now. I should let you rest properly at home."
I nodded. "Thank you for everything, Yamamoto-san. I really appreciate it."
She smiled warmly. "Anytime, Natsuki-kun. And, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here."