A Beautiful Model In My Class Comes To The Coffee Shop Where I Work Part-time Only When I'm On Shift - Chapter 34

Chapter 34: Waking Up

I woke up.

I was perplexed to find the familiar ceiling above me. I remembered Juntaro picking me up and us taking a taxi from the Jimbocho Park.

How did I get home after that?

I’m still wearing the same clothes as yesterday. I haven’t even removed my makeup. Does that mean I came home, collapsed on the bed, and just fell asleep?

Oh dear, I sighed as I held my head in my hands.

Just as soon as the recording was over. Does yesterday’s me understand how much today me will have to struggle to recover from this one moment of laxity?

“…It’s over,”

I muttered as I looked at the morning sun streaming in through the curtains.

My body feels fine. I still have some muscle soreness, but the fatigue and feverishness are gone.

I wonder if I slept for about ten hours? I now deeply understand how important good sleep is.

“Hmm…?”

Something unfamiliar caught my eye on the edge of my vision, and I looked to the side of the bed.

There, a boy was sitting with his head bowed. I almost let out a sound, but I quickly realized who it was.

“Juntaro?”

I called out, but Juntaro didn’t respond.

Listening closely, I could hear his gentle breathing. It seems like he’s fallen asleep.

I got out of bed and knelt down beside him.

“Hey, Juntaro.”

I whispered softly.
He’s still not waking up. It’s the first time I’ve seen Juntaro so defenseless.

Usually, it’s always me who’s leaning on him, so I can’t help feeling a bit superior.

“…Juntaro brought me all the way here.”

I couldn’t help but smile.

He not only came to help me even though he had to leave work, but he also stayed by my side all night long. There’s no way I wouldn’t be happy about that.

“Thank you, Juntaro.”

Even though Juntaro, who is sleeping, can’t hear anything, words of gratitude naturally overflowed from me.

Right, if he can’t hear anything anyway, wouldn’t it be a good idea to practice now?

“…I love you.”

The moment I said those words, my head felt like it was boiling hot.

This is embarrassing. This is beyond embarrassing.

What am I even doing when nobody’s listening?

Juntaro continues to breathe peacefully.

It was a good rehearsal. With this, I feel like I’ll be able to confess properly on our date.

◇◆◇

“Hmm…”

My consciousness, which was hazy, slowly began to awaken.

I seem to have fallen asleep without realizing it.

I think I went to pick up Shizuku and then took a taxi to her house…

“Oh, you’re awake?”

I was called, and I was startled.

“Shizuku…”

“Good morning. Did you sleep well?”

Shizuku, sitting on a chair, smiled at me.

Judging from the color of her face, her health seems to be good.

“The blanket…”

“Oh, yeah. Since the room has the air conditioning on, I thought you might feel cold.”

“Thank you. Sorry for falling asleep.”

I folded the blanket and put it neatly on her bed.

“It seems you slept well last night.”

“Thanks to you. And… thank you again for coming to pick me up.”

“That’s nothing.”

Feeling embarrassed, I rubbed the back of my neck.

“I’m just glad you’re safe. I was really worried when Inamori-san called.”

“Haha… Sorry for dragging you into this mess.”

Anyway, as long as Shizuku is safe, that’s all that matters.

As I stood up, I stretched my stiff body.

My neck, waist, and back hurt, but I don’t care about that anymore.

“Well then, I’ll head back. You seem to be feeling better.”

“Huh? You could stay a little longer.”

“Nah… I haven’t even taken a shower, so it’s better to rest another day…”

“Aww… that’s too bad.”

Shizuku looked disappointed, but she quickly showed a bright expression.

“Anyway, it wouldn’t be fun for either of us if you stayed when I’m not feeling well. I give up for today.”

Shizuku expressed her disappointment and stood beside me.

“Hey, Juntaro.”

“Hmm?”

“I have tomorrow off too. Could we meet again?”

“Tomorrow, I have a shift… but if it’s our usual time, I think I can make it.”

“Got it. Then, at our usual time.”

“…Yeah, I’ll be waiting.”

I said that and left Shizuku’s house.