Chapter 56

About an hour after Reika had called.

“I’m here. I stopped by the convenience store on the way and got you some sports drinks and jelly packs. Should be easy on your stomach even if you’re not feeling well, right?”

“Thanks, seriously… that really helps. I was just thinking I’d need to go buy something.”

Reika entered Satoru’s room, carrying a plastic bag in hand.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been here, but it’s pretty tidy.”

“Tidy? You’ve been here a few times now, and it’s never really been that messy, has it?”

Though, until thirty minutes ago, it had been kind of messy and he’d forced himself to clean despite feeling awful.

“Well, I guess that’s true. So, how are you feeling?”

As she said this, Reika placed her hand on Satoru’s forehead.

Her hand was cool, pleasantly so—smooth, soft, and soothing.

“You’re burning up. What’s your temperature?”

“38.5.”

“That’s a solid fever. Did yesterday stress you out or something?”

“Nah, it’s not that. Just me being an idiot and dressing like it’s summer when it isn’t.”

“I see. Well, if that’s the case, I guess I won’t worry.”

“I’ll be fine after a bit of rest.”

Saying that, Satoru gently took Reika’s wrist—still resting on his forehead—and cupped it softly with both hands.

“Fufu, what’s this about?”

“Your hand’s the perfect temperature. Feels nice. Can I stay like this?”

“Of course. You’re a bit hot, but I don’t mind. Though it won’t stay cool for long, you know?”

“That’s fine. You came all the way here, so might as well let me enjoy it.”

“In other words, ‘since we’re together, let me be spoiled,’ right?”

“Yeah… that’s one way to put it.”

“You should’ve just said that from the start, silly.”

Reika placed her free hand against his cheek.

“It feels just right.”

“fufu… for someone who was worried about catching something, you’re getting pretty close.”

“It’s not that close. So it’s fine.”

“That phrasing sounds way more suggestive than you intended.”

“Hey now, that’s not fair at all.”

He’d just stated a fact, yet somehow she still made it sound indecent.

“…See? It’s better having someone nearby when you’re burning up with a fever, isn’t it?”

“Yeah… being alone when you’re sick sucks. I was also stressing over having to go buy drinks or something…”

“…That’s exactly what you always do for me when I’m the one bedridden. I’m always so grateful. But it’s only now that the roles are reversed that you really feel what that means, right? That’s why I wanted to come, even if it was a bit pushy.”

“I get it now… All those times I stayed by your side—it wasn’t for nothing.”

“Of course it wasn’t. Did you really doubt that?”

“Yeah… I guess I did. I never feel confident in myself, or in the things I do. I’m always second-guessing everything after the fact.”

“You really are hopeless sometimes.”

“Sorry… But without you, I’d just be a guy with zero confidence. You being with me is the only reason I’ve turned out even halfway okay.”

“As you should. You always show your true self only when you’re vulnerable or when it really matters. So basically, unless you’re at one extreme or the other, I never get to see it.”

“That’s how people are. But that’s also why you’re the only one I do show it to because I love you. Isn’t it the same for you?”

“Oh my, look at all those fiery lines flowing right out of your mouth. Is it the fever talking?”

“…Definitely the fever.”

“Then go ahead and sleep. I’ll be right here with you.”

“When I wake up… will you still be here?”

“Of course. Otherwise, you’ll get all needy again, won’t you?”

“…That’s right.”

“If you’re feeling anxious, come closer and hold my hand properly. Grip it tight.”

“Yeah… I’ll do that.”

Saying this, he scooted closer to where Reika sat on the edge of his bed and brought her hand—still wrapped in both of his—up near his face.

“Fufu. You’re cuddling up to me like some spoiled child.”

“So what? Let’s just say I’m a pretty boyfriend.”