I Will Do Everything In My Power To Bring Happiness To The Enchanting Beauty Who Can No Longer Smile.

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Sleep Status.

“Good morning, Shigure-kun.”

“Good morning, Tsubame. Looks like today’s going to be quite eventful.”

It was finally Friday—a significant day due to the upcoming sleepover. However, there was something even bigger happening today.

“Your photo book is already making waves—it’s been reprinted just from pre-orders, and for the past week, it’s been ranking number one across all e-book platforms. Everyone’s talking about it.”

“It seems I’ve done quite well.”

“…You really have. You’ve worked incredibly hard.”

Today marked the official release of Tsubame’s solo photo book, generating buzz both online and in bookstores.

“Did you get a copy, Shigure-kun?”

“…Yeah, I pre-ordered both the physical and digital versions. My mom also reserved a copy and will pick it up later.”

“Both? That’s impressive.”

“You have a lot of dedicated fans, Tsubame. Many people are buying both formats.”

Recently, digital books had been growing in popularity, causing physical sales to decline. However, magazines featuring Tsubame continued to sell remarkably well in print. Rumors even suggested that some bookstores had been saved from closure thanks to the increased sales driven by her presence.

That’s just how extraordinary Tsubame was. Many, like me, purchased both the physical and digital versions.

“Still, thank you… It’s a little embarrassing, though.”

“I didn’t expect you to feel that way.”

“Just a little. Maybe it’s because it’s you, Shigure-kun.”

It felt somewhat like having a friend visit your workplace while you were on duty.

“…Would you prefer if I didn’t buy it?”

“No, that’s not it. Actually, I’d love for you to read it.”

“That makes me happy to hear. I’ve been looking forward to it.”

The magazines Tsubame appeared in typically showcased seasonal fashion styles against scenic backdrops—flower fields, the ocean, autumn foliage, or illuminated winter scenes. There were no swimsuit or revealing photos.

While this might sound simple, such a concept highlighted Tsubame’s natural charm the most.

This new photo book compiled her magazine features from the past few months, including unpublished photos and additional shots with different outfits and backgrounds. It was quite an extensive collection.

“By the way, have you looked through it yet?”

“I glanced at it, but I’m planning to go through it properly once I get home.”

Tonight, I was staying over at Tsubame’s house. Carefully choosing my words to reflect that, I noticed her staring at me with a knowing look—a slight sense of foreboding crept in.

And sure enough—

“Then let’s look at it together when we get back. I have a copy at my place too.”

Tsubame made the suggestion casually, but the classroom immediately buzzed with murmurs.

As expected, she paid no mind to the reactions around us, waiting patiently for my response.

Though some had probably figured it out, we hadn’t explicitly mentioned spending time at each other’s homes. But with my words just now, it was out in the open.

…Well, it was bound to come out sooner or later. I wasn’t actively hiding it, nor was I making an effort to spread it around.

“Alright. I’d love to hear about the photoshoots too.”

“Got it.”

Ignoring the lingering stares, I continued the conversation.

Throughout the day, my classmates kept bringing it up, and every time, Tsubame would chime in to steer them away. This cycle repeated multiple times.

***

“Sorry.”

On the way home, Tsubame suddenly apologized.

I froze, unsure why, until she continued.

“I shouldn’t have mentioned that we’d be together.”

“…Oh, that. You really don’t need to worry about it.”

Recalling the morning’s events, I reassured her and resumed walking. Yet, she kept stealing glances at me, like a child anticipating a scolding.

“Sometimes I feel like I cause you a lot of trouble, Shigure-kun.”

“Please don’t. I do what I want, too.”

We’d talked about this before. Today had just been one of those days where people kept asking questions. By tomorrow, the rumors would spread further, and students from other classes or even different grades might start approaching me. It would probably last a week.

Even so, it didn’t bother me.

“I enjoy being with you, Tsubame. Honestly, I even find all the extra attention amusing. It’s nothing compared to the thought of not spending time with you. That’s what I’d truly hate.”

Not only did I enjoy spending time with her at school, but I also looked forward to our Mondays together. And now, we’d be adding Fridays and Saturdays to that routine.

Before, when I hadn’t been able to see her as often, I still had Shirou and the others, and life had been fulfilling. But now, I couldn’t imagine going back to a time without her.

“So, I’m sorry, but I won’t leave your side—not until you can taste your food again… until you can genuinely smile. And even then, if possible.”

“…Thank you.”

It was a bit embarrassing to say out loud, but Tsubame’s quiet response held no trace of rejection. Her voice was still flat as always, but I had started understanding her nuances.

Besides, if she disliked anything, she would say so. Lately, she had been opening up about her thoughts.

Sensing the conversation drawing to a close, I decided to change the topic.

“Speaking of which, how’s your sleep been lately?”

“…Better. A lot better. I don’t doze off in the afternoons as much anymore.”

“Really? That’s great!”

Her answer was even better than I had hoped, and I couldn’t hide my excitement.

It seemed my suggestion had helped. I had mentioned something to her mother, and it had worked.

“The candle your mom gave me is amazing. I want to thank her.”

“She’d love that.”

I was sure my mom would be delighted.

As I looked at Tsubame again, I noticed something remarkable.

Her skin, already admired for its ethereal beauty, seemed even more radiant now that her complexion had regained its natural warmth.