The case where I was gradually getting buried in the heavy love of my childhood friend who had miraculously recovered from their illness was perfect! - Chapter 18 : She is so cute when she is Vulnerable

As the weather gets colder, it means that the season when one’s health is more susceptible to being compromised is close by.

I haven’t caught a cold for a while, but it seems like even something as minor as a cold was still a concern to her who had recently recovered from a major illness.

“I’ve caught a cold. I can’t go to school today.”

I received that message just before leaving home. This time of year, it’s almost certain that Rion would catch a cold, but it seemed she couldn’t avoid the clutches of that curse again this year.

I understand that it’s tougher than a regular cold, so, of course, I was worried about Rion. However, I couldn’t go to her place and miss school just for a minor reason.

“…..”

Well, with such an event in the morning, it became time for school without Rion, but I couldn’t help but worry if everything was okay.

“Worried about your princess?”

“Well… yeah.”

I nodded in response to Takeshi’s words. I didn’t think a minor cold would affect Rion so much, especially since she had overcome much more serious illnesses. But life is unpredictable, and even though people say not to worry, I couldn’t help but feel concerned.

“It seems like Asumi-san and the others aren’t in high spirits either.”

Akihiro said, looking at Rion’s close friends. Asumi-san and the others seemed quieter than usual, much like when Rion was in the hospital. Asumi-san, in particular, probably had some communication with Rion, so I thought there was no need to worry, but it still bothered me.

“I’ll visit her on the way home and pray for her quick recovery.”

“That’s right.”

“That’s the way to go.”

With that, the conversation about Rion came to a temporary end. Just then, Ito entered the classroom from the restroom.

Although he still looked like a delinquent, he had become extremely quiet ever since that incident – to the point where he seemed like a different person.

‘I’ve been glared at a few times, but even that has stopped.’

As I watched Ito and thought about it, our gazes crossed, but he quickly averted his eyes from me.

“…Well, it’s fine.”

For me, Ito was someone I didn’t want to get involved with. I felt a bit sorry for him after that incident, but if it meant he would stay quiet, that was fine by me. Rion had the same perspective, so I assumed this was for the best.

“Alright, it’s about time for the homeroom teacher to arrive, so I’m heading back.”

“See you later.”

“Sure.”

My friends returned to their seats, and I started preparing for class again. I checked for any messages from Rion, just in case, but there was nothing. I felt a bit lonely, but at the same time, having nothing to worry about was reassuring.

Time passed, and it was lunchtime. After having lunch with my friends, I had a chance to talk to a girl.

“What’s wrong? You’re staring at my face.”

“Well… sorry.”

“You don’t have to apologize.”

She was one of Rion’s friends, Asumi-san.

After our eyes met when I returned from the restroom, Asumi-san gestured for me to come over, and now we were sitting face to face.

“Even though we both are close to Rion, we haven’t really talked much, have we?”

“That’s right.”

“Well… Rion trusts Rokudou-san a lot, so I guess I trust you by extension. Even if we haven’t talked much, I’ve always felt closer to you.”

“…I see. It’s kind of creepy, though.”

“Haha. You’re not supposed to say that.”

But I did understand what she meant.

I talked to Asumi-san and her friends through Rion, and since we both cared about Rion, we had shared concerns and discussions. Looking back, I realized that this made us quite close in a way.

“How did you become close to Rion, Asumi-san?”

“Do you want to know?”

“Well, yeah… but if you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine.”

“It’s okay. Well, it’s not like there was anything special that happened. I was just alone, and Rion started talking to me.”

“Hmm? Well, it’s not that strange to become friends if it naturally led to that.”

“That’s right. It was just a normal encounter. But, except for the fact that Rion’s words felt comforting to me.”

Asumi-san closed her eyes as if recalling that time, and spoke in a gentle tone as if Rion were right there with us.

“It’s hard to explain, but it was a comfortable way of seeing through me. I wasn’t used to someone being kind to me because I had some issues with my family. Rion noticed that and… I ended up opening up to her in a way that I find really strange.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yeah. Well, I wasn’t getting along with my family, not in the sense of arguing or anything like that, but I just wasn’t satisfied with my parents’ jobs… and I wasn’t okay with it.”

“Huh?”

“Well, Rion helped me a little by talking to her, and that made it easier for me to accept my family’s situation.”

“I see. It’s not something you’d normally talk about.”

“Haha, yeah, it’s a family matter, so it’s only natural.”

I still don’t know the whole story, but it seems Asumi-san was helped by Rion… I see, so that’s why she’s so concerned about Rion. But if that’s the case, what about the other classmates…?

“Oh, I think the other classmates are quite normal in this regard. My case was pretty unique.”

“I see… I see, Rion isn’t here though.”

“Well, if you want to know more, ask Rion. I’m a bit embarrassed to say more.”

“…Well, maybe I’ll ask when I feel like it.”

It’s a bit tricky to determine if I can intrude, but if I feel like it, I’ll ask Rion indirectly.

“Rokudou-san, are you going to visit her today?”

“Of course.”

“Yeah. I’ll send a message just in case, but can you let her know that I was worried?”

“Leave it to me. I’ll convey your concern.”

“Alright, thanks!”

☆☆☆☆☆☆

“I’m here.”

After school, I arrived at Rion’s house. When I rang the doorbell, Kurumi-san greeted me immediately, and I headed to Rion’s room.

“Thanks for coming to visit. I’d say to be moderate since it’s easy to catch a cold, but I guess that’s not possible.”

I knocked on the door in front of the room and got a response from inside. I opened the door and entered.

“Hey, how are you feeling, Rion?”

“Hello, Nagi-kun. I’m much better than in the morning… Thank you for coming.”

“We’ve been childhood friends, after all. But I won’t overstay my welcome and plan to leave soon.”

“…I see.”

Rion looked visibly disappointed. I thought she was cute, but I didn’t say it out loud. I quietly approached her and patted her while she was on the bed.

When someone catches a cold, they tend to become a bit vulnerable. At least that’s how I am, and I know the same about Rion.

“Nagi-kun, were you able to study properly? Did you get lonely? Did you have a fight with your friends? Did Ito bother you again? Were you bullied…?”

“Rion, are you trying to become my mother or something?”

I retorted to Rion, who was hiding her face in the covers.

Although she did it weakly, Rion quickly changed her expression to a determined one to avoid showing her vulnerability in front of me.

“Probably, by tomorrow, I’ll be back to normal. Even if it takes a bit longer, I want to return by the day after tomorrow.”

“I see. Take it easy and get well.”

“Yes… Ehehe~.”

“What’s so funny?”

“Well… I just thought I was happy that you came to visit.”

“Huh… is that so?”

“Okay, we’re done here, right? You’ll get infected, so please leave quickly.”

Rion, you say that, but you’re still holding onto the hem of my clothes, aren’t you?

“Should I stay a little longer?”

“If you want to, Nagi-kun.”

“This childhood friend of mine isn’t very straightforward, huh?”

“…You’re so cheeky and stupid Nagi-kun.”

After that, we continued the conversation for a while, but not too long.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

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TL : Zenon#4120