The Story of Making a Popular Girl Dependent on Me - Chapter 25

After admiring the snow a lot at school that day, we walked hand in hand as usual after school.

“Oh, by the way, Setsune. How about going out on Saturday or Sunday?”

“Sure, where are we going?”

“Just normal shopping. When I went to Setsune’s house before, I liked the nice aroma, so if you have any recommendations, let me know.”

“Okay. How about Saturday then?”

“Thanks. Is 1 p.m. in front of the station okay?”

“Sure.”

So, we made plans to go out on Saturday and talked about where else to go while heading home.

Saturday. Today is the day for a date with Setsune, so I woke up a little early to get ready to go out. Just as I was about to finish getting ready, my phone rang.

Wondering who it was, I checked, and it was Setsune, whom I had promised to go on a date with today.

“What’s wrong, Setsune?”

“Sorry, Rokka. I woke up with a fever and can’t make it today.”

“If you have a fever, there’s nothing you can do. Are you okay?”

“If I rest for a day, I’ll probably be fine. I’m really sorry.”

“It’s okay. Let’s go shopping another time. Right now, you need to get better.”

“Thanks. Well then, see you later.”

“Yeah.”

It seems Setsune has caught a cold, so our date for today was suddenly canceled.

“Now, what should I do? Oh, I know. Since I’m already dressed up, maybe I should go visit her.”

I’ve been to Setsune’s house twice before, so I remember the place well. Since today is a holiday, her parents are likely to be home, but being alone when you’re sick can be lonely.

“Besides, it might be a good opportunity to greet her parents. In that case…”

If there’s a chance I’ll meet her parents, the first impression is important. So, before going to Setsune’s house, I need to buy a gift for her parents and something for her.

I didn’t know what to bring, so I decided to ask my mother for advice.

“Mom, I heard my friend caught a cold and I want to visit her. What should I bring for her family?”

“Oh, that’s tough. In that case, I think baked goods would be nice. I’ll give you some money, so buy them before you go to her house.”

“Got it. Thanks.”

With advice on the gift and money from my mother, I quickly got ready and left the house.

Then, after buying a gift at a shop near the station and some sports drinks and jelly at a convenience store, I headed to Setsune’s house.

Arriving at Setsune’s house, I was a little nervous. After all, I had never met her parents before, so I had no idea what kind of people they were.

“Alright.”

I took a deep breath and rang the doorbell.

After a while, the door opened slowly, and a slightly petite, gentle-looking, cute person came out, who seemed younger but since Setsune doesn’t have any sisters, this person is probably her mother.

“Hello. Who might you be?”

“Oh, nice to meet you. I’m Setsune’s classmate, Yukemuri.”

“Oh! Are you Rokka-chan by any chance?”

“Huh, you know me?”

“Yes! I always hear about you from Setsune!”

It’s nice that Setsune talks about me, but I’m a little worried if she’s saying anything strange.

“What brings you here today?”

“Actually, I had plans to hang out with Setsune today, but I heard she caught a cold, so I came to visit her.”

“Oh, I see. Then, please check on her and see how she’s doing. She’ll be happy to see you, Rokka!”

“Thank you. Also, I’m sorry to bother you at the entrance, but if you’d like, please enjoy these cookies together.”

Saying that, I handed over the baked goods I bought on the way here.

“Oh, how thoughtful, thank you so much. You know where Setsune’s room is, right? I heard from Setsune that you’ve been here before. If she’s asleep, feel free to go in!”

“Got it. Thank you.”

With permission from Setsune’s mother, I entered the house and headed towards Setsune’s room.

Knock, knock, knock.

“Setsune, it’s Rokka. Are you okay?”

I arrived at Setsune’s room and lightly knocked on the door while calling out.

However, there was no response from Setsune, so she was probably asleep.

Before coming here, Setsune’s mother had told me it was okay to enter if she was asleep, so I slowly opened the door and went inside the room.

The room was a bit dim because the curtains were closed, but not completely dark, so I quietly approached Setsune to avoid making any noise. Kneeling near the bed, I gazed at her sleeping face.

“It’s been six months since we started dating, but it might be the first time I’ve seen her sleeping face…”

Then, perhaps realizing someone was there, Setsune slowly opened her eyes that had been closed.

“Huh? Rokka?”

“Good morning, Setsune.”

“Rokka! My Rokka is here!”

Still a bit groggy, she called my name while smiling softly, looking very cute, which made my heart skip a beat.

Ignoring my thoughts, Setsune reached out towards my face and touched my cheek.

“…Huh? Rokka?”

“Yeah, it’s Rokka, Setsune.”

Finally waking up, Setsune noticed my presence and called my name again.

“Why is Rokka here?”

“I came to visit you. I made sure to get permission from your mom before entering the room, so don’t worry.”

“Wait, my hair is a mess, and I feel like I said something embarrassing!”

As I explained the situation, Setsune suddenly felt embarrassed about what she had said earlier and quickly hid under the covers.

“It’s okay, you’re not that messy. Besides, I was happy when you called me ‘my Rokka,’ so don’t worry.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Oh, by the way, I bought some jelly and drinks. Want some?”

“…I’ll have some.”

Saying that, Setsune emerged from under the covers and sat up.

I took out the jelly from the bag, opened it, scooped up a bite-sized piece, and brought it to Setsune’s mouth.

“Here, say ‘ahh.'”

“Ahh. Mmm, delicious.”

“Good. Here, next one.”

(How cute. I feel like taking care of her like this forever.)

Thinking that, I continued feeding Setsune the jelly until it was finished. When she said she was thirsty after finishing the jelly, I tried to give her the drink I had bought. However, I had a better idea, so instead of giving her the drink, I took a sip and then kissed her, transferring the drink bit by bit into her mouth.

“R-Rokka? Mmm?!”

After kissing Setsune like that, I released my lips and looked at her face. Setsune blushed slightly and questioned me about the kiss.

“Why did you do that? I have a cold, you know?”

“Well, they say if you pass on a cold, it gets better quickly, right? So maybe a kiss would help?”

“Then you’ll catch a cold from me next.”

“If it’s from you, I’d gladly take it.”

Saying that, I gave her a gentle kiss again and then checked the time.

It was a little past 5 p.m., probably because I had gone shopping before coming here.

Thinking it wouldn’t be good to stay longer for Setsune’s sake, I decided it was time to leave.

“Setsune, I’m going to head back now.”

“Huh, you’re leaving already? It would be nice if you stayed a bit longer…”

“I appreciate you saying that, but you need rest, right?”

Seeing Setsune look a bit lonely even after hearing my explanation, I leaned in close to her ear and whispered.

“When you’re all better, I’ll give you a reward, so be a good girl today.”

“O-Okay!”

“Well then, see you later.”

“Thank you for coming today! Take care!”

I waved lightly and left Setsune’s room, then went to greet her mother.

“Sorry to bother you. I’ll be heading back now.”

“Oh, you’re leaving already? How was Setsune?”

“She seems to be feeling much better after sleeping. Thank you for today. Feel free to come by anytime!”

“Thank you. I’ll take my leave then.”

After saying goodbye to Setsune’s mother, I messaged my mother that I was heading back and walked to the station.

(Hehe. I greeted Setsune’s mother too, so maybe I can move forward a bit more. Everything has been going smoothly so far…)

That’s right. Everything had been going smoothly up to this point. However, the world isn’t always so sweet, and three weeks after the day I visited Setsune to wish her well, an unexpected event would unfold.

“Sorry, Rokka. He confessed to me…”