When I Helped Out At My Classy Classmate's Family Home, They Started Going All Out To Close In On Me From Every Angle. - Chapter 13: It's Like A Dream, But It's Bad For My Heart—1.

It’s Like A Dream, But It’s Bad For My Heart—1.

May 6th. The final day of Golden Week.

“Hey, Tetsu, you’re done for the day,” said Gen-san suddenly.

“Huh?”

I had just finished the lunch shift and was about to start cleaning up when Gen-san dropped that on me.

“Is that okay? There’s still cleanup to do, and we’ve got the evening shift too…”

“Don’t worry about it. You’ve got school tomorrow, right? You should have some free time to yourself.”

“But…”

“Besides, Ayame told me you’ve got assignments to finish before the end of Golden Week. You’ve taken care of that, haven’t you?”

“Ah…”

A chill ran down my spine.

I FORGOT! COMPLETELY FORGOT!!

Screaming internally, I clutched my head in despair.

With the new part-time job at HanaMori, moving into the Takamine household, and unpacking after the move, these past few days had been crazy busy. I’d completely blanked on the fact that I had homework to do.

And honestly, I’m not great at studying.

Between reading manga, gaming, and watching VTuber streams, my otaku hobbies always come first. Plus, I’ve been saving every penny for those hobbies, which doesn’t leave much time—or energy—for studying.

The assignments weren’t light. And since I hadn’t even started, I was in deep trouble.

Really deep trouble.

Given how slow I am at studying, it’s a toss-up whether I can finish it all by the end of the day.

Feeling the pressure closing in, I groaned and buried my face in my hands.

“Judging by that reaction, you haven’t even started, huh?”

Apparently overhearing the conversation, Hide-san chimed in, grinning mischievously.

“Pretty bad, isn’t it?”

“It’s terrible. I want to cry.”

“In that case, why not ask Ayame for help? She’s crazy smart, you know?”

“That’s a brilliant idea! Go ask her, Tetsu!”

Hide-san’s suggestion earned an approving nod from Gen-san.

It was true; Ayame was exceptionally bright. I’d heard she was always in the top three on exams.

If someone that sharp was willing to help, I’d feel a lot more confident about tackling this mountain of work.

But I hesitated. There was one thing that worried me.

“Are you sure it’s okay to ask? Ayame-san has her own life; I don’t want to bother her…”

“Don’t sweat it. Ayame wouldn’t turn you down. If anything, she’d be happy to help.”

“Gen-san’s right. I’d bet money on it—there’s no way she’d refuse.”

Both of them laughed off my concerns and spoke with complete certainty.

They seemed utterly confident that Ayame would agree. Where does that confidence even come from?

Still hesitant but unable to think of another solution, I decided to take Hide-san’s advice and ask Ayame for help.

I finished my shift, changed into my casual clothes, and headed to Ayame’s room. Standing in front of the door, I couldn’t shake the doubt about whether she’d actually help me.

Hide-san and Gen-san seemed so sure, but… is this really okay?

Feeling a bit anxious, I knocked on the door.

“Hey, Ayame. Can I talk to you for a sec?”

“Of course. I’ll open the door now.”

I heard soft footsteps before Ayame opened the door.

“What’s the matter?”

“You know those assignments due by the end of Golden Week? Honestly… I haven’t done anything yet.”

“I see. You’ve been busy these past few days, haven’t you, Tetsu-kun?”

Ayame’s brows furrowed slightly in concern.

Feeling awkward, I scratched my cheek and made my request.

“So, um, if it’s not too much trouble, could you maybe help me—”

“Leave it to me! I’d be happy to help!”

Before I could even finish, Ayame beamed and responded with unbridled enthusiasm, leaning forward as if she were about to leap into action.

Her immediate agreement left me stunned.

“Uh… I mean, are you really okay with this?”

“Of course! I’ll get ready, so wait just a moment, okay?”

She turned and went back into her room, grabbing stationery and notebooks from her desk drawer. Watching her, she seemed almost giddy, like a puppy excited to go on a walk.

I guess Hide-san and Gen-san were right after all. But why is she so happy about this? Maybe she’s just glad I asked for help?

Pondering this, I let my gaze wander around her room.

The curtains, carpet, cushions, and small decor around her bedside were all warm pastel colors, giving the space a distinctly feminine charm.

A bookshelf filled with novels stood near a cabinet adorned with colorful glass bottles and candles. The pleasant fragrance filling the room suggested those were likely aroma goods.

Imagining Ayame spending her days in such a cozy space made me feel oddly restless.

W-what am I getting flustered about?! Staring at a girl’s room and feeling weird about it—am I some kind of pervert?!

Trying to banish such thoughts, I mentally chanted, “Evil be gone! Evil be gone!”

“Thanks for waiting!”

As I wrestled with my thoughts, Ayame returned, carrying a stack of notebooks and stationery.

Her cheerful smile quickly turned to a puzzled blink as she noticed my face.

“Are you okay, Tetsu-kun? Your face is all red.”

“Huh?! I-it’s nothing! I’m perfectly fine! Healthy as ever!”

Desperate not to let her catch on to my flustered state, I hastily struck a muscle pose as if to prove my “health.”

Ayame tilted her head slightly, clearly confused by my odd behavior.