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 42: Usually Demure, But When Weak, She Becomes Clingy —2

Usually Demure, But When Weak, She Becomes Clingy —2

After that, my calls to Ayame finally caught Mikage’s attention, and she rushed over to help.

Together, we carried Ayame to her room, laid her on the bed, and took her temperature.

The thermometer displayed 37.8°C.

“It’s likely just a cold,” Mikage concluded after checking Ayame’s temperature.

“As I mentioned during the forest school trip, Ayame-sama has a frail constitution. She often falls ill, and this time, it seems the fatigue from the trip has taken its toll.”

“I see. Well, I’m relieved it’s nothing serious,” I replied.

“For now, we should monitor her condition. If she doesn’t improve after two or three days, consulting a doctor would be advisable.”

“Yeah, I agree. That sounds like a good plan.”

Mikage’s assessment made sense, and I nodded in agreement. Then, she made a request.

“If you wouldn’t mind, could you assist in taking care of Ayame-sama? I believe having Kanda-san look after her would make her happy.”

“Of course, I’d be happy to. Ayame has always been there for me, and even Gen-san asked me to prioritize Ayame over part-time work.”

“Thank you very much,” Mikage said with a bow.

At that moment, Ayame stirred awake.

Peering down at her, Mikage and I spoke.

“How are you feeling, Ayame?”
“Do you have any pain or discomfort?”

Ayame blinked at us groggily and then said:

“…I’m hungry.”

“…”

Both Mikage and I blinked in disbelief.

Her statement, so detached from the tense atmosphere moments ago, made me feel foolish for being so on edge. I couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

Mikage, seemingly relieved as well, allowed a small smile to grace her face.

“That’s true. You haven’t had breakfast yet,” I said.

“Since she has an appetite, her condition doesn’t seem severe. Kanda-san, would you mind preparing something for her?” Mikage suggested.

“Got it. I’ll put my heart into it, so look forward to it, Ayame,” I said with a grin, turning to head to the kitchen.

As I was about to leave, Ayame tugged on the hem of my shirt.

When I turned back, she was looking up at me with puppy-dog eyes, like a small abandoned dog.

“Don’t go.”

“Huh? But if I don’t, I can’t make your food.”

“Nooo… I want you to stay with me.”

Ayame acting so clingy was something I had never seen before. Was she feeling emotionally fragile because of the cold?

Even though she was being a little unreasonable, I didn’t feel the slightest bit annoyed. If anything, her needy side was so adorably endearing that it almost made my knees buckle.

She was so irresistibly cute that I couldn’t help but want to give in to her request. A part of me was ready to abandon my responsibility just to stay by her side.

W-what should I do? Should I ask Yuri-san to handle breakfast? But then again, Gen-san specifically entrusted me with looking after Ayame…

The desire to protect her and my sense of responsibility clashed fiercely.

While I wrestled with my dilemma, Mikage gently touched Ayame’s hand, still gripping the hem of my shirt.

“I will stay by your side in Kanda-san’s place. Would that not suffice?”

“…You’ll really stay with me? You won’t leave?”

“I won’t go anywhere. I promise.”

“…Okay, I’ll try to bear it.”

Soothed by Mikage’s words, Ayame reluctantly let go of my shirt.

Mikage smiled at Ayame, who had agreed to listen. It was a serene, gentle smile, almost saintly in its kindness.

Seeing Mikage’s expression, I blinked in surprise.

“So, you can make a face like that too.”

“Pardon?”

“Just now, you looked so kind when you smiled. It was really something.”

“Did I?”

Mikage tilted her head, seemingly unaware, and patted her cheeks as if trying to feel her expression.

The gesture was so endearing that I couldn’t help but smile.

“Your usual dignified expression is cool, but the kind look you had just now is really charming too.”

“Wha…!?”

Her jet-black pearl-like eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed red.

But it was only for a brief moment. Her expression quickly shifted to one of annoyance.

“If you have time to say such frivolous things, shouldn’t you be preparing breakfast? Ayame-sama is hungry, you know?”

“Sorry, sorry. I’ll get right on it.”

Her brusque tone was an obvious attempt to hide her embarrassment. Still, I knew better than to tease her further—doing so would undoubtedly backfire spectacularly.

Suppressing my laughter, I apologized to Mikage, who was glaring at me with narrowed eyes, and left Ayame’s room to prepare breakfast.