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 46: Usually Demure, But When Weak, She Becomes Clingy —6

Usually Demure, But When Weak, She Becomes Clingy —6

After I finished wiping off her sweat, Ayame lay back down on the bed.

When it comes to recovering from a cold, no medicine is more effective than sleep. I just wanted her to rest well and regain her strength.

I glanced at the bedside clock—nearly an hour had passed since I took over from Mikage. It was probably time to switch again.

“I think I should call Mikage back now. Is that okay?”

“Switch? With Mikage?”

Ayame looked at me in confusion.

Now that I thought about it, I was always the one taking care of her while she was awake. She likely hadn’t noticed that Mikage had also been looking after her.

Still, telling her the real reason behind our shifts wasn’t a good idea. If I admitted that we were taking turns so she wouldn’t feel guilty, she’d probably feel even worse about it.

I quickly came up with a plausible explanation.

“Mikage is worried about you too. That’s why we’ve been taking turns looking after you.”

“I see…”

Seemingly convinced by my words, Ayame gave me a small smile.

I discreetly let out a breath of relief and turned around.

“Alright, I’ll go get Mikage.”

“…Wait.”

Just as I was about to leave, Ayame gently tugged at my sleeve.

“What is it?”

“Just until I fall asleep… could you stay by my side?”

She peeked up at me from beneath the covers, her face partially hidden under the blanket. Maybe a little bit of her clingy side was still lingering.

The way she asked so endearingly made me chuckle. I settled down onto a cushion beside the bed.

“Alright. I’ll stay right here.”

“Thank you…”

With a relaxed expression, Ayame closed her eyes.

Maybe having me nearby reassured her, because within minutes, I could hear the sound of her peaceful breathing.

Confirming that she had fallen asleep, I quietly stood up from the cushion.

“Goodnight, Ayame.”

I gently stroked her head, careful not to wake her, and tiptoed out of the room.

Once I softly closed the door behind me, I replayed everything in my mind—

The way she wanted me to stay until she fell asleep.

The way she bashfully asked me to wipe her sweat.

The way she insisted I feed her earlier.

Taking all of that into account, there was no doubt about it anymore. I could say with certainty—

Ayame had romantic feelings for me.

I furrowed my brows.

“But… I can’t return those feelings.”

Even just saying the words made a wave of guilt wash over me, tightening my chest.

“I could never be that dishonest with her.”