Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093093152263860/episodes/16818792435938800132
I made it to Toka’s place. Honestly, my head was foggy, and I don’t really remember how I got here.
Toka’s new place—a one-bedroom apartment with a layout similar to the one before. Compared to the nice apartment we had before, this one clearly showed its age. Still, it must be well-maintained because the inside was spotless.
“Here, Ryo kun. Lie down on the bed.”
“If I sleep here, where will Toka sleep…?”
“Don’t worry about that. Just lie down for now.”
Toka lifted the blanket, urging me to lie down. I was too exhausted to argue, so I did as she said and lay down on the bed. It was incredibly soft and comfortable. It smelled of new fabric and Toka’s faintly sweet scent…
Toka’s room still only had the bare minimum of furniture: a bed, a sofa, a glass table. But lately, little knickknacks had been gradually appearing, and I could tell Toka herself was becoming more positive about “having things.”
Apparently, that father of hers is helping furnish the place too. Considering that utterly chaotic room I saw at first, this is quite an improvement. Though I can’t help but wonder why the bed is clearly not a “single” size…
“Ryo-kun, I’m going to put a cold towel on your forehead.”
“Yeah…”
While I was spacing out, Toka brought over a basin of water and a towel. The cool, refreshing towel was gently placed on my forehead.
“Does that feel better?”
Toka peered at me with a worried look. Just moments ago she’d been bustling about, but now her voice was surprisingly quiet and gentle.
“Who would’ve thought I’d ever get nursed by Asahina Toka in my life…”
“Ryo-kun, you’re saying weird things.”
Toka gently adjusted the towel, almost stroking it. Her fingertips were so gentle it made me feel strangely embarrassed.
“…Ryo-kun, I’m sorry.”
Saying that, Toka sat down lightly on the edge of the bed.
“Maybe I was pushing you too hard because of me.”
Toka’s hand gently rested on top of mine. Her slightly chilled fingertips felt incredibly good.
“You worked so hard for me… I was just taking advantage of you, Ryo-kun.”
“No, that’s not—”
I meant to speak aloud, but what actually came out was a hoarse whisper. Still, Toka seemed to understand. She shook her head slightly and smiled.
“This time, it’s my turn to train you, Ryo-kun.”
“Hm…?”
“I have to retrain you so you don’t push yourself too hard.”
“Toka, you’re saying weird things too…”
“I’m not saying anything weird.”
Toka stated it flatly. I sensed her strong resolve, and my words caught in my throat.
“I’ll stay by your side until you’re better, so don’t worry. I’ll make you porridge, make sure you take your medicine, and manage your sleep schedule too.”
Toka sounded like some kind of commander now…
“You don’t have to be so eager…”
As we talked, keeping my eyes open grew harder. I was concerned about Toka, but maybe I should just fall asleep like this…
“Good night, Ryo kun.”
Toka’s voice sounded just a little gentler than usual in my ears. Wrapped in those words, I slowly closed my eyelids.
“I love you.”
I thought I felt something soft touch my lips at the very end…
—I don’t know what time it was, but I suddenly woke up. Looking out the window, the surroundings were already pitch black.
I was drenched in sweat and felt disgusting. Maybe the medicine was working; my body felt a little lighter. The towel on my forehead felt lukewarm and gross… no… it felt cool and incredibly pleasant.
“Toka…?”
I gently opened my eyes and searched for Toka.
“Sshh… sshh…”
Toka’s quiet breathing came from right nearby. She was sleeping on her own bed, slumped over like she was resting her head on a classroom desk. She can sleep in any position, huh… I almost laughed at the thought. Faint traces of dried tears remained on her cheek.
“Ryo-kun, I’m sorry…”
I heard Toka’s sleep talk. My chest ached sharply. Had she been nursing me until just a moment ago…?
“I wish we could go somewhere together this summer vacation…”
I want to do something fun for Toka to make up for worrying her… I vaguely thought about that, but going out was still far too risky. The attention on Toka was still very much alive. I absolutely had to avoid any careless actions that could get us in the news again.
…This is supposed to be my first summer with a girlfriend. I just want to spend a normal summer with Toka like any other couple. Why do I have to think about so many things? Thinking about it just makes me feel utterly helpless.
“Toka, thank you.”
I gently stroked her hair. Her peaceful breathing reached my ears, so fragile it felt like it might break if I touched it.
I quietly slipped out of bed and picked up the sleeping Toka in a princess carry. Her soft-looking chest rose and fell gently. I carried her to the sofa with the utmost care. The sofa was big and could double as a bed, which was really convenient. Though honestly, I should be sleeping over there myself… I draped a nearby blanket over Toka.
“I’ve got to get better soon…”
Those words slipped out from the bottom of my heart.
◇
“Mmm…”
I woke up in the morning feeling uncomfortable. From the kitchen came the sound of something simmering.
“Ah, Ryo-kun, good morning!”
As soon as she noticed I was awake, Toka rushed over to me.
“How are you feeling? Any better?”
“Hmm… I feel a lot better than yesterday. Still kinda sluggish though.”
“You gotta eat something before taking your medicine! I’m making rice porridge right now.”
“Wait, Toka’s making rice porridge!? The same Toka who barely even used the kitchen before!?”
“This Toka is making it for her beloved boyfriend!”
I tried to joke around to keep her from worrying, but Toka’s voice came back serious.
“I’m soaked in sweat and feel gross…”
“Ah, mom brought you a change of clothes.”
“Then I guess I’ll change. Sorry, but can I borrow a towel?”
“Sure thing!”
With that, Toka hurried back from the sink with a large towel.
“Thanks. I’ll just go wipe myself down.”
“Ryo-kun, hurry up and get undressed.”
“Why!?”
“Because I’m going to wipe every drop of sweat off you.”
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