During Wednesday's homeroom class, the homeroom teacher pushed up his glasses, his voice tinged with a hint of worry: "I want to tell everyone that Kaguya Shinomiya is on sick leave because she's unwell. The doctor said she needs a few days of rest. Students who have time can go visit her, but please don't disturb her rest."
A low murmur immediately broke out in the classroom. Okabara Kyogumichi's hand, holding his pen, paused slightly; he was still a little concerned.
After class, Yuigahama Yui immediately came over.
"Kyogumichi, shall we go see Shinomiya-senpai after school?" She held a newly bought fruit basket, "I asked Hayasaka for the address; she said Shinomiya-senpai is resting at home now."
"I want to go too!" Kitagawa Marin ran over, holding a freshly drawn get-well card. On it were several Q-version characters surrounding Kaguya Shinomiya in a hospital bed. "I drew a group photo of everyone, hoping she gets better soon!"
Yukino Yukinoshita walked over, holding several notebooks, her tone calm but filled with concern: "I've organized the study notes from the past few days and also brought the solutions to the competition problems. She should need them."
After school, the group, carrying fruit and get-well gifts, arrived at the Shinomiya family villa. The huge iron gate slowly opened, and Hayasaka Ai, dressed in a butler's uniform, was already waiting at the entrance, a gentle smile on her face: "Welcome. The young lady has been talking about everyone."
Walking into the luxurious living room, the air was filled with a faint smell of disinfectant. Kaguya Shinomiya lay on the sofa bed in the living room, covered with a soft blanket, her face still a little pale. Seeing everyone enter, she immediately sat upright, trying her best to maintain her usual proud demeanor.
"Why did you come? It's not good to neglect your studies," she said stubbornly.
"Shinomiya-senpai, you need to get better quickly!" Yuigahama Yui placed the fruit basket on the nearby coffee table. "These are apples I bought for you. The doctor said eating more fruit can replenish vitamins and such."
Kitagawa Marin handed over the get-well card: "This is the get-well card I drew. Isn't it cute?"
Kaguya Shinomiya took the card, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly, and she nodded.
Yukino Yukinoshita placed the notebooks on the table: "These are the notes from the past few days and the competition problem solutions. You can look at them when you feel better."
"Hmph, I won't fall behind on these lessons." Kaguya Shinomiya said, but she had Hayasaka Ai put the notes into the bookshelf, her actions betraying her concern.
Everyone gathered around the sofa and chatted for a while. Fujiwara Chika even told Kaguya Shinomiya interesting stories from school, making her laugh. Seeing that Kaguya Shinomiya's spirits seemed to have recovered quite a bit, everyone felt relieved and gradually prepared to leave.
Yuigahama Yui specifically reminded her before leaving: "You must rest well, we'll help you bring back your homework."
Kyogumichi was the last to leave. As he reached the entrance, he heard Kaguya Shinomiya's huffy voice from behind him: "Hey! You, the one who came first! Stop right there!"
He turned around and saw Kaguya Shinomiya spring up from the sofa, her hair a mess. The collar of her bathrobe was askew, revealing her fair shoulder. Hayasaka Ai quickly tried to help her lie down, but Kaguya Shinomiya waved her hand away.
The girl's cheeks were flushed with an abnormal redness, her eyes wide, staring intensely at Kyogumichi like a ruffled kitten.
"Why are you able to surpass me? I've worked so hard," Kaguya Shinomiya suddenly stomped her foot, and tears welled up without warning, pattering down her cheeks onto the blanket.
The usually elegant and dignified Kaguya Shinomiya was now sitting cross-legged on the sofa, wiping away tears and accusing him, her bathrobe sleeves slipped down, revealing her slender arms, her hair a mess like a bird's nest. She looked completely like a dazed, silly person who had just woken up.
"Young lady, please lie down..." Hayasaka Ai tried to gently push her back onto the sofa, but Kaguya Shinomiya waved her arms to push her away.
She cried and pounded the sofa, completely losing her usual refined image.
Kyogumichi looked at her childish appearance, suppressing a laugh as he handed her a tissue: "You should wipe your face first; your nose is running."
"None of your business!" Kaguya Shinomiya turned her head away haughtily, but her body honestly leaned forward. She took the tissue and haphazardly wiped her face, looking like a cat.
"Actually, your history essay was much more profound than mine," Kyogumichi said seriously, trying to hold back his laughter, "It's just that the teacher lacks appreciation."
"Really?" Kaguya Shinomiya immediately stopped crying, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him, tears still clinging to her eyelashes. She snapped out of her silly state. "I knew it! Those teachers just don't understand my insights!"
She sniffled and mumbled softly: "Actually, last night I dreamt you turned into a test paper spirit chasing me..." As soon as she finished speaking, she realized her mistake, and her cheeks instantly turned crimson. "N-no! I was just saying!"
Hayasaka Ai helplessly held her forehead nearby: "Young lady, you were feverish and delirious yesterday, hugging your pillow and shouting 'I'm the first' for half the night."
"Hayasaka!" Kaguya Shinomiya was so embarrassed she almost burrowed into the sofa cushion. She grabbed another pillow and covered her face. "Don't say that!"
Kyogumichi looked at her adorable contrasting behavior and finally couldn't help but laugh out loud: "Alright, once you're better, we'll compete again."
"You said it!" Kaguya Shinomiya immediately peeked out from behind the pillow, her eyes wide. "When that time comes, I'll let you know the power of the Shinomiya family!" As she spoke, she suddenly sneezed, and she quickly covered her nose awkwardly.
"Understood, Shinomiya-senpai," Kyogumichi suppressed his laughter. "I've organized your collection of incorrect problems. I'll give it to you when you're better."
Kaguya Shinomiya awkwardly turned her face away: "Wh-who wants your stuff... But since you're giving it so sincerely, I'll reluctantly accept it." She paused, her voice as small as a mosquito, "Actually, I stayed up too late because I wanted to surpass you..."
"You should also take care of your health while studying," Kyogumichi said. "I've also organized the competition materials. We can discuss them once you've recovered."
"Who wants to discuss with you..." Kaguya Shinomiya's ears were burning red, but she quietly pulled the blanket up to her knees. "But seeing as you're so sincere, I'll accompany you in studying them." She took a deep breath, trying to regain her dignified demeanor, but then yawned. "You can go now, this young lady needs to catch up on sleep."
"Then you rest well." Kyogumichi turned to leave.
"Wait a moment!" Kaguya Shinomiya suddenly called out to him, her cheeks flushed as she handed him a piece of chocolate. "This, this is what I couldn't finish. It's not specifically for you!"
Kyogumichi took the chocolate and nodded with a smile: "Thank you. I'll be going now."
As he reached the entrance, he still heard Kaguya Shinomiya's voice from behind him: "I will definitely win the next exam! Just you wait and see!"
Walking out of the villa, Kyogumichi couldn't help but smile, looking at the chocolate in his hand. That silly and tsundere Kaguya Shinomiya seemed much cuter than usual. He took out his phone and messaged Yukinoshita: [Shinomiya-senpai is in good spirits, just a little cute from the fever.]
He quickly received a reply: [Is that so? I'm a little curious to see.]
As night deepened, Kyogumichi quickened his pace towards the bus stop. Moonlight streamed down, leaving the ground covered in silvery-grey.