"Excuse me…"
Using the spare key Natsukawa Kanade had given her long ago, Shiina Mahiru quietly opened the door, careful not to make a sound.
After school, she went straight home with one goal: to check on Kanade, her neighbor, and find out why he hadn't come to class. He never missed school. If he didn't show up, something had to be wrong.
Worried, she decided to visit, hoping she could help somehow.
But after ringing the bell several times with no answer, her concern deepened.
Could it be another cold? A fever? Being alone in that state must be miserable…
She knew Kanade lived alone. Just like her.
Back when they were close, they used to support each other. Since Kanade found it annoying to answer the door frequently, he'd given her a copy of the key.
The living room, usually a bit messy, was now clean and quiet. It felt empty.
Is he resting in the bedroom?
If he were fine, he wouldn't have gone the whole day without replying to messages.
She gently pushed open the bedroom door and tiptoed inside.
There lay Natsukawa Kanade, fast asleep.
His chest rose and fell steadily. A few beads of sweat trickled down his short hair. His sharp features were drawn into a slight frown even in sleep. His eyes, which always seemed to carry a shadow of sadness, were tightly shut.
He looked exhausted. Even asleep, he couldn't fully relax.
Mahiru felt a pang of guilt.
If she hadn't run away… could she have stayed by his side without needing excuses?
But regret changes nothing. Everyone must face the consequences of their choices. Even the "angel."
—Guwuwu…
An untimely sound broke the silence. Mahiru's face flushed instantly. She clutched her stomach and froze.
"Thankfully, no one heard…"
She hadn't eaten properly at lunch, too worried about Kanade. Now her stomach protested.
I need to cook something. He probably hasn't eaten either.
Her hunger reminded her that he, sick, needed nourishment more than she did.
"Wait here, I'll go make something…"
As she spoke, she brushed her fingers lightly against Kanade's, then quickly pulled her hand away.
Like a child who'd just played a prank, her face turned red. She didn't dare look at him, even though he was unconscious.
Maybe only in this state could she do something so intimate.
"Don't go…"
—!
Mahiru jumped. She nearly screamed.
Turning around, she saw Kanade still asleep. He'd spoken in his sleep.
"So he was just talking in his sleep…"
She sighed in relief. She thought she'd woken him and would have to explain herself, but it wasn't necessary.
"I'm not going anywhere. I'm just going to cook and come back soon."
Her gentle words seemed to reach him. His brows relaxed, and his expression softened slightly.
Now Mahiru could leave with peace of mind.
…
Natsukawa Kanade slowly opened his eyes. The familiar ceiling greeted him.
He'd been dreaming again.
In the dream, he lived a pleasant routine with the heroines. Then, as always, he was rejected.
But this time was different. The other person… had agreed?
"I won't leave. Let's go on a date."
Did she really accept…?
Just as he began to wonder if it was real, he woke up.
"It was just a dream…"
Only dreams turn wishes into reality. Life, on the other hand, reminds him not to surrender to fantasy.
He shook his head, trying to clear the mental fog. It didn't work.
—Blat, blat…
He heard soft footsteps outside the house. Faint, but not beyond his ears.
A thief? Now? I don't have the strength to fight…
He considered confessing where he kept his valuables to save himself, but then the door opened.
It was Shiina Mahiru, carrying a pot, a bowl, and a spoon.
"Natsukawa-san, you're awake."
Her face lit up with joy, but quickly shifted to concern.
Will he scold me for coming in uninvited?
Maybe I don't have the right to be here anymore…
"Well, I made some porridge…"
After a long silence, Kanade said:
"Thank you."
"Thanks for your help."
He'd imagined many things: a robbery, an unexpected visitor… but not this.
She still hasn't thrown away the key…
He didn't think too hard about why Mahiru was there. She was kind. Even to someone who'd been rejected, she wouldn't leave him alone.
Maybe the teacher asked her to deliver flyers. They lived in the same building. It was plausible.
Mahiru said nothing. She just shook her head.
To her, these little things weren't a burden. On the contrary, she liked doing them for him.
Are you feeling better? Have you regained your strength? Do you need me to feed you…?
Sitting beside the bed, she clasped her hands nervously. Like a wife worried about her sick husband.
She didn't know how she'd managed to say "Do you want me to feed you?" Now she was frozen, unable to look at him.
What did I just do?! What if he rejects me?! I won't be able to sleep tonight!
While Mahiru battled her thoughts, Kanade didn't overthink it.
If he were healthy, he might've sighed. He'd never received that kind of care when things were good between them. But now, even after "breaking the friendship," he could enjoy the gesture.
He was weak. He didn't want to move. If someone was willing to help, he wouldn't refuse.
"All right. Thanks for your help."
"Eh…? Really?"
"What's wrong? Is it a problem?"
"No, not at all! I'll be right back!"
Mahiru hurried off. She felt like today was special.
The joy of recovering a lost treasure filled her heart.