In the afternoon after school, Tanaka Masao arrived downstairs to wait for Yukinoshita Yukino to meet up.
Their current activity had changed to outdoor cycling, so they didn't need to go to the Service Club; they would meet directly at the bike shed.
However, after waiting for ten minutes in the bike shed, Tanaka Masao still hadn't seen Yukinoshita Yukino.
"That's not right. Logically, Yukino is a very trustworthy person; she shouldn't be late."
He looked around but didn't see Yukinoshita Yukino's electric bike. He remembered that he had messaged her at noon, but she hadn't replied.
Tanaka Masao's heart skipped a beat, and he couldn't help but think:
"Yukino, she couldn't have gotten into trouble, could she?
Could it be that Yukino's family forbade her from seeing me, so they locked her up and cut off her contact with me?
This kind of melodramatic TV show plot really makes me feel... excited.
Yukino must be locked in her room right now, constantly calling out my name, praying for me to come and rescue her.
Wait for me, Yukino, I'm coming to save you right away."
He quickly went to find Hiratsuka Shizuka to see if she knew what was going on.
"Oh, you mean Yukinoshita? She took a sick day today. Oh, right, she also asked me to tell you, but I forgot. Ah hahaha~"
Hiratsuka Shizuka said, scratching her head a bit awkwardly.
Tanaka Masao was a little speechless. So, he had been looking forward to nothing; she was just sick.
But what would a sick Yukinoshita Yukino look like?
"Then, Hiratsuka-sensei, I'm going to visit her."
"Alright, do you need me to tell you Yukinoshita's address?"
"No need, I go there often; I know it well."
"?"
Hiratsuka Shizuka watched Tanaka Masao's retreating back, her mind a bit muddled. By the time she reacted, Tanaka Masao was long gone.
"No, what did I just hear? Tanaka Masao goes to Yukinoshita's house often?
What exactly do they usually do? Are they really on a normal diet?
And Yukinoshita is still sick right now. While she has a kind of sickly beauty, she also has almost no ability to resist. Tanaka, he wouldn't..."
Hiratsuka Shizuka thought for a moment and gave up on the idea of going with him.
"Forget it, Tanaka is generally a trustworthy person. I trust him, and I trust Yukinoshita."
You can completely trust Tanaka Masao.
Meanwhile, Tanaka Masao rode his bicycle and first went to a convenience store to buy some things for Yukinoshita Yukino.
"With a cold and fever, she's definitely sweating. Yukino's body must be lacking water right now; she needs to replenish it well."
Thinking this, he directly grabbed three or four bottles of sports drinks to replenish energy.
He looked around but unfortunately didn't find any canned yellow peaches.
Otherwise, cool peaches would definitely help cool down Yukinoshita Yukino.
Helpless, Tanaka Masao had no choice but to buy some fruit to take over.
After all, the thought is more important than the gift.
"Boss, how much is this watermelon?"
"We have ones from 2,000 to 4,000 yen each. Which one would you like, customer?"
Tanaka Masao nodded. Converted to Chinese yuan, one watermelon would be one or two hundred yuan.
Although a bit expensive, it was a normal price here.
"Boss, pick one for me."
"Alright."
The boss chose a watermelon of suitable size and good appearance and handed it to Tanaka Masao.
"How about this one?"
"Is this watermelon ripe?"
"I run a fruit stand; why would I sell you an unripe one?"
"Whether this watermelon is ripe or not, we'll only know after trying it."
As soon as he finished speaking, there was a 'puchi' sound, and as the knife was plunged in, bright red liquid flowed out.
"Looks like it's perfectly ripe. Come, boss, help me cut it and put it in a box."
The boss pulled the knife out of the watermelon, a bit exasperated.
"Customer, you're still strange. Everyone else slices, but you stab."
"Oh, I'm more skilled at stabbing."
"Here, your watermelon. Hold it tight."
"Thank you, boss."
Tanaka Masao took the plastic box containing the sliced watermelon, thanked the boss, and then headed to Yukinoshita Yukino's house.
"Ding-dong~"
Tanaka Masao pressed the doorbell three times. After waiting a few seconds, a somewhat weak voice came from inside the room.
"Coming~, cough cough."
As soon as the door opened, Tanaka Masao saw a somewhat listless Yukinoshita Yukino.
At this moment, Yukinoshita Yukino lacked her usual confident and powerful aura, giving off a delicate feeling.
She was wearing pajamas with cute cat patterns, her hair a bit messy, revealing a lazy beauty.
This state of mind and attire made the once unapproachable high-class flower seem not so distant anymore.
"Oh, it's Tanaka-kin."
A hint of imperceptible disappointment flashed in Yukinoshita Yukino's eyes.
"Why are you here?"
"I heard from Hiratsuka-sensei that you were sick, so I came to see you and offer my condolences."
Saying this, Tanaka Masao also held up the things in his hand.
"Then come in with me."
Yukinoshita Yukino led Tanaka Masao into the house.
"How are you feeling? Are you still uncomfortable?"
Hearing the question, Yukinoshita Yukino gently shook her head.
"My temperature is almost normal now, but my head is still a bit dizzy, and my body feels weak.
You find a place to sit first; I'll pour you a glass of water."
Hearing that Yukinoshita Yukino was going to pour him water, Tanaka Masao quickly stopped her.
"Yukino, don't bother. I'm here to visit you. You're still a patient right now; you should rest well."
Yukinoshita Yukino stopped at his words.
"Alright then, make yourself at home. I won't entertain you."
She wasn't feeling well at the moment and indeed didn't want to move much.
"Here, have some water."
Tanaka Masao twisted open the energy drink he had bought and handed it to Yukinoshita Yukino.
"Here, drink this."
"Thank you."
Yukinoshita Yukino had just woken up and was thirsty. She took it without politeness and drank a few sips.
Watching Yukinoshita Yukino drink, Tanaka Masao felt a bit regretful.
There was no scene of the drink flowing down her neck from the corner of her mouth. Thumbs down.
Yukinoshita Yukino put down the bottle and looked at Tanaka Masao.
"Tanaka-kin, what are you looking at?"
"Ah, I was wondering if Yukino, you've eaten anything today?"
"I didn't have much appetite today, so I only ate a tiny bit."
"How can that be? Even if you don't have an appetite when you're sick, you still need to eat so that your body can recover quickly.
How about this, I'll cook you a bowl of porridge."
Yukinoshita Yukino's eyes showed a hint of distrust.
"Can you?"
Tanaka Masao stood up.
"Honestly, Yukino, don't underestimate me. Cooking a bowl of porridge is simple. Alright, leave everything to me. You just go back to your room and continue resting."
Seeing Tanaka Masao's persistent and confident demeanor, Yukinoshita Yukino hesitated for a moment but still agreed to his request.
"Alright then, if you can't do it, there's no need to force yourself."
"Don't worry, leave everything to me. You go lie down and rest in bed for a while; the delicious porridge will be ready soon."
Yukinoshita Yukino returned to her bedroom with some skepticism. She leaned on the bed, feeling much more comfortable.
At the same time, once she quieted down, her mind couldn't help but start thinking.
"Is Tanaka-kin really alright? Will what he makes be edible? Will he mess up the kitchen?"