Well, if sickness was inevitable, rest was the only cure. After taking some fever medicine I'd found at home, I dragged myself back to bed and lay down.
"…Still, I guess it's more surprising I managed to hold out until yesterday."
As I traced the events of December in my hazy mind, I realized an incomparable number of things had happened. It probably all started with my parents. While worrying about that, I'd tried my best to live a normal student life, pouring effort into my relationship with Umi and my friendships with Amami-san, Nozomu, and Nitta-san.
The mental and, by extension, physical strain must have taken its toll. With everything finally settled yesterday, the thread of tension that had kept me going snapped, and everything that had been accumulating must have come crashing down on me all at once.
In the grand scheme of things, they'll all surely become good memories. Meeting everyone who appeared in the photo with my parents, in particular, became something irreplaceable to me. Still, so much happened over the past month.
If someone who isn't used to that kind of turmoil tries to fight against the tide, they're bound to end up like this.
My mom, who was probably out drinking with Sora-san last night, had already left for work, leaving behind a cheerful note that read:
"Comeback battle starts today (XXX ♡)"
I sent her a message about my temperature, but who knows when she'll be home.
As for food and drinks, we'd bought a bunch for the party yesterday, so I should be fine for a while… but if this continues for another two or three days, I'll definitely start to worry.
Anyway, I just hope my symptoms get better soon.
"Ah, right. I should probably let Umi know, too—"
After reporting to my mom, I immediately decided to send Umi a message.
We had promised to hang out almost every day of winter break—tomorrow, the day after, and the day after that—but those plans would have to be postponed.
Not being able to see Umi for a while would be lonely, but if this high fever was from a cold, I couldn't risk passing it to my precious girlfriend.
All I could do was hole up under my futon, endure it, and wait for my strength to return.
(Maehara) Umi, sorry.
(Asanagi) Morning, Maki.
(Asanagi) What's up? Did something happen?
(Maehara) About our plans… I'm not feeling too well, so I was wondering if we could reschedule.
(Asanagi) Don't tell me you have a cold.
(Maehara) Yep. You guessed it.
(Maehara) I've got a 39.6 degree fever.
(Asanagi) t
(Maehara) Umi?
(Asanagi) sorry my hand slipped
(Asanagi) that's not the point that's a crazy high fever
(Asanagi) you must feel awful im coming right over
(Maehara) Wh- hey, you can't.
The moment I knew I had to contact Umi, I had a feeling this would happen. Judging from her texts, she was even more flustered than I expected.
…Yeah, maybe telling her about the high fever right off the bat was a bad idea.
I'd made her worry for nothing.
(Maehara) No, you can't. I appreciate the thought, but I might get you sick.
(Asanagi) But you're all alone right now, aren't you? My mom heard from Aunt Masaki that she's back at work today. You can't rest properly like that, and you can't even get to a hospital.
(Asanagi) And just so you know, there are no hospitals within walking distance around here.
(Maehara) Ugh…
Our neighborhood is pretty rural, so getting to a general clinic that's open on weekends and holidays would require a car or public transportation.
So, I was planning on waiting for my condition to stabilize a bit with the medicine at home before going to the hospital…
(Asanagi) I get that you don't want to be a bother, Maki.
(Asanagi) But a lot of hospitals are closed for the New Year's holidays, so you can't afford to take it easy. There's always a chance it could get worse.
(Asanagi) So, I'm coming over right now.
(Asanagi) And I'm taking you to a hospital right away.
(Maehara) …Mm.
With her putting it like that, I had no choice but to give in. When it came to dealing with sickness, following Umi's lead was probably the right call. The Asanagi family had lived in this town for a long time, so they'd know the best hospitals.
I didn't want to trouble Umi, but being too stubborn probably wasn't a good idea either. If I were in her shoes, I'd want to be by my loved one's side to reassure them, even if it meant catching their cold.
(Maehara) …Sorry, Umi.
(Maehara) I'm relying on you again.
(Asanagi) It's fine. We've come this far, so I'll take care of you until you're all better.
(Asanagi) Think of it as after-sales service from the other day.
(Maehara) Th-Thank you for your service.
Despite her comforting me in her room until morning just the other day, I was now having her come all the way to my place to nurse me back to health.
…It seemed showing my cool side to my girlfriend was still a long way off.
About ten minutes after I asked her to take care of me, I got a call from Umi, who had apparently finished getting ready.
"…Hello?"
"…Maki, are you okay?"
"I'm… fi— I'd like to say I am, but this is pretty rough."
"Geez, Maki, there you go trying to act tough again. That just makes me worry more, so next time, you need to be honest with me about how you're feeling. Got it?"
"Roger that…"
"Heehee, very good."
Seemingly relieved for the time being after hearing my voice, she spoke in a calm tone from the other side of the phone. You can check on someone through text, but in times like these, it's probably better to let them hear your voice.
"I'm at the apartment entrance now, so I'll be right there."
"Okay. I'll unlock the door right—"
"Ah, no, no. You stay in bed, Maki. Don't move."
"Huh? But…"
"It's okay, it's okay. I have the key."
"…Huh?"
She has… the key?
To my place? Why?
As I was trying to make sense of her words, I heard the click of the front door unlocking, just as Umi had said. Then, two faces immediately peeked into my room.
"Ehehe, morning, Maki."
"Oh my, you look like you're in a lot of pain. You must have quite a fever."
"Umi… and Sora-san, too."
"Good morning, Maki-kun. I've come along with my daughter to meddle a little."
It seems both Umi and her mother, Sora-san came to nurse me. It was certainly reassuring, but I never expected Sora-san to come as well.
"Maki, let's go to the hospital right now and have a doctor take a look at you. Mom says she'll drive us. Your insurance card is in your wallet, right?"
"Yeah, probably… Before that, why do you have my house key?"
Glinting in Umi's hand was, without a doubt, the key to my home. There were three keys to the Maehara residence: one for me, one for my mom, and a spare that was supposed to be kept in my mom's room in case one of us lost ours… No way.
"Did you… get that spare key from my mom?"
"Mhm. Yesterday, when my mom went drinking with Aunt Masaki. Right?" she asked, turning to her mother.
"Yes," Sora-san confirmed. "She said, 'Please continue to look after my son,' and gave it to Umi. I wasn't sure what to do at first, but I figured it would be fine since you're my daughter's precious boyfriend."
"I knew it…"
I trust the reliable Umi and Sora-san, and I suppose it's much better than my mom—who's rather sloppy with daily life—managing it. For now, it seems Sora-san will be in charge of it, and Umi will hold onto it when necessary.
…Mainly, for times like these.
"Maki-kun, you don't need to change, just put on something warm on top. Umi, bring me that down jacket hanging on the chair."
"Okay~"
Following Sora-san's instructions, I was quickly readied. Leaning on their shoulders, I got into the Asanagi family car and headed straight for their family doctor.
From what I heard, it's about a twenty-minute drive. There are no train stations nearby, and the bus in that direction runs once an hour. It seems Umi's choice was the right one after all. My fever had also gone up slightly from when I measured it this morning.
"Mom, you have a guest and a sick one at that today, so please, please drive safely."
"Oh? But I always drive safely. Don't say things that might give Maki-kun the wrong impression. Uhuhu."
"…"
Sora-san's smiling face in the driver's seat looked somewhat terrifying right now.
(Maehara) Umi.
(Asanagi) No, you see… she's usually fine. She drives all the time, so she's pretty good.
(Asanagi) But, well, sometimes she goes a little too fast, and she doesn't react well to rude drivers.
(Maehara) So her personality changes a bit?
(Asanagi) Yeah. She gets a little… venomous, you could say.
(Maehara) Got it. I'll keep quiet then.
We texted each other so Sora-san wouldn't notice, and I securely fastened my seatbelt in the back. I'm grateful just for the ride, so I don't intend to say anything… but for now, I'll secretly pray that nothing happens.
"—Yep, it's a cold. You have a fever, and your throat seems a little swollen, so I'll give you an IV drip to reduce the fever and inflammation. I'll prescribe some medicine, too. Once you get home, stay warm and rest for a while."
Since it was an odd time in the morning, we arrived at the hospital without any trouble. After the examination, I was told to lie in bed for about thirty minutes to receive an IV drip. Depending on the blood test results, I might have to come back, but they said I should be fine if I just rest for now.
"Maki, over here."
As soon as I left the treatment room, Umi came to my side and supported me. To be honest, thanks to the treatment, I had no problem moving around a bit, but that's how much Umi was concerned about me.
I'll just obediently let her dote on me for now.
"Maki-kun, how was it?" Sora-san asked.
"He said it depends on the test results, but it's probably just a cold. I don't have any other noticeable symptoms, and the fever should go down in about three days."
"I see, that's a relief…"
Sora-san must have been worried too, as she let out a sigh of relief upon hearing my report. Even though I'm her daughter's boyfriend, I'm still a stranger to her… I'm nothing but grateful for her doing so much for me.
"I just contacted Masaki-san," she said with a gentle smile. "Don't worry about thanking me or anything, just focus on getting some rest."
"Okay. Thank you very much."
"Heehee, you're welcome. Well, we've got the medicine, so let's head home."
They paid for the consultation and medicine for the time being, and we headed back to my place in Sora-san's car again. On the way there, the atmosphere in the car was tense because I was sick, but now both Umi and Sora-san were relaxed.
"Hey, Umi, isn't it great that it's nothing serious for Maki-kun?"
"! W-Why are you dragging me into this?"
"Oh? Did you forget, Umi? How you came barging in this morning, pale-faced, going 'Maki, Maki~' and shaking me awake. You were fidgeting the whole time in the waiting room, too."
"…Th-That's, I mean, I couldn't help it…" Umi blushed and looked down, but she never let go of my hand.
"He was perfectly fine until yesterday, but when he woke up, he had a high fever, his voice sounded weak, and he looked like he was in so much pain… We finally, um, became a… c-couple, and I was so worried about what I'd do if I couldn't see him anymore."
"Umi…"
Even though she appears composed on the outside, Umi is actually more timid and prone to worry than anyone. Seeing me breathing heavily in pain must have made her overthink things.
"Sorry, Umi. It was nothing serious, but I still made you worry."
"…You idiot, Maki. If you get sick on me like that again, I'll never, ever forgive you."
"I'm pretty sure getting sick isn't something you do on purpose…"
That said, from now on, I need to avoid pushing myself unnecessarily and take proper care of myself—not just for others, but for my own sake. I want Umi to always be by my side, smiling without a worry in the world.
After that, Umi continued to fuss over me, saying things like, "Here's some water, make sure you stay hydrated," and "Are you sweating? I'll wipe it for you," to the point where even Sora-san in the driver's seat couldn't help but chuckle. And so, we arrived at the Asanagi residence.
Apparently, Riku-san is still at home, but Daichi-san is away for work and won't be back for the New Year's holidays.
"Umi, I'm going shopping now, so please take care of Maki-kun. There's a guest futon in the Japanese-style guest room, so have him rest there… And don't you dare bring him into your room, okay?"
"Geez, I wouldn't do that! Maki, ignore my mom. Come on, come on in."
"Ah, yes, excuse me for intruding… Wait."
"? What is it? Is something wrong?"
"No, that's what I want to ask you."
I thought it was strange that the scenery on the way back was completely different from the way there, but I was dropped off not in front of my home, but in front of the Asanagi residence.
Until just a moment ago, I had mistakenly thought they would drop Umi off at her house first and then take me home… but Sora-san quickly left by herself to go shopping, leaving me alone with Umi.
"Um, Umi."
"What is it?"
"I'm supposed to be resting for a while."
"Mhm, that's right. You need to eat properly, take your medicine, stay warm, and get plenty of sleep."
"So, I need to go home."
"No, you can't."
"Why not?"
I don't mind being invited to the Asanagi house, but I have a cold right now, so this isn't really the time for that.
"…Hey, am I staying at your house until I get better by any chance?"
"I got permission from Aunt Masaki, you know? Though, we were the ones who suggested it."
"But you don't have my permission…"
Stepping away from Umi for a moment, I decided to call my mom. She usually doesn't notice when I call, but today she picked up right away.
"Hello, Maki? How are you feeling?"
"Not great… More importantly, about me staying over."
"Oh, that. Just so you know, I did politely decline at first, okay? I told them that even though I'm busy with work, I can at least take care of my own child… but in the end, I lost to Umi-chan's persuasion."
"I see. So, what did Umi say?"
"That's a secret… Well, I figured it would be safer and more reassuring for you to have the reliable Umi-chan take care of you than for me to do it, exhausted after work. Oh, or would you rather have Mommy take care of you? I wouldn't mind if you wanted to be spoiled for a bit, you know?"
"That's… an absolute no."
"Oh, what a shame."
The image of my mom spoiling me flashed through my mind, and I felt an indescribable chill. Being spoiled by Umi is one thing, but being spoiled by my own mother as a high schooler is… a bit much, psychologically.
"Anyway, I'll come check on you when I have time, so don't push yourself. Let Umi-chan take care of you. Sora-san and I will sort out the rest."
"If that's the case… well, I guess I understand."
"Heehee, thank you… I'm sorry, Maki. For having a mom like me."
"It's fine, really. I'm hanging up now."
"Oh, so cold."
With our business concluded, I quickly ended the call and returned to Umi's side.
"Welcome back. Shall we go, then?"
"Yeah… Sorry for troubling both you and your mom."
"Geez, there you go with that apologetic face again," she sighed. "I know it's a lot of work to take care of you, but leaving you all alone would worry me far more. Let me ask you this: in your current condition, do you really think you can you cook for yourself? Do laundry? Clean? Get the bath ready?"
"That would be… difficult, but."
Even if my mom did the laundry and cleaning later, the main problem would be food. Resting doesn't just mean sleeping in bed; it also includes eating proper meals, even in small amounts, and trying not to fall into an unhealthy lifestyle. Given my current living situation and health, that would certainly be tough.
That much was clear as day, which is probably why Sora-san and Umi concluded that it would be better for me to be nursed at their home.
"Knowing you, Maki, you're probably thinking you're causing us trouble again, but we've already taken you to the hospital. Let us take care of you until the very end. To me, and to Mom, you're not 'just an acquaintance' anymore."
"Ugh…"
When she puts it like that, I'm at a loss.
Having confided in them at the dinner party the other day, I was gradually being accepted not just by Umi, but by the entire Asanagi family, including Daichi-san and Sora-san. When we stayed out all night, they properly scolded us for our selfishness before forgiving us. Daichi-san even listened to my worries about my family situation and gave me advice. They treat me as if I'm part of their family.
…But still, a small part of me hesitates to indulge in Umi's and Sora-san's kindness.
"Maki, are you, by any chance, still thinking about something complicated?"
"…Is it that obvious?"
"Of course it is. After all, I'm your girlfriend… Here, come here."
With those words, Umi wrapped her arms around me in a comforting embrace, not caring about who might be watching. Just like that night, when she comforted me as I cried like a child.
…Umi really is unfair. When she does this, all my reservations and considerations melt away, and my true feelings come tumbling out in an instant.
"I'm not that great of a person, you know. Even though I'm in high school, I'm still a wimp who gets sick over the smallest things and just causes trouble for everyone."
It might be fine for now, but eventually, she might get tired of me.
Some people say I'm a considerate and kind person. Of course, that might be one of my few good points, but it's just one side of me. Behind it lies the simple desire of 'not wanting to be disliked.'
"…Sorry. Being sick seems to be dragging my mood down."
"Heehee, seems like it. Honestly, Maki, you're hopeless."
Even as she said that, Umi continued to gently stroke my head, as if accepting all of my complicated emotions—the desire to be spoiled clashing with the fear of being disliked.
"For now, just focus on letting us take care of you. Once you've had proper nutrition and sleep, and your mind and body have calmed down, I'll listen to whatever you have to say."
"…Yeah, thanks, Umi. Then, excuse me for intruding once again."
"Mhm. Welcome, Maki."
And so, deciding to entrust everything to Umi for the time being, I was laid down on a fluffy futon in the Japanese-style guest room, where I received the full-on nursing care of Umi and Sora-san. Thus began my life of recuperation at the Asanagi residence.
I was to stay at the Asanagi residence until I felt relatively better, which was fine, but I had a few concerns.
First, a change of clothes. According to the doctor, it would take two or three days for my fever to completely go down, so I'd be cared for here during that time.
In that case, I couldn't keep wearing the same pajamas. I was already feeling gross from sweating so much, and I'd like to change into fresh ones as soon as possible, but since I was taken to the hospital as I was, I was just enduring it for now.
There was the option of having Sora-san or Umi get them for me later… but I think that's too careless. Then again, I couldn't ask them to buy new ones for me either…
As I was pondering this, Umi's face popped out from the fusuma of the Japanese-style room.
"Maki, I brought you a change of underwear and loungewear, so let's get you changed before Mom gets back. It's almost lunchtime. Think you can eat?"
"I don't have much of an appetite, but… whose clothes are these, by the way?"
"Hm? Oh, these are my brother's. He's tall but thin, so his sizes are surprisingly small. And they're clean, of course, so don't worry."
"Riku-san's… Anyway, thanks, Umi."
I took them and checked the size, it seems Riku-san usually wears a size L, so this should be fine for me. I'm usually a size M, so the underwear might be a bit loose, but I'm just going to be sleeping in a futon, so I'm grateful enough that they're clean.
"Maki, are you feeling okay? If it's hard to change, I can help you."
"I-I'll do it myself."
"…The bottoms too?"
"The bottoms too! In fact, especially the bottoms, I'll do myself."
"Really~? Just kidding, just kidding. Ehehe, sorry. Well, I'm going to get an ice pillow and stuff, so you change while I'm gone."
[Note: An "ice pillow" (氷枕 koorimakura) is a reusable water- or gel-filled cushion chilled in the freezer, commonly used in Japan to reduce fever or provide cooling relief when someone is sick. It's placed under the head or against the forehead as a home remedy.]
Seemingly relieved to have me where she could see me, Umi flashed her usual mischievous smile and slowly closed the fusuma.
Honestly, teasing a sick person, even if it's not serious… Well, when it's Umi doing it, I don't hate it. In fact, I might even like it.
Thanking Riku-san for providing the clothes, I quickly changed before Umi returned and then lay down on the futon as told. Sleeping in someone else's house was unthinkable for me before, but strangely, the Asanagi house is calming.
…I wonder if it's because it smells like Umi.
"Sorry to keep you waiting… Oh, you're lying down properly. Good boy for listening. I'll give you a pat on the head as a reward."
"Hmph… Honestly, you're using this as an excuse to treat me like a child."
"You say that, but you're still a child, Maki. Well, so am I, though… Here, lift your head a bit. I'm putting in the pillow."
With an ice pillow at my neck and a towel wrung out in cold water on my forehead, my feverish head was cooled from the outside. Thanks to the treatment at the hospital, the body aches and chills were almost gone, but the fever itself was still quite high.
"I'll be in the living room next door, so if anything happens or you need something, just call me. The bathroom, a change of clothes, anything."
"Okay. Thanks, Umi."
"You're welcome. I'll leave some water here… Good night, Maki."
Umi lovingly touched my cheek, then slowly stood up and left the room.
"Good night, Umi."
As the faint sounds of daily life, like the TV from the next room, reached my ears, I slowly closed my eyes.
Until now, I've always been alone when I got sick. Lying in bed with a high fever like this, I'd sometimes get anxious in a quiet moment, or the silence itself would get on my nerves and make me restless. But knowing that Umi is right next door puts me at ease.
"…I'll just sleep for now."
I can think about thanking Umi, Sora-san, and Riku-san for the clothes later. Right now, I need to focus on getting better so I can laze around and play with Umi alone at my place again.
"…Haa, haa."
I breathed slowly, letting my consciousness gradually fade. My breathing was still rough due to the fever, but as the medicine from the hospital kicks in, that should calm down too. However, just as I was about to fall asleep, I heard a soft thud.
"Ngh…?"
Reacting to a sound different from the usual household noises, I groggily opened my eyelids. Slowly turning my head toward the source of the sound, I saw my cute girlfriend peeking through a slight gap in the fusuma, a worried look on her face.
"U-Umi…?"
"! S-Sorry. I got worried about whether you were sleeping properly…"
"I see. I'm fine, so you should relax too, Umi."
"Y-Yeah. I'll do that then."
Umi smiled sheepishly and returned to her spot, but considering her anxious and lonely personality, I have a feeling she'll check on me again. So, after the fusuma closed, I tried just staring at it for a while, and…
About five minutes later, Umi's face slowly peeked out again.
"…"
"…"
Our eyes met, and a silent moment passed between us.
"…U-Uhm."
"Umi, uh-"
"I-I can't help it! I'm worried about you, Maki, that's all!"
Having resigned herself, Umi entered the room with a towel to wipe my sweat and a sports drink under her arm. I don't think she needs to go that far, but it seems she's fully intent on nursing me by my side.
"I don't want to leave you alone… I can't relax by myself when you're having such a hard time, Maki."
"But you might catch my cold, you know."
"I know, but… still, I can't calm down unless I'm by your side…"
She's a very selfish girlfriend, but as someone who finds even that part of her cute, it's hard for me to refuse.
"Alright. Well, it's not like we can completely avoid it since I'm staying here for a while… In that case, maybe I'll let Umi nurse me to her heart's content."
"Yeah, that's better. You'd be happier if I was by your side too, Maki. It would cheer you up, so you'll probably get better sooner."
"I wonder… they do say sickness starts from the mind, so maybe."
In fact, stress was mentioned as a possible cause for my diagnosis, so maybe it's okay for me to be spoiled and healed by Umi, I thought.
…I'm such a pushover when it comes to Umi.
"Heehee, so you finally understand, Maki… Just kidding. Thanks, Maki, for putting up with all my selfishness."
"Not at all. If anything, with you doing so much for me, I should be the one thanking you. And honestly, I was feeling a little lonely."
"Then, for the lonely Maki-kun, I'll stay with you as much as I can today."
"Yeah. 'm countin' on you."
"Ehehe. Well then, how 'bout we hold hands for now? So you won't be lonely while you sleep."
"…Yeah, let's do that."
Umi and I intertwined our fingers tightly, as if we were both coddling one another.
"Maki, you're still pretty warm, huh."
"Yeah. So, I want you to cool me down with your hand."
"You're such a baby, Maki."
"Well… I guess it's okay if it's just in front'a you, Umi."
"Right? It's fine, you can be as clingy as you want for now. While you're here, I'm gonna spoil you rotten."
Umi sat beside me, and while holding my hand, she gently caressed my face with her free hand.
I might actually love this.
"…Well then, Umi, g'night."
"Yeah. G'night, for real this time."
Feelin' the warmth and scent of Umi's hand, I felt completely at ease and fell into a deep sleep.
With Umi by my side the whole time, I slept past dusk without being delirious from the fever, waking up at night without havin' stirred once in between.
"…Cold."
I picked up the towel on my forehead. It was still damp and cool, as if it had just been replaced.
In the dim room, I slowly sat up. My mind was much clearer than before I went to sleep, so maybe my fever had gone down a little.
I looked at my phone on the bedside table; it was 9 p.m. I remembered being put to bed here at 11 a.m., so I had been asleep for about ten hours.
It seemed I had really been sleepin' like a log.
"—Oh, Maki, you're awake? Sorry, I was in the bath, so I left the room for a little while."
Umi, in her sweats, slipped through the open fusuma. She seemed to have just gotten out, as her hair was still a little wet.
A sweet shampoo scent wafted from her freshly washed hair, makin' my heart skip a beat.
"I see. …Wait, were you by my side the whole time I was out cold?"
"Yeah. I left here and there to eat or go to the bathroom, but basically, it was the same as before you went to sleep, I guess."
Then, Umi came closer to my side, squeezed my hand tightly, and gently placed her other hand on my forehead to check my temperature. At the same time, she checked the exact number with a thermometer.
"…Alright, it's gone down a lot compared to this afternoon. Maki, are you hungry? It's late, but you should eat a little somethin'. Is rice porridge okay?"
"Yeah. I think I can eat that… Wait, are you makin' it, Umi?"
"Well, of course… Hey, what's with that look? You got a problem with that? Hmm?"
"No, of course I'm happy you're makin' it for me… but you know, you're not very good at cookin', Umi."
I've never seen it with my own eyes, but apparently, if left to her own devices, she can create charcoal from the ingredients for chocolate cookies (accordin' to Amami-san), so even with the simple ingredients of rice and water for porridge, I knew I couldn't trust her completely.
"It's fine. I learned how to make it from my mom, and if it looks like I'm messin' up, I'll have her help me. I don't want to drag you 'round because of my weird pride."
"R-Really? Well, if that's the case."
If she follows Sora-san's instructions carefully, I don't think there will be a big problem even if Umi does it… but if she prepares it all by herself from start to finish, I might have to be prepared for a little 'scorchin''.
At the very least, I don't have the option of not eatin' my girlfriend's home cookin'.
So, while I asked Umi to make a late dinner, I went to the bathroom first. For today, I'll just change my clothes without takin' a bath, but from tomorrow onwards, I might have to wipe my body with a towel, and if I feel even better, I might be allowed to soak in the tub.
Her family's bath… I wonder if I'll be able to relax and soak in it.
"…Well, I can think about that later. Right now, the toilet…"
Holdin' back a considerable urge to urinate, I was about to reach for the doorknob of the toilet just outside the livin' room when the door swung open on its own.
Or rather, someone was already inside.
"—Ah."
"Oh…"
At a bad (or maybe good?) time, I ran into Riku-san. Today, unlike when I first met him, he was wearin' proper loungewear, but his long, messy hair was the same as ever.
He looks unfriendly, but he seems kind too.
"Ah, Riku-san, hello…"
"Oh, yeah. I heard about it from Mom. …What a disaster, huh?"
"No, I'm sorry for worryin' you the other day."
"Nah, it's not a big deal… more importantly, you're next, right? You're goin' to use it?"
"Ah, yes. Excuse me."
After a clumsy exchange, I bowed my head to Riku-san, entered the toilet, and quietly relieved myself.
Since I'll be stayin' for a while, one of my worries was whether I'd be a bother to Riku-san… He said that, but I'm sure I'm makin' him feel self-conscious, so I have to behave so as not to cause too much trouble.
—Hey, big bro, I'm cookin' right now, so don't come near me, you're distractin'!
—Jeez, I just came to get a drink… Ow!? You idiot, the ladle is… it splashed on my arm, you know.
—Hey, you two, don't be so loud.
"…They're as lively as ever."
Listenin' to the exchange of the three family members from the livin' room, I chuckled to myself.
I hope I can naturally join that circle someday.
After the family's chaotic moment ended, I heard Riku-san's footsteps returning to his room as he muttered complaints about his sister. Once the coast was clear, I secretly returned to the guest room and waited for Umi's home-cooked meal.
Even though it's a simple menu, I'm worried about how it'll turn out, but the smell waftin' from the livin' room doesn't seem strange, so I think I can rest easy on that point.
"—Sorry for the wait, Maki. I made it."
"Thanks, Umi. Is this plum porridge?"
"Yeah. I thought plain white porridge would be a little too bland, so I added it at the end. I made a little extra, so let's eat together."
The thick porridge in a small single-servin' clay pot, with a red pickled plum placed in the center… I haven't tasted it yet, but it looks delicious.
"Maki, here."
I thought she might do it, but Umi scooped up some porridge with a small spoon and offered it to my mouth.
"Um, Umi-san,"
"Oh, sorry, I didn't blow on it for you. Fuu, fuu… Here you go."
"No, that's not what I meant."
"Here."
"…Muu."
Umi kept smiling, putting pressure on me as if to say 'let me feed you', and Sora-san was watching from a distance.
I'm grateful and embarrassed to be pampered this much, but I can't go against them right now, so I'll behave.
"Ah… mmm."
"Good boy, Maki. Is it hot? Your tongue is okay, right?"
"Yeah… Oh, this is delicious."
The taste, which I was most worried about, was perfectly fine, with nothing to complain about. The faintly salty porridge and the gentle sourness of the pickled plum mixed well, spreading throughout my mouth.
I hadn't eaten anythin' but drinks since this mornin', and I think my hunger helped spice things up, but even without that, I think it's a satisfyin' result.
The portion is a little large, but I think I can eat it all easily.
"Really? Ehehe, I'm glad. Well, my mom was with me the whole time, so I can't really say I made it all by myself."
"But you worked hard from start to finish, right, Umi? Then it's your home cooking."
"I guess so. You're right. …Want another bite?"
"Yeah, I'll take you up on that."
"Mmm, here you go."
From there, I slowly had Umi feed me the porridge.
My stomach was a little weak due to the high fever, so I ended up leavin' a little, but bein' able to eat this much is enough for the first day.
…Of course, from tomorrow onwards, no more 'aahn'.
After finishin' my meal, I took the medicine I got from the hospital and tried to recover by sleepin' soundly until mornin' again. When you're sick, it's important to just lie down and not do anythin' unnecessary.
"Nn, sho… nsho, tto. There, that should do it."
"Umi, what are you doin'?"
"Nn~? Just a little somethin'~"
After dinner, while I was staring blankly at the ceiling of the Japanese-style room until bedtime, Umi was rummaging around in the back of the closet.
As I watched for a while, a futon, a down comforter, and a pillow were steadily bein' set up for another person.
"…Are you sleeping here too, Umi?"
"Yeah. I promised I'd be with you all day today, so of course we're sleeping together. Oh, and my mom said, 'Just for tonight is fine.'"
In other words, no matter what I say from now on, Umi won't budge. Moreover, she's already slipped into the futon, so in my current condition, I can't do anythin' about the energetic Umi.
In the not-so-spacious guest room, two sets of futons fit perfectly.
"Maki, I'm turnin' off the lights."
"Okay. G'night."
"G'night."
Umi turned off the lights with the remote, and the room became pitch black. Sora-san has already gone to her bedroom on the second floor, so now it's just me and Umi on the first floor.
This is the second time I've slept with Umi, but both last time and today, why is it always when one of us is not feeling well, either physically or mentally?
Well, if I were healthy, Sora-san would probably reject the idea of us sleepin' together in the first place.
Chatting before bed, or fooling around, is a little difficult in my current condition.
"…"
Havin' said g'night, I obediently closed my eyes, but I had been sleepin' for a long time, so my eyes were wide open and I wasn't sleepy at all. Usually, in this case, I'd get up and read a book or listen to late-night radio until I got sleepy again, but with Umi sleepin' next to me, I can't do that.
I was curious about Umi, so I secretly turned over to her side.
I knew she had been rustlin' around in the futon a little while ago, tryin' to find the best position, but she seemed to be asleep already, as I could only hear her regular breathin'.
When I peeked with my eyes slightly open, I saw Umi sleepin' with her eyes closed, facin' me.
She's cute when she sleeps, too, I thought again. I like her usual expression, droolin' from the corner of her mouth, but a peaceful sleepin' face like this makes me realize again how outstandin'ly beautiful Umi is.
"…Umi."
I called my lover's name in a small, faint whisper that no one would probably hear.
I'm not very healthy, and I'm causin' trouble at such a busy time of the year, yet she worries about me more than anyone else and cares for me.
"I love… you, Umi."
I secretly voiced my honest feelings. I still can't believe I have a cute girlfriend like Umi, but more than that, I can't believe I can say such cheesy lines without hesitation.
To think that a person who had been cooped up in a shell, avoiding communication with others, could have such positive feelings born from meeting just one girl.
…You really never know what will happen in love. Of course, I was probably simpler than I thought, too.
I slowly reached out my hand towards Umi's beautiful sleepin' face.
I want to touch Umi.
It's not that I have any wicked intentions or anythin', but I just wanted to convey my feelin's, even if just a little.
However, just as my fingertips were about to reach Umi's cheek, I slowly brought my hand back into my futon.
"…Maybe I'll do it tomorrow."
Umi probably wouldn't get mad if I suddenly touched her, but it would be bad to wake her up while she's sleepin' soundly. Especially since I've been makin' her worry all day, so I should at least let her sleep peacefully.
I'll save bein' clingy with Umi for tomorrow, and I should just go to sleep—as I was slowly closin' my eyes with my cute girlfriend's sleepin' face in my sight.
"—Is it okay if you don't touch me?"
"Eh?"
In an instant, Umi's eyes, which should have been asleep, opened wide.
Honestly, I was a little surprised.
"Umi, um, were you awake?"
"…Nfufu."
Apparently so. Which means she was pretendin' to be asleep… which means.
She must have heard me tryin' to touch her face, and also my embarrassin' line from before… or maybe not.
"Maki~"
"…What is it?"
"Can you say that thing from before again~?"
"Ugh…"
It was confirmed that she had heard me perfectly, and my cheeks quickly grew hot.
Even if I make the pained excuse that it's because of the fever, Umi probably won't let it go.
It's true that I love Umi, and it's a fact that I want to be more clingy, but that doesn't change the fact that it's incredibly embarrassin'.
"It's fine, ain't it? If you say it secretly like before, my mom and brother won't find out."
"Well, that's true, but."
"See? So please. You can touch my face as much as you want if you say it."
"No, that was just, you know, a late-night high kind of thing, and now I don't really feel like—"
"See? So please. If you say it, you can touch my face as much as you want."
"Are you a broken radio?"
It was a word I said on a whim, but Umi seemed to like it very much and kept beggin' for it again.
If she asks me that much, I guess I can do it… but as a sick person, what am I, no, what are Umi and I doin' at this late hour?
Even though it should have been a pain to move my body even a little, when I'm foolin' around with Umi like this, I forget everythin' and get absorbed in it.
Maybe Umi and I are quite in love with each other.
People around us call us a stupid couple or whatever, but I see, so this is what it's like.
"…Well, if I say it, will you go to sleep?"
"Yeah, I'll sleep, I'll sleep. And tomorrow, I'll be energetic and take care of you, Maki."
"You're impossible…"
I moved closer to Umi, who was urgin' me to hurry up, and touched her cheek.
Umi's body temperature felt good against my still generally hot body.
"Maki, you're still a little hot."
"Yeah. So, I'm sorry, but I want you to let me be a little more clingy."
"Mmm, okay. Leave the meals, the bath, everythin' to me."
"Um… maybe not the bath."
"Ehh~"
"Don't 'ehh~' me."
I'd like to stay like this all night, but if we don't sleep soon, it'll affect tomorrow, so I cut it short and brought the conversation back on track.
I moved even closer to Umi so only she could hear, and just like before, I put my feelin's into it without bein' embarrassed.
"—I love you, Umi."
"…I love you too, Maki."
""—G'night.""
And so, feelin' each other's presence with our hands and cheeks, we ended Christmas night with a feeling peaceful.
Day two of my recovery at the Asanagi household.
When I groggily opened my eyes, Umi's face was right in front of me.
"Oh, you're awake."
"Yeah… Mornin', Umi."
"Mornin'. Maki, you look a lot better than yesterday. It seems the medicine worked well."
Umi patted my cheeks and forehead, noddin' in relief. I took my temperature just in case, and it was exactly 38 degrees Celsius. My face was still flushed, and I felt a general sluggishness, but there seemed to be no problem with movin' my body itself.
"Umi, did you wait for me to wake up?"
"Well… ah, but starin' at your cute sleepin' face made the time fly by, and it was only about an hour."
"An hour…"
In my sense, that's a considerable amount of time, but it's just past 8 a.m., so for Umi, it was probably like a short second sleep.
Usually, sleeping in for an hour would make you late for sure, but during winter break, there's no problem even if you laze around until evening.
Me too, I should just take my time now.
"Hey, Umi."
"Nn~? What is it?"
"You know, can I… hold your hand for a little longer?"
"…Fufu, of course."
I put some strength into the hand I had been holdin' all night, and Umi squeezed back with a happy face.
Umi is there when I go to sleep at night, and when I wake up like this in the mornin', she's waitin' for me to wake up right in front of me.
I'm still not feelin' well, but I felt like I wanted to stay like this for just a little longer.
After about thirty minutes of rollin' around together while holdin' hands and feelin' satisfied, Umi and I decided to have the breakfast Sora-san had prepared in the livin' room.
Since my stomach isn't fully recovered from the cold, I had porridge just like yesterday, but the fragrant smell of butter from the toasted bread and the fruits on the table made my stomach growl, so my appetite is recoverin' too.
After eatin' some porridge and some easily digestible fruit, I returned to my bed and tried to rest.
It's back to just starin' blankly at the ceilin' and lights of the room for a while, but Umi will be by my side all day today, so I shouldn't feel bored.
Just as I was thinkin' that, Umi, who had returned to her room to change into her loungewear, peeked her head out.
…Looking at me with a very apologetic face.
"Um… Maki, I'm really, really sorry, but."
"What's wrong? You're dressed up quite fashionably for loungewear…"
"Yeah… this."
It took her a suspiciously long time to change into her loungewear, and the clothes she was wearin' were quite cute, but the reason for that was in a message from a certain person displayed on the smartphone Umi showed me.
(Amami) Umi, as planned, let's meet in front of the station before 11 today. It's the last time the three of us can hang out this year because of Nina-chi's family, so let's go shoppin', eat delicious food, and have lots of fun!
"Ah, I see… then it can't be helped."
I had a feelin' from the way she was dressed, but it seems she had a prior engagement with Amami-san and the others today.
Both Umi and I were carried away by our mutual feelin's, but realistically, we can't make plans to see each other every day.
Friendships are one of the things you have to cherish to live a good life.
"Don't worry about me, just go and have fun. You promised a long time ago, so it's not good to break it."
"Yeah. That's why I'm thinking of hanging out with Yuu as much as I can, but…"
"But, you're still worried about me, right?"
"…Mmm."
Umi nodded.
"You seem to be feelin' better than yesterday, so I'm not worried about that, of course. But, I forced you to stay over, and even though I told you to rest and sleep, I'm leavin' you alone to go hang out with my friends… I feel a little bad about that."
Originally, I should be the only one at fault for catchin' a cold and causin' extra worry, but it seems Umi was concerned about havin' forced me to stay at her house.
Certainly, if I'm treated as a 'guest' of the Asanagi family, then she's ditchin' me to go out on other business, so I can understand why Umi is hesitatin'.
"It's okay. I'm grateful enough that you took care of me all day yesterday, I can't monopolize you any more than this. …Well, if possible, since we just became a couple, it's not like I don't have that desire, and honestly, I was incredibly happy thinkin' I could be with you all day today. But, I don't want to make you neglect your promise because of my selfishness."
If I asked her, Umi would probably contact them right now, explain the situation, and cancel her plans, and if I explained the situation, Amami-san and Nitta-san would understand… or rather, Amami-san would probably say somethin' like 'you absolutely have to prioritize that'.
However, even so, Amami-san must have been looking forward to hanging out with her best friend Umi, and even though there's a reason, she would surely be very disappointed.
I'll probably be stayin' at the Asanagi's for another day or two, so even if we're not together durin' the day, we can be together from when Umi comes home in the evenin'. Dinner, the evenin', and before bed… knowin' Umi, she'll probably find some excuse to lay her futon next to mine and sleep with me tonight too. So, we have plenty of time for just the two of us.
However, that's not the case for Amami-san and Nitta-san. I don't know much about their family situations, but they probably have curfews and parents and other family members waitin' for them to come home. They probably have family outin's and things they have to do as well.
The time you can spend with friends is surprisingly short—that's why I want them to cherish it as much as possible when their schedules align.
Both Umi, and Amami-san and Nitta-san.
"So, you might as well go all out and have fun. Then, when you come back, I want you to tell me all about your day, as much as you can."
"…Mmm, okay. If you say so, Maki, I'll go have fun for the first time in a while. Also, I want to tell them about Christmas Eve and thank them."
That was true too.
If we had had the party at my house with the usual five of us the day before yesterday, we probably wouldn't have had that sweet atmosphere because we would have been considerate of everyone, and my confession, and the kiss after that, might have been postponed until next year.
Among Amami-san and the others, we've already been branded as a stupid couple, but we officially started datin' on Christmas Eve, so we have to report and thank them for settin' it up as soon as possible.
"Well, it's about time for me to go, so I'll be off. Maki. Don't play games all the time just because I'm not here, okay?"
"Are you my mom? …Yeah, I'll do as you say and sleep until you come back."
"No goin' to the bathroom either, okay?"
"What kind of punishment is that?"
"Ehehe. Oh, and if you feel sick or your fever goes up and it's tough, don't hesitate to contact me, okay? I'll come back right away."
"Got it. Well then, see you later."
"Yeah, see you!"
Satisfied after a little bit of foolin' around before leavin', Umi headed to her meetin' place with Amami-san and the others with a light step.
After seein' Umi off and her footsteps faded away, I slowly slipped back into the futon.
This futon I'm indebted to is quite comfortable. Accordin' to Umi, it hasn't been used recently and has been hibernating in the closet, but for that, both the mattress and the down comforter are fluffy to the touch, as if they've just been aired out.
Sora-san probably takes care of it regularly so it can be used in a clean state at any time. It's a huge difference from the bed in the Maehara house, which tends to become a permanent bed.
When I get home, I secretly decided to pull out the futon dryour that's been sleepin' in the back of my closet for a long time. Just then, I heard a knock, knock, on the fusuma of the Japanese-style room.
"—Maki-kun, I'd like to clean the Japanese-style room, is now a good time?"
"Sora-san… Ah, yes. Please don't mind me."
"Fufu, then excuse me."
After askin' me, Sora-san quietly entered the room. An apron, a mask over her mouth, rubber gloves, and window cleaning detergent… quite the heavy equipment, but then I remembered it's time for a big clean-up.
Once again, I'm filled with guilt for occupying the Japanese-style room at such a time.
She opened the window to air out the room, vacuumed the tatami mats, and carefully wiped the ornaments in the Japanese-style room and the small double-doored box next to them (probably a Buddhist altar).
"…Maki-kun, thank you so much."
"Eh?"
"For my daughter. It's been a long time since I've seen her so full of emotions."
Sora-san said to me while polishin' the large window overlookin' the garden with detergent.
She had her back to me, so I couldn't see her expression exactly, but on the transparent glass, polished to a mirror-like shine, Sora-san's happy face was reflected.
"You know, she was quite a mischievous child when she was little. She'd drag her friends around until late, and then my husband and I would scold her and she'd cry her eyes out, and she'd often fight with her brother who's ten years older… It was tough in its own way, but it was still fun. Oh, did you know? It's not very noticeable now, but she has a rather large scar on her hairline. She hit the corner of a table when she was little and blood gushed out. I was so scared back then."
"Haha… So Umi had a time like that too."
"She did… Oh, I'm sorry. You need to rest, and here I am, an old lady, chatterin' away."
"No, it's more fun listenin' to you, Sora-san, than just lyin' here."
In any case, from what I heard, she was quite the tomboy.
As for me back then, as far as I can remember, I was already showin' signs of bein' an indoor person, with games, books, and sometimes cards.
So, Umi and I have been quite the opposites since we were little… As for our middle school days, it was just as Umi told me before, and now she's bein' a silly couple with me.
"Umi is so cute when she talks about you. Her face lights up just when you're mentioned in the house, and when we tease her about your relationship, her face turns bright red and she gets angry, but she doesn't seem to mind… Ah, Umi will always be Umi, no matter how much time passes."
She rarely shows it at school, but Umi is originally a girl who is very rich in expression and emotion.
Even though she usually has a mature attitude, she can be selfish with people she's close to, and when she's lonely, she'll be very clingy to the person she loves. She's a possessive and jealous girl, who is actually cuter than anyone else.
That is the girl named Asanagi Umi.
"So, Maki-kun. I know this is a very selfish request, but I want you to continue to support Umi. She's a girl who can do anything flawlessly, but because of that, she seems to burden herself with unnecessary worries and anxieties."
Umi seems strong but is surprisingly fragile, but if someone is there to support her, she'll use that as her core and become stronger than anyone.
And currently, the one Umi relies on for support is me, her boyfriend.
"Yes, of course. I haven't been her friend or boyfriend for long, but I don't intend to lose to anyone in my feelings for Umi."
"More than us?"
"Um… I'm sorry, I might lose in that regard. I got carried away and exaggerated a bit."
I might not be able to match the love of a parent, but as a friend and as a boyfriend, I don't intend to lose to anyone.
Even if it's against her best friend, Amami-san.
"Fufu, you could have said something cool, but you're honest in strange ways, Maki-kun. Well, that's probably why Umi, and our family, can't leave you alone."
"You think so too, Sora-san?"
"I do. You're straightforward and kind at heart, but you're also somewhat reckless, and it makes us feel like we have to take care of you. Just like the other day, and this situation right now."
"…I'm reflecting on my actions."
Especially since I caused a lot of trouble for the Asanagi family at the dinner party the other day, I, who supports Umi, must become mentally stronger myself.
…and of course, physically, too. My stomach, my arms—everywhere I touch is soft and squishy. I'm not fat, but my body is just too frail.
"For now, I guess I'll start by getting over this cold."
"That's right. Now, don't you worry about making small talk with your old auntie. Just let yourself be taken care of and get well soon. Once you're better, let's go eat something delicious to celebrate. And this time, make sure you don't leave halfway through… okay?"
"…You're right."
For Umi's sake, and to reassure the people watching over me, I had to get better.
Catching a cold was a disaster, but it might have been just what I needed to ground myself after the giddiness of getting a cute, cute girlfriend.
After Sora-san cleaned the Japanese-style room and aired it out, all I could do was stay warm and rest.
A little while ago, a message from the hospital came to Sora-san's phone. My blood test showed no abnormalities, so another check-up was unnecessary. Since it was the New Year's holiday, they had prescribed me more medicine than usual, and my condition should be manageable by the time I finished it.
For lunch, Sora-san made me some easy-to-digest udon. It wasn't made from a store-bought mix but properly prepared with dashi stock—a light, low-sodium broth that was gentle on my body.
…As expected of the woman who protects the Asanagi family's dinner table. I cook too, so I really appreciate things like this.
"Maki-kun, I brought you some jelly for dessert… Oh, you've already finished your udon, I see."
"Yes. It had a very gentle flavor and was easy to eat… Thank you for the meal."
"Don't mention it. Well then, I'll leave the jelly and your after-meal medicine here, so just leave it when you're done—oh?"
As she was clearing the dishes and gathering a change of clothes and other necessities for me, Sora-san seemed to hear something. She turned her head toward the entrance, tilting it curiously.
"Oh my, that girl said she wouldn't be back until evening…"
"? Is Umi back?"
"Looks like it. And it seems she brought some guests with her."
"Is that…"
Just then, a chorus of noisy voices erupted from the entrance.
—I-I'm home.
—Excuse us~! Whoa~ it's been forever since I've been to Umi's house~ Oh, right, which room is Maki-kun in? Could it be Umi's room?
—Eh? Seriously? Bringing your boyfriend to your room for a sleepover right after you started dating? Asanagi, you're surprisingly aggressive.
—N-No! I'm just looking after him with my mom in the guest room.
I could tell from their voices that Amami-san and Nitta-san were with her.
As if sensing the mood, Sora-san chuckled and slipped out of the room. Just as she left, the trio of close friends entered through the door.
"Ehehe~ Hey, Maki-kun~ I heard you had a cold, so I came to visit," Amami-san chirped. "Here, this is a sports drink for hydration, a jelly drink for when you don't have an appetite, and some sweat wipes. I already put the ice cream in the fridge, so let's eat it together later, okay?"
"Hilarious. The class rep's face is totally drained. At this rate, won't you be all dried up by tomorrow?" Nitta-san teased.
"This is actually a lot better than it was… Anyway, hello. Amami-san, Nitta-san."
"Yeah. It's been two days, huh," Amami-san replied.
"Yo~"
Leaving aside her best friend Amami-san, Nitta-san also seemed to have visited the Asanagi house several times before. She moved the table from the corner to my bedside and started arranging the supplies they had brought for me.
As for the homeowner, Umi just sighed as she watched the two of them from my side.
"Umi, um, what is this…"
"…we were having a normal, fun time out until lunch. But when we went to karaoke next, they pressed me about why I was checking my phone so much. I was waiting for the results of your blood test from yesterday, but I hadn't heard from my mom even after noon, so I guess I got a little worried."
And so, when her two friends noticed something was off, she broke under their questioning and confessed that I had been staying at the Asanagi house since yesterday, bedridden with a high fever.
I had already told them that Umi and I were officially a couple.
"Mhm, I thought 'something seems off?' when I saw you this morning, and you said you've been taking care of Maki-kun non-stop since yesterday. Umi worrying about her beloved boyfriend was so~ cute. Right, Nina-chi?"
"Totally. Even at lunch, she usually eats like a demon when she's with us, but today she was barely eating and seemed out of it. Like, 'how can I stuff my face when my da~rling boy is suffering in bed?' Umi-chan, aren't you a little too selfless?"
"Guh… You guys, just because Mom and Maki are watching…"
"Now, now, what's the harm, Umi-san~ Oh, right. Since you two are here together, let's ask you all about Christmas Eve."
"Yuu-chin, nice one. Since Umi was too embarrassed to tell us earlier, we can just hear it from the honest class rep… right, class rep?"
"…Well, please be gentle with me."
Their excitement stemmed from their blessing for us, and while I didn't dislike the liveliness, being sick, I hoped we could keep things within reason. I also needed to coordinate my answers with Umi.
"Umi, Yuu-chan, Nina-chan, it's fine to chat, but please keep the volume down, okay?" Sora-san chimed in from the doorway. "I love the liveliness, but we need to keep it quiet for Maki-kun's sake."
"Yee~s."
"…I know that already."
After Sora-san's warning to prevent the interview from getting too heated, I asked the two visitors for permission to talk while lying down.
I had expected to spend the day alone, but before I knew it, my futon was surrounded by three female classmates—one of which was my girlfriend.
"Maki, don't worry about those two idiots, just get some rest."
"Mmm~ Umi, you're so mean~ Oh, Maki-kun, are you thirsty? Here, hydration is important, you know? By the way, did you two sleep together last night?"
"Class rep, what did you say to Umi when you confessed the day before yesterday? And, like, have you done it yet?"
…It seems I'll need to learn how to handle three girls gathered together in the future.
With that thought, I burrowed into my futon as if to escape.
The first two days of my recuperation at the Asanagi house were incredibly hectic, but after that, there were no more visitors, and I could spend my time quietly with Umi.
My fever fluctuated for a few days, but it slowly and steadily went down.
"Umi, how is it?"
"Hmm~… Just a sec~…"
My morning temperature check, which had become a daily routine for Umi, seemed like it would finally end today.
Thanks to Umi's dedicated nursing, my health was completely back to normal.
Of course, there was no dramatic reversal where the cold spread to Umi and I had to take care of her.
"Yep, good. Still a normal temperature, same as last night. Looks like you won't need any more medicine, which is a relief."
When I first caught the cold, I suffered from a high fever of nearly 40 degrees Celsius, but fortunately, I had almost no other symptoms, so I didn't feel too miserable.
Though, I hadn't expected to be in the care of the Asanagi family for a whole week.
Today is December 31st, New Year's Eve.
This fall, after I became friends with a girl named Asanagi Umi, the year, which had passed in a hectic flash, was finally coming to an end.
"Hey, Maki, I have a favor to ask, is that okay?"
"Hm? Sure, but what's up so early in the morning?"
"Yeah, well…"
With that, Umi quietly closed her eyes and offered her lips to me.
I immediately understood what she wanted.
For a week, both of us had been holding back, but that was finally over.
"Well then… um, good morning, Umi."
"Yeah. Morning, Maki."
In the early morning, in the still dimly lit room, I pulled Umi close and kissed her.
Since the day we became a couple, I had avoided any physical contact beyond holding hands, but I didn't have to worry about that anymore.
"…Puh."
"Hah…"
We pulled apart for a moment to catch our breath, and once our breathing settled, we hugged each other close again.
Thanks to my poor health management, I had forced Umi to wait for so long. I had to make up for the week of affection we missed during the rest of the winter break.
…This time, at my house.
Of course, I'll maintain proper decorum.
"──Umi, Maki-kun, are you guys done? Are you awake? We're going to make New Year's mochi now, so I need a little help."
"Oh, okay~ Mom's calling, so maybe we should get up. Maki, you're staying here until the first shrine visit, right?"
"Yeah. I have to go home for a bit to change into my casual clothes, but I think I'll be in your care today."
After thanking Sora-san again for everything and promising to visit with my mother during the New Year's holiday to pay our respects, I joined Umi in making mochi.
I was in charge of sprinkling mochi flour on the large, freshly pounded rice cakes and tearing them into just the right size.
"A mochi-making machine… the colors look pretty old. It seems to be quite the vintage item."
"Yes. It's something my mother bought for me when I married my husband, so it's been nearly thirty years now. It's probably time for a replacement, but I've grown attached to it and can't bring myself to throw it away. It still works, after all."
With a loud rumbling sound, the steamed glutinous rice gradually became a single, familiar large mass.
"Maki, it's a bit rude, but let's sneak a taste of the freshly made stuff. We have kinako and soy sauce, which one do you want?"
"I'll go with the safe choice, kinako."
The three of us tore off pieces of the freshly made mochi and each took one to eat.
The hot, stretchy mochi with the flavor of kinako, mixed with the sweetness of the black honey drizzled on top, was delicious.
"I only really eat mochi at times like this, but I always look forward to this time of year. It feels special, you know?"
"I think I know what you mean. In the Maehara household, we don't have the machine or the time, so we just make do with store-bought kirimochi. And while that's delicious… it feels a bit lacking."
[Note: Kirimochi (切り餅) are rectangular blocks of dried mochi, usually sold in stores. They can be grilled, boiled, or added to soups.]
In terms of pure taste, having it store bought should be the surest bet, but the 'experience' and 'memories' of making it ourselves are the best seasonings of all.
The first dish I ever made myself, the memorable food I ate with someone… I think the taste of this mochi I'm eating with Umi will be firmly etched in my memory from now on.
"You two, that's enough snacking, get back to work, please. We still have another batch of glutinous rice for my husband's family and to distribute to the neighbors."
"Yes, yes."
"Understood."
And so, my New Year's Eve was spent making mochi and helping with the general cleaning of the rooms that hadn't been finished yet. I went home once to change, and it's a secret that I was horrified by how messy it was compared to the Asanagi house.
Both my mom and I have always thought that the bare minimum of cleaning is enough, but maybe it's okay to do a thorough job once a year. It's not a bad thing to be clean, and it would be a good change of pace for both of us.
"──The three of you, thank you for your hard work. Thanks to everyone's effort, we finished much earlier than usual. Especially thanks to Maki-kun being here, Umi was so enthusiastic."
"Wh- I'm always like this! …Maki, got a problem? If you have something to say, I'll listen."
"No, I… have nothing to say…"
I'm in the same boat as Umi on this one, so I can't say a thing.
I wanted to repay them as much as possible for taking care of me for a whole week, so I did my best to help Sora-san, but a big reason I was so eager was, of course, because my beloved girlfriend was watching.
"…Oh, Riku-san, thank you for your hard work too."
"Yeah… well, I mostly just did my own room, so whatever."
Since it was a general cleaning, Riku-san, who had been cooped up in his room, was also forced to participate by Sora-san and Umi.
Both Riku-san and I are shy, so due to our personalities, we didn't really chat while working, but I don't think the atmosphere between us was bad.
However, I feel like I argued with Umi quite a bit, so I might have spent most of my time gently placating her.
"Now then, I have to go pick up the soba and sushi I ordered. Riku, please look after these two in the meantime, okay?"
"Don't ask me… Umi, I'm leaving the rest to you."
"Don't leave it to your little sister… Well, we'll just play some games and be quiet, so don't worry. By the way, big bro, I'm borrowing your games, so don't come home for a while."
"Don't just casually occupy my room. And don't try to kick your older brother out of the house just to borrow some games."
"Oh, you two are impossible… Maki-kun, I'm sorry you had to see that."
"No, I like it when it's lively, and I'm used to it by now."
After all the chores were done, we each spent our time as we pleased.
We chatted while watching a slightly old action movie on TV in the evening, borrowed games from Riku-san's room to play for the first time in a while, and read some manga.
…And we fooled around in Umi's room for the first time in a while. Of course, only lightly, since Riku-san was next door.
After Sora-san returned, the four of us, excluding Daichi-san who was at work, had dinner and spent a lively and fun New Year's Eve.
And so, the year that felt both long and short came to an end, and a new one began.
"Happy New Year, Umi."
"Happy New Year, Maki. And to you as well, I look forward to this year with you."
I'd like to say next year and the year after that, but first, the year ahead of us.
It's best not to be too greedy and to take things one step at a time, at our own pace.
As soon as our private New Year's greetings in Umi's room were over, both our phones buzzed with new messages.
It was from Amami-san and Nitta-san.
(Party Chat: 1)
(Amami) Umi, Maki-kun, Nina-chi, Happy New Year!
(Amami) Looking forward to another year with you!
(Asanagi) Happy New Year, Yuu.
(Maehara) Happy New Year, Amami-san.
(Amami) Ehehe. HNY to you too~
(Nina) Happy New Year, everyone.
(Nina) By the way, about the first shrine visit, what time should we meet? I'm already ready.
(Amami) Me too! I was so excited this year that I asked my mom to help me put on my furisode! What about you, Umi?
(Nina) She's gotta. Umi-chan is in full-on maiden in love mode right now.
(Amami) That's true. Then, let's meet in an hour in front of the usual shrine's parking lot.
(Asanagi) Hey, you guys, listen to me.
(Maehara) Umi's still getting dressed, so I'll let you know when she's done.
(Amami) K~
(Nina) K~
(Asanagi) I said, hey.
We exchanged messages about our plans in the dedicated groupchat we created the day Amami-san and Nitta-san came to visit, and then went back to our respective preparations.
Since I was in my casual clothes, I didn't have much to do, so I just neatened up my appearance a bit and waited in the guest room for Umi, who was being helped into her furisode by Sora-san.
—Oh my, there was still plenty of room the last time you wore this… You really are growing up, aren't you. Your height is fine, but especially around your chest… Hey, stop hitting your mother's head.
—Mom, what are you saying, you sound like an old lady! Maki's right next door…
—Oh, it's fine. It's not like he's just some other boy, he's your proper boyfriend. And you were letting Maki-kun spoil you so much the other day, weren't you?
—W-Well, that's true, but… you know, the situation is different now than it was then…
I don't think my being next door is a problem, but I should probably avoid bringing this up, even if Amami-san and Nitta-san press me.
As I listened to the mother-daughter bickering next door while watching New Year's variety shows, Sora-san emerged from the guest room, apparently finished with the dressing.
"Sorry for the wait, Maki-kun. It took a some time since it's been a while, but I think she turned out very cute because of it. …Come on, Umi, hurry up and show Maki-kun."
"I-I know… Stupid Mom."
Urged on by Sora-san, Umi, her cheeks faintly flushed with embarrassment, appeared before me.
"Maki, um… how do I look?"
"Um…"
The furisode was a hand-me-down from Sora-san, but its quality and design didn't feel dated at all.
The main color of the fabric was a vibrant blue, like the sky or the sea, just as her name suggested, embroidered with colorful flowers and plants to an extent that didn't overwhelm the blue.
Her hair, usually hanging over her shoulders, was also properly styled, tied up in the back and held in place with a hairpin decorated with a plum blossom design.
For Christmas, she had a relatively chic look with a black dress, and I was captivated by her then, but her appearance in a furisode this time was no less dazzling.
"It looks great on you. Um… y-you're beautiful, Umi. I think the blue is really nice."
"…R-Really? Well, I'm glad then."
"Yeah. Hey, did you just imitate me?"
"Eh, did I? I didn't mean to, but maybe it rubbed off on me?"
"Well, we have been together for a while."
"That's true. …Ehehe."
Reassured by my positive reaction, Umi smiled contentedly.
"Fufu, youth is so wonderful, isn't it?"
I feel a very lukewarm gaze from somewhere very close to us.
It's embarrassing, and I have a feeling that if I point it out, I'll be teased mercilessly, so I'll just ignore it for now.
"Well then, shall we go, Umi?"
"Yeah. Maki, please escort me."
"Understood. I'm not sure since it's my first time… but is this okay?"
"Yes!"
I stepped out of the entrance first and held out my hand. Umi smiled shyly and placed her hand on mine as if to gently rest it there. I don't know if this is proper etiquette, but if Umi is happy, then that's all that matters.
Since it was late at night, Sora-san decided to come with us to the shrine for the first visit of the year.
Although it was conditional on being accompanied by a guardian, I had never been out at a time when I should have been fast asleep, so I felt a strange sense of excitement and restlessness.
Since Umi was next to me, I didn't let it show on my face or in my attitude, but inside, I felt like a child before a field trip. Though, in my case, real field trips were nothing but a depressing event.
"Hey, hey, Maki, what kind of wishes do you usually make on your first shrine visit? …And just so you know, saying you don't go, so you don't make any is… not an option, right?"
"Of course not… but it's been a while since I've gone on a first shrine visit like this. The last time was when I was little and went with my parents to a shrine whose name I don't even remember on a trip, and after that, we moved around a lot…"
"I see. Well then, you'll have to make a lot of wishes to the gods this year to make up for it."
"They might get annoyed if I'm too greedy… but well, it doesn't cost anything to ask, so I might as well pray for everything I can think of."
Until now, I only had my own health to pray for, but this year there's so much that I'm honestly not sure what to wish for.
About myself, about my family. And about the friends I made for the first time last year, and of course, about the precious girlfriend who is always by my side.
I need to think carefully about what I'm going to wish for before we pray.
As Umi and I absentmindedly gazed at the orange streetlights floating in the night, we arrived at the local shrine, our meeting place, after a car ride of about ten-odd minutes. It's said to bring blessings for academics and business prosperity, and by the time we arrived, the shrine grounds were already bustling with a fair number of people. There were also food stalls here and there on the grounds, creating a festive atmosphere.
"! Oh, you two, over here, over here~!"
When we parked the car and got out, Amami-san, who must have been waiting nearby, noticed us and jumped up and down with a huge smile, waving her hands enthusiastically. Nitta-san, who must have come with her, was standing next to her.
"Sorry, Yuu, it took us a little while to get ready."
"No, no, we just got here too. More importantly, Umi, you look so adorable! Is that, your auntie's by any chance?"
"Yeah. I see yours every year, Yuu, but it looks as good as ever on you this year."
"Ehehe, thanks. I paid special attention to the accessories this year."
Amami-san twirled on the spot to show off her furisode, which was a deep red color. It had a relatively calmer design than Umi's, perhaps to balance with her beautiful blonde hair.
Also, as she just said, her footwear, hair ornaments, and the small bag for her wallet and phone were all in a Japanese style, showing a sense of style in everything… though me saying that might not be very convincing.
And this was a surprise, but Nitta-san was also properly wearing a furisode. It was a modern-looking green one, perhaps rented.
"Maki-kun, what about me? Do I look good?"
"Oh, yeah. As always, I think you look great, I guess."
"Hehe, thanks a lot… Hey, doesn't that way of putting it make it sound like it's not much different from my usual clothes? I went all out and dressed up today~"
"Hey, hey, class rep, you may be a beginner, but you're a guy with a girlfriend now, so you should study up on that stuff more. Well, if you overdo it, the girlfriend clinging to your side might get super jealous. Right, Asanagi-san?"
"I-I'm not bothered by every little thing like that…"
She says that with a confident air, but in reality, she's taking advantage of the darkness to subtly pinch my side, so I need to be careful with my words from now on.
Praise every detail but only for Umi, throw out cheesy and embarrassing words like "cute" or "beautiful" to Umi only… I'll go with this strategy, at least for now.
Once the four of us were gathered, we passed through the torii gate and walked up the gentle slope leading to the shrine grounds for our original purpose of praying. There was a staircase next to the path, and it would have been faster to use that, but since the other three besides me were in furisode and it was dangerous, we decided to take our time and proceed slowly for safety.
"Umi, there's a little step here, so be careful."
"Yeah, thanks."
I take Umi's hand and walk at the same speed as her, matching her pace.
Umi, who usually pulls my hand, seems to have completely entrusted herself to me today, occasionally looking at me with a gentle smile, and following just behind me with cheerful footsteps.
I'm sure Umi's consideration plays a part, but I'm happy that I've been able to fulfill my role as a boyfriend so far.
"Mmm… you two look like you're having so much fun. Hey, hey, Nina-chi, let's try that too. Nina-chi, you be the escort, and I'll be the one who gets escorted."
"Hey, I'm wearing a furisode too, you know… And besides, if you're going to do it, why not have your dad do it, Yuu-chin? He's nice, he'll do it for you."
"Eh~ with my dad~? That would be like a Shichi-Go-San festival…"
[Note: Shichi-Go-San (七五三, "Seven-Five-Three") is a traditional Japanese festival held in November to celebrate the healthy growth of children aged three, five, and seven. Families typically visit shrines, dress children in formal kimono, and give them special candies called chitose-ame ("thousand-year candy") as a symbol of longevity.]
"That's true. Which means, as much as I hate to admit it…"
"Stare~"
"…Maki,"
"Yeah, it's okay. I know."
I feel the mischievous gazes of the other two on me, but I'm busy escorting Umi, so I'll let them play around on their own.
The four of us, in that mood the whole time, slowly climbed the slope while joking around and arrived at the main hall where the offering box was placed. It was past 1 o'clock, just past the peak time, so our turn came around smoothly without much waiting.
"Huh? Hey Umi, how do you do this again? Hands first? Or bow?"
"Two bows, two claps, right? First, you bow twice, then you clap twice and make your wish, and when you're done, you bow one last time. Oh, and don't forget to put in your offering first. Maki, you got it?"
"Yeah. But it's not something you do all the time, so it's common to forget at times like this."
"Huh, the class rep actually knows how to do it. I'm pretty sure I do this every year, but I forget how every single time."
"Nina, you should take a little more interest in tradition."
And so, the four of us threw in our offerings at the same time and quietly put our hands together.
I don't know what the other three wished for, but I hope they all have a good year.
"Well, now that we're done praying, why don't we draw the classic omikuji fortunes before we go home? Is that okay with everyone?"
"Yeah, I agree with Umi~ Alright, I'm definitely getting a daikichi (great fortune) this year! I don't even remember what I got last year at all though!"
"Haha, that's right. Well, I have this image of Yuu-chin getting a daikichi every year. I'm not aiming high, so I just ask for the best in love and money."
"I feel like that's aiming pretty high…"
We each gave a hundred yen to the shrine maiden selling charms and drew our fortunes.
Even if the result is mediocre, it's just a fortune, so there's no need to worry about it. But a daikichi would be a good start to the new year, so I'm hoping for at least a chukichi.
"──Oh."
The moment I opened it, a voice escaped me.
※※
・Number Five – Daikichi (Great Blessing)
All things will go as you wish, but this time will not last long. If you grow accustomed and let your heart slacken, misfortune will come. Be cautious.
※※
"──Oh, amazing. Maki, you got a daikichi."
"Yeah. Well, judging by the content, I'm not sure if I should be unconditionally happy. What about you, Umi?"
"I got chukichi (medium fortune). The content is not much different from yours, Maki."
So it's like everything will go well, but don't neglect your efforts.
What's written is quite ordinary, but well, I'll at least keep it in the back of my mind.
"Lucky you~ you both got good ones. I got shokichi (small blessing)~"
"…Well, a fortune is just a fortune. Yuu-chin, let's go tie our fortunes over there. They're serving free amazake too."
"Ooh, nice. Let's start the new year with some binge drinking and eating~"
Apparently, Nitta-san's result was quite bad, as she was tying her fortune to a tree branch with a sullen face. But it's just a fortune, so I hope she can forget about it with a warm cup of amazake.
[Note: Amazake (甘酒, "sweet sake") is a traditional Japanese drink made from fermented rice. Despite the name, it is usually non-alcoholic, mildly sweet, and often served warm in winter as a comforting, nourishing beverage.]
"Maki, those two went ahead, what should we do?"
"We can just call them if anything happens, so let's go around on our own. I'm getting a little hungry after all this walking."
"Ooh, nice. Then, let's get the baby castella that was in front of the entrance. If we buy a little extra, we can share with everyone later."
"Yeah. Sweets at night aren't really good for you, but it's New Year's Day."
"Exactly. On New Year's, you have to eat lots of delicious food and laze around a lot. Your weight… well, you'll gain a little, but you can just work it off after the holidays."
"Fufu, you're right."
After sending a message to the other two that we would be going our separate ways for a while, Umi and I enjoyed our brief first shrine visit date.
It's been a week since we became a couple on Christmas.
No one knows what will become of our relationship in the future, but I hope to do my best in everything so that we can continue to laugh together like this for a long time.
Studying, communication, personal appearance, exercise, and love.
Everything is for the cute girl by my side.
"Hey, Maki."
"Hm?"
"You seemed to been praying for a long time, what did you wish for?"
"Hm? Oh, um… 'May the people who have taken care of me stay healthy and well throughout this year.'"
"I see. Then, we wished for the same thing."
"Well, health is the most important thing, after all."
"Totally. Especially since I was just taking care of someone until recently."
"…My apologies."
"You have no idea. …Maki, don't make me worry so much, I hate it, okay?"
"Yeah, I'll be careful."
"…Idiot."
First things first, my own health—with this secret goal in mind, Umi and I's new year was about to begin