Kaguya's POV.
Miyuki: Kaedehara is out today with a fever.
Kaguya: Hm?
Chika: Well, he went home early yesterday but, unfortunately, he was caught up in the middle of the storm.
Kaguya: So, we need someone who will deliver the handouts to his house.
Then Fujiwara-san happily volunteered herself.
Chika: Me! I'll visit Kaedehara-kun!
Kaguya: But, you've been in their house just a few weeks ago.
Chika: I know and they've grown accustomed to me visiting their house after that.
Chika: But it would be unfair if one person got to monopolize him on his sickbed. Let's all visit him together.
Then we heard the president's phone ringing as he grabs it and answers the call.
Miyuki: Hello?
Then a familiar voice can be heard across the phone.
Ryota: Um, prez. You received *cough* mom's call?
Miyuki: Y-Yeah. She just notified us a while ago.........
Ryota: Sorry, if I had to be absent for today........*cough* *cough*
Miyuki: Kaedehara, don't push yourself too hard. You're sick and you need to rest.
Kaguya: President, put it on loud speaker so that everyone can hear him.
Miyuki: Okay.
He puts the call on loudspeaker as we can hear his frequent coughs and the tone of his voice is kinda weak.
Ryota: Don't worry, prez. I'll be back in a few days *cough*
Miyuki: No. Make a full recovery, Kaedehara.
Ryota: Yeah. I guess you're right.
Then the president of the music club, Tohma-senpai enters the student council room as he is looking for Kaedehara-kun.
Tohma: Pardon my intrusion, is Kaedehara around?
Miyuki: Um.......
Ryota: Wait, is that Tohma-senpai?
Tohma: Wait, what?
We explained Kaedehara-kun's current situation.
Tohma: I see.
Tohma: Kaedehara, make a full recovery. Also, maybe later, we'll visit your house.
Ryota: Eh? No need to bother yourselves to *cough* *cough* visit me.
Tohma: What are you saying? We're your friends and it's natural for us to do visit a sick friend.
Tohma: You'll just make your friends worry more if you don't allow us.
Ishigami: That's true but I agree with Kaedehara-senpai.
Ishigami: One person would be enough to visit him.
Miyuki: Anyways, Kaedehara. Just take your time to rest, okay?
Ryota: Yeah.....*cough*
Ryota: Thanks.
Miyuki: Get well soon.
Ryota: Yeah. I will.
Then he hungs up the call as we all looked at each other. Until Tohma-senpai breaks the silence.
Tohma: Well, I guess we shouldn't overwhelm Kaedehara by us visiting in large numbers.
Miyuki: That is true.
Then, Hayasaka also barges in the room.
Hayasaka: Is it true!? Kaedehara-kun is sick!?
Miyuki: Y-Yeah...........
Hayasaka: I see.
Hayasaka: I just heard it when President Shirogane is talking to someone while saying the words of Kaedehara-kun being absent.
Chika: You look so worried.
Hayasaka: Yeah. Also, I guess this is my chance to repay him.
Miyuki: Repay him?
Hayasaka: He helped me in studying during the finals, so I wanted to repay him by visiting him when he is sick.
Miyuki: I see.
Kaguya: But, our number will eventually overwhelm him.
Tohma: Well, the me and some of the members of the music club will visit him some time.
Tohma: Maybe 2 days from now on.
Tohma: Well then, thanks for the heads up. I'll be going now.
He then left the student council room.
Miyuki: I guess one of us should visit him.
Miyuki: But since everyone wanted to visit him, a simple decision by choosing would be difficult.
Then Fujiwara-san rummages something and shows a deck of cards.
Chika: Then, let's play Concentration to decide.
A few moments later. The president exposed Fujiwara-san's cheating in the game as she became ashamed that the president managed to find out her cheating methods and used it to won by himself.
Then she went home.
Hayasaka: Looks like, President Shirogane won.
Miyuki: Hmmmmm? I really can't visit him today as I have a job.
Hayasaka: I'll go.
Miyuki: You will?
Hayasaka: Yes.
Miyuki: Well then. Goodluck.
After school, Hayasaka and I talked about her visiting Kaedehara-kun.
Kaguya: Are you sure, Hayasaka?
Hayasaka: Yeah.
Kaguya: Do you need a lift on the way?
Hayasaka: No. I'll go there on my own.
I smiled.
Kaguya: Okay, then.
Kaguya: Go ahead.
Then she went on her way to visit Kaedehara-kun to their home.
--------------
Ryota's POV.
Ryota: *cough* *cough* *cough*
Saya: Ryota, you need to rest.
Ryota: I've been in bed all day.
Saya placed the porridge and the medicine on my study table as puts her hand on my forehead.
Saya: Your fever is really high. You gotta rest for atleast a week.
Ryota: A week? But.........
Saya: No buts.......
Then someone knocks on the door.
Ryota: Come in!
It was mom.
Koharu: Ryo-chan, someone came to visit you.
Ryota: Visit me? Is it the music club or the student council?
Koharu: Nope. Only one.
Ryota: One?
Koharu: Come in.
Mom enters the room to reveal Hayasaka-san on her uniform carrying a plastic bag.
Ryota: Oh, Hayasaka-san.
Hayasaka: Hello.
Ryota: So you're the one who came to *cough* visit me.
Hayasaka: Well, I wanted to visit you right away when I heard you're sick.
Koharu: Well, then. I guess we shall leave you two to have a talk.
Koharu: Saya, help me out in the café.
Saya: Sure.
Then mom and Saya left the room as Hayasaka-san and I were left inside my room.
I sit up straight as I gestured her to take the sit near my study table. She did so as I asked her.
Ryota: Why the sudden visit?
Hayasaka: I was worried about you.
Ryota: I see.
I just smiled at her.
Ryota: But you shouldn't bother.
Hayasaka: Sorry, but it's bothering me, y'know.
Ryota: *sigh*
Ryota: Yuki was also the same. When I caught a fever back then, she stubborn entered my room saying that she'll nurse me back to health.
Ryota: Haha.
Ryota: Well, I couldn't stop and not even my parents wouldn't stop her.
Hayasaka: Oh, here.
Then she brought me some cute snacks, fruits and milk.
Ryota: Thanks.
Then she noticed the porridge on my study table. She took it and attempted to feed me.
Ryota: Don't worry, I can feed myself.
Hayasaka: No. Let me feed you.
Ryota: I'm not a kid anymore.
Hayasaka: You're sick.
Ryota: But—
Hayasaka: No buts.
Ryota: *sigh*
She fed me the porridge after that, I took the medicine and I lie back again as Hayasaka-san puts her hand on my forehead.
Hayasaka: You're fever is kinda high. You really need to rest badly.
Ryota: But still........
Ryota: Why?
Hayasaka: Tell me first the reason why you caught thd fever in the first place?
Ryota: Well...........
Ryota: I went home early yesterday because there is a sudden surge in the number of customers and I was called because it was an emergency.
Ryota: But on my way home....
Ryota: I got caught up in the middle of the storm.
Ryota: I was totally soaked when I made it home. I didn't let it bother me as I dry myself with the towel, changed to my work clothes and went to work.
Ryota: And then, I just knew it, I already have a fever.
Hayasaka: You reckless idiot!
Ryota: Idiot!?
Hayasaka: Why did you persistently went home when you got caught up in the middle of the storm!
Ryota: It's not *cough* my fault!
Hayasaka: But still, you just could've taken shelter and waited for the storm to be over!
Ryota: Sorry, but they need—
Hayasaka: Your health is more important!
Hayasaka: And I'm sure that your family will also say the same to you!
Ryota: *sigh*
Ryota: You're right.
Ryota: I made you guys worried.
Ryota: Well, I really am a reckless idiot.
Ryota: Haha. Sorry, for you to take care of me like this.
Hayasaka: It's okay. Don't worry, I'll take care of you for today.
Ryota: But—
Hayasaka: Tomorrow is saturday. So, I'm totally free for tomorrow.
Ryota: Sorry, for you to—
Hayasaka: No need to apologize.
Hayasaka: Just rest up until you get better.
Hayasaka: Don't worry. I'll take care of you.
I just smiled as I slept.
---------------
Hayasaka's POV.
Kaedehara-kun then closes his eyes as he sleeps.
I just couldn't help but be drawn to him while he was sleeping.
He's so cute and peaceful.
I slowly held his hand. His hand is bigger than mine.
The other side is rough but the other side is soft.
Hayasaka: They say that if someone has rough hands, it means they are a hardworker.
Hayasaka: I guess this is true in Kaedehara-kun's case. He's always a hardworker.
Hayasaka: The other side is soft.........
Hayasaka: His skin is fair and smooth.......
Then I gently rustled his hair.
Hayasaka: His hair is also soft to the touch.
He's really sleeping peacefully.
Hayasaka: How I wish, Kaguya-sama is like this when she is sick.
Hayasaka: Kaguya-sama is acting like a baby when she is sick but in Kaedehara-kun's case, he still him, but kinda weak because of exhaustion and due to his fever.
I touched his forehead and then I took the nearby thermometer as I measure his temperature.
Then, when the thermometer made a beeping sound.
Hayasaka: 38.5°
Hayasaka: His fever is really high.
I went out of his room as I get a towel and a basin. Filled it with water and I went back as I drench the towel with water as I wipe his forehead in order to cool his temperature even just a little bit.
Hayasaka: You idiot, learn how to take a break sometimes.
Hayasaka: Well, if I could only just invite him to go somewhere............
Hayasaka: ............
Hayasaka: WAIT, THAT WOULD BE A DATE! BUT...........
Hayasaka: But........the two of us already hang out.........just the two of us............
Hayasaka: It's basically the same as having a date!
Hayasaka: But...........we only hanged out as friends........not a couple..........
Hayasaka: *sigh*
Hayasaka: I don't even know anymore............
Then I just continued wiping his forehead until I squeezed the towel in the basin as I dry his forehead once again.
Hayasaka: You need to rest for a while, Kaedehara-kun.
Then I just kissed his forehead.
Hayasaka: Get well soon, Ryo-chan.
Then I quietly left his room as I'm bringing the towel and the basin.
Wait...............
Hayasaka: Did I just.................
Hayasaka: ............I........just..........
I put the towel and the basin aside as I throw myself in the couch and buried my face in one of the pillows as I fidget from the embarrassment.
Hayasaka: *screaming from the inside*
Hayasaka: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hayasaka: He doesn't know, right!?
Hayasaka: He's asleep, right!?
Hayasaka: He doesn't know, right!?
???: Doesn't know what?
I sit up straight as I saw Koharu-san and Saya staring at me.
Hayasaka: *gulp*
Hayasaka: Uh oh..........
Koharu: *smug face*
Saya: So........?
Saya: What happened between you and my cousin?
Hayasaka: ..................
Hayasaka: I just kissed him..........
Saya & Koharu: Kissed him!?
Saya: Where!?
I can feel my cheeks heating up.
Hayasaka: In the forehead.
Koharu: Oooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hayasaka: P-Please, don't say it to him!
Koharu: Don't worry. We'll keep it a secret.
Saya: That was a bold move, Hayasaka.
Saya: Even though you're not yet a couple, you just did what his ex did when she also nursed Ryota back to health.
Hayasaka: Oh..........
Koharu: But still..........
Koharu: You really love my son, do you?
Hayasaka: ............
Then the two of them sat beside me on both sides.
Koharu: It's fine. Ryo-chan has finally moved on.
Koharu: But, I know, you're also aware of Chi-chan?
Hayasaka: Chi-chan?
Saya: Fujiwara Chika, Ryota's fellow member in the student council.
Hayasaka: Oh........
Hayasaka: Subject F. The source of all chaos.
Hayasaka: What does it have to do with her?
Hayasaka: Is this about what Kaguya-sama told me? About Secretary Fujiwara being Kaedehara-kun's childhood friend and her childhood crush.
Saya: You see, I know her feelings for Ryota even from the start.
Saya: How did I know you might ask.
Saya: I can see it in her eyes.
Saya: When she visited last time, she stayed in my room whenever she will stay here for the night.
Saya: She asked me if I remember anything and I said I remember her.
Saya: I guess, Ryota totally forgot about her, about Chi-chan.
Saya: But, it doesn't mean that will work to your advantage.
Saya: I believe that Chi-chan already made a move.
Saya: You also got to make a move now because, sooner or later, Chi-chan might take Ryota away from you.
Hayasaka: I know that. It's just...........
Hayasaka: To think that they also had a long history..............
Hayasaka: While, he barely knows me............
Koharu: Yuki-chan was also the same.
Hayasaka: Huh?
Koharu: His ex-girlfriend also went through the same. Ryo-chan and Yuki-chan also barely knew each other and yet, they became a couple because..........they went to know each other along the way of them being a couple.
Hayasaka: But........
Saya: You still have your cards to play.
Saya: Chi-chan's ace in the hole is her memories with Ryota. She might use it to make Ryota hers.
Saya: But you...........
Saya: Your ace in the hole is.........wait, did you do something significant for Ryota?
Hayasaka: Actually..........none.
Koharu: *sigh*
Hayasaka: I'm in a total disadvantage right now.
Koharu: Then use this chance to get closer to him.
Saya: That's right. Chi-chan might have the memories of the past.
Saya: You on the other hand, have memories of the present. I guess what matters the most is the present but if he ever remembers his past with Chi-chan..........
Saya: Then you gotta change your gears.
Saya: Make memorable memories with him. Memories that will help you two to be closer?
Hayasaka: And how will I do that?
Koharu: That is up to you.
Hayasaka: ............
Koharu: By the way, you're staying the night?
Hayasaka: Yeah.........
Saya: Good.
Saya: We really need a help in taking care of Ryota. Especially, with the three of us working in the café.
Hayasaka: I'll do my very best!
Koharu: Then, hit him with all you've got.
I can't afford to be subtle anymore. I got to be direct as possible.
In order for him to noticed me.
In order for me........to gain his affection.
I need to do something and when the opportunity comes........I'll take it no matter what.
It's because.............
That's how I love Ryota.