Episode 22: Worry
I was shown into Takisawa’s room.
I felt relieved that Takisawa didn’t seem to have a fever or anything like that.
However, her complexion was rather poor.
She offered to study with me, but I really wanted her to rest. Yet, if I asked her to sleep, she might tell me to leave. I wanted this moment to last just a little longer, so I took her up on her offer.
She tutored me as usual.
There was just one thing different from before.
Takisawa’s gaze kept drifting to my lips.
I knew I was partly to blame for what had happened, but being stared at like that was undeniably embarrassing.
Perhaps it was her first time too…
I’d always wanted to build a lovely family like my parents’, but that required a partner and such acts. Yet I hadn’t been particularly fussy about who it was with.
I thought it could be with anyone.
But now, it’s different.
A part of me thinks it was good that my first kiss was with Takisawa.
Realising I was thinking something rather disgusting, I decided to focus on my studies.
Today’s studies progressed quite well too.
Normally, I’d go home now, but I had to keep the promise I made to Takisawa. I didn’t mind what she asked of me, but I felt a little tense and my body stiffened.
Takisawa beckons me to sit beside her.
Like an obedient dog, I move exactly as Takisawa instructs, offering no resistance.
I know she won’t kiss me again, but her proximity brings back memories of that day.
As I sit down, Takisawa’s head plonks down onto mine.
Hmm…?
While I tried to process the situation, I heard her snoring softly beside me.
She must have been quite exhausted, so I decided to leave her be for a little while.
Her weight felt warm and solid on my shoulder, reminding me she was right there beside me.
A refreshing scent of soap wafted from her hair.
I gently took Takisawa’s hand.
I don’t know why I did it, but I wanted to hold it, so I did. It was warm, a warmth that, once you took it in your hand, you didn’t want to let go.
If there is such a thing as a happy moment where you’re doing nothing, I think this is it.
After half an hour, she still showed no sign of waking, so I picked Takisawa up and carried her to the bed.
Though Takisawa and I are only about the height of an apple apart, even so, she felt far too light.
“She’s so light it’s like she could just disappear…”
I covered Takisawa with the futon, then drew closer to her, wanting to feel her scent once more.
Still, no sign of waking.
I lightly touched my lips to Takisawa’s fringe and stepped away.