When Takahiro Was Sick

Ryoma and Kahoru hopped out of the car after Ryoma pulled into the driveway. It was almost midnight and Kahoru was very exhausted. She hoped Takahiro was okay so she was able to go home and sleep, so she could get ready for work the next morning. Ryoma opened the door and they both quietly walked inside.

They both crept upstairs, so they wouldn't make any noise that would wake Takahiro up if he was asleep. Ryoma then opened the door to Takahiro's room. They both peeked inside and saw the lamp was on. Takahiro was in bed, still very pale. His breathing was much heavier than what Ryoma saw in the morning and he was sweating much more.

Kahoru's face turned pale and her eyes grew with concern. She ran to his bedside and took his temperature with the thermometer that was beside the bed. The temperature was still the same. It hadn't gone down since Takahiro was at the hospital.

She gestured for Ryoma to come. Ryoma crept towards her and leaned in to see what Kahoru wanted to say. "Bring me some water and a towel." She whispered

Ryoma nodded and quickly went out of the room to fetch what was needed. After a few minutes, Ryoma came back with a small bucket and a folded up face towel. He placed the items on the bedside table. Kahoru again whispered, "Thank you, you can go home now. I'll do the rest."

"But-"

"You can take care of him in the morning."

"Okay, fine." Ryoma patted Kahoru's shoulder. "You better not kill him."

"Yeah yeah I won't."

"If you say so." Ryoma then crept out of the bedroom, leaving Kahoru alone with Takahiro. She noticed that the bowl of porridge next to her was completely cold. 'He really hasn't eaten anything today, that idiot.' She thought to herself.

With the towel and bucket of water in hand, Kahoru dipped the towel into the cold water, wrung the towel out and wiped down the sweat on his face. She did the same steps again, but instead, she placed the towel on Takahiro's forehead.

Takahiro was woken up to the cool sensation on his forehead. His eyes felt heavy and he looked at the figure that was sitting beside him. He locked eyes with Kahoru, who was intently staring at him, as she was hoping he would get better soon. Kahoru averted her eyes as soon as they made eye contact. She brought her hand and covered her mouth as her face flushed red.

Takahiro's lips slightly parted. He felt his heart beating quickly. With his right arm, Takahiro slowly lifted his hand and reached out to hold Kahoru's wrist. Kahoru flinched and instinctively stared at him in shock. "W-what are you doing?"

Takahiro gazed into Kahoru's eyes. "Do you remember when I got sick when we were kids?"

Kahoru was confused and she thought for a moment. She tried to remember the day Takahiro got sick. It then all came to her. She quickly nodded. "Yes, I remember. Why are you mentioning it now?

"My parents were overseas and I got a fever after getting soaked in the rain. Despite the stupid fights we had, you were still by my side and took care of me, like right now." Takahiro closed his eyes and quietly sighed.

Kahoru was amazed that Takahiro had remembered something from so long ago. She muttered, " I can't believe you remembered that after so many years you idiot."

"It just came to me."

"Also, can you stop holding my wrist?"

"Ah, right." Takahiro let go of Kahoru's wrist.

As Kahoru changed the towels, she flicked Takahiro's head in between.

"Ow! What was that for?"

"Ryoma told me you haven't even eaten anything today."

"That bastard."

"You are the bastard. Now don't fall asleep. I'm going to bring back some food."

"Okay."

Kahoru picked up the bowl of rice porridge and walked out of the room. She went downstairs into the kitchen and reheated a new bowl of porridge. After a few minutes, She walked upstairs and back into Takahiro's room.