A BET IS A BET

Miss Ryoko received first aid before the ambulance rushed her to the hospital while Akage remained in the school clinic since she wasn’t in life-threatening danger.

The moment they placed Akage on the bed, Ena, who heard about the incident, rushed in panting with a worried counternance.

“How is senpai doing, Yumi?” Ena asked when she saw Yumi.

Yuuta saw the sincere concern and worry Ena had for Akage. He felt sad, blamed himself, and then left as tears threatened to fall, but not before Yumi noticed and frowned.

“Since you’re here, I’ll be heading home for something really important.” Yumi informed Ena before running after her brother without waiting for a response from her best friend.

Ena said nothing as she stayed by Akage’s side, changing the water of the cloth or doing anything necessary for Akage’s comfort if she stirred in her sleep. Ena took the time to study Akage’s features as her eyes focused on Akage’s lashes.

Senpai has such pretty lashes.

Ena thought as she smiled lovingly before Akage’s eyes opened, surprising Ena, who blushed at the gesture. Akage breathed out before she sat up with a silent and calm expression on her face.

“Senpai, how do you feel?” Ena asked as Akage placed her hand over her head.

She stared at the bandage wrapped around her hands as she recalled the events from earlier. She lost the game and everything after felt like a blur, but it had happened.

Still, she kept a calm face with a gentle smile.

“Don’t worry, I’m okay. I have a date with you, right?” Akage asked and Ena nodded before she realised herself.

“It doesn’t matter right now; you’re hurt, and you decide to talk about a date like nothing happened! I was so scared when I heard you were bleeding!” Tears escaped Ena’s eyes, much to Akage’s surprise, before Ena buried her face in her hands.

Akage stretched her hand and touched Ena’s head, making the young girl to look at her before she pulls Ena from her chair and hugs her, catching the maiden off guard.

“I’m a lot tougher than I look, but it’s strange to have people I’m unfamiliar with cry over me. I wonder why you still care about me even after I was horrible to you?” Akage asked as Ena smiled.

“Because senpai has always been kind to me without fault. Even if you’re mean to me a million times, you are always kind and you encourage me. You always appeared as my light when things seem dark.” Ena confessed as she stared into Akage’s eyes, who had her own separate thoughts.

This girl loves me, but will she leave when I tell her I am a girl? Akage thought as she stared into the eyes of the innocent Ena.

The door opened and the school nurse, Miss Cho Akane, appeared and was honestly surprised that Akage had woken up sooner than she expected.

“You’re awake, that’s a good sign.” Miss Cho said as she closed the door behind her. “Your wounds were really deep, so I had to stitch it clean, so I’ll give you basic instructions. Don’t exert yourself and your hand muscles because the wound could reopen and don’t get the bandage wet, or it will be quite unpleasant.”

“I understand.” Akage replied.

“Also, sign here. I heard none of your guardians is in town and you seem strong enough to fetch a bus home. I’m sure Hideki will make sure you get home safely.” Miss Cho said and winked at Ena, who covered her eyes in embarrassment.

“It’s fine. I can handle that.” Akage said as Miss Cho went to the cabinet and pulled a small plastic of painkillers.

“I don’t usually advice it but in case. If you have any more symptoms, go to the hospital and request a temporal withdrawal.” Miss Cho advised before Akage stood up.

Akage sighed as she left the clinic with Ena following her quietly.

I lost the game even if I wasn’t in the condition to play but a bet is a bet, and it must be honoured. Akage thought as she stared at Ena, who sat nervously beside her on the bus.

The moment the bus stopped, Akage grabbed Ena’s hand and dragged her out of the bus before the bus door could close. Ena gave Akage a scared expression as Akage stared at her with a serious expression.

“Senpai…”

“Do you trust me, Ena?” Akage asked as Ena stared in confusion before she blushed.

“Yes, senpai.” She replied.

Akage grabbed her hand gently and intertwined their fingers. Akage was patient as she and Ena walked a few steps before they stopped at an amusement park.

“What?” Ena stared in confusion.

“It’s a date.” Akage replied with a smile before Ena blushed at how Akage’s smile made her crimson hair glow.

She didn’t think Akage was serious about the date he mumbled.

They went on several rides and took pictures. Ena shared a lot of her childhood days coming to play here with her best friends as Akage listened before her stomach growled.

“We should eat.” Akage said as she placed her hand on her stomach.

“Let’s eat over there.” Ena said as she held Akage and pulled her to where she wanted to eat.

“I’ll order while you rest.” Ena said as Akage handed her a card.

Ena collected it and rushed to the counter to place an order as Akage pulled out her phone to send a text.

Is everything okay with Shiro? Has he eaten?

He has eaten, taken a bath and seems comfortable. Mrs. Sasori replied. Akage smiled before another message popped up from the chief of the café.

It’s ready.

Ena dropped the meal in front of Akage. Ena stretched the card to Akage, who observed Ena silently.

“Senpai, are you okay?” Ena asked nervously.

Akage leaned forward with a serious expression as Ena gulped. “Feed me and I’ll collect my card.”

Ena blushed as her hand trembled at the request.

“S-S-Senpai, I can’t feed you. I-I-I’m sure you’re just joking.” Ena laughed awkwardly.

Akage stood up and leaned closer until her nose was a millimetre away from Ena’s nose while her eyes focused on Ena.

“Do these eyes look unsure and joking? Sit beside me and feed me or I’ll never talk to you again.” Akage threatened as Ena pouted before Akage sat down.

There was something pleasant about how she looked into Ena’s eyes that had her afraid and charmed. She moved beside Akage and sat beside Akage, fulfilling her request. It took little time for the sighs of girls around to make her realise what Akage’s intentions were.

It only made Ena Hideki smile.

“Will your parents be mad if you come home a little late?” Akage asked as Ena checked the time before she shook her head.

“I can always say I spent a night at a friend’s house.” Ena replied and Akage nodded.

“I want to take you somewhere fun.” Akage said and Ena smiled timidly before she nodded.

“Okay senpai.”