"I Also Care"

With utmost care, Kiyo scooped Shiori up into his arms and carried her inside.

He laid her on his bed, rubbed her cold hands between his own to warm them before hurrying to his cupboard for blankets.

Wrapping Shiori in layers of blankets, Kiyo's panic surged. "I need to get her something warm to eat," he mused aloud.

He rushed to the kitchen, only to find he was missing ingredients. Returning to his room, he swiftly donned his jacket and began searching for an umbrella, but it was nowhere to be found.

Unfazed, he stepped out of his apartment, shutting the door behind him. Determination remained constant on his face, as he was sprinting through the raging storm.

"I need to get to the nearest 24/7 shop." thinking to himself, he boosted his speed…

Entering the shop he quickly started gathering what he needed, he hurried to the counter, urgency clear in his voice as he requested, "Could you ring up these items quickly? It's urgent."

The counter girl swiftly processed the bill, handing it to him as he settled the payment, eager to return to Shiori's side. But before he could leave, the counter girl called out, "Hey, hold on!"

Kiyo paused, turning back to her, concern etched on his face. "What's the matter? Please, I need to get back to my friend."

Observing Kiyo's soaked appearance, the counter girl offered. "You're soaked. Take this with you," she extended her umbrella to him.

“But what about you?” Kiyo asked hesitantly.

“It’s fine,” she reassured him with a smile. “I’ll be here until morning. Please, take it.”

Gratefully accepting the umbrella, Kiyo dashed back to his apartment, As he quickly entered the apartment where he found his kitten keeping watch over Shiori, gently rubbing its fur on her face.

"That would be helpful," Kiyo acknowledged softly before quickly heading to the kitchen once more…

Hours later, Shiori slowly opened her eyes, quickly sitting up. She started looking around when suddenly Kiyo emerged from the kitchen with a bowl of soup in his hands, his kitten sitting comfortably on his shoulder.

"Thank goodness you're awake. I've been so worried," Kiyo exclaimed, relief evident in his voice.

Taking a seat in front of her, he gently stirred the soup, "Now that you're up, try to eat this soup. It'll help warm you up."

Scooping a spoonful of soup, he guided it towards her lips, "Here, take a sip." he said with a smile.

To his surprise, Shiori leaned in and envelopes him in a warm hug, causing the kitten to retreat from his shoulder.

Stunned by the unexpected gesture, Kiyo hesitated, but then a warm smile spread across his face, and as he tried to hug her back his hands stopped mid air, as the flashbacks of Goro’s warning flooded his mind.

Kiyo shut his eyes briefly, struggling with his conflicting emotions he thought to himself “I'm sorry, Shiori. But I can’t go against Goro. I'm just too weak.”

“What are you doing!” Kiyo firmly demanded, pushing Shiori away, breaking the hug, but just then his eyes widened, seeing tears filled in Shiori’s eyes.

“I knew you would open the door for me.” She murmured softly.

“Are you out of your mind?” Kiyo’s frustration surfaced as he retorted. “Why didn’t you go home? The storm was dangerous. What if I hadn’t opened the door?”

A soft smile played on Shiori’s lips as she replied, “Because I knew that you would open the door. And if I had gone home, I would’ve missed seeing this caring side of you. You truly are kind-hearted.” Tenderly, she placed her hand on Kiyo’s cheek.

Kiyo gently removed her hand. “It’s still early morning, you should go home, your parents must be worried.”

“Don’t worry,” Shiori reassured him. “I already let them know that I’m staying at a friend’s house. But I’ll still call them just to be sure.” She reached for her phone and dialled her father’s number.

While Shiori spoke with her father, Kiyo's thoughts raced.

“Shiori really cares about me. I've always known she's caring, but I've never seen her extending this level of care to someone else. Am I important to her? What exactly do I mean to her?”

Noticing his kitten snuggling closer on his feet, Kiyo smiled softly, picking it up and placing it on his lap he began stroking its fur, saying, "You've been a great help. You're truly amazing.”

Shiori finished her call and asked, "So, what's the story with this cat?"

“Oh, not much,” Kiyo quickly answered. “I found her alone on the street, so I brought her here.”

With hopeful eyes, Shiori said, “Kiyo, I hope I can come over to your place again.”

“No, please don’t,” Kiyo replied firmly. “I can handle things on my own. It’s probably better if you keep your distance from me at school and avoid visiting here again, please.”

Shiori stood up, stretched her arms before making her way toward the exit of the apartment.

Kiyo’s disappointment was clear as he watched her leave.

Shiori suddenly paused, “I’m sorry, Kiyo,” she softly stated. “But that's the one thing I can’t do.”

Surprised, Kiyo's eyes were wide, as Shiori continued with determination, "I'll keep pursuing you. I'll continue visiting you. I can't stay away from you, it's something I just can't do. I'll always be by your side, no matter what happens. And one day, you'll accept me."

With those heartfelt words, she left, leaving Kiyo with a whirlwind of emotions.

Tears welled up in Kiyo's eyes as he placed his hands against his eyes, grappling with his feelings.

“I wish I could be by your side too, but I really can't fight Goro, I just can't,” his tears started flowing…

Later on. Once ready for school, Kiyo sat in front of the Kitten and spoke gently, "Okay, from now on, your name is Kiri. I'm off to school. You're free to do as you please. I've left some food in your bowl, so if you're hungry, help yourself."

Kiyo extended his finger towards Kiri, watching with a smile as Kiri eagerly began to lick and play with it.

Feeling a bit happy, Kiyo stood up and made his way to the door, ready to leave.

However, as he reached for the knob of his door, a sudden realization struck him, his gaze shifted towards the umbrella he had borrowed from the counter lady…

Kiyo was now walking back towards the shop, holding that borrowed umbrella in his hand.

Upon reaching the entrance, he pushed open the door and stepped inside.

Approaching the counter, Kiyo expressed his gratitude, saying, "Hey, I really appreciate the umbrella. It was a big help."

The counter girl turned to Kiyo and nodded, replying casually, "No problem." Her gaze shifted to Kiyo's uniform, and she remarked, "Ah, you go to Ayako High School."

Kiyo nodded in confirmation. "Yes, I do. By the way, you seem quite young too. Are you a student at the same high school?" he inquired.

The counter girl smiled warmly. "No, I graduated from Ayako High School last year. Are you in your final year?" She inquired.

Kiyo shook his head in denial, "No, I'm in my second year," he replied.

"Ah, I see. Well, nice to meet you, junior. My name is Ayame." She introduced herself.

"I'm Kiyo." Kiyo said, returning the smile.

Ayame nodded, saying, "Alright, I think we're friends now, If you ever need any help, feel free to ask."

"Thank you very much," Kiyo responded with a grateful smile. "I really appreciate it. I should get going now, or I'll be late for school.”

Ayame returned the smile warmly. "Of course, take care," she replied.

As Kiyo exited the shop, his heart sank when he saw Goro standing outside in the distance, with his gaze locked on Kiyo.

Panic surged through Kiyo as he felt a wave of fear wash over him.