Chapter 9: Nurse

After a fun night at the festival with Takagi, Lucas returned to his routine—kendo training at the school dojo.

Today, he and Saeko were sparring as usual. However, something felt different about Saeko's mood.

When the match began, Saeko launched a more aggressive attack than usual. Lucas tried to hold his ground, but the pressure from each of her strikes kept pushing him back.

DANG!

Lucas managed to parry one of Saeko's attacks, but then—

BAGH!

A powerful strike from Saeko's bokutou hit his wrist. Pain immediately shot through his hand and up his arm.

Lucas groaned and dropped his bokutou. "Ow! Okay, okay! Time out!"

Saeko immediately stopped and stepped closer. "Lucas, are you alright?"

Lucas flexed his hand and winced. "Yeah, if losing feeling in my hand counts as 'alright.'"

Saeko looked at him with a guilty expression. "Sorry, I got too serious."

Lucas gave a wry smile. "I know you want to teach me something, but I'd rather not lose my hand in the process."

Saeko chuckled softly. "Looks like we should take you to the infirmary."

Lucas sighed. "If I can't use my hand for a few days, you owe me dinner."

Saeko smirked. "Alright, if that makes you feel better."

Saeko helped Lucas walk to the infirmary.

As they entered, a tall, blonde woman with a voluptuous figure was leaning against the desk, looking drowsy.

Lucas's eyes widened. Oh wow… A nurse like this works at our school?

The woman slowly opened her eyes and gave a gentle smile. "Oh? Someone got hurt?"

Saeko spoke first. "Shizuka-sensei, Lucas injured his hand during kendo practice."

Shizuka Marikawa, the school nurse, walked over and casually took Lucas's hand. "Hmm, let's take a look~"

Lucas held his breath as Shizuka's soft hands touched his. He could smell the faint, sweet scent of her perfume.

Shizuka pressed a few spots on his hand. "Does this hurt?"

Lucas winced. "A little."

Shizuka smiled. "It's just a minor bruise. Nothing serious, but I'll wrap it up so it doesn't get worse~"

Lucas sighed in relief. "Good. I thought I'd have to stop training for a week."

Shizuka giggled softly. "You can rest for a day, but after that, you can train again~"

Lucas glanced at Saeko, who was still standing nearby with a calm expression. "Hear that, Saeko? I can get back to training. So don't think you're getting away from my challenge."

Saeko simply gave a mysterious smile. "I'm not worried. I'm actually looking forward to seeing you get stronger."

Lucas chuckled. "Such a merciless woman."

Shizuka finished wrapping Lucas's hand, then gently patted it. "All done! You're a tough boy, Lucas-kun~"

Lucas smiled. "Thanks, sensei."

As he stood up, Shizuka suddenly leaned in and playfully patted his shoulder. "If you ever need a place to rest, I'm always here~" she teased.

Lucas could only let out an awkward laugh, while Saeko sighed and pulled him out of the infirmary.

As they walked down the hallway, Lucas glanced at Saeko. "So, when are you treating me to dinner?"

Saeko simply smirked. "We'll see."

Lucas laughed. "Today was pretty interesting. I got a painful kendo lesson, treatment from a sexy nurse, and a dinner promise from the best swordswoman in school."

Saeko looked at him briefly. "You really enjoy your life, don't you?"

Lucas grinned. "Of course."

With that, they parted ways, and Lucas prepared himself for the days ahead—knowing that even more interesting things were waiting for him.