Talking again

When I woke up, I felt much better than before. I really hadn't realized how tired I was—no wonder everyone was acting so strangely toward me.

"Hello, Tomoki-kun. Are you feeling better?"

"Yeah! I slept like a baby! Thanks, Ayame-san, for everything."

Talking about what happened with my current father really made me feel better.

"You're welcome! By the way... did you hear something before you fell asleep?" — Her face turned bright red as she asked.

"Now that you mention it, I think I did. Was it you? Sorry, I suddenly felt so sleepy I couldn't catch it."

"I see! That's okay! I'm glad you could rest well!" — she said in a high-pitched voice.

"Ayame-san, are you okay? Your face is all red."

"Don't worry, I'm fine."

"If you say so. But if you ever need help, don't hesitate to ask me. I'm your friend, after all."

"Fufu~ did you forget you carried me here in the first place? Just take it easy."

"Come on, Ayame-san. All I did was accompany you while you listened to all my venting. Not to mention you even..."

I started to remember the hug she gave me. I tried to hide my embarrassment by covering my face with my hand.

"Tomoki?"

"...You even hugged and patted me." — It was really embarrassing to say that out loud.

"Did you... dislike it?"

"I don't think there's a man who would dislike that."

We both remained in silence, creating an awkward atmosphere.

"Excuse me for intruding in your conversation. But it seems both of you are doing fine." — the male nurse suddenly said.

We glanced at each other and silently nodded before politely leaving the infirmary.

While we were heading back to the classroom, I struck up a conversation.

"I didn't notice him at all! Was he there when I woke up?"

"Yeah, he was. He arrived while you were sleeping. But even I forgot he was there."

"I see... Wait, Ayame-san, were you awake the whole time?"

"Well, it's not like I was sleepy, so..."

"But you could've rested too. It must've been boring waiting for me to wake up."

"Fufu~ not at all, Tomoki-kun. Not at all..."

"Okay... if you say so."

Ding dong, ding dong.

"By the way, how long did I sleep?"

"It's already lunchtime."

"Did I sleep that long!?"

We arrived at our classroom. The first person who asked about us was Tachibana-san.

"Are both of you okay?"

"Yes, thanks to Tomoki-kun helping me right away, I recovered without any problem."

"In my case, I just slept. Hahaha!"

"I'm glad you're both fine. Now if you'll excuse me."

Since that day, I haven't been able to hold a real conversation with her. Whenever I run into her, she always ends the conversation quickly. It's not like I don't understand, but it's kind of sad that we've become more like acquaintances now.

"Do you want to talk to her, Tomoki-kun?"

"Not exactly. Besides, it's lunchtime."

How did Ayame-san know that? Sometimes I wonder if she can read my mind.

While I was getting my lunch, Ryuichi came over to talk to me.

"Hey Tomoki, feeling better now?"

"Yeah, I just needed some rest."

"Some rest!? You were like a dead man. Not just the bags under your eyes, even the way you talked was different."

"Come on, Ryuichi, now you're exaggerating... was I that bad?"

"Yeah, everyone was talking about how cold you were. It was a shock for everyone."

"Who knew one night without sleep could make such a difference."

"You're right. So, what happened? That is, if you want to talk about it."

Well, he's my friend and he always helps me. I think I can talk about it without losing my cool.

"I had a fight with my father. I just wanted him to care more about my mother... but I guess that's difficult."

"So your father has more than one wife?"

"Yeah."

"I see. That really sucks."

"Yep."

So Ryuichi and I had lunch together. Meanwhile, Ayame-san waved to me and went off to her usual lunch spot.

"So, Tomoki, do you like Edomae-san?"

"Cough... cough... Why are you asking?" — That caught me off guard.

"I mean, it was obvious you weren't having the best day. Even so, you still got really worried when Edomae-san started feeling unwell."

"Of course I would. Do you think I'd just stand by while someone was suffering right in front of me?"

"I know, but you immediately carried her to the infirmary. That kind of thing only happens in dramas or movies."

"Is it that rare for someone to carry another person?"

"That too—but especially a guy doing it."

"Okay, so what would you have expected me to do?"

"Call someone for help. And considering how you were today, I really thought you'd act coldly."

"Come on, Ryuichi. She's my friend. I wouldn't abandon her just because I had a bad day."

"Then why didn't you help me when I started coughing?" — he asked with a cynical expression.

That's actually a good point.

"I knew you could handle it. Who hasn't choked out of nowhere, right?"

"Sigh~ I'll let it slide today. So, will you study with Ayame-san this weekend?"

"..."

"Tomoki?"

"Yeah... you're right. I wonder if I need to learn etiquette or something."

"Don't worry, Tomoki. You just need to be polite. I know you'll make a good impression."

"Thanks, that puts me at ease."

"Don't sweat it."

"And... by the way, how's senpai?"

"Should you really bring that up now? I hope Edomae-san doesn't become another victim."

"You..."

And so we finished our lunch, and I started thinking about what I should do regarding the home study session with Ayame-san.

♦♦♦

Ding dong, ding dong.

"Okay everyone, don't forget to revise this. And Edomae-kun, Tomoki-kun—make sure to rest."

"Yes, teacher!" — both Ayame-san and I replied in unison.

Finally, today's lesson ended. As everyone was leaving the classroom, I started talking with Ayame-san.

"Ayame-san, could we talk about our weekend study meeting?"

"Of course. What is it?"

"Could we postpone it? I'm going to try talking to him again."

"If that's what you want, I'm fine with that."

"Thanks, Ayame-san. So... next week?"

"Yeah! I hope everything goes well."

"I hope so too. Thanks again."

Then I said goodbye to Ayame-san. I really feel blessed to have a friend like her. I hope she feels the same about me.

Well, until now, I haven't done anything meaningful for her—so maybe not.

But right now, there's something I need to do.

♦♦♦

"Sorry, did I make you wait?"

"No, son. So, what did you want to talk about?"