The Gal Next to Me Is Trying Too Hard to Make Me Fall in Love With Her
When I heard that Amagi had collapsed with a high fever, the first thing that came to mind was what had happened that morning.
“Hold me tight,” she said.
At that moment, she was clearly acting strangely, perhaps because she was already feeling unwell.
But… I didn’t notice.
Even though we were together almost every day, I didn’t realize something so obvious.
“Please let me stay by your side. I’m worried… This is my selfishness. I’m truly sorry.”
A sense of guilt and the fear that something terrible might happen again without me knowing.
Plus, being alone with a high fever is lonelier than I thought. Having fallen ill soon after starting to live alone, I understand that fear all too well.
“Um… come here.”
Amagi, wrapped in a fluffy nightgown.
I was led by her, who seemed less energetic than usual, into the room.
I was speechless for a moment. Sensual underwear was hanging out to dry in plain sight.
…Well, that makes sense. After all, this is Amagi’s room.
It’s only natural that there would be laundry, and since I came unexpectedly, she probably didn’t have time to tidy up.
I feel incredibly sorry.
If I had known this would happen, I should have called ahead.
“I’m sorry for the mess… I’m actually terrible at tidying up…”
Clothes left lying around. Accessories and cosmetics left out. Empty plastic bottles scattered about.
It is messy, but compared to the chaos at my parents’ house, it’s nothing.
“Do you hate me now…?”
“Huh?”
“…Don’t hate me”
“Of course not! There’s no way I would!”
This is the first time I’ve seen Amagi-san so timid.
When you’re not feeling well, your mental state suffers too, so it can’t be helped…
“I’ll support you as much as I can until you feel better. So, feel free to lean on me as much as you want.”
I said cheerfully.
Amagi-san stared up at me.
Her eyes were teary, and she clung to me with less than half her usual strength. Like a child clinging to a parent, desperately.
“…I like you.”
“T-thank you.”
“…………”
“Um, Amagi-san? Could you please let go and go to bed now…?”
“…………”
“Um…”
“…Carry.”
“Huh?”
“If you don’t carry me, I won’t let go.”
I had said she could lean on me as much as she wanted, but I never expected her to ask for something like that right off the bat.
Normally, I would have refused outright, but she has a cold. I don’t want to use harsh words.
…I have no choice.
I let out a small sigh and look at her.
I wrap my arms around her knees and carry her as gently as possible. …I never thought that carrying heavy things at my part-time job would come in handy like this.
“Is this okay?”
“…love you..”
“So, that means yes…?”
“Love you!”
She smiled blankly.
I shouldn’t think this, but… somehow, this is cute. She’s childish normally, but now she seems even younger. Like a small animal.
“Then let’s go to bed.”
“…Saeki…”
“Don’t make such a sad face. I’ll be right here in this room. I’ll tidy up a bit, then make some porridge. I’ll also prepare some banana juice. It’s gentle on the stomach, nutritious, and has a diuretic effect, so it’ll help bring down your fever quickly.”
“Uu… I love you…”
“Alright, alright.”
“…Pet me.”
“Sure.”
“…I love you…”
I stroked her head, occasionally touching her cheek, and wiped the sweat from her neck.
Amagi closed her eyes in relief and soon fell asleep.
…Well, then.
I should get some work done without waking her up.
Maiban