"Your temperature seems normal, but hands aren't the most precise for checking fevers. You should still use a thermometer later."
His palm lingered on her forehead for just a moment before he withdrew it.
"Senpai..."
"Hmm?"
"This might sound strange, but ever since you arrived, I've been feeling a lot better."
Chisato tilted his head slightly.
"Are you just flattering me?"
"It's the truth!"
Iroha quickly refuted with a pout, then lowered her head, avoiding his gaze and staring at her toes instead.
"That's why... if you don't have anything important to do today, could you stay and keep me company for a little while longer?"
"I was planning to take you out today anyway. The only thing that's changed is the meeting spot—from outside to your house. I have no problem with that."
Without any hesitation, Chisato agreed.
Perfect!
Iroha clenched her fist in victory.
"Then, Senpai, why don't you go rest in the living room for a bit? I'll take a quick shower and be right out to keep you company."
As they spoke, the two of them made their way downstairs.
"There's no need to rush. You should soak in a hot bath—it'll be more comfortable. Speaking of which, it's almost noon. Have you eaten lunch yet?"
"Not yet."
"Want me to order takeout for you? Or does the Isshiki household have something in the fridge that can fill your stomach?"
"Eh~"
Iroha tilted her head, her light brown hair swaying with the motion. Her round, bright eyes blinked twice as if she had just thought of something brilliant.
"Hey, Senpai..."
As she spoke, she naturally leaned closer, her small hands tugging at Chisato's sleeve with a light pull.
Ignoring the fact that she had carelessly left her zipper undone, revealing an unintended glimpse, she looked as adorable as a fluffy little animal.
"Since this is a rare opportunity, I'd love to try your cooking."
Chisato pointed at himself.
"You want me to cook?"
Iroha's voice softened, and the hand holding onto his sleeve slowly loosened. She played the "sick patient" card to make herself seem more vulnerable.
"Is that not okay?"
"Don't make that face like I'm bullying you. If your parents come home and see you like this, there's no way I could explain myself..."
Chisato sighed.
"Alright, I'll do it."
"Thank you, Senpai!"
"Just don't get your hopes up too much. I can't make those sparkling, divine dishes that send you straight to heaven with one bite."
"It doesn't matter how it tastes. What matters most is the thought behind it."
Satisfied with getting what she wanted, Iroha led Chisato into the kitchen, giving him a rough tour of where everything was before cheerfully heading off to take a bath.
After she left, Chisato tied an apron around his waist at a leisurely pace.
If he had only found it a little odd at first, he was now almost certain.
Iroha's overly energetic tone, her unusually lively demeanor—none of it seemed like the behavior of someone who was actually sick.
Was she faking it? And if so, for what purpose?
Just to get him to come over and cook for her?
Chisato had no answers, so he decided not to dwell on it. After all, a girl's thoughts were as unpredictable as the drifting patterns of floating duckweed.
Since he had noticed it, he had no intention of calling her out on it. Instead, he simply prepared a bowl of porridge, something easy for a sick person to eat.
Just as he had said before, when Iroha, freshly bathed, saw that he had only prepared a simple bowl of porridge, she didn't look disappointed at all.
Instead, she sincerely thanked him, pressed her hands together, and said, "I'm digging in!"
After taking a small sip, she closed her eyes and smiled in pure bliss.
Chisato, resting his chin on his palm nearby, found her expression amusing.
"It's just plain old porridge. Do you really need to exaggerate that much?"
"I'm not exaggerating! I love porridge the most!"
As if afraid he wouldn't believe her, she quickly scooped up another spoonful, blew on it, and took another bite.
"Eat slower. There's more in the pot."
"I don't eat that much. This one bowl is enough. But, if I'm eating this... what about you, Senpai? What are you having for lunch?"
"I had a late breakfast, so I'm not hungry at all. You don't have to worry about me."
"I see..."
Iroha lowered her head thoughtfully, focusing on her meal. Then, out of nowhere, she let out a nostalgic sigh.
"When I used to get sick, my mom would always feed me."
Chisato was taken aback for a moment but quickly smiled.
"Are you asking me to feed you?"
Iroha's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"Would you?"
Chisato stood up and walked over to her. But instead of picking up the spoon, he placed his hand on her head and ruffled her hair.
"You said it yourself—'used to.' You're not a little kid anymore. There's no need for that."
Then, he headed into the kitchen and brought back a small plate of side dishes.
"I prepared this earlier but forgot to bring it out."
"Ugh... stupid Senpai..."
Iroha muttered in dissatisfaction.
If he wasn't going to do it, he shouldn't have given her that tiny spark of hope. Seriously.
"You're a first-year in high school, right?"
For some reason, Chisato suddenly changed the topic.
Though puzzled, Iroha still nodded obediently.
"Yeah."
"That's nice. You still have more than half a year to think things through."
"Senpai, what are you talking about?"
"Choosing between the sciences or humanities, as well as deciding which university you want to aim for."
"Your grades are really good, Senpai. I thought you wouldn't have to worry about things like that."
"Don't overestimate me. Even I get anxious when standing at a crossroads that will determine the course of my future. I worry about whether my current academic level is enough."
That was a lie.
Everything Chisato had said so far was carefully crafted.
He wanted to guide Iroha into bringing up something on her own—something that would allow him to subtly clear up her misunderstanding about Yukino.
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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
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