Haruki's POV

A week had passed since we spent that stomy night together, the past few days felt like an eternity. I couldn't shake the worry gnawing at me as I sat at my desk, glancing at Aki's empty seat in class. Aki hadn't come to school, and the absence of her quiet laughter and shy smiles left a void I hadn't realized I could feel so acutely. I found myself looking at my phone more often than usual, hoping for a message that never came.

Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. After school, I made my way to Aki’s house, my heart racing with every step. I rehearsed the words I’d say, hoping to convey my concern without sounding too overbearing. When I arrived, I was greeted by her mother, who seemed surprised yet relieved to see me.

“Oh hello! You must be Haruki, I've heard a lot about you from Aki,” she said, her voice warm. “She is in her room. She’s been a bit under the weather.”

“Thank you. I just wanted to check on her,” I replied, managing a small smile despite the worry that churned in my stomach.

I walked down the hallway, my heart pounding as I approached Aki’s room. Knocking gently, I opened the door, and my breath caught in my throat. Aki lay curled up in bed, her usually vibrant face pale and framed by disheveled hair. She did not have her glasses on and looked fragile, and a wave of concern washed over me.

“Aki?” I whispered, stepping inside. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open.

“Haruki?” Her voice was hoarse but soft, and my heart warmed at the sound of my name escaping her lips.

I walked to her bedside and sat down carefully, trying to gauge how she was feeling. “I was worried about you. You’ve missed a lot of school.”

“I know… I’m sorry,” she murmured, her gaze dropping to her hands. “I caught a fever, and it knocked me out.”

I reached out, brushing the dark jet black hair away from her forehead, checking for warmth. “You feel a bit warm. Do you want some water?”

“Please,” she replied, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.

I quickly got up to fetch a glass from the table, returning to her side and helping her sit up slightly to drink. Our fingers brushed, sending a spark through me that made my heart race.

“Thank you,” she said softly, looking up at me. Her gaze was vulnerable, and I could feel the tension in the air.

As the night wore on, I felt a surge of determination. “Can I make you some soup?"

Aki’s lips curled into a small smile, but she hesitated. “You don’t have to. I wouldn’t want you to catch my sickness.”

“I’ll take my chances. I can’t let you starve in here,” I teased, and she chuckled softly, nodding in agreement.

I stepped into the kitchen, taking a moment to appreciate the cozy warmth that enveloped the space. The scent of home-cooked meals lingered in the air, and I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. As I gathered my thoughts on what I would need, Aki’s mother entered the kitchen, noticing me.

“Haruki, is everything alright?” she asked, concern etching her features.

“Yes, ma'am,” I replied, trying to sound casual despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach. “I was wondering if I could use your kitchen to make some soup for Aki. I thought it might help her feel better.”

Her expression softened, a smile breaking through the worry. “That’s very thoughtful of you. I’m sure she would appreciate that.”

“Thank you. I remember she mentioned it’s her favorite,” I said, feeling a bit more at ease. “I hope I can do it justice.”

“Oh, I’m sure you will. Just let me know if you need any help,” she replied, moving to the side to give me space. “I’m about to head to work for my night shift. I’ll be back tomorrow morning, so if its not too much trouble, could you stay over here for the night and take care of her?”

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“Yes I'd love to. And thank you for letting me use the kitchen,” I said, feeling a surge of gratitude. “I just want to make sure she has everything she needs.”

“You’re a good friend, Haruki,” she said, her eyes sparkling with warmth. “Aki’s lucky to have you in her life.”

With a nod of appreciation, I turned back to the counter, gathering the ingredients while her words echoed in my mind. As I chopped vegetables, I could feel her watching me for a moment longer, and it made me smile.

“Just make sure she eats it all,” she said with a gentle laugh before grabbing her bag. “And if you could, please check in on her as well. I worry about her sometimes.”

“Of course,” I replied sincerely. “I’ll take good care of her.”

As she left the room, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Aki was lucky to have such a caring mother, and I was determined to do everything I could to help her feel better tonight.

Once the soup was ready, I brought the bowl to her room. Aki looked up as I entered, her face flushed from the fever, her tired eyes following me as I sat down beside her.

“I don’t think I can eat much…” she whispered, her voice soft and weak.

“That’s okay,” I said, offering a small smile as I set the bowl down on her bedside table. “Just try a little. I’ll help you.”

She looked away for a second, cheeks a shade darker, but eventually nodded. I picked up the spoon, carefully blowing on it before bringing it to her lips.

Aki hesitated but then leaned forward, taking the soup from the spoon. I kept my movements slow, letting her get comfortable, and each time she took a bite, I felt this quiet warmth between us, filling the room in a way I hadn’t anticipated. We stayed like that, not saying much, letting the silence speak for us.

When she’d had enough, I set the bowl aside and caught her gaze. Her eyes met mine, soft and steady, and in that moment, with only the quiet around us, I felt this unspoken connection—something I’d wanted to say but couldn’t quite find the words for.

Once we finished, I tidied up the dishes and returned to her side. As the night deepened, I suggested, “How about I read to you? It might help you fall asleep.”

She nodded, her eyes lighting up. “I’d like that.”

I picked up the book from her bedside table and settled into the chair, reading aloud as Aki nestled under her blankets. Her breathing grew steady, and I felt a warmth in my chest watching her relax.

As the night wore on, the soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated Aki’s room, casting a warm, comforting light. The familiar surroundings—the bookshelves filled with fantasy novels, the drawings pinned to the walls—felt like a sanctuary. I sat in the chair beside her bed, watching her as she drifted in and out of sleep, her brow slightly furrowed from the fever.

After reading for a while, I glanced at her, heart heavy with concern. I leaned closer, brushing a few strands of hair away from her forehead, careful not to disturb her. She stirred slightly, and I felt my heart race. I couldn’t shake the feeling that this moment was fragile, suspended in time.

With the quiet of the room surrounding us, I let my thoughts wander. The truth was, I had been falling for her, deeper and deeper every day. It was in the way she laughed, the way her eyes sparkled when she talked about her dreams, and the gentle kindness she showed even in her vulnerability. I wanted to be more than just a friend, but the thought scared me. What if it changed everything between us?

I thought she was asleep, the rhythmic sound of her breathing reassuring me, but then I found myself whispering, almost as if I was sharing a secret with the night. “I like you, Aki… more than just as a friend.”

I paused, holding my breath, letting the words settle in the air between us. My heart pounded, and I felt a rush of warmth at the confession, as if I had finally released a weight I had been carrying. But she remained still, lost in her fevered dreams, unaware of the truth I had just spoken.

The moment felt both thrilling and terrifying. I sat back, taking a deep breath, the unspoken feelings lingering in the room, wrapping around us like a warm blanket. I realized that no matter what happened next, I wanted to be by her side, now and always.

Aki's POV

Stirred awake to the soft light filtering through the curtains, the morning sun casting gentle shadows across my room. My head felt heavy, and I blinked against the brightness, trying to piece together the night before. As my thoughts cleared, I caught sight of Haruki, in the chair beside my bed, slowly opening his eyes. A warmth spread through me, a mix of gratitude and something deeper, something I had been trying to ignore.

I couldn't shake the words he’d whispered in the quiet of the night: I like you, Aki… more than just as a friend. The words had stayed with me, warming me through the fever and my restless sleep. Now, watching him beside me, awake and unsure, I felt my heart beat faster, a mix of excitement and hesitation.

Did I dare say anything? Part of me wanted to keep the moment as it was, quiet and unspoken, something precious between us. But another part—a braver, hidden part of me—knew I had to respond. I’d kept my feelings for him tucked away so long, fearing they would only complicate the fragile connection we’d built. But maybe now… it was worth the risk.

I took a breath, feeling every nerve light up as I looked at him. “Haruki,” I began softly, “last night… I heard what you said.”

His eyes widened, and he looked away, clearly caught off-guard. “Oh… I didn’t know you… heard,” he murmured, a touch of red creeping onto his cheeks.

I managed a small, shaky smile, my heart pounding as I searched for the right words. “I didn’t expect it, but… I think I feel the same way. I’ve liked you for a while now, but I was afraid that saying it would… change everything.”

Haruki’s gaze softened, his hand finding mine again as he met my eyes. “I was scared too. But somehow… I think this changes things in a good way. It feels… right.”

A slow warmth filled me as he said it, like a gentle sunrise. I realized that despite all my fears, I wanted this—us. We sat together in the silence, his hand in mine, and suddenly all my worries faded, leaving only a quiet, certain joy.

Haruki’s POV

Aki glanced down at our joined hands, a soft smile tugging at her lips. “I’ve read about love so many times… but now I’m realizing I had no idea what it would feel like.”

I brushed my thumb over her knuckles, feeling her warmth under my touch. “It feels different than I thought too,” I replied, the words coming out quieter than I expected. “Calmer, somehow, like everything just… fits.” I met her gaze, feeling the weight of it, the understanding that passed between us without any need for more explanation. “Being with you makes everything feel right.”

She let out a quiet laugh, and I could see the tension she’d been carrying ease in her expression. “I never thought I’d find someone who’d understand me like this.” Her cheeks flushed, and she looked away, a little shy. “Or someone I’d care this much about.”

We sat in silence, letting the weight of our words settle, acknowledging the change between us. My heart felt full in a way I couldn’t explain, and when she spoke again, it was barely more than a whisper.

“I think I really am… in love with you, Haruki.”

Her words hit me like a gentle wave, undeniable and steady. I tightened my grip on her hand, meeting her gaze, hoping she could feel the sincerity in my words. “And I think I’ve loved you for longer than I even realized.”

There it was, finally spoken aloud, and somehow it felt both surreal and the most natural thing in the world. We stayed there, letting the morning light filter in, knowing that whatever lay ahead, we’d face it together. This was just the beginning.