(Kazama’s POV — Thursday Night)

  Hana’s finally asleep.

  Wrapped in three blankets like a burrito, drooling on the couch. Her fever’s gone down a bit, thankfully.

  And I only spilled soup once this time. Improvement.

  I flop onto the floor next to the couch and let out a deep sigh.

  This day’s been… weirdly tiring.

  Not because of the taking-care-of-Hana part—that’s kind of expected.

  It’s more the part where I keep checking my phone every ten minutes like I’m waiting for the lottery numbers.

  Still nothing.

  Aika hasn’t messaged me.

  Not that I’m expecting her to. Not at all. Obviously.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  But… what if she did?

  Would I respond right away? Or wait like a cool person?

  Wait—no, I’m not cool. I’d definitely respond instantly.

  I stare at the blank chat window.

  Should I message her?

  Maybe something like:

  “Sorry if I made today weird lol.”

  Or

  “My sister’s alive. Barely.”

  ...Nah, that sounds like I want attention.

  I toss my phone aside and groan.

  Why is this harder than math class?

  I glance at Hana. She's snoring.

  Thanks for your emotional support, little gremlin.

  I stretch out on the floor, staring at the ceiling.

  What is this weird ache in my chest? Am I catching Hana’s flu?

  No… it’s not that.

  It’s that I miss sitting next to her.

  Aika, I mean.

  Even if she’s just sighing at her notebook and muttering things like “Kazuma, this is basic geometry.”

  Even if she calls me a dumbass half the time.

  I kind of… like that.

  I like her.

  Wait.

  Did I just—

  ...Yeah. Yeah, I said it.

  I like her.

  A lot.

  My phone buzzes.

  My heart stops.

  I scramble for it—

  …It’s just a notification from a game app I forgot to delete.

  I groan and slam it face-down on the floor.

  Whatever. I’ll see her tomorrow.

  Hopefully.

  If I survive until then.

  To be continued…