Between Clarity and a Fever

After an eventful and confusing company trip, work returned to normal. Everyone went back to their respective departments, deadlines loomed, and Honda-san lazed around in his office like usual. 

For lunch, Miyo and several others were called into a conference room by the managers.

She recognized some of the faces - Junko, Sana, Kenta, and Shinichi...

She didn't dare look in his direction.

"Looks like mostly everyone is here," Honda-san started. "You all are part of the top three teams that scored the most in the games on the trip. Here are some vouchers for each of you to enjoy."

Another manager handed out envelopes with vouchers to each person.

There were a few murmurs of appreciation as they received the reward.

"The reason we went to the campsite rather than a hotel or onsen is because they're going to be the company's next client," Honda-san continued. "We wanted you to experience it firsthand to help with the proposal. In the envelope is also a voucher to go back on your own time."

"Definitely not with all those bugs," Sana murmured.

Junko sighed. "So, we were basically product testing... Should've known it was something like that."

Miyo nodded along with them as her eyes wandered the room. "Where's Akio?"

Though Miyo's voice was barely audible, Junko caught it. "Akio? Apparently he's out sick."

Miyo snapped her head. "Sick?" 

"Probably from how soaked his clothes were the other day." Sana shrugged. "Didn't he also say he barely slept? He looked pretty awful before we left."

Miyo's stomach tightened. I hope he isn't too sick...

-

After work, Miyo quickly left to try and avoid walking with Shinichi, but Shinichi had other plans. 

Shinichi caught her wrist, firm but careful. "Miyo, we have to talk."

"I-I can't right now."

"Why are you avoiding me? Did I do something?"

She shook her head, avoiding his eyes. "It's nothing."

"Don't lie to me. You've been acting strange since the trip."

"I'm just tired..."

"If I did something, tell me. We're friends, aren't we?"

She pulled her wrist away. "You didn't do anything." Her voice came out harder than she expected.

Shinichi sighed. "I don't want to push you, but when you're ready, I'll be here."

When Miyo didn't respond, Shinichi continued carefully. "This isn't the best time, but I need to talk to you about something."

"What?"

"I've been wanting to ask. You do know about me, right...?"

"What are you talking about?"

He looked around before lowering his voice. "About my feelings."

She finally met his gaze. "Feelings...?"

He gave a small nod. "You know that I'm interested in men, right?" He hesitated. "I don't think I ever specified that Kenta and I are a thing... So I wanted to talk to you and make sure everything was clear."

Miyo's eyes widened. What?

What is he saying right now?

Then, suddenly, something clicked.

The lack of reaction when she confessed. How close him and Kenta were. How sometime in the past Shinichi referred to someone special to him as 'he'.

"Oh..." Her voice quietly slipped out.

Shinichi titled his head. "Miyo?"

Her head lowered as her fingers tightened around her sleeves. "I-I just." Her voice cracked. "I just wish you would've told me sooner..."

"What?" Shinichi froze. "You didn't know...?"

Miyo bit her lip as she turned to leave.

"Miyo." He grabbed her wrist again. "I wasn't trying to hide it from you. I really thought you knew."

She turned, the corner of her eyes burning. "Are you really that blind?"

"Huh?" His grip loosened.

Miyo pulled free and walked away before he could say anything else.

Her chest tightened with each step she took to the station. I'm the blind one... How did I not realize?

-

Akio let out another sneeze.

Akemi groaned as she handed him another tissue box. "I'm going to stay at a friend's house."

"What? Why?"

"I have a big exam this week. I can't have you sneezing in my ear when I'm trying to study." She huffed. "You're definitely going to get me sick if I stay here."

He tried to get out of bed with a heavy breath. "Let me at least make you something before you go."

"With all your germs? No thanks." She grabbed her bag. "Text me when you're better."

"You know, you could at least pretend like you're somewhat worried about me," Akio whined.

Akemi looked back at his sorry state with a sigh. "Give me your phone. I'll order you food at least."

Akio weakly handed her his phone.

Akemi started to order food until she paused, a smirk teasing her lips. Don't say I don't ever do anything for you.

-

When Miyo arrived at the station, her eyes were sore with how much she rubbed them on the way, her phone buzzed:

I'm feeling really sick. Can you bring me some food?

Miyo stared at her phone. Akio?

Another message came through with an address.

As Miyo stood on her train platform, her mind tangled. Between the news of Shinichi to her confusion with Akio.

I don't think I can be around either of them for a while.

But...

He's probably sick because of me. Bringing him food is the least I can do.

After a moment, she turned from her train platform and went the other way.

-

Later, Miyo found herself standing outside Akio's apartment with a bowl of soup.

She hesitated before ringing the bell.

What am I doing here?

She contemplated leaving but before she could.

A girl opened the door. "Miyo, right? You just going to stand out here?"

Miyo awkwardly nodded, taken aback. 

"I'm Akemi. Akio's sister." She gestured for Miyo to come inside.

"I'm Miyo, nice to meet you," she said as she stepped inside. "How did you know I was here?"

"I've been watching the doorbell camera for you to arrive so I could leave."

"Huh?"

Akemi grabbed her bag, looking back at her once more before leaving. "Take care of him for me, please."

Before Miyo could respond, Akemi had already left.

Miyo stood alone in the silence of the apartment until she heard the faint uneven rhythm of heavy breathing.

"Akio?"

No response.

Miyo hesitantly made her way down the hall, eventually arriving at a slightly opened door.

Carefully, she peeked inside to find a sleeping Akio.

For a moment, she didn't move. 

Then, almost unconsciously, she found herself at his bedside.

Akio lay awkwardly on his back, his forehead damp with sweat, his hair a mess against his skin, while his breathing came uneven and heavy.

Miyo's chest tightened. He looks worse than I thought.

She leaned down slightly to move the hair out of his face, her fingers lightly brushing against his skin.

Warm.

Too warm.

She quickly went to place the soup in the kitchen.

After a bit of searching, she grabbed a bowl of water, a cloth, and a chair on her way back. 

When she returned, she took a seat by his bed. Carefully, she dipped the cloth in the water, wrung it out, and gently placed it onto his forehead.

Soon, Akio's breathing became steadier.

Miyo continued to stay by his side, carefully watching as if any movement might be important.

After some time, Akio started to shift. 

His eyelids fluttered faintly as he slowly opened his eyes.

"Akio?"

He groaned slightly as he tried to sit up.

Miyo leaned forward. "Don't move. You're sick."

Akio slowly blinked, his eyes not yet focused. That voice.

"Miyo...?" He weakly lifted a hand, reaching out until his hand rested gently on Miyo's cheek. His thumb brushed lightly against the warmth of her skin, as if he wasn't sure if she was real.

Miyo stilled from his touch, heat rushing into her cheeks immediately. 

For a moment, neither of them moved.

When Akio's eyes adjusted, he quickly withdrew his hand as he finally realized what he did. "W-Why are you here?" 

Miyo sat back in the chair. "Y-You wanted food, so I brought some."

"I did?"

She nodded. "You texted me."

Akio's brows furrowed. "I don't remember that..." 

He thought for a moment longer before a sigh escaped his lips. Akemi... What did you do? "My sister might've been the one to text you."

"I see." Miyo reached for the cloth on his forehead. She dipped it back in the water and then wrung it out. She reached to place it back on him.

"I can do it."

She ignored him. "Let me help you." She gently placed the cloth on his head.

"You didn't have to come."

"I know." The words slipped out faster than she expected.

Her voice became quiet. "But I'm the reason you're sick..."

He turned to her. "What?"

She avoided his gaze. "You got soaked because of me... So, this is kind of my fault."

"It's not."

"But-"

"I chose to do it." His voice was weak but a little firmer. "And I'd do it again."

Miyo didn't respond. Why does he always make me feel this way...?

Akio watched her quietly, a small laugh slipping from his lips despite his exhaustion. "You know, I'm the one who's sick, but you look like you've had just as rough a day as me."

"I'm fine," she said too quickly.

Akio sank back down in the bed with a slow breath. "Liar..."

Miyo's breath caught but she didn't deny it.