Bedside Manners

Ayano sat in the front at her desk as the school bell echoed in the classroom. As the students settled down and prepared for the start of homeroom class, she peeked behind her towards Akari’s seat. However, the desk was empty. Ayano let out a sign as she couldn’t help but wonder if the young gangster had chosen to skip school today. However, her question was soon answered as the homeroom teacher stood at the front of the desk, holding a pile of paper.

“Unfortunately, Inmura-kun is sick today," the teacher announced, his voice filling the room. “Is there anyone who could kindly deliver today's assignments to him after school?”

Ayano's hand shot up in the air without a moment's hesitation.

“I-I’ll do it!” She exclaimed, her words tumbling out with a touch of urgency. Her eagerness to help couldn't be contained. However, as the suddenness of her response registered, Ayano felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. She slowly sank back into her seat, hoping her classmates hadn't noticed her abrupt behavior.

“Ah, Suzumiya-san. You’re as quick as ever,” the teacher smiled, his tone carrying a hint of approval as if recognizing Ayano's responsible nature. The words offered a small reassurance, softening her embarrassment. “Alright, I'll leave it to you then,”

♦_______✭❀✭_______♦

“A-achoo!” Akari let out a stifling sneeze on his mattress. “Ugh…”

“Akari, how could you get sick?” Naoki let out a disappointed sigh as he handed the young boy a tissue, sitting by his bed.

“It’s not like I wanted to,” Akari stated with his words partially incoherent due to his illness. “It just happened.”

“You’re way too nice for your own good,” Naoki stated. “I can’t believe you would leave your jacket for a stray dog.”

“Yeah… a stray dog…” Akari glanced away sheepishly. When he had returned last night without his jacket, he had lied to Naoki who had greeted him in the hallway, making up a story about a stray dog sleeping alone on the streets.

“Aka-cchi,” Yuuta called from the door frame. “You have a visitor.”

From behind him, Ayano walked out and into the room still in her black and blue school uniform and her bag held out in front of her.

“Good afternoon, Akari-kun,” she gave him a warm smile.

“A-Ayano-san,” Akari stuttered out in embarrassment before letting out a cough. “What are you doing here.”

“I’m here to drop off some handouts from today.” She then held up her bag. “I also have your jacket.”

Naoki’s eyes widened as he realized the truth and that Akari had lied to him. His head vacillated between the two students before staring at Akari with a smirk growing on his face.

“Akari…” Naoki teased with a knowing look. “What’s this about a stray dog?”

“S-shut it,” Akari warned, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment and his voice slightly hoarse.

“We’ll leave you two alone,” Yuuta generously considered as he gestured toward Naoki. Initially oblivious to the cue, the troublemaking gangster took a moment to understand Yuuta’s goal before he let out a soft gasp of realization. Naoki quickly stood up and left the bedroom in a hurried manner.

“We’ll leave Aka-cchi in your care,” Yuuta gave Ayano a humble nod before sliding the door closed. Ayano nodded back politely before she approached Akari's bedside, her eyes filled with genuine concern.

“How are you feeling, Akari-kun?” She sat on the chair that Naoki had pulled up.

“I’m perfectly fine,” Akari managed a weak smile, grateful for Ayano's presence, even though his fever clouded his thoughts. “Is it time for our study session already?”

“No, no, it’s not a study session. I’m just here to deliver today's assignments and handouts,” Ayano reached into her bag and retrieved the papers, placing them on the nightstand within Akari's reach.

“That’s a lot of material for us to cover today,” Akari let out a sheepish laugh.

A touch of concern flickered in Ayano's eyes as she gently placed her hand on Akari's forehead, feeling the heat of his fever. “You really are awfully sick today, aren’t you?”

“Heh heh, paper girl’s hand feels nice,” Akari mused, finding comfort in the coolness of Ayano’s touch. Ayano shook her head as she gestured for Akari to lay back down before lifting the soft blanket to his shoulders.

“Don't worry about studying for today. You should rest and focus on getting better,” Ayano insisted as she stood up. “I should get going now. I don’t want to bother you—”

“You’re leaving already?” Akari's voice tinged with sadness as he sat up, pushing the blanket off him. His fever-addled mind fought to keep her close and he reached out, grasping Ayano's wrist to prevent her from leaving. “What about our study session?”

“We don’t have one today, Akari-kun,” Ayano reminded him.

“Just stay here,” Akari insisted, his voice filled with childish desperation as he tugged on Ayano’s arm.

“Alright then,” Ayano let out a defeating sigh as she sat back down. “But you have to get some rest.”

Gently, she removed Akari's grasp from her arm, eliciting a playful giggle from him. He obediently lay back down, his eyelids growing heavy with sleep. As Akari drifted off, a soft knocking at the door startled Ayano, causing her to swivel her head around.

"May I enter?" Misha's voice came from outside. Ayano nodded, granting permission, and Misha entered the room, closing the door behind her. Holding a wash basin filled with water in her hands, she carefully placed it on the floor next to Akari's bed. Misha exchanged the white towel on his forehead with a fresh, cold one.

“You managed to convince him to fall asleep,” Misha observed.

“He just went to sleep on his own. I didn't have to convince him,” Ayano replied, slightly perplexed.

“No, he only decided to sleep because you told him,” Misha corrected. “He has been awake all day, refusing to rest and insisting on going outside for his duties. This young master really can’t think straight.”

“I don't think I did anything,” Ayano stated, her confusion growing.

“Perhaps not something you're aware of,” Misha explained. “But Akari-sama seems to act differently when you're around. He behaves more like a child his age should, rather than the harsh gangster he tries to portray.”

Curiosity sparked in Ayano's eyes as she glanced at Misha, wanting to understand the young boy better. “You said he acts differently around me. How does he usually behave?”

“Aloof, reclusive, tough,” Misha listed Akari’s usual characteristics. “It’s his way of compensating for his shortcomings. You may know already but Akari is an orphan who was taken in by our boss.”

“He told me that,” Ayano nodded, remembering when Akari had stayed over at her place.

“Yes, but perhaps you don’t know how he was abandoned,” Misha stated as she tidied up Akari’s room.

“Didn’t his parents die on a ship?” Ayano asked.

“No,” Misha corrected, surprising Ayano. “That’s just what he tells himself to hide the awful truth.” She took a deep breath before continuing.

“Akari-sama's parents actually abandoned him,” Misha revealed. “Apparently, they were more focused on their own pleasure and freedom than taking care of their own child.”

“That’s awful!” Ayano gasped quietly.

“It is indeed,” Misha agreed solemnly. “When Akari-sama first learned the truth, he went into deep denial and shut himself off from the world, lashing out at anyone who suggested they had lied to him. He created a story in his mind that his parents had died in a ship explosion instead.”

Listening intently, Ayano’s heart grew heavy with empathy for Akari's painful past. The carefree facade he often wore as a young gangster shattered before her eyes. She couldn't fathom the emotional burden he carried or the profound loneliness he must have experienced.

“He created that story as a shield from the truth,” Ayano whispered, her gaze fixed on the sleeping boy. “No wonder he tries to act tough and distant.”

Misha nodded, her expression reflecting a mix of concern and understanding. “Akari-sama's journey hasn't been an easy one. He found solace in the gang, in Yuuta-sama’s guidance. But deep down, he yearns for the warmth of someone and the care he never received.”

Misha turned her gaze to Ayano. “You're the first person to ever discover his secret. That's one reason why he acts differently around you. He believes he knows the real you, and he trusts you with his true self.”

“I hope you’ll continue to be his tutor and his friend.” Misha expressed, her hope evident in her voice.
“Don’t worry,” Ayano stated with a smile. “I quite like Akari-kun too.”

Little did Misha and Ayano know, Akari had been feigning sleep throughout their conversation. Although his mind was still groggy, he comprehended their words and the depth of their concern.

“Perhaps,” he thought to himself. “I should actually try to get some sleep…”