Trouble magnet (part1)

Ryota awoke in the nursery, the soft scent of lavender and rosemary caressing his senses. As he slowly opened his eyes, he adjusted to the faint, ethereal glow that permeated the room, casting a gentle, otherworldly light on the surroundings. The pastel-colored walls adorned with whimsical artwork seemed to come alive, dancing with the shifting hues of the ambient glow. He took a moment to absorb the surreal beauty of his surroundings, feeling as if time had shifted its gears, transporting him back into the past.

“The nurse’s office...” he muttered, his voice barely audible in the hushed atmosphere.

He looked around, attempting to gather his thoughts. The silence felt unnatural as if the quiet space was mocking him, waiting for him to notice its emptiness. With a sigh, Ryota allowed himself to rest a bit more, sinking into the plush cushions of the bed. The softness enveloped him, offering a sense of solace amidst the uncertainty. His fingers brushed against the cool fabric of the bedsheet, its texture soothing against his skin, as if it held the secrets of countless stories whispered within its threads.

A delicate pattern of footsteps interrupted his train of thought, like a melody of anticipation floating through the air. Turning his head to the side, he caught sight of Mai tiptoeing towards him. Hiding behind the sheer curtain, she watched Ryota with a shy smile, her eyes filled with warmth, their sparkle reminiscent of stardust in the night sky. He looked at her curiously as she stood there, watching him with a contented expression. Unaware of the world around her, she seemed to exist in a realm of her creation, where time stood still and only the purity of the moment mattered. The young man couldn’t help but find the irony in the situation, feeling like he had stumbled into a scene straight out of a shoujo manga. A gentle breeze rustled the curtain, its whispering touch like a subtle reminder of the magical atmosphere enveloping them.

Mai looked like a character out of a manga, her cute outfit carefully chosen, every detail perfectly in place. Her rosy cheeks held a delicate blush, akin to the first bloom of a cherry blossom. Her enigmatic smile hinted at a myriad of untold stories, painted with shades of hope and longing.

“Hmm, prez? What are you doing here?” Ryota finally broke the silence.

Mai’s gaze darted nervously around as if searching for an explanation. Her eyes flickered to Ryota’s, and her expression softened, a glimmer of playfulness reflecting in her eyes, like sunlight dancing on a tranquil lake. She stumbled over her words as she tried to explain herself.

“Oh, um, I was just... checking on you,” she stammered, her gaze shifting slightly.

Ryota raised an eyebrow, finding it hard to believe her innocent explanation. Her behavior had been far from average, and her attempt to hide behind the curtain only made it more suspicious. He was unsure why, but a warm fluttering sensation rose within him as if his heart were dancing in his chest. The air shifted around him, carrying a sense of mystery and adventure, like a gust of wind whispering secrets in his ear. He wondered if this was another one of her elaborate schemes, or perhaps something deeper, waiting to be discovered.

"Checking on me? You seemed more like you were lost in a daydream," Ryota teased, a playful grin curling the corners of his lips. "You had the most adorable smile on your face, too."

Mai froze, her face turning a deep shade of red. She averted her gaze, averting the conversation.

"It’s nothing!" she exclaimed. She walked towards the bed, sitting down next to him. She touched his forehead, her touch soothing against his skin, like a gentle breeze on a warm summer day.

“Well, maybe I was a little lost in thought, but I wanted to ensure you were okay. The nurse said you have a high fever and should rest. Maybe you should go home and get some good sleep,” she suggested, her voice filled with genuine concern.

“High fever, huh?” Ryota mused, pretending to ponder the situation. His memory flashed back to earlier that morning, standing outside on the balcony while the rain poured down. He smiled ruefully, aware he had been getting himself into trouble lately, unlike his usual self.

He glanced at Mai, whose gaze was focused on him with a hint of worry. Her eyes conveyed a soft warmth that radiated through him. He enjoyed the way her features softened when she looked at him.

“Well, I guess standing outside in the rain, getting drenched like a lost puppy, wasn’t the smartest decision I’ve made.”

Mai let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head in amusement. “Maybe I’ll have to find another nickname for you, Lazy-kun. It seems like you’re causing more trouble than laziness these days.”

Ryota tilted his head, feigning offense. “Hey now, Lazy-kun has been my reputation for years. Are you trying to strip me of my identity?”

“Trouble magnet, perhaps?”

“Hey!”

Mai’s smile widened. “What? Is that better?”

After a few seconds of silence, her expression turned serious. “But honestly, this change might be for the best,” she continued. “That’s one of the reasons why I created the Whimsical Matchmaking Brigade. I wanted to bring people together, create new connections, and maybe even help someone find happiness. I thought it could make a difference, not just for others, but for myself too.”

Her gaze drifted away, drawn to the flowers that adorned the room. She seemed lost in a daydream, her expression softening as if lost in a memory.

"It sounds like I was doing it for myself, right?" she mused.

Ryota watched her intently, her words leaving him speechless. His gaze remained fixed on her, his mind processing her words. The room fell into a momentary silence, interrupted only by the soft rustle of the curtains and the distant murmur of students outside. He could sense the weight behind her confession, the vulnerability that lingered beneath her confident demeanor. It was a side of Mai he hadn’t seen before, and it intrigued him. But he could also sense her hesitation and didn't want to push further, respecting her boundaries.

Wanting to lighten the mood, Ryota cleared his throat and shifted his position on the bed. “Who knows, maybe you'll end up playing matchmaker for yourself too?"

Mai's eyes widened in surprise, and a blush crept up her cheeks. She tried to hide her flustered state by brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Oh, I-I don't think so. It's not about me. It's about bringing happiness to others who seek help from our club."

“Regarding the club, Prez... I’ve been meaning to ask you something. What happened to our budget?”

Mai’s eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the sudden change in topic. Her lips twitched as she struggled to find the right words. A nervous energy seemed to radiate from her, and she averted her gaze once again, fidgeting with her fingers.

“Oh, um, well, it’s... a long story,” she stammered, her voice filled with unease. “You see, there were some... a... don’t worry.”

Ryota’s brow furrowed. “Don’t worry?”

Before Mai could utter a word, the door burst open, and Sato rushed into the room, his eyes red and swollen from crying. He flung himself onto Ryota, his voice trembling with emotion.

“Ryota! Please don’t die yet! You can’t leave us like this!” Sato cried, his words coming out in a choked sob.

The young man blinked in surprise, caught off guard by Sato’s dramatic entrance. He exchanged a bewildered glance with Mai, who stifled a giggle behind her hand.

“What the hell?”