Going Home Together

For the next two days, I was confined to the hospital. Aika, who lived nearby, took on the responsibility of helping Kaito and Sakura get to the bus. Yujiro would bring me my assignments after school and clarify any confusing parts. Although Yujiro wasn't the best teacher, he managed to assist me in completing the tasks. He also updated me on the latest school happenings using his phone. I must admit, he came close to getting caught in class a couple of times!

However, the time between morning and afternoon was rather monotonous. I would read books and gaze outside, waiting for the doctor to visit periodically and inquire about my well-being. Despite assuring him that I felt fine, they continued to monitor me. Being stuck in the hospital without much to do wasn't the worst part; the most challenging aspect was feeling utterly helpless. I couldn't help but wonder how many things I could have accomplished if I weren't confined to this bed. Fortunately, after those two days, I was finally discharged.

"You're finally out!" Yujiro exclaimed, slinging an arm around me.

I shrugged off his arm, cautioning him, "You don't want me back in the hospital because you played too rough, do you?"

He raised his hands in surrender. "I just missed seeing you on your feet again!"

Aika laughed. "That's definitely true!"

Yujiro leisurely placed his hands behind his head. "Now you can handle school again!"

I nonchalantly replied, "Doesn't really matter. I'm just grateful that I can do things again."

Yujiro looked at me with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Well then, how about a game of basketball after school?"

I shrugged, replying, "Why not? I do owe you guys after all."

Aika grinned. "Then get ready for whatever I have in store for you!"

I let out a sigh. "Just don't push me too hard."

She laughed. "Don't worry! The most I'll ask you to do is strip in public and juggle pineapples on a rooftop!"

We all laughed as we headed to class.

--❦--

In my classes, I noticed that I hadn't missed much, and with Yujiro's help, I easily caught up with the lesson content. During a break in science class, I requested permission from Mr. Miyamoto to use the bathroom.

He nodded, adding, "Make it quick." I seized the opportunity and made my way toward a drinking fountain. As I approached, I noticed Aika standing there with Ayumi, the same girl I had seen on the train.

"What are they discussing?" I pondered. "Why does she always seem to be around me?"

Curiosity got the better of me, and I discreetly positioned myself behind a wall to eavesdrop on their conversation.

"Do you think they'll be okay with it?" Ayumi asked.

Aika reassured her, saying, "Don't worry. I'm sure they'll be delighted to finally meet you properly."

I observed them suspiciously. "Are they talking about me?" I wondered. "I better return to class before they spot me." I tried to put their conversation out of my mind for the time being.

After school, I made my way to the gym to meet Yujiro. Pushing open the door, I discovered him already shooting hoops.

"Hey!" I called out, a smile forming on my face.

"How many shots have you missed?"

Yujiro glanced at me, grinning, and rolled his eyes. "Only as many as my mistakes."

I chuckled. "And how many is that, exactly?"

He passed me the ball, throwing it as hard as he could. I caught it swiftly and took a shot, which sailed right into the hoop.

"Nice," Yujiro complimented. He retrieved the ball and started dribbling it low. "Now let's see how you fare against me."

I swung my bag off my shoulder and tossed it onto the bleachers.

"Bring it on," I replied with a smile.

We engaged in a competitive game for the next twenty minutes. Yujiro attempted to outmaneuver me with fake moves, but I could see through them. I managed to sink a few three-pointers, thanks in part to my height advantage. However, Yujiro's speed allowed him to score effortlessly from underneath the basket.

"Game!" I shouted, making the final shot.

Yujiro wiped his forehead and acknowledged, "Good game, man." He extended his hand, and I shook it.

"Yeah, great job." We sat down on the bleachers to catch our breath.

Yujiro inquired, "How's your head feeling?"

I leaned back, replying, "It's back to normal, I guess." He laughed as he took a swig of water. "That's good enough!"

Aika walked into the gym, accompanied by Ayumi.

I sat up, greeting them, "What's up?" They approached us directly.

Aika stated, "You guys just finished a game?"

Yujiro responded, "It was a close one! I was only three points behind Haruki!"

I chuckled. "Actually, it was five points, not three."

"Close enough," he quipped. "Anyway, what's going on?"

Aika gestured toward Ayumi. "You guys remember her, right?"

I nodded. "How could I forget?" I thought to myself, remembering Ayumi from the train.

Aika continued, "Well, I thought it was about time we properly introduced ourselves. Don't you think? Besides the fact that Haruki saved her, she's also in the Astronomy club!"

I shrugged inwardly. If only they knew.

"I suppose I'll try to keep things as normal as possible," Aika said with a smile. "So, guys, this is Ayumi. Ayumi, meet Yujiro and Haruki."

Yujiro extended his hand, and Ayumi awkwardly shook it. Yujiro leaned closer to her.

"So, you're the shy type, eh?" He grinned. Ayumi seemed nervous. "Don't worry about it! Haruki here was exactly the same when I first met him!"

I cringed, whispering to Yujiro and gesturing for him to stop. "Yujiro!"

But it was too late. He put his arm around me, saying, "You see? He might seem cool and smart, but he's still plenty shy!" I pushed him away, causing him to tumble backward off the bleachers.

Ayumi giggled, remarking, "I see what you mean."

I smiled sheepishly.

"So, how did you two meet?" Yujiro asked Aika.

She waved her hand dismissively. "I thought since we're in the Astronomy and Cooking clubs together, we should get to know each other."

I looked at her, questioning, "Why her and not anyone else?" Aika shrugged.

"The fact that you saved her pretty much sums it up." I nodded, considering her point.

Aika leaned toward me, whispering, "She also happens to live in the same neighborhood as you. You two could help each other out!"

My face reddened, and I averted my gaze, not wanting to reveal my embarrassment to her.

"Anyway, we better start heading home now!" Yujiro declared, getting up from the bleachers.

"Yeah," I agreed. "It's been a great day."

Aika looked at Ayumi and suggested, "You could follow Haruki if you like. Haruki actually lives near you!"

I clenched my teeth, thinking, "What is she doing?" I glared at Aika, and she winked at me. Does she know?

"Sure!" Ayumi replied. "I'll go with you."

I nodded. "Okay." As we began to leave, Yujiro gave me a thumbs-up, and I returned the gesture with a smile.

--❦--

I decided to treat myself to some delicious brownies at the school fundraiser before heading home. Holding up a brownie, I offered it to Ayumi.

She accepted it graciously and said, "Thank you."

I shrugged nonchalantly and started walking towards the railing near the beach, leaning on it as I gazed out at the mesmerizing horizon.

As Ayumi walked beside me, I struck up a conversation.

"So, how long have you been talking to Aika?" I inquired curiously.

She clasped her hands behind her back and responded, "For a few days. She approached me at school, and surprisingly, she was quite sincere."

I chuckled and remarked, "That's nice. She doesn't always show that side to everyone she meets."

Ayumi seemed surprised and said, "Really? I can't really imagine her having a different personality!"

Amused by her reaction, I laughed and began strolling down the street. "When Aika first met me, she was quite funny and friendly," I reminisced.

Ayumi nodded in agreement, saying, "Seems about right."

I flashed her a warm smile and commented, "You don't appear to be as shy as you were before."

Blushing, she adjusted her scarf and admitted, "Well, since you seem as shy as me, I thought it would be fine, and that you probably weren't the judging type."

I shrugged casually and responded, "Yeah, that was pretty much me."

As we waited for the train to arrive, I decided to take a moment to relax and savor the surroundings. I watched as the sun began to descend, painting the sky with a golden hue.

"You watch sunsets too?" Ayumi asked, breaking me out of my daze. Feeling a bit embarrassed, I looked down.

"Don't worry. I do the same." Her smile reassured me, and I couldn't help but grin. It was nice to have someone who appreciated the same simple pleasures as me.

Curiosity piqued my interest, and I inquired, "Did Aika mention anything substantial about me or Yujiro?"

Ayumi nodded affirmatively and replied, "I guess so."

I prodded further, asking, "Anything surprising?"

With a smile, she answered, "Well, she mentioned your dedication as a brother and how well you take care of your siblings."

A sense of relief washed over me as I shrugged. It was a relief to know that Aika hadn't divulged every detail.

Changing the subject playfully, I inquired about Yujiro. "How about Yujiro? I want to see if there's anything I don't know about him that I could use against him."

Ayumi giggled and teased, "You're so rude, Haruki!"

Leaning back with my hands behind my head, I retorted, "It's better that he receives the final blow instead of me."

Ayumi understood my sentiment and simply replied, "I know what you mean."

We boarded the train, and the interior was dimly lit, signaling that winter was fast approaching. There were no other passengers apart from the two of us.

"I can't wait for our stargazing adventure," Ayumi said, her gaze fixed on the window. I found a seat next to her, leaned back, and closed my eyes.

Ayumi noticed and asked, "Sleeping already?"

I opened one eye and replied, "I'm just tired. Resting my eyes helps." Glancing out the window, I added, "Don't worry, I've never missed my stop before."

Ayumi nodded, though a bit unsure, and said, "I'll remind you just in case."

Smirking, I responded, "That's nice."

--❦--

Minutes passed as the train whisked us away. The conductor's announcement that we had reached our destination jolted me awake, feeling a bit drowsy.

"I must have fallen asleep," I mused to myself. To my surprise, I discovered Ayumi leaning against me, sound asleep.

Startled, I inadvertently let out a yelp but quickly covered my mouth. I had assumed she would be the one to wake me if I dozed off. Sighing, I couldn't really blame her—I had slept as well. With the darkness of the night, it was easy to succumb to weariness.

As the train came to a stop, I gently nudged Ayumi, whispering, "Ayumi! We're here." However, she didn't stir. Nudging her a little harder, I tried again, "We're at our stop, Ayumi. Wake up." Still, there was no reaction. The train doors opened, and I realized I had no other choice.

I carefully lifted Ayumi onto my shoulders, muttering, "Geez, you're not as light as I thought!" I swiftly made my way through the doors before they closed, finding a nearby bench to place her on. Carrying her on my shoulders for the entire journey would be impractical; my back wasn't that strong. Letting out a sigh, I accepted the fact that this night was going to be more eventful than anticipated.

Embarking on the walk to my neighborhood, with Ayumi's head slightly drooping against my side, I wondered where she lived.

"Will I have to keep her at my place?" I pondered, scanning the surroundings for any signs that might indicate her home's location. However, before I could dwell on it further, I spotted a woman standing at a nearby door.

Assuming her to be Ayumi's mother, I approached her and greeted her politely, saying, "You must be Ayumi's mom." Lowering Ayumi gently, her mother extended her assistance.

"Yes, I am. Who are you?" she inquired curiously.

Introducing myself, I responded, "Oh, I'm a friend of Ayumi's. My name's Haruki."

Ayumi's mother nodded appreciatively and expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you for helping her get home. She always falls asleep on the train and arrives home late."

I replied with a friendly smile, "No problem. I live nearby, so it wasn't an issue. I'm glad I could help." Waving my hand, I bid them farewell and made my way back home.

"Thank you,"

"Anytime," I called out as I walked away, feeling a sense of fulfillment for being able to assist a friend in need.