Chapter 6

The birds chirped happily and the sun shone brightly without any clouds to block its light. Even if you weren’t a morning person, no one could deny that it was a beautiful Sunday morning.

But that was for those who weren’t hungover. When the sunlight passed through the window and shone on Kirin’s face, she winced and tried to cover her eyes. She didn’t want to wake up, not yet. But there was nothing she could do. Not when her head hurt and her throat was dry.

I need… water… It was the first thing she thought. She wanted to get out of bed and go to the kitchen to satisfy her thirst, but her body was too sluggish and her head throbbing. She didn’t to do anything other than remain still.

However, even if she ignored her thirst, she wouldn’t fall asleep again. She had no idea how much time had passed, but she finally managed to sit up on the bed. But that was it. That simple act was both painful and exhausting; she didn’t have enough strength to get up. I’m never drinking that much again…

As Kirin waited until she had enough strength, there was a knock on the front door. Though it was soft and distant, it still seemed too loud to her. It’s like they’re banging on the door, she thought, rubbing her temples. I’m gonna ignore it. I can’t talk to anyone right now…

That is what she wanted, but whoever was standing on the other side of the door knocked again. This time it was louder and somehow chirpier.

“Are you feeling alright?” the person asked.

Though Kirin met the woman a couple of days ago, she recognized that lovely voice; it belonged to Mari, her neighbor.

“I’m not,” Kirin said in a rough voice. Her throat was too dry. “If you could, please come back­­­ later…”

Before she finished speaking, the door opened and Mari came in with a bright smile.

“I suspected you weren’t feeling alright after last night.” She had a glass in her hands. “Sorry to impose and come in like this, but I was worried about you. Here. Drink this.”

“What is it?” Even though it hurt to speak, Kirin had to ask. The green liquid had a funny smell that made her feel slightly sicker.

“Just drink it. It’ll make you feel better.”

The teacher looked at the drink and then at her neighbor’s smile. Despite the hangover, she couldn’t help but blush. How can I say no to a gorgeous woman like her? It’s not fair. Closing her eyes, she took a sip and winced. As she thought, the drink tasted as bad as it looked. “It’s bad!”

“I know that, but it helps.” Mari sounded like a mother telling her kid to drink a medicine.

Kirin winced as she took another sip, a bigger one this time. It tasted just as bad as the first time, but her throat was thankful for the liquid.

“Good girl,” Mari said, smiling and patting the teacher on the head. “Feeling better?”

Kirin blushed again and averted her eyes. Though it tasted bad, she kept drinking to hide her embarrassment. But as she drank, her head didn’t throb as much.

“A little,” she mumbled. “How did you know I had a hangover?”

Mari looked at her with a puzzled expression. “You don’t remember?”

“The last thing I remember is drinking too much with my friends…”

“I know. You said.”

“I did? When?”

“You got home around the same time I was getting back from work. You seemed even drunker than me when we met.”

Kirin looked anywhere but at her gorgeous neighbor, drinking more of the disgusting drink. “I didn’t say or do anything weird, did I?”

I was talking about her with Sawako and Yuuto… If my drunken mouth said something unnecessary…

Mari flashed a mysterious smile. “I wouldn’t call that weird. In fact, it was the opposite.”

Kirin choked. “W-w-what did I do? What happened?” she asked, cleaning the green liquid from her mouth with the back of the hand.

Mari blushed and placed her hands on her cheeks, looking away. “You called me pretty and kissed me on the cheek.”

Kirin widened her eyes. I can’t believe I did that! I’m a stupid and talkative drunk!

“Sorry for that,” she said in a casual voice, hoping it was enough to mask her feelings.

“Don’t be. I’m called pretty a lot of times, but it’s been a while since I was kissed.” Mari seemed as if she was embarrassed and not making fun of the teacher.

“I-I see…” Kirin had no idea what to say.

“Are you feeling better?” Mari changed the subject suddenly.

The teacher blinked. Despite her embarrassment, her head didn’t throb as much and she could move, though not as fast as usual. “Yeah, I do. Thanks,” she mumbled.

“Wonderful.” Mari beamed. “Now let me cook a delicious breakfast for you.”

“Y-you don’t have to. You already did a lot.”

“I know. But I’m feeling lonely since my daughter will only be back later. I want to take care of someone.”

Kirin became quiet, drinking the rest of the drink. Having a gorgeous onee-san taking care of me is one of my dreams. “Thanks…”

When Mari beamed, the teacher blushed and watched as her neighbor put on an apron over her clothes and started cooking. She’s too good to be true.