Mom, Dad?

"Your face has turned bright red," Mika said as he looked at Saya.

"Shut up!" Saya said in embarrassment. She quickly got up from her seat and sat across from Mika.

"I have to tell you, Saya, I'm really thankful. I mean, if it weren't for you, I would have given up on this path before even starting. Even if it was just a little time you spared for me, it was truly a turning point in my life."

"It wasn't just a little time you spared. I've been talking for two hours, you idiot," Saya said, crossing her arms and turning her head as if throwing a tantrum.

"Yes, you're right. I apologize," Mika said while looking at Saya. He paused for a moment, lost in thought.

 We really started with a tiny computer program error, then we were lucky enough to live close by and had enough time to meet. 

"Even though I initially didn't care and thought it was unnecessary," Mika contemplated putting on a fake smile, but he knew that would only deceive Saya. And he knew she wouldn't appreciate it.

"You're an idiot! If you say things like that, I'll never leave your side," Saya said, raising her eyebrows. Then she smiled.

They spent some time together upstairs, watching the entire view of Suwa before finally deciding to leave as the train's departure time approached. They first gathered their belongings, then made their way to the train station.

***

The sun had already set, and they had arrived in their city. They took the tram together and then started walking home. While walking beside Saya, Mika noticed that she was texting on her phone.

"Be careful, you might trip while looking at your phone," he said.

"I know, I was replying to my mom's message."

"Hmm, I see."

"She'll be coming home late tonight, telling me to take care of myself."

"Hmm, but wasn't that usually the case?"

"Well, after we lost my dad, she started immersing herself more in work. I guess she's doing it to distract herself a bit."

"I don't know if it's for feeling better, but I hope so."

"I guess..."

By this time, they had reached the front of Mika's house. They stood outside for a moment.

"So, what are you going to do now?" Mika asked.

"I don't know... I think I'll go home and prepare something to eat for myself. It was a tiring day, but it's better than going hungry."

"Hmm, I see. We have food at our place, so if you want, you can join me for dinner tonight," Mika said. He also thought to himself:

It wouldn't be appropriate for her to cook something now while she's tired.

Saya looked at him in surprise. "Are you serious?"

"Yes, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, I'm just surprised you're making such an offer."

"Is that so? If you don't want to, that's fine," Mika said, turning towards the door.

"No, I'd love to!" Saya said with an embarrassed smile.

They prepared the table together and had dinner. After eating, they moved to the living room to sit and relax for a while.

"Saya, I'm thinking of making a drink. Would you like coffee or tea?"

"Hmm, tea would be fine if it's not too much trouble. Actually, I can make it myself," Saya said and was about to get up when Mika stopped her.

"No need. I'll take care of it."

"O-okay, thanks."

Mika went inside to prepare the tea. Meanwhile, he was thinking: 

Today was truly exhausting. The return trip felt shorter than the first journey, but still, wandering around all day was tiring.

 Then he remembered Saya's behavior while they were exploring. She was smiling everywhere, energetically wanting to go everywhere. 

Truly, being able to be this happy must be nice...

Then the feeling he had in the park came to mind. 

Was it really just surprise? The expression and sensation of surprise... I think I've experienced unwillingness and anger before. 

He came back to the living room with the teas in his hands.

"Here's your tea—" he started saying but noticed that Saya was asleep on the couch. He gently placed the teas on the table and sat beside Saya.

"Hey, Saya."

No response.

"Saya?" He gently shook Saya's shoulder.

However, Saya was still asleep.

Should I wake her up? After all, she's been really tired today. Although, even if I don't wake her up, it's a bit troublesome... her mom doesn't know, and she needs to change her clothes, etc. Well, I'll have to wake her up anyway.

"Hey Saya, wake up, I brought the tea," Mika said, shaking her gently.

"W-what's up?" Saya said, slowly opening her eyes.

"I brought the tea, and you've been sleeping."

"I just closed my eyes for a moment and dozed off. Sorry." Her voice sounded very sleepy.

Mika looked at Saya. "She can't go home in this state of sleepiness. What if something happens on the way..."

"Saya."

"Yes, sir."

"If you want, you can stay here tonight. Trying to go home with this level of sleepiness could be risky."

"That miiiiight be a gooood ideeeeaaaa," Saya still seemed half-asleep as she lifted her head to talk.

"Okay then, if you want to sleep, I'll get the room ready. You don't have to drink the tea. Bring your suitcase upstairs, I'll help you with that."

"Okaaaaay."

She seems like she might fall asleep again... Oh well

He carried Saya's suitcase to the guest room and changed the bed sheets, then came back downstairs. Saya had fallen back asleep.

How does she manage to fall asleep so quickly?

Just as he was about to shake Saya again, he stopped himself. 

There's no point in waking her up again; she'll fall asleep once more. In fact, she might have trouble sleeping because of me

After thinking for a short while about what to do, he reluctantly decided to go ahead with the one thing that came to his mind: carrying Saya to her room.

"Hey Saya, just letting you know, as a precaution, I'm going to carry you to your room."

No response from Saya. She was fast asleep.

Doesn't she realize how vulnerable she looks like this?

First, he slid his hands under Saya's knees, then he put his other hand around her waist and slowly lifted her.

She's lighter than I expected

With Saya in his arms, he climbed the stairs, carried her all the way to her room, and gently laid her on the bed.

Phew, even if she's light, carrying a person is quite challenging. Especially when they're asleep.

He gently covered Saya with the blanket. Then, for a short while, he watched her peacefully sleeping face.

I wonder what people would think if they knew the student council president behaved like this and stayed at a guy's house?

After quickly tidying up the place, Mika also went to bed. As soon as he lay down, his eyelids grew heavy.

"Hmm, this situation explains why Saya falls asleep so quickly," he mumbled, almost falling asleep himself. And suddenly, he drifted off to sleep.

***

 He changed out of his pajamas, put on his slippers, and opened his bedroom door, making his way down the stairs.

He puzzled what was going on. Changing his course, he was about to head to the kitchen when he heard a very familiar voice from inside.

 Suddenly, in front of the kitchen door, he saw his mother dressed in a kitchen apron, her ehair pulled back into a ponytail. 

"Mom, Dad?"