Feverish Exams

The chime of the morning school bell resonated through the air like a somber knell, setting an unsettling tone for Akari. His nerves were palpable as he sat at his desk, beads of perspiration forming on his forehead, his pencil clenched tightly in his hand. Today marked the day of the dreaded exams.

Glancing over at Ayano, he observed her demeanor. She appeared remarkably composed, a picture of serenity as she sat at her desk, her silence almost eerie. Part of him yearned for a supportive glance, a reassuring nod from her, but there was nothing. Ayano seemed trapped in a world of her own, a world distant from the impending test anxiety that gripped Akari.

As the first test papers were distributed and the clock started its relentless countdown, Akari took a final deep breath before diving into the questions. He found a sense of relief as he recognized familiar problems he had practiced for. The beginning went relatively smoothly; Akari’s hand moved deliberately as he penned down the answers, vigilant for any minor mistakes that could derail his efforts.

Alright. One test down just before the time ran out. Akari let out a sigh of relief as he skimmed over his paper. He had at least finished the first test. He felt somewhat confident but there were one or two answers he wasn’t too sure if he was even doing them correctly.

On to the next test. It wasn’t soon before they had reached the halfway point and stopped for lunch. Resting in the hallway, Akari leaned forward against the wall as he stared outside of the window. He shook his head upon recalling the last test of that period. Half of that consisted of pure guesses and inferences he made.

In the midst of his contemplation, he noticed Ayano approaching. She seemed a touch uneasy as if concealing something beneath her calm exterior.

“How have your tests been so far?” Akari asked as she took a second to register he was talking to her before pausing.

“It’s been fine,” she responded. “They have been what I’d expected.”

“Is that so,” Akari sheepishly chuckled. “Then… I’m screwed for the later section.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll be fine,” Ayano reassured him as she took a deep breath. “Please, don’t let all those hours we studied together go to waste.”

“I’ll do my best!” Akari said, now more determined than ever. However, his determination was interrupted by the protest of his stomach, betraying his need for sustenance.

“Perhaps you should grab a bite to eat,” Ayano suggested, a note of concern lacing her voice. “You wouldn't want to pass out before finishing the test.”

“Will do…” Akari sheepishly smiled. As Ayano made her way back to the classroom, Akari noticed she appeared to sway slightly in her step. He hoped she was doing alright. Maybe she had put on a front to make it seem like she was doing better than Akari on his tests so far.

No matter. As of right now, Akari needed to grab some food.

With a few tests occurring after lunch, they eventually reached the last one. Akari was stumbling through the test and was having problems trying to recall dates. None of this really came to his mind. He still had an entire page left to do.

Abruptly, a loud thud echoed through the room, shattering the concentration of every student present. Akari’s gaze shot forward, only to witness Ayano collapsing onto the floor. A poignant gasp escaped the collective breath of the class.

Without hesitation, Akari sprang from his seat and hurried to Ayano's side. Her breaths came in ragged gasps, her forehead radiating intense heat beneath his touch. Swiftly but gently, he lifted her up, carrying her in a bridal position.

“I’m going to take her to the infirmary,” he declared, determination ringing in his voice, before dashing out of the room.

“But you’re not finished with your test yet, Akari!” The teacher protested.

“It’s fine! I’m done with it anyway!” Akari’s response was swift and resolute, his priority unmistakable.

Upon arriving at the infirmary, Akari surveyed the room, his gaze scanning for assistance that wasn’t there. Regrettably, the nurse was absent. Gently, he guided Ayano to a pristine bed adorned with a pastel green blanket, carefully arranging it over her before taking in his surroundings.

After a brief survey, Akari retrieved a hand towel and dampened it in the sink. Wringing it out slightly, he approached Ayano and tenderly placed the cool, damp cloth against her forehead, hoping to alleviate her fever.

“T-the test,” Ayano’s voice wavered, her determination evident despite her weakened state. She attempted to sit up.

“Easy now,” Akari urged, his firm yet gentle touch persuading her to recline. “You’ve got a fever, a pretty intense one. There’s no need to worry about the test right now.”

“I meant your test,” Ayano clarified, her words a testament to her concern for him. “You should go back and finish it.”

“And leave you here like this?” Akari shook his head, a cascade of dark hair brushing against his forehead. “Not happening.”

“But Misha, and Himeko…” Ayano reminded him of the intense training he had gone through and the bet with Himeko. “You don’t need to worry about me.”

“Ayano,” Akari’s gaze locked onto hers, a depth of earnestness in his eyes as he spoke calmly. “Please just get some rest. Don’t worry about my tests. I’ll have everything handled.”

His words held a soothing quality, their impact palpable as Ayano’s demeanor shifted. Gradually, she surrendered to exhaustion, lowering her head onto the soft mattress.

“This is rather embarrassing…” Ayano declared as she hid part of her face under the covers. “I can’t believe you carried me here like that.”

“How about saying thank you first?” Akari teased with a chuckle. Ayano paused before slowly opening her mouth and meeting his gaze.

“Akari, thank you,” she managed to mumble before she turned her face away, seeking solace in the covers.

A soft amused smile tugged at Akari’s lips as he fetched a chair and nestled it next to Ayano’s bed. “You are so very welcome.”

“I don’t like how smug you are!” Ayano declared as she pouted. “I take back my thank you!”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to tease you.” Akari held his hands up defensively.

“Then… as an apology… could you be nice to me please?” Ayano’s voice was a gentle plea. “Nice like Aki.”

“Alright, class prez,” Akari promised, his expression a blend of playfulness and warmth as Ayano peeked at him, her giggles escaping like musical notes.

“You’re under my control now.” A playful twinkle danced in her eyes as she retorted, causing Akari to shake his head.

Their playful exchange was interrupted by the sliding open of the infirmary door, revealing the nurse. Akari stood up, his attention shifting to the nurse.

“Oh, hello there,” the nurse’s greeting filled the air as she entered the room, her presence acknowledged by both Akari and Ayano. Akari rose from his chair, his attention shifting to the nurse. “How may I help you?”

“She caught a pretty bad fever,” Akari explained with a touch of worry, his voice a mix of concern and affection. “She’s been powering it through the tests like an idiot.”

“I see. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of her. You should head back to class.” The nurse suggested. Akari nodded, his gratitude apparent as he turned his gaze back to Ayano, his voice softening.

“I’ll be leaving now,” He whispered with a reassuring smirk. Yet, as his eyes settled on her sleeping form, a tender smile curved his lips, accompanied by a quiet chuckle.

“Rest well, Ayano.”