Fallen: "I… I… I'm on the edge of failing my yearly exams… Can you please teach me?"
Misaki: "Huh?!" (She didn't expect that—her cheeks turn red.)
Misaki: "You idiot. Which subject?"
Fallen: "Every subject."
Misaki: "That's not happening. I'm not a robot!"
Fallen: "Okay, okay… Then just Math and Physics?"
Misaki: "Fine. Are you free tomorrow evening?"
Fallen: "Yeah, you can come over then."
Misaki: "Hmm. Alright. Bye."
Fallen: "Bye!"
[Next Day – Evening]
Fallen: "Mannn, my back hurts. Can't we take a break?"
Misaki: "Idiot, sit down. You're the one who asked for help."
Fallen: "You're rough!"
Misaki: "That's how my mom used to teach me. She always said it helps with focus."
Misaki: "She also told me… your mom and my mom studied like this too."
Fallen: "So it's a generational thing, huh?"
Misaki: "Yeah."
Fallen: (sad tone) "If my mom were still here, she'd be bringing food around now..."
[A short silence]
Misaki: "Then what do you wanna eat, dummy?"
Fallen: "Huh?"
Misaki: "I asked what you want for dinner. I can cook."
Fallen: "Nah, no need for that."
Misaki: "I'm hungry too. Just tell me."
Fallen: "Alright… Rice and curry sounds good."
Misaki: "Okay."
She stands up to leave the room.
Fallen: "Misaki… I love you."
He freezes.
Fallen: "Aah—sorry! I didn't mean it like that."
Misaki: (blushing) "I know… You mean like a big sister, right?"
Fallen: "Y-Yeah… You cook for me and take care of me, that's all."
Misaki: (soft smile) "Dummy."
[After Dinner – At the Table]
Misaki: "Where's your dad, by the way?"
Fallen: "Probably with his doctor friend."
Misaki: "So… he's not home much?"
Fallen: "Yeah. Either he's working or away with someone."
Misaki: "I see…"
She pauses, then looks at him.
Misaki: "I love you too."
Fallen: "HUH?! What?!"
Misaki: "I mean—since I can cook, and you're always alone, and I'm single too, so… I thought—"
Fallen: "Accepted."
Misaki: "W-What?! You didn't even let me finish!"
Fallen: "Still. Accepted."
Misaki: "Ugh! You're so embarrassing! I'm going home now!"
Fallen: "Wait, I was joking! It's night—at least let me walk you to your house."
Misaki: "No need."
She rushes out. Fallen runs after her but finds no sign of her.
[Later That Night]
He calls her house number.
Misaki's mom: "Yes, she's home. Reached safely."
Fallen: (softly) "Good…"
Chapter ends.