After everything that happened last week, Usami decided to rest and sleep the entire day. It was Friday, and he had already asked his teacher if he could be absent. The teacher agreed, saying he deserved a break.
As Usami lay in bed, half-asleep, a knock suddenly echoed from the front door. His parents were out again, so he had no choice but to answer it himself. Forcing his tired body to move, he dragged himself to the door—only to freeze in surprise.
"Mahiru?" he said, blinking.
Mahiru stood in front of him, holding a small bag. "Sorry for the intrusion… I just wanted to check if you were okay."
Confused, Usami rubbed his eyes. "Wait, what about school?"
"The school's suspended today," Mahiru replied casually.
Usami didn't really believe her, but he was too tired to argue. "Fine… come in," he sighed.
They went to his room. Usami smirked and said, "This is the second time you've taken care of me."
Mahiru pouted slightly. "I can always go home, you know."
Usami panicked. "N-no! I was kidding. Thanks, really… for taking care of me again."
Satisfied with his answer, Mahiru smiled softly and went to the kitchen. Before long, she served him a warm bowl of miso soup and rice.
Excited to eat, Usami reached for his chopsticks—but accidentally dropped them. Before they even hit the ground, Mahiru caught them in a blink.
"Here," she said awkwardly, handing them back.
Usami chuckled. She'd make a great gamer with reflexes like that.
Time passed quietly. Later, Usami's phone buzzed—his parents messaged that they'd be staying at a hotel and wouldn't be coming home tonight.
"Mahiru, are you not going home?" he asked.
Mahiru shook her head. "There's no need. I live alone anyway… I'd rather stay here for tonight."
Usami hesitated. "Then… where will you sleep?"
"The couch," she replied simply.
Worried she might be uncomfortable, Usami stood up. "At least use a mattress. If you're sleeping here, you should be comfortable."
Mahiru tried to stop him. "You should rest! I can manage—"
But Usami ignored her and brought out a mattress anyway.
"Fine," Mahiru said with a tiny pout, turning her face away to hide her embarrassment.
Just then, a sudden loud bang echoed from outside. Startled, they both looked out the window—and gasped. Fireworks lit up the sky in bursts of red, blue, and gold.
Mahiru turned to glance at Usami, only to find him completely focused on the view, his face illuminated by the glow. She found herself staring, her heart skipping a beat. Why… does he look like that?
When the fireworks ended, Usami felt her gaze and turned his head slightly. For a brief second, their eyes met. Mahiru instantly looked away, cheeks burning, unaware that Usami had noticed her expression.
"…Mahiru," he said quietly.
She turned back, startled.
"Thank you. Again," he said softly, smiling.
Caught off guard, Mahiru's heart raced. "Y-you're welcome," she stammered.
---
The Next Morning
Mahiru woke up early and peeked into Usami's room. It was empty. Panic flickered in her chest as she hurried downstairs—only to find Usami in the kitchen, wearing an apron and humming softly as he cooked.
Her worries melted away. "Usami… what are you making?" she asked, stepping closer.
"Beef stew and rice," he said, grinning.
Right on cue, Mahiru's stomach growled.
Usami laughed. "You'll definitely love my aunt's recipe."
Flustered, Mahiru turned away. "W-we'll see about that!"