Blissful [Shinazugawa Sanemi]

Chapter 16

Sanemi quietly treated Shiori's wound. He carefully wrapped some bandages around her left hand. He then noticed the wet bandages on her right hand. He wordlessly took her right hand and began unwrapping the bandages.

His eyes widened at her swollen wrist.

He didn't need to ask, he already knew who did that to her.

Sanemi wrapped a clean bandage around her wrist. He made sure not to tie it too tight or it's going to hurt her. When he finished, he put away the first aid kit. He noticed how Shiori was awkwardly sitting on the floors, probably questioning her outburst earlier.

"... I'm sorry for making you treat my wounds when you're having a fever."

Sanemi placed a hand on his forehead. He cursed when he felt how hot his skin was. Shiori must've noticed it since he held her hands.

"Whatever. You should wait for the rain to stop... I'm going to sleep..." Sanemi muttered, his head hasn't stopped spinning since morning. He walked toward his room.

"... Can I use your kitchen?" Shiori asked.

"Do whatever you want."

Sanemi shut the door behind him and he immediately collapsed onto his futon. Breathing heavily, he finally felt weak because of his fever.

He groaned when he remembered both he and Shiori were still wearing wet clothes. He has to grab a set of dry clothes for her so she won't catch a cold. When he tried to stand up, he failed miserably and dropped onto his pillow. He felt lethargic because he's been skipping meals.

Every time he went out for lunch, he would see Shiori and he immediately went home. He didn't want to see her ever since he admitted his feelings for her. He thought he could forget them, but whenever he saw her, his heart would flutter.

Earlier, he was about to eat but he just happened to see her at the shrine alone. Heck, why can't he leave her alone?

Sanemi stayed still in his position but he just couldn't fall asleep. Was it because of his wet clothes? Or was it because of his headache?

"Excuse me."

He didn't even move when the door opened. He could hear a soft gasp. He heard something being placed on the floors before his whole body was raised by two pair of arms. Sanemi opened his eyes slightly.

"I'm sorry for waking you up. But it's best if you eat something first before you sleep." Shiori said.

Sanemi sat on his futon. He looked at the bow of porridge on the table. So that's why she asked to use his kitchen.

Feeling powerless, Sanemi reluctantly grabbed the bowl and started eating the porridge. He blinked in amazement as he ate. He didn't know a bowl of plain porridge could taste this good. He just didn't realize how hungry he actually was.

"There's more in the pot if you ever feel hungry." Shiori informed. She watched as Sanemi finished the porridge she made.

Shiori handed him a glass of water and he gulped down the content. With a relieved sigh, Sanemi plopped back to his futon.

"... Thanks..." He mumbled in a barely audible voice.

This time, he didn't have any difficulty falling asleep. His consciousness flew away as soon as he touched the soft futon. Shiori wanted to tell him to change his clothes first but she didn't dare to disturb him more.

She went to wash the dishes and while she's at it, cleaned the whole house spotless. She noticed a vase of decorative flowers on one of his shelves. It was the prize she won at the shooting stall.