Bitter Sweet Sickness | isohara |

Relinquish.

I rushed into the employees' room and changed out of my work uniform, making haste into putting my school one on. Although it was kind of difficult because soreness surged throughout my whole body. I was sick honestly, but I couldn't afford to skip a shift or a day of school. After finishing I made my way to the front, it was an unusually busy day at the cafe and I was pooped.

So much for wishing it'd be an easy day, especially since I was sick. But those factors together had caused me to rush, I was going to be late and that would crumble my ikeman reputation. Along with the fact I made my best friend wait, too.

"Isogai! Maehara is here!" A co-worker called, I looked in their direction and spotted the two. I gave them both the best smiles I could, Maehara giving a once over nod and his signature smile on. Maehara, he was a playboy, but my best friend. I knew his entire dating history, it was crazy let me tell you. One little problem, though, I had feelings for him. And boy was it disheartening to see him be as straight as a wooden ruler.

At the moment he wasn't dating anyone, which should've let anxiety's grip on me to relinquish, instead it tightened; waiting for another lucky, unlucky, fragile girl to pop up.

Though I'll put the problem aside for later on. I met him by the entrance, "Morning Isogai." He said and I smiled, "Good Morning, Maehara." I could see his eyes move above, looking at my antenna-like hair. "They're lower than usual..." His gaze dropped down to my face, I could practically tell how much he was concerned. "You're sick aren't you?" I dropped my gaze as well, nodding. "Yep."

The blonde boy in front of me snickered, ruffling my hair. "I wish you weren't such an ikeman sometimes, ya' know?" He smiled, god that honey sweet, contagious smile. The corners of my lips lifted in reply, "I know. But we better get going." And with that we began walking.

School wasn't that far, but with how sick I was, we were falling behind. Just the thought of the word "late" struck a nerve. Me, Isogai Yuma, ikeman who always comes and does his homework on time, finally late? Ha, never!

I guess Maehara noticed because I bumped right into his chest, flustered I looked up at him. "Uhm.. I'm sorry!" I rubbed the back of my neck, throat sore. He shook his head, "We'll get there faster if I carry you, c'mon."

"It's fine, Maehara. I can continue." His face showed he was in full doubt and I sighed. I really disliked getting help from others but I couldn't say no to Maehara. I climbed on his back in defeat, him smirking in victory. Maehara was right, it was much faster with me being carried rather than walking. How he managed? No clue. The boy is practically a twig! Then again.. So am I.