The reincarnation... of a love-rival

His form of Love

Waking up to the reality of my childhood friend having someone she likes is not something I want to realise. Or acknowledge. Or know.

But... She likes someone...?

WHO??

Maaa, it's making me frustrated, trying to figure out who he is, that person... Is he someone I know? Someone I met before?

Nngh... The agony...

The hand I am holding on slips from my grasp suddenly, startling me. I reach out, a little too far, to take her hand again.

Reaching out too far ensure my fall from the bed. Unluckily, the sleeping girl is also dragged down with me. Sorry about that. But, I still don't want to let go of you yet.

"I--itaitaitaitai-itai~" Hotaru cries softly at the pain of hitting the floor

I am no good. My reflex failed to save Hotaru. Maa, why isn't my body working as I want it too?!

"What's the matter?" the nurse comes back, looking hurried, "Ah,"

"Instead of saying 'ah,' come and help us!" I complain, trying to move my limbs to no avail

Aa, they are numbed. Must be my position earlier.

I let out a big sigh.

The nurse attends to Hotaru first, as she should, before raising an eyebrow at me, "Why are you still sprawling on the floor? Feeling cosy there?"

"My body is numb," I inform her, rolling my eyes, "The floor is cold, there is no way it's cosy here,"

Hotaru turns to look at me, seemingly unhurt, "Are you okay, Naoya?"

"I'm fine," I reply, assuring her, "Will be back with you in a second,"

"A second just passed," the nurse says, helping Hotaru up

"I'm up and back," I raise myself up, rather normally

"Really," the nurse looks surprised by this

I grin at her, and at Hotaru, who is covering her mouth as she smiles.

Hotaru is always smiling...

Well, it's not like smiling is no good... It's just, even when she is sad, and is crying, she smiles too. I wonder, what is so funny?

Maa, the ever-smiling Hotaru is still Hotaru.

"It's a bit early, but do you want to go home to rest?" the nurse asks Hotaru, checking her temperature with a thermometer, "Your fever has gone down, but rest is still a must,"

"Mm," Hotaru nods, "I want to go home,"

"I will escort her back," I speak up immediately before the nurse sends me away. She is evil like that.

"Really," the nurse drawls, sending me distrustful looks

Really. Does she have something against me?

"I would like for Naoya to accompany me too," Hotaru speaks up, pleading slightly

"Very well," the nurse nods, turning her back to us and asks us to follow, "Your bags were delivered earlier. Here, check the contents and take these,"

I take the paper without looking at it and stuff it inside my bag.

"Everything is accounted for," Hotaru checks her bag properly, unlike me, "Thank you, Sensei,"

"You are welcome," the nurse smiles at Hotaru

"Thank you," I say too, to be polite. Maybe a tiny bit grateful too?