イタズラな KISS ~3 ✔

INK3-20

Epilogue Twenty: Kotomi (Part Four)

"Irie-sensei, you should rest for a bit. You didn't take a break."

His colleague, Dr. Fujiona, reminded him.

"No. I still have to finish this." he insisted while focusing on his laptop.

"Come to think of it, Irie-sensei. It's been one week and you still not going home. Are you okay? You don't have to rush for a bit."

"Dr. Fujiona is right. Irie-sensei, you should go home now. You need a rest. From all of us, you didn't sleep. We are saying this because we were only concerned about your health. Maybe Kotoko-chan didn't want you to get sick. Why don't you go home instead?" Dr. Mchowarts said when he came into the office.

They are right. It's been one week and he's still working. He didn't get any sleep. The truth is, he got headaches and probably a fever too but he just can't stop working. He needs to find out the cure as soon as possible... he can't give up. Somehow, Kotoko is rooting for him.

"I will just take a break." he decided and stood up after closing his laptop. He grabbed his coat and faced his two colleagues who have just talked about their concerns for him. "I will just grab some fresh air and come back. I still can't go home. I have to wait for the results. I need to make sure I got it right before I headed home."

Somehow for him, he can't go home without getting some good news. He knows that Kotoko is trying to positively root for him.

"Ah, okay. You should do that." Dr. Fujiona agreed.

Since the research development had started, Naoki was so determined to find out the cure for Kotoko's rare eye disease. He always said to himself that he can't just relax. He was dying to find out the cure as soon as possible.

He went to the rooftop after he bought some coffee downstairs. The sky tonight was filled with various lights. He could see the constellations above in this spring sky. Then he reminded myself what Kotoko said, 'I like looking at the same sky with you, Irie-kun'. He was wondering right now if Kotoko was looking at the sky too at this time. He wished that. He sincerely wished that.

He already missed Kotoko but he has to finish this.

Then he dialed Kotoko's number. It's past midnight now but he's hoping that she's still awake.

"Irie-kun?" her sweet voice answered.

"Kotoko. I just called because it's my break. How are you?"

"I miss you, Irie-kun." she sincerely said.

Darn it, I miss you too. More than you know.

"Irie-kun?" she said when he didn't answer, "You don't miss me?" she joked, like the usual she was, she still didn't know that Naoki loves her wholeheartedly... like Naoki didn't have the love for her as much as the love she always gives him.

He laughed silently, "Baka. I miss you too. How are you doing?"

"I'm fine. Don't worry, Irie-kun. Oka-san is with me and Yuki-kun and Konomi-chan too. How about you? I'm sorry if I can't see you myself. I wish I could bring you a bento by myself but—"

"There's an eggshell in your omelet. I ate it all. Don't worry." he joked.

"I'm sorry! I can do it better next time! I promise!" she panicked, "Are you fine, Irie-kun? I can't help but worry. I hope you get enough sleep there."