The Delinquent Shimizu-san Sitting Next to Me Has Dyed Her Hair Black-Chapter 5Volume 4 .3 - Shimizu-san and the Cold

Shimizu-san and the Cold 3

“Kei is still sleeping, so let’s wait a bit longer.”

“Yes.”

A few minutes after Shimizu-san’s mother left, Ai-san came back from Shimizu-san’s room.

“Sorry about my mother earlier. It must have been a surprise to have her say all that out of the blue.”

“No, it’s okay. I was a bit surprised, but I could feel her concern for Shimizu-san.”

“Well, our family loves Kei very much. But it’s been a while since we’ve had a chance to talk just the two of us like this.”

“That’s true.”

It’s not unusual to talk with Ai-san in the clubroom, but usually, other club members are around.

“Daiki-kun, can we talk a bit about Kei?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Don’t you think Kei has changed a bit since becoming a second-year? Ah, I’m not talking about her appearance!”

Indeed, Shimizu-san had dyed her hair black this spring, but I knew that wasn’t what she was referring to.

“I also think Shimizu-san has changed.”

“How do you think she’s changed?”

“Well, it feels like she’s become more positive about interacting with people compared to last year.”

Ai-san nodded in agreement.

“That’s true. The Kei from before wouldn’t have joined the Astronomy Club. If she hadn’t, we wouldn’t have been able to observe the stars together or go on camps.”

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“What changed Shimizu-san?”

“Do you really not know?”

“I don’t know.”

Of course, I wasn’t lying.

I had thought about it but couldn’t come up with anything.

“It was Daiki-kun who changed Kei.”

“Me?”

I couldn’t believe Ai-san would joke at a time like this, but it was hard to believe.

“Yes, since Kei started talking with Daiki-kun, I think she discovered the joy of interacting with people.”

“I just enjoy being with Shimizu-san, so I talked to her, that’s all.”

“I think that was good. Kei probably enjoyed talking with Daiki-kun as well.”

Was that really the case?

If so, I’d be happy.

“If Shimizu-san has come to enjoy interacting with people, that’s great.”

“Thank you so much, Daiki-kun.”

“I think I should be the one thanking her. Thanks to Shimizu-san, every day is fun for me.”

Since I started talking more with Shimizu-san, coming to school has become a little more enjoyable.

Just like Shimizu-san changed, perhaps I’ve also changed a bit thanks to her.

“Tell Kei those words too. She’ll definitely be happy.”

Ai-san said this with a gentle smile.

***

“Kei seems to be awake, so let’s go to her room!”

Ai-san came back from Shimizu-san’s room again.

It seemed Shimizu-san had woken up.

“Does she seem to be feeling okay?”

“She’s not fully recovered yet, but she seems able to talk. Let’s go quickly!”

Ai-san physically pushed me towards Shimizu-san’s room.

“Kei, can I come in?”

Ai-san knocked on the door and checked with Shimizu-san.

“...come in.”

Shimizu-san’s voice came from the room. She sounded less energetic than usual.

“Open!”

Ai-san opened the door and entered the room.

I followed her in.

“Excuse me.”

Shimizu-san was lying on the bed, wrapped in a blanket.

A cooling sheet was on her forehead, her face was slightly red, and her eyes looked a bit glazed.

Our eyes met.

“...Is this a dream?”

Muttering to herself, Shimizu-san pulled the futon over her head.

“It’s not a dream! It’s completely real!”

“Shut up. There’s no way Hondō would be in my house.”

“No good, it seems this little sister can’t accept reality.”

“Maybe she’s still sleepy?”

“If that’s the case, let’s wake her up! Come on, Daiki-kun, let’s go!”

Pushed by Ai-san, I moved closer to Shimizu-san’s bed where she was sleeping.

“Shimizu-san.”

When I called out to her, Shimizu-san poked her face out from under the futon.

“...What is it?”

“Isn’t it about time to wake up?”

“I won’t wake up. It’s my dream, so listen to what I say.”

Shimizu-san still seemed to think it was a dream.

“If I listen to you, will you wake up?”

“Yeah.”

“Then, what should I do?”

“Lend me your hand.”

“Okay, got it.”

I knelt beside the bed and extended my right hand towards Shimizu-san.

“Bring your hand closer to my face.”

Following Shimizu-san’s instructions, I moved my right hand closer to her face.

Suddenly, Shimizu-san grabbed my right hand and pressed it tightly against her cheek.

“Shimizu-san!?”

“Your hand... it’s cold.”

Shimizu-san had a mischievous smile on her face.

I was so taken aback by the sudden move that my mind couldn’t keep up.

“Wow! Kei is so bold!”

“...Why is it cold if this is a dream?”

After freezing for a few seconds, Shimizu-san suddenly sat up and moved away from me.

“Are you finally awake?”

“Why is Hondō in my room?!”

It was only natural for Shimizu-san to think that way.

“Kei was worried and came to visit you.”

“I didn’t ask for that!”

“You’re happy that Daiki-kun came to visit, aren’t you? You’re not being honest.”

“Stop grinning!”

“Shimizu-san, calm down. You might make your cold worse, so rest quietly.”

“Ugh...”

Shimizu-san glared at me resentfully and crawled back under the futon.

“Then I’ll be heading back.”

“Hey! Don’t leave this guy here!”

Ai-san left Shimizu-san’s room alone, ignoring her protest.

An awkward silence filled the room, now just the two of us.

“...Why did you come all the way to my house?”

Shimizu-san broke the silence.

“I wanted to apologize to you. I think it’s my fault that you caught a cold. I’m sorry.”

I bowed my head toward Shimizu-san, who was lying in bed.