Episode 53: The Meddlesome Goddess (Friend Ver.) Part 1

「Now then, it’s a bit late, but let’s have lunch. Can you get up?」

「…Hah!」

I had been staring at Senpai the whole time, and before I knew it, I was zoning out.

「Oh, is something the matter?」

Senpai asked curiously.

「N-no, I’m fine.」

When I got up and headed to the table, there was a delicious-looking bowl of udon waiting for me.

「I made udon with digestion in mind. I heard ginger is good for a cold, so I added a little. I hope this warms your body up…」

「Thank you. I’ll dig in right away.」

Knowing that Satsukawa-senpai made this udon specifically with my health in mind made it taste twice as good.

「Well then, please excuse me as well.」

Senpai was eating skillfully while being mindful of her hair. It must be tough for women with long hair.

Maybe my appetite had returned, or maybe Sara-senpai’s udon was just that good, but I finished every last bit.

「Thanks for the meal.」

「It was a modest meal. …Come to think of it, this was the first time I’ve had you eat something right after I made it.」

「You’re right.」

「If I’m being greedy, I wish I could have made you a more substantial meal for our first chance to eat freshly prepared food together.」

「No, it was plenty delicious.」

To want anything more than this would be way too greedy.

But if you asked if I wanted to eat more of her cooking, the answer is obviously yes.

「But if there’s ever another chance, I’d love to ask you to cook again.」

「Understood. Then once you’re feeling better, Takanashi-san, let’s definitely make another opportunity.」

It feels like the number of things she’s doing for me is just increasing one after another…

「Now, I’ll clean up, so please head back to bed, Takanashi-san.」

「Yes… sorry, I’ll leave it to you.」

It felt bad to leave everything to her, but at this point, I decided to just let her do it all and give her a proper thank-you later.

…She’d probably get mad if I offered to help anyway…

I sat on the edge of the bed and found myself watching Senpai standing in the kitchen again…

How should I put it… this is… nice.

Come to think of it, she’s using that apron. I’m glad.

When Senpai finished cleaning and turned around, our eyes met again.

She had something in her hands… a washbasin and a towel?

「? Fufu… you were watching me again earlier. Was there something on your mind?」

When Senpai approached me with a smile like that, my heart skipped a beat in spite of myself.

「N-no, I was just thinking about how you’re using that apron.」

「Ah, yes. I make sure to use it whenever I cook. My mother praised it the other day, saying it was cute.」

I see… wait, her mother?

「Your mother did?」

「Yes, I told her it was a gift from Takanashi-san. She was quite surprised when she found out it was from a man.」

Um… her mother probably knows she dislikes men…

W-well, it’s probably fine.

「Now, Takanashi-san, let’s wipe your body down before you sleep so you can feel at least a little refreshed.」

Wait.

What does that mean?

Senpai placed the washbasin by the bed and reached out toward me.

「Yes, let’s start with your back, if you don’t mind.」

She lifted the back of my top just like that and started wiping carefully.

「Eh!? No, Sara-senpai, you don’t have to go that far!」

「You mustn’t. Please stay still.」

Ugh… this might be a little embarrassing…

Senpai wet the towel, wrung it out again, and moved on to wipe my sides and armpits.

「It might tickle a bit, but please bear with it. It’ll be over soon.」

「Okay…」

In the end, she even wiped the front side thoroughly… I did my best to stay calm…

「Is that better? How do you feel? A little refreshed?」

「Y-yes, thank you very much.」

「I’m glad. That was my first time wiping someone’s body, so I was worried if I could do it well.」

Even though it was her first time, she did it so skillfully…

「If you’re feeling better tomorrow, I’ll give you a more thorough wipe-down, so please make do with this for today.」

When she says it with such a sparkling smile, I can’t really refuse… but tomorrow is going to be even more than this?

「Now, let’s get you under the covers so your body doesn’t get cold.」

I lay down as Senpai told me, and she pulled the covers over me.

Actually, once she pulled the comforter up to my chest, she kept her hand on top of the blanket.

Pat… pat…

…Um, this means…

「Leave the housework to me and please get some rest until dinner.」

With a smile on her face, Senpai reached her other hand toward my head and started stroking slowly and carefully.

So, she wants me to sleep…

I feel embarrassed because I probably look like a child…

No, I have a cold right now, so it can’t be helped. I have no choice but to let her spoil me…

Stroke… stroke… stroke…

Pat… pat… pat…

………