Author's Note:

Hey everyone! Another Akira/Ann story! It's been a while since I made one. This story, which I plan to make as a two-parter, was something I got inspired to write after re-watching two of my favorite older high school romance comedy animes. The main couples have similar situations to what happens in the story.

If you know which ones I'm talking about after reading this, then I applaud you kind sir/ma'am. Haha.

I made this story because I think that when Akira and Ann end up taking care of each other, it would actually lead to funny and cute situations. In the end though... they'd be very sweet. Hope you guys enjoy! Insightful reviews and comments are always welcome! Till next time!


Setting: Ann and Akira still secretly like one another. Soon enough they'll confess their feelings. But a sickness brings a certain interesting event between the two of them.

These last few days of school have been quite uneventful. Which for the Phantom Thieves was a blessing. They could go about their normal school lives and experience life like teenagers should. Akira himself looked forward to school now because the people who he cherished the most were there. This included a certain girl who happened to be seated right in front of him in class.

She was none other than Ann Takamaki. The girl who's stolen her heart. He's had a crush on her since the first time he laid eyes on her. Every single moment he's spent with her this year was special to him. He wanted to tell her how he felt… But Akira thought it wasn't the right time. For now though, he would try to get to know her better.

As he sat in class and got ready for his lessons, he noticed Ann's seat was empty.

"Hmm…"

Maybe she was running late. He thought. Soon classes began and Ann still wasn't there. He was starting to get worried. He messages her to ask where she was. It wasn't a quick reply but after a few minutes, Ann finally answered.

"Hey Akira. I'm not feeling well today. I won't be going to school. Need to rest. "

She was sick. Akira became concerned. He was at least glad that she was at home resting.

"Oh no. What do you have?"

"Probably a really bad cold. Can you help me get today's assignments?" asked Ann.

"Sure. I'll drop by later with it later. And I'm gonna help you take care of that cold."

"…"

There was a pause in Ann's reply.

"…"

"Actually… can you ask Makoto to bring it for me… better yet… I'll ask her… Thanks anyway…"

Feeling a bit rejected… he asked what suddenly changed her mind.

"What's wrong with me coming over and bringing you today's assignments? I can do it. It'll be better because were in the same class anyway."

"Uhm… I don't want to hassle you…"

Hassle me? Akira thought. This was no hassle at all.

"Of course it isn't a hassle. We're good friends right?"

"…Yeah… But…"

Akira was wondering what was causing Ann's hesitation. Did he do something…? What was making her uncomfortable…?

It then dawned on him.

Was she nervous being alone with him?

Akira himself realized he was kinda inviting himself over to Ann's place alone. He begins to get a little embarassed.

It's true that he's only ever been to Ann's place with the others. But she was sick. Akira was determined to help her get better. He had to think of a compromise.

"Ann… Do you want me to bring Makoto and Haru too? Would that make you feel better…?"

"…"

Another pause.

"Okay. You three together would be fine…"

"Okay… We'll see you later."

After classes, Akira informs Makoto and Haru about Ann's condition and they agree to go with him to visit and take care of Ann. Time quickly went by and classes ended. The three friends made their way straight for Ann's place.

"I hope Ann's feeling better." said Makoto.

"Maybe a day's rest has helped her out a bit already." said Haru.

"I sure hope so." said Akira.


*Ann's perspective*

These last few weeks of school were as perfect as school could be for Ann Takamaki. It was because of her new friends and a certain handsome seatmate. Akira suddenly changed a lot of things in her life. She's been having new feelings and experiencing new things with him. Waking up everyday and seeing him in the mornings always cheered her up. Ann only recently realized that what she was experiencing were the feelings of a first love. She really liked Akira. She hasn't told him yet but maybe soon… she will. When she was ready. But right now… she was going through something unwelcome.

That morning, she felt terrible. The night before she already noticed that she wasn't feeling too well. She hoped that if she drank enough water or maybe just got enough sleep that night, whatever sick feeling hit her would go away. It didn't. She felt a whole lot worse. Her sinuses felt clogged and her body felt warm all over. She felt weak just standing up.

Ann decided there was no use. She had to tell someone she wasn't going to school that day. Before she could even reach her phone, someone else messaged her first. Ann checks her phone and sees it's none other than Akira.

"Akira…" Ann smiles weakly.

Her heart flutters a little. How does he do it? He just knows when to be there when she was having trouble or having a bad day. It makes her feel happy that someone just… gets her.

"Hey Ann… Where are you? Are you okay?" he messages.

"Hey Akira. I'm not feeling well today. I won't be going to school. Need to rest. "

After a short moment, Akira replies.

"Oh no. What do you have?"

"Probably a really bad cold. Can you help me get today's assignments?" asked Ann.

Even though she was sick, she still had her responsibilities as a student. She hoped that Akira wouldn't mind helping her out with getting her missed assignments.

"Sure. I'll drop by later with it later. And I'm gonna help you take care of that cold."

Ann smiled. Akira was dependable. She knew she could always rely on him.

"Perfect. He's gonna by drop by later." She thought.

It was then that Ann felt like lightning struck her. Akira was going to come over… alone.

She's never invited a boy alone to her place before. Of course she was sick, and she wasn't trying to imply anything… and yet.

Ann begins to blush and get worried.

"Why did I invite him over?!"

She tries to look at her appearance in a nearby mirror. She looked terrible.

"He can't see me like this! I'm a sickly mess!"

Her internal struggle began again. Did it really matter how she looked for Akira? She was sick… Nothing crazy was going to happen…. Right? Ann tries talking to herself to calm down.

"Maybe I'm overthinking things… We're just… friends!…"

"…"

"Except for the fact…"

"…"

that I like him a lot…Ugghhh…"

Ann started rolling a little on her bed in frustration.

"Why did I put myself through this?!… Of course it matters that he's coming over!"

Ann had to tell him not to come over anymore. She'd be too worried if he was there at her place.

"Maybe… Makoto could bring my assignments for me…?"

She and Makoto were pretty close already as well. She was reliable too when it came to schoolwork. She'd be perfect.

Ann begins to reply back. It took her a bit longer to do so but there was no helping it.

"Actually… can you ask Makoto to bring it for me… better yet… I'll ask her… Thanks anyway…" messaged Ann.

Akira's reply wasn't as quick either. Soon enough, Ann receives his message.

"What's wrong with me coming over and bringing you today's assignments? I can do it. It'll be better because were in the same class anyway."

Ann laid back again on her bed in frustration. It seemed like he insisted on coming over. He also did have a point. Ann tries to think of something to say.

"Uhm… I don't want to hassle you…"

She waits for Akira's reply and receives one right away.

"Of course it isn't a hassle. We're good friends right?"

Ann looked at the message… "Good friends…" They were definitely that… But was it only that? Reading it kinda stung for Ann. She had to put that aside.

"…Yeah… But…"

Ann wasn't sure what to do anymore. Before she can think of something, she receives another message.

"Ann… Do you want me to bring Makoto and Haru too? Would that make you feel better…?"

Ann was surprised. Did Akira notice her feeling uncomfortable? Having Makoto and Haru there too would be a lot better than just the two of them. Ann smiles again as he thought about how considerate Akira was for her.

"Okay. You three together would be fine…"

"Okay… We'll see you later."

Ann puts down her phone and thinks of what she can do for the rest of the day. She had to get better ASAP. She looks around and finds the meds her caretaker left for her in case she still wasn't feeling well.

Ann took a few and tried going back to bed. Her body still weak. After a few minutes, she felt a bit more relaxed… a bit drowsy… and kind of… float-y. The fatigue from the sickness and the drowsiness effect from the cold medicines kicking in…


*Back to Akira*

The three friends soon arrive at the front door of Ann's apartment. They ring the doorbell. After some time, they hear the sound of shuffling on the other side of the door. It opens and they see an Ann Takamaki with a bit of messy hair, wearing pajamas and wrapped in blankets from head to toe.

"H-Hi… everyone." Ann said. Her voice was a bit nasal.

"Ann…? You still look… unwell." Haru's voice was filled with concern.

"Ann… Your cold…" said Akira.

"Oh my… We… have to get you back to bed, alright?" Makoto said.

Ann scanned around and looked at her three friends. Her gaze however hovered around Akira.

"H-Hi Akira." Ann sounded a bit dazed.

"Uhm… Hi?" he replied back.

"My caretaker… before she left… she gave me cold medicine. I made sure to take… a lot. It's making me feel… a little float-y… I was already float-y… a while ago… But… now…. Wheeeee…."

The three friends cringed.

"Okay… this isn't good…" said Haru.

"Maybe we should contact Dr Takemi for what we should do to follow up with Ann." said Makoto.

"Agreed… Okay, Ann. Let's get you back to bed." said Akira.

Ann smiled. She began to spread her arms towards Akira.

"Akira… I want… A HUG….Puhlease…"

Akira's heart began beating hard. It suddenly felt hotter all of a sudden for him. He looked to his right to see Makoto and Haru blushing.

"Uhm…" Akira was speechless.

"Oh my…? She must be… really out of it…" said Haru.

"Akira… maybe you can help her… get back to her bed…?" said Makoto. "Just… be careful with her."

"R-right…"

Akira suddenly felt this was all too dangerous. The girl of his dreams suddenly wanting a hug from him out of nowhere. Others might even think this was he taking advantage of her.

"O-okay. Ann. Here… Let me help you."

"C-catch me!"

"Ehh?!"

Ann jumped wobbly towards Akira's direction. It looked like a lunge. But Ann had no energy and she was about to fall face first on the floor.

"Ann!"

Akira moved just in time and caught her. Preventing her from falling. Ann was now in her arms.

"Hehehe… You did it…I knew you'd do it."

Ann's grip on Akira began to tighten.

"Uuhhhh…." Akira was starting to sweat even more.

"You're always there for me when I need you… That's what makes you… my favorite…"

"Favorite…?!" Akira's mind was struggling with all these words… Ann was definitely not normal.

"O-okay. Let me help you with carrying Ann back to her room. Haru. Maybe you can start preparing in the kitchen." said Makoto.

"R-right."

"I'll hold on to Ann's homework as well." said Makoto. "Okay Ann. Let's get going." Makoto tries to hold on to one of Ann's arms but she pulls back.

"Noooo. I want Akira to carry me…"

"Dear God." Akira thought. She's really not normal today.

"Uhm… Akira?" said Makoto with hesitation.

*Sigh*… I can… do it."

Akira in one movement carries Ann in his arms in a classic princess carry.

"Yay. You're… like my prince."

His heart continues to beat like crazy. "Why is this happening to me?"

"You're… so warm, Akira." Ann said.

"Uhm… Thanks… " Akira said.

"I'll lead the way to her room." said Makoto.

Makoto went ahead to help make sure there weren't any obstacles in their path and to open a few doors. Finally, they reach Ann's room and Akira places her on her bed. Makoto begins to tuck her in properly. Ann herself suddenly relaxes as well. Her eyes beginning to drift to sleep.

"Looks like she's calming down. Let's leave her homework for later. She's in no condition to do it." said Makoto.

"Let's head to the kitchen and whip something up for her." said Akira.

Makoto nods and the two friends head outside. There they see Haru just beginning to bring out a few ingredients.

"I hope Ann doesn't mind that we borrow a few things."

"I'm sure it'll be fine. We bought most of the things we needed to make a simple porridge. Easy to eat and warm for the body." said Makoto.

"I'll get right on it. My mom taught me her recipe." said Akira.

"I'm glad you're so reliable, Akira." said Makoto.

"Mako-chan, maybe the two of us can head out and buy some medicines and additional energy drinks that can help alleviate Ann's condition." said Haru.

"Hmm… Is it alright if we leave you for a moment? You can just call us if you need anything, Akira." Makoto said.

"It's no problem really. I'll be busy for a bit making this anyway." Akira said.

Makoto smiled and began calling Dr. Takemi. After a short phone call, Makoto wrote down a list of things that might help Ann. The two girls then left the apartment building as they looked for the things on their list.

It was all quiet as Akira was silently working on preparing the food for Ann. He was first chopping a few vegetables for the porridge.

After a moment, he heard some movement behind him. He looked around and saw Ann once again covered in blankets.

"Oh. Hey Ann. You should be in bed." said Akira.

"W-what are you doing?" asked Ann.

"Oh. We're preparing a meal for you." Akira smiled.

"Oooohhh…" Ann's voice leaked out in understanding.

Akira continued working on chopping the vegetables but he was suddenly interrupted.

*POKE*

"GYAH…!" Akira felt a sudden strong pressure touch him near his lower back. It wasn't painful but it was sudden enough to jolt Akira. Akira's hand slipped as the knife flew for a moment and magically lodged itself back on the chopping board. Akira had a mini heart attack.

"My God! That was close!"

Akira turned around and saw the culprit. It was Ann as she had a finger pointing towards him. She looked like an innocent girl wanting to get his attention.

"Y-yes? Is… there something you need?" asked Akira.

Ann fidgeted for a moment.

"It's just that… I just suddenly wanted to… touch you." Ann said with an innocent smile. Her face still looked immaculate though in Akira's eyes. She had a glow that had a certain… allure.

"WHAT?!" Akira screamed inside his own head. This was getting worse and worse for him.

"A-Ann… Y-you should go back to bed. Can you… do it by yourself?"

"Hmmm… Okay… Because you said so… Bye…" Ann's face looked red as she began walking back to her room.

Akira was left alone in the kitchen.

He was motionless.

Another moment later, Akira stepped outside of the kitchen and headed to the living room. There he found one of the throw pillows and picked one up. He headed for the bathroom and closed the door behind him.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMM….AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!"

The room shook as a pained cry was mildly heard throughout the entire floor.

Akira stepped outside. He looked exhausted. He was breathing heavily.

"Keep it together…Akira."

The doorbell rang and Akira headed to the door. It was Makoto and Haru.

"W-welcome back." he said.

"Thanks. Is everything alright? We thought we heard someone in pain just a moment ago."

"N-no. Everything's fine. I'll… just continue with the food preparations."

Makoto and Haru looked at Akira and he seemed a bit peculiar. They weren't sure what was wrong but in the end, they had to prioritize Ann's health.

"Okay…Sure." Makoto said.

The two girls headed to Ann's room with the things they needed.

"T-that should distract her long enough. I'll just finish her food." he said.

Now that nobody was bothering him, Akira was able to make a decent and actually pretty delicious meal for Ann. Haru stepped out of Ann's room and approached Akira in the kitchen. She smelled the wonderful aroma coming from the kitchen.

"It smells delicious, Akira-kun."

"Thanks Haru. It's ready…but if you don't mind… can you be the ones to serve it to Ann?"

Haru wondered why Akira sounded strange again.

"Okay… But… Don't you want to see her enjoy your food?"

"Uhm. It's okay. I have to clean up anyway. Go right ahead… but if you need anything, I'll be right here."

"Uhm… Okay then. Thanks again for cooking." Haru took the tray of food and began walking towards Ann's room. Haru however stops midway though and then turns around to look at Akira.

"Did… something happen? While we were gone?"

"Uhm… Nothing really… just… yeah… it's nothing." Akira wasn't sure how to reply anymore.

"If you say so…" Haru finally left and headed to Ann's room.

Akira sighed in relief. He dodged a very problematic situation. Who knew what Ann would do in front of Makoto and Haru? Akira cleaned up in the kitchen. He made sure everything was tidy before heading to the living room. He sat on the couch to relax and close his eyes for a moment. He needed to relieve a little of the stress garnered that afternoon.

Before long, Akira drifted into a nap. His mind free from burdens. In his short nap, he dreamt about his friends. Their smiling faces and their time being spent together. His dream then lingers on Ann. She smiles at him in his dream. She approaches him and gives him a warm embrace.

"Akira…" she whispers to his ear.

He smiles. This was just a dream. Nothing to worry about. He can indulge in this simple happiness. Ann's warm breath on his cheek. Ann's warmth radiating from her body… Ann's warm—-

Akira then felt it was a bit too warm… Too real…

Akira fidgets. He drowsily opens his eyes from his sleep and was still very unaware of his surroundings. He felt warm like in his dream. But not only that… it felt like his body was heavy… or more specifically… there was something heavy on him…

"W-what?" Akira's eyes were half open.

Akira looks to his left and notices the cause. It was a sleeping Ann on his shoulder. Still wrapped in her blankets. Her warm breath hitting his cheek, neck and shoulder. Her body's weight leaning on him.

"Akira…" she whispers in her sleep.

"Ahhhh…. That's why…." Akira said. Satisfied that he found the cause of the warmth and weight…he begins to go back to sleep.

"…"

"….."

"….."

And then it hit him….

"ANN?!" he shouted slightly.

She jolted a little in the couch due to his shout.

"Yesss?" she said half-asleep.

Akira pushes her off slowly from his shoulder and makes her lay back on the couch. He stood up and looked at her. Checking if she was alright.

"W-what are you doing out here in the living room?"

"Looking for you silly…" Ann said. She still sounded drowsy.

"W-where's Makoto and Haru?"

"Theeemmm? I think Haru…went home… Makoto's…. in the restroom…"

"So you… snuck out?"

"Yup! I…. miss you."

Akira once again was in a predicament. Ann was so sweet, innocent… and defenseless. But she wasn't herself. She surely wasn't aware of what she was saying. How can he take any of what she says right now to heart? And yet…

"Uhm… That's very sweet of you… But you should go back to bed…"

"S-stay with me…" she said.

Akira groaned.

Right on cue, his savior appeared. Makoto exited from the restroom and saw Ann outside with Akira.

"Ann! What are you doing here? Akira. Did you bring her out?"

"No. She went out herself. L-lets get her back to bed." said Akira.

"Yes. We should."

Makoto and Akira took hold of Ann once again and brought her to bed. They tucked her in again and went outside for a bit to talk.

"Where's Haru?" asked Akira.

"She had to go home to deal with some of her company related issues." said Makoto.

"I see…. Did Ann eat her food? Did you give her the meds, Dr. Takemi suggested?" asked Akira.

"Yes. She ate it. It seems she liked it. We didn't give her any extra meds right now because she supposedly drank a lot a while ago. But we did give her some extra fluids. Dr. Takemi said bed rest should be fine for now."

"Hmmm… Okay."

"Akira. Actually… I have to head out as well. It's getting late… And I'm supposed to prepare dinner at home. I usually wouldn't leave someone alone to do something like this… But I really have no choice… I'm sorry…" Makoto lowered her head in apology.

"No…No. It's fine…You should go ahead."

"So… you're fine by yourself with Ann for a bit longer?" asked Makoto.

"By myself…?"

Akira thought for a moment. If Ann was just normal… This would be a breeze. But…right now…

Akira took in a breath. He made a decision. He was definitely not leaving her by herself.

"Yeah. I can handle it. Go ahead. You take care now." He smiled in confidence to Makoto.

"Thanks Akira. You should head home as well after some time. But I just want someone to watch over her a little longer. If it were any other guy, I wouldn't even think of it but you're so reliable. Thanks."

Akira leads Makoto to the door and they say their goodbyes. Akira was now alone with Ann.

Akira sighed.

"Okay… this is the homestretch. This is all for Ann."

He quietly walks towards her room and takes a peak inside. There she sees a resting Ann Takamaki on her bed. Fast asleep.

Akira smiled.

"Maybe the rest of the evening won't be so bad." he thought.

Akira slowly walked to the chair placed beside Ann's bed and watched over her for a while. He noticed Ann's calm facial expression. He couldn't help but adore her sweet face even more.

Akira stretches his arms and decides he can also be productive with schoolwork while taking care of her. He goes to his school bag and gets his homework for that evening. He begins working on Ann's desk nearby. While finishing his own set of homework, he puts notes and tips for Ann's set of homework so that she can do it herself later.

Time soon flies. Akira notices its dark outside. He plans to leave after another hour. It seems Ann would be alright by herself now. All was quiet. There was still leftover food for her which she can have for later. He himself had to pass by somewhere for a quick dinner.

"Akira…"

Ann's voice calls out to him. He looks back and sees Ann still in her bed. She looked better but not yet completely well.

"Yes, Ann?"

"I-it's…hot."

"Oh? Maybe you have too many blankets on you. Here let me…"

Before Akira could react, Ann began to sit up and adjust her clothing. She started to unbutton her pajamas… Starting from the top.

"ANNNNN!"

Akira stood up, ran and stopped her from going any further than the top button. His hands were holding hers. Pulling them away from her clothes.

"Akira!…. It's… so hot… I want to remove this…. It's making me feel hot…" said Ann drowsily.

"Yes… yes. It's hot… But you shouldn't…" said Akira. His heart almost gave up from the intense beating.

"But… I want to…"

Ann removes one of her hands from Akira's grip. She raises it up and places on top of Akira's head.

She rubs his hair and smiles.

"Your hair's …so soft. I've…always wondered if it was soft… or rough. It's always so curly… and messy…and all over the place…." Ann said.

"Uhmmm…. Thanks?" Akira decided that she playing with his hair was better than the alternative.

"But I like it… I like your hair…" said Ann.

"Oh I see… Well thanks again…"

Akira grabs hold of Ann's hands once again and places them on her sides. He slowly lays Ann back down on her bed and checks her temperature from her forehead using his hand.

"Still a bit warm… but better than a while ago. Ann… Please stay in bed… Here… let's place this wet compress. This should cool you off."

Akira looks for the bowl where a small hand towel soaked in cool water was placed. Makoto and Haru prepared it earlier for Ann's use. Akira finds it and picks up the towel. He folds it and places the towel on Ann's forehead.

"There. Does that feel good?" asked Akira.

Ann smiled.

"Yes…A whole lot better… Thank you…" Ann said.

Ann began closing her eyes again.

Akira smiled back.

"Akira…" she spoke quietly.

"Yes, Ann?"

"…"

"I… I love you…"

"…"

These were the last words Ann spoke before she drifted back to sleep.

Akira's heart made its biggest leap that evening. His body felt warm all over like Ann.

"D-did… you just say…"

Akira watched as she softly slept easy on her bed.

"Ann…" he spoke quietly.

Akira wasn't sure if it was because of her sickness… but if there was any slight truth to what she said… then it would make him one of the happiest people in the world at that moment.

Akira held one of Ann's hands in a comfortable grip. He decided to sit there beside her bed till he had to leave.

"It doesn't matter…" he said.

Whatever Ann's true feelings were… he knew what his were. He loved Ann and she wasn't leaving her. Not ever.


*Ann's perspective*

More than an hour after Akira sat beside Ann's bed to watch over her, Ann herself wakes up again. She feels refreshed. Her sinuses felt cleared, and her body no longer felt warm and heavy. She notices the wet towel on her forehead and removes it.

"W-what happened—-?"

She looks to her left and notices a sleeping Akira on a chair beside her bed. He had his arms crossed and he was leaning back on the chair.

"Akira… he came over…?"

Ann tries to recall what happened that day. It was very strange. She recalled a few things such as opening the door to…

"R-right… Makoto and Haru were here too."

She makes a mental note to thank them as well later. She recalls also eating a bit with their help. The rest were just flashes. Several of them featuring Akira. She also felt that she really wasn't herself that day. But right now, she felt a whole lot better. She checks the clock on her wall and notices it's getting pretty late. She had to wake Akira up.

"Akira. Wake up…"

Akira stirs a little in his chair. After Ann tries another time, Akira finally wakes up.

"Ann… You're up." he smiled.

"Yeah. I'm up. I feel a whole lot better. I'm guessing you've been here helping me out, haven't you?"

"Haha. A little…" Akira stretches a little in his chair.

I'm glad you're sounding normal again." Akira said.

His statement puzzled Ann.

"Sounding normal? What do you mean?" she asked.

"Uhm… never mind. You were… sounding sickly when we talked… that's all."

Ann looked into Akira's eyes and noticed a bit of a twitch. He was hiding something from her but she decided not to pry further. She at least owed him for taking care of her.

"I see. Uhm… Thanks… I'm not sure how much of a problem I was… But really…thank you so much." Ann smiled.

Akira had a relaxed smile.

"It was no problem. If you ever need anything Ann… I'm here for you."

Ann blushed. She really did like him a lot.

"Likewise. Next time you're sick, I promise to take care of you too."

Akira looked up in thought and then nodded.

"Deal."

Akira stood up and started getting his school materials. Ann herself slowly stood up herself to stretched a little. She then noticed her own disheveled appearance. Her hair and pajamas were in disarray and she just noticed that her top button was undone.

*Eeep*

She gasped a little. Luckily, Akira didn't notice. She quickly fixed herself up as Akira was facing the other side of the room, placing his stuff back in his bag. She also fixed her top button.

Akira turned around and passed on a set of papers to Ann.

"These are the school assignments from today. I put a few notes here for you to use. I also copied the lecture notes and left a copy for you."

"Wow."

She looked at the work and saw how organized it was.

"Uhm… Thanks… Again. God… I depended on you a lot today, huh?" Ann felt guilty.

"Like I said. It's no problem."

Akira went closer to Ann and checked if she was still warm from her forehead. His hand was checking it. Ann began to blush a little.

"It looks like your fever's down. That's great. But I think a good night's rest will definitely help.

"I've been sleeping all day. I'll probably work on that homework first. " Ann giggled.

"Hmmm… yeah you have been in bed all day… Maybe more liquids first. Then some good food after. We left some rice porridge prepared for you."

"Oh wow! Thanks! Do you want to… join me for dinner?" asked Ann. She kinda hoped that he'd stay a bit longer.

Akira smiled but then looked away.

"I'd love to… But I have to get going. There're some things I have to do back home. Sojiro is going to kill me if I'm out too late. Morgana is going to grill me too. Hahaha."

Ann suspected that he had plenty of things to do. She already got so much of his time today anyway.

"It's alright. Maybe next time. I'll lead you out." said Ann.

Ann and Akira slowly walked through her quiet apartment. Ann that morning was so worried what would happen if it were just Akira and herself alone in her apartment. And yet… with him here right now with her… she never felt so… relaxed. It felt like… everything was going to be fine. And it was. She felt safe and secure with him.

Ann decided she'd tell him soon… she'd tell him how she felt.

Ann opened the door for Akira. He steps out but he looks back towards her as if to say something.

"Y-yes?" asked Ann.

He opened and closed his mouth several times as if he was unsure if he was going to say something or not.

"What's up?" Ann giggled. She thought he looked silly standing there a bit dumbstruck.

"Well…Ann…Uhmm….Hmmm…" Akira looked like he was struggling just a little bit.

"You know… you can tell me anything… right? Was I that bad of a patient?" asked Ann.

Akira looked suddenly worried.

"N-No! It's just… I wanted to…say some—-…" Akira stopped once again from speaking.

Ann laughed a little.

"What is it?" she smiled.

Akira sighed in defeat. Finally he smiled too.

"Never mind. It's nothing important…."

Ann pouted.

"Come on… You can't leave me hanging like that!" she said.

Akira snickered.

"Hmmm… Okay how about…this…"

Ann wasn't ready as Akira leaned in towards her face.

"Eh?"

It was too late.

Akira quickly moved in… and placed a warm peck on her cheek. She wasn't sure how long he kissed her there. But her heart felt like it was beating 5 times faster than normal during the entire time he did.

He let go and smiled.

Ann was speechless and couldn't move.

"Goodnight Ann." He said.

Akira then slowly walked away towards the elevator… leaving Ann by her doorway.

Finally… after hearing Akira enter the elevator near the end of the hallway…Ann finally let out a sound.

"Eehhhhhhh….…!"

Ann was blushing like crazy.

Her body felt warm all over again… for a different reason…

"What… just… happened?…"

*Later on…*

After Akira and Ann became a couple, she asked him what actually transpired that day.

She got flustered all over again after learning the truth.

She also learned that Akira's kiss was his small sweet payback from what she did to him that day…

A final tease.

She still kept her promise that she would do the same though… which was to take care of Akira the next time he got sick… and her opportunity to do so came sooner than she thought…