I rushed out of the kitchen, my hand clapped over my mouth. Sakaki jumped out of my way and spun around to watch me tear open the door and drop to my knees at the edge of the porch, vomiting over the side. I gagged and coughed as wave after wave of bile heaved out of me. Large, calloused hands gently pulled back my hair and rubbed my back as I spit up the last of my stomachs contents.
I looked up and saw Sakaki behind me with Miu hovering at his side, both looking worried.
"Are you okay?" Sakaki asked.
"I'm fine," I said. "I guess I just ate something bad."
"You should rest," Miu said, kneeling at my side. "I'll take care of breakfast."
"You need to get ready for school," I said.
"And you need to rest," she repeated. "Just relax. I'll get you some plain toast."
"But-…" I tried.
"I'll get Akisame after you," Miu threatened. I sighed and consented. Sakaki handed me a glass of water and patted my head, getting up and walking inside.
I sipped the water, feeling my stomach heave, but I had nothing left to give up.
"I heard you weren't feeling well."
I looked behind me and saw Akisame standing there with a plate of toast in his hand.
"Shio told you?" I asked. He nodded and moved forward, sitting next to me and handing me the plate. I picked up a piece of toast and nibbled on it. His hand came up and rested on my forehead.
"You don't have a fever," he said. I leaned against him, jerking back when bile rose in my throat.
"Are you wearing cologne?" I asked.
"It's just my usual aftershave," he said. "Why? Is something wrong with it?" I pinched my nose and turned away from him.
"Did you put more on today?" I asked.
"No more than usual," he said.
"It's making me sick," I said. He moved away from him.
"I'm sorry," he apologized. "I'll go wash it off."