Saki POV

I couldn't hold it back anymore. Not after he uttered those words as he charged down the corridor.

It was the Cultural Festival, and I had found a quiet spot outside our classroom. Away from the noise, away from the boisterous, faceless crowd that I've always preferred to avoid. I was thankful that it was so deserted, for it gave me some much needed alone time. The play had taken up much of my energy, and I was not going to interact with anyone if I could.

Then he came, dashing up the stairs, almost tumbling, straight for me.

I tried to act tough, indifferent even, but I got progressively flustered.

His eyes were sparkling with resolve, and my eyes shied away the moment they made contact with his.

He was fulfilling his duties for the Planning Committee, asking something about accessing the rooftop that I often used as a refuge from the ruckus. I recalled the time we spent up there together with much delight.

Then, as he left, he dropped that bomb on me.

"Thanks! Love ya, Kawasaki!" He uttered as he sprinted off towards the rooftop.

I couldn't hold it in anymore. I knew it wasn't a confession, but it sure did sound like the one I've always hoped for.

In that corridor devoid of anyone, I let out my emotions.

I hoped that no one heard my shriek.

What happened today was different. On another level. Today he was so kind… so gentlemanly. The warmth from his gloves, the warmth from his back… He felt so reliable.

He was so close, so tempting. His warmth, his scent, his everything. I couldn't bear it any more. I wanted all of it. And so, I hugged him. Hard. And I loved it. Now I desired to embrace him even more.

It was moments like these that made me hold on to hope. A hope that he will, one day, reciprocate my feelings too.

The hope burns like a fire within my heart, undying, unwilling to be extinguished. Instead, it burns stronger with every passing day.

I try hard to ignore it, to pretend it doesn't exist, but it burns more intensely everytime I see him, and every sentence we exchange fuels that fire. Every day, it burns stronger and stronger.

I'm anxious and very afraid.

I'm afraid of the day when I can no longer hold back my burning desire.

What will I do when the day arrives and I can no longer hold it in?

One day, I will confess my love for Hikigaya Hachiman.

Hachiman POV

The howling winds slamming against the windows signalled to me that my usual lunch spot was not going to be a viable option. It looked like there was a snowstorm approaching, and as the winds gathered strength, I was glad that I was indoors. Annoyingly, however, this meant that I had to stay in the classroom with all these irksome riajuus. Resigning myself to this poor fate, I sunk my hands into my bag and retrieved my bread. My eyes wandered aimlessly around the classroom as I considered if I should get an ice cold can of my beloved MAXX coffee from the vending machine. After all, it was rather chilly today.

As I weighed the pros and cons of moving from my seat, I spotted a certain girl with a blue ponytail looking at me anxiously for a moment, before her eyes darted away furtively. That was odd. What did I do today to induce such a reaction from her? Wait, why is she walking towards me? She was breaking one of the few sacred, unspoken rules among loners… that is to ignore each other's existence in the midst of such a large crowd… If only it was Totsuka who was walking towards me instead. How I've missed him blessing me with his presence. It seems that he will be eating with his clubmates today. Again. Leaving poor me all by my lonesome. Banishing those potentially dangerous thoughts to the back of my head before they became material for Ebina's perverse fantasies, I looked up at the girl who had now arrived at my desk.

It was none other than Kawasaki Saki.

Seeing that she evidently had something important to speak to me about, I patiently waited for her to start. She pressed her forefingers against one another, she seemed to be struggling with parting those lips of hers. It looked like she never would get going, and I was getting slightly flushed with her staring at me like that…

I wanted to put an end to this awkward situation, and not wanting to waste more of my precious break time, I took the initiative.

"What is it, Kawasaki?" My tone came out sterner than I expected, but I blame that on my dry throat. I guess I should really get that can of MAXX after all.

"D-don't get so agitated, I-I'll tell you…" Kawasaki's eyes looked down at the floor apprehensively.

After a light cough to clear out my throat, I explained myself.

"I'm not agitated, my throat was just dry, you know."

Kawasaki sighed in relief. For a girl with such a strong facade, she was surprisingly weak to pressure. Interesting. Taking in a deep breath, she looked up at me with those bright eyes of hers, her timid expression now replaced with one of resolve. Stop it! My poor heart can't handle such a pure intense stare…

"I need your help. I have to pick up Kei-chan today… and my parents are not free. Can you help me pick Taishi up?" she pleaded.

Kei-chan. Her younger sister. I bumped into the pair of them a while back when I was helping out Isshiki with her stuff at the nursery. However, upon hearing that annoying pest's name, I scowled instinctively. I was not inclined to accept her request. Not only did I have more work on my hands, I now had to deal with that insect for much longer than I would have liked.

"Please?" Her long lashes fluttered up and down as she blinked at me. I was at a loss for words. I relaxed my scowl. How could I say no to such an expression? Taking my change in expression as agreement, she continued.

"Don't… don't you dare do anything to my brother." Now that didn't sound much like a threat did it, with her stumbling over her words. Well, at least she was being the brocon she always was.

Before I could reply, she continued once more, "In case anything happens… call me." Her hand slipped into her dress pocket and produced a slip of paper. Once I took it, she turned around and disappeared across the classroom. On the paper was a row of digits neatly written below her name. I never knew people still exchanged contacts with pen and paper in this day and age, but apparently, Kawasaki was one of those.

As I sunk into my seat, I realised that I didn't even have the chance to deny her request, much like what a certain foxy kouhai always did. I thought that this would have been a good break from the Service Club and helping out with assorted requests, but I now realised that it wasn't the case, sadly. Poor Hikigaya Hachiman had once again been saddled with more work that he didn't ask for. The least I could do was reward myself with that can of coffee, and so I would.

I got up and headed out of the classroom and towards the vending machine, thinking back about what just happened. Kawasaki had braved the sea of riajuus just to tell me to take care of that insect. She was a serious brocon indeed. Her love for her brother knows no bounds, it seems. It must have been difficult for her, and with a reluctance that I was getting way too familiar with, I set about fulfilling yet another request. The least I could do was to save her number I guess, and I did. Having it on my phone was more convenient than having it on a piece of paper easily forgotten anyway.

Slipping both my phone and that slip into my pocket, I plucked out my wallet and fed the machine which rewarded me with the sweet, sweet taste that is MAXX. It was going to be a long day.

The weather forecast today seemed a bit too optimistic about the temperature. As I walked out of the school building, the strong icy breeze chilled me to the bone, despite my layers of insulation. It is often said that the moments before snowfall were the coldest, and I sure hoped that it didn't get any colder. Blessed by Chiba's typically mild winters, I was not accustomed to such frigid temperatures.

Not wanting to spend a moment longer outdoors, I strode quickly towards the bike stands and retrieved my bicycle. As I rode as quickly as I could through the streets, the snow had begun to fall, and the wind picked up even more speed. Riding into the wind was a terrible experience, as I felt my face getting blasted by the numerous puny bits of stone cold ice, it felt like they were freezing bullets repeatedly pricking my face, gradually freezing it in the process.

Before long, I arrived at what was already a familiar sight: Komachi's middle school. Having parked my bicycle beside the gates, I trundled over to the gate and waved my hands to catch the attention of Komachi. Having seen me, she excitedly tapped Taishi's shoulder and they began to walk towards me. That insect is getting way too close to my precious Komachi. Remembering Kawasaki's threat, I forced myself to expel those thoughts of crushing that little insect. I wouldn't want to enrage a serious brocon anyway. God knows what she would do. I shuddered at that thought. Brocons were not to be trifled with.

Instead, being the responsible young adult that I was, I decided to inform her that I had picked up that insect and would proceed home soon after. Taking my phone from my pocket, I started texting her while waiting for those two to get to the gates. My dear Komachi, can't you see that onii-chan here is freezing from the cold? Can you not talk to Taishi as much and walk faster? While I love you very much, I can't do that anymore if I freeze to death right?

Speaking of the cold, the snowfall was progressively getting heavier, and the winds continued to howl relentlessly, growing in intensity. It was rapidly turning into an intense snowstorm. We had to get home quickly or risk getting stranded. Realising the severity of the situation at hand, I frantically waved at them to hurry up.

Sensing how frantic I was, they finally injected some sense of urgency into their steps and soon approached me. Given the intensity of the storm, I was afraid that we would be snowed in if we dragged our feet. Unfolding my wallet and emptying it of my precious savings, I handed the notes over to Komachi.

"Get a cab home, and call me once you reach home. I need to get this guy to his house first." I said, pointing at Taishi. What an annoyance. Not only did I have to spend less time with Komachi, I now had to make a detour just for him. I had to do what I had to do I guess, as I would rather not find out what a brocon like Kawasaki would do to me if I initiated my pest control measures.

"Okay, see you, Onii-chan! Don't take too long..." Komachi said cheerfully before pulling out her phone to hail a taxi. While waiting for the taxi to arrive, an awkward silence ensued. While Taishi definitely looked like he wanted to continue his conversation with Komachi, he seemed to sense my thoughts and backed off. On my end, I was unwilling to start a conversation with Komachi, for fear that the insect would find some way to weave himself into our conversation. I was just protecting my dear Komachi from an annoying pest. Just like any normal elder brother would do. Nothing particularly wrong with my actions, I think.

Instead, I turned to Taishi. "You had better give clear directions, or else we are going to freeze to death."

"Of… of course, Onii-san," Taishi replied, his face brimming with resolve. Who was he trying to impress? I certainly was not moved by his performance. And once again he had ignored my warnings not to call me "onii-san". Luckily for him, Komachi was still in close proximity. I wasn't going to scar her eyes for life. Thankfully, at this point, the taxi had arrived, and Komachi was on her way.

Motioning towards my bike, I glanced at Taishi, who understood what I implied. Dusting off the snow that had collected on the seat, I climbed aboard and began to ride off. In the couple of minutes that it took for us to get moving again, the storm had intensified. The harsh winter winds combined with the ever-growing frost meant that I was beginning to shiver, despite my reliable coat providing decent protection. Just how cold was it now?

"Onii-san, turn right here, and the third house to the left is ours." I grimaced as I heard him addressing me that way again. I was in no mood to retort him, but honestly, calling me onii-san isn't going to boost your chances with Komachi. Like, apart from me not liking you, Komachi evidently doesn't feel that way either… I'm sorry mate, your teenage romantic comedy died before it even started. In fact, it's more of a tragedy, isn't it? While I would like to empathise with you, I don't want you laying your filthy hands on my lovely Komachi.

Screeching to a halt outside the Kawasaki household, I waited for Taishi to dismount. The cold was getting unbearable. Seriously, was I living in Siberia or Chiba at this moment?

"Onii-san, come in! Get something hot to drink before you go back…" Taishi invited, his hands waving me in. While I still objected to how he addressed me, the offer of a hot drink and the warm house in this chilling weather was way too enticing to reject. Taishi was holding the door open, a tempting invitation indeed. I'm sorry Komachi, looks like you will have to wait a little longer for your dear onii-chan to get home.

I got off and parked my steed on their lawn, took off my shoes, and stepped into the Kawasaki household. Taishi, being the insect that he is, quickly scurried down the corridor and into what I assumed was the kitchen.

"Come on in, onii-san, the tea will be prepared soon." This pesky insect wasn't so useless after all, it seemed.

The Kawasaki household looked like any typical Japanese-style house, with wooden flooring, a flight of stairs up to the bedrooms, the kitchen to the right, and what should be the living room on the left. At least I thought it was normal. This was, in fact, my first time entering someone else's home that didn't belong to my relatives. However, it felt cosy, especially with the weather outside. The warmth was a very welcome change.

Following in Taishi's footsteps and stepping cautiously into the kitchen, I took a seat at the table and rested my feet.

Taishi soon came with two mugs of piping hot green tea. I gratefully accepted the tea and held the mug tightly with my hands, the hot vapour wafting from the tea and into my face, warming me up from the terrible cold that was the outside. Taking a sip, the warmth emanated down my throat and into the core of my body. While Taishi's tea brewing skills were far from matching Yukinoshita's, it didn't really matter at this point. A warm, cosy house, cradling a freshly brewed cup of tea. Coming in wasn't such a bad idea after all…

Taishi took a seat opposite to me and was consciously avoiding eye contact. That was strange. You know that I won't eat you up, right? It takes too much effort. I think I'll get rid of you in a manner that is painless… to me.

Taking a few more sips of tea, I set down the cup and let out a long sigh. I was getting a little bit too comfortable. Looking out of the window, I could see the flurries throwing themselves against the windows, the wind mercilessly shrieking on and on. I dreaded the moment which I needed to head out back home.

I heard the door creak behind me, and soon the sound of footsteps filled the hallway.

"I'm home!" a high pitched voice that rang pierced through the silent void that had previously filled the house. It must be Keika. Kawasaki would never make such a loud announcement of her arrival anywhere. Not even at home.

Taishi burst out of his seat and leapt towards the hallway. I stood up from my seat and followed him. It was only basic respect that I greet my gracious hosts after all.

"Onee-chan, Kei-chan, welcome home!" the insect bellowed. Keika ran into Taishi's welcoming arms. What's this? A reunion between long lost family? Why does it look so dramatic?

As Taishi carried Keika back into the kitchen, I found my gaze landing on Kawasaki.

She was dripping wet and shivering badly. She had obviously shed some of her clothing to keep Keika warm, much to her own detriment. Atrocious amounts of snow had landed on her garments, and as they melted it stuck to her body, accentuating her… features. They might not be comparable to Yui's but at least she had some, unlike a certain club president. Needless to say, my eyes shied away from her. Looking at her in that state for any longer would have been dangerous… I'm a healthy teenage boy after all.

"Are… are you okay?" I asked instinctively.

She stood there in stunned silence. Was she shocked at my presence? That shouldn't be. I did leave my bicycle parked outside.

"I'm… I'm good. Don't worry about me." She finally responded through her chattering teeth, her arms interlocking from the cold. Despite her assurances, her body language definitely suggested otherwise.

This was one of the common characteristics of us loners. Thinking back to the time Taishi raised the request to help her, it was similar. She was trying hard to resolve all the problems on her own, even though that came at great cost to herself. We are always unwilling to seek help. It is some sort of loner instinct. We are afraid of showing signs of weakness to others. We are afraid of relying on others, only to be disappointed. We would always try to solve issues on our own, no matter how tough it might be. Such is the path of a loner.

However, at this moment, Kawasaki Saki definitely needed some help.

I decided that she was going to need that warmth more than I did, so I turned my head to face the kitchen and ordered, "Taishi, put Keika down and get me my cup please."

Sensing my stern tone, Taishi immediately complied. Maybe there is hope for this little insect after all.

Gingerly handing over the mug over to Kawasaki, I ordered her to drink it.

"But…" She hesitated while staring into the cup.

"Drink it before it gets cold," I repeated myself.

She gently blew on the rising vapour before emptying the cup. Reclaiming the cup from her while keeping my eyes on anywhere but… there, I looked down at Keika, who had now wandered into the corridor having been set free by Taishi earlier.

"Kei-chan, can you help onee-chan get a change of clothes? She needs to bathe now."

"Haa-chan, okay!" Keika's big eyes brimmed with confidence as she turned around and proceeded up the stairs. Looks like Keika still sort of remembered my name. At least she didn't totally forget it, nor did she wait for someone else to reveal my name through conversation before remembering it. I wondered who could be so heartless to forget someone else's name, despite multiple reminders. Totally not me. I remember everyone's name clearly. Sometimes they even earn the honour of being in that special book of mine. Annoyingly, the book didn't seem to work. After all, I haven't had a shinigami flying around me. Not yet, anyway.

"You heard what I said, so go."

Kawasaki remained rooted to the ground, unwilling to move.

"I said, go." My voice came out blunter than expected. This time, I gave her a slight tug on the shoulders, hoping that it got her going.

"Please… please don't get angry…" Kawasaki looked straight at me with teary eyes. I was not expecting that.

"I'm not, but I will if you don't start moving."

Kawasaki's eyes lit up with fear and she immediately moved down the corridor, towards the bathroom. She was surprisingly weak to pressure. At least it got the job done.

Handing over the now empty mug to Taishi while reluctantly thanking him, I sensed the vibrations in my pocket. As I took my phone out of my pocket, I saw that it was Komachi who was calling.

"Hello, onii-chan! I just reached home safely. Where are you?"

"I'm resting at Kawasaki's house at the moment. The inse- I mean Taishi offered me a hot cup of tea. I will be back as soon as I can. So sorry, my dear Komachi."

"It's okay, onii-chan. Take your time. Be careful of the snow okay? It's getting heavier. It looks slippery out there… I'm sure that got me a bunch of Komachi points right? Hehehe." Komachi laughed smugly as she cut off the call.

Flipping the phone shut, I see Keika slowly dawdle down the stairs with a bunch of clothes and towards the bathroom. I kept my distance for obvious reasons.

Soon, she reappeared with another bunch of clothes, but she seemed to be struggling with the bulk of it. It was winter after all, and all of us had multiple layers on. While Keika was certainly trying to be helpful, she had obviously bitten off more than she could chew. I sighed as I approached her. I guess I had to repay them for their hospitality, right?

I asked softly, "Kei-chan, where is the laundry room? Onii-chan will help you."

"Down the corridor and to the left… can you also help Saa-chan get her towel? It's the bright pink one!" Keika waved her hands up in the air excitedly. Pink? For a girl bedecked from head to toe in nothing but blue, it was a surprisingly normal choice. I would have expected it to be blue.

As Keika handed me the bunch of clothes, something black peeked from underneath the shirt. It looked like lace of some sort. It looked oddly familiar. I consciously avoided looking at it, but my eyes were drawn towards it anyway. If only Keika was more responsible and adept in hiding that from my sight. Finally reaching the washing machine, I chucked the clothes in, trying hard not to take a second glance at what were obviously Kawasaki's undergarments.

I spotted the bright pink towel that Keika was describing so animatedly at the corner of my eye, and sought to free it from its hanger. Towel in hand, I returned to the bathroom. This reminded me of the multiple times Komachi had forgotten to take her towel before diving into the showers. She would always scream at the top of her voice to catch my attention. What will my beloved Komachi do one day if I wasn't around? Speaking of which, I really should return home soon. After all, poor Komachi was home alone.

Knocking on the door of the bathroom, I faced my back to the door, not wanting any mishaps to occur. As the door creaked open behind me, I heard an ear-piercing shriek. Honestly, my ears are important, okay? First Yuigahama, then you. I need my ears to hear my dear Komachi lavish her beloved onii-chan with praise. At this rate, I would turn deaf by the time I graduated from Sobu. Now that would be a terrible fate.

Was my back really that scary? Maybe I should get a job at a haunted house instead. If all I did was to stay stationary as people approached me, it does seem like much less work than a househusband…

"Your... your towel," I replied while extending my arm backwards, still slightly shocked from the thunderous response I had just received. I retracted my arm as I felt the towel leave my hand, only for my ears to be assaulted once again, this time with the slamming of the door. What did I just say about being considerate to my precious ears?

Not wanting to waste my footsteps moving back and forth the house, I waited outside for her to finish. Since I had decided to expend my energy to help her anyway, might as well go all the way, and help her put her towel back. That way I won't owe them anything.

Stepping aside as I heard the door open once more, revealing a stunned Kawasaki in her nightwear. She was wearing a yellow singlet, which was suspended on her shoulders by two thin strips of material. It was tight fitting and certainly did not leave much to the imagination. Her substantial curves led to a slender stomach. It was not helped by the fact that her pants were of similar tightness. I came to the conclusion that Kawasaki was indeed a very gorgeous girl. The scent of lavender flooded my nose, bringing my mind back to the events of yesterday momentarily.

"You're kind of in my way." Kawasaki timidly whispered.

"Your towel," I said as I extended my arm toward her.

"Eh. EHHHH?!" Kawasaki screamed in shock, retreating back into the bathroom, covering herself with the towel. She might have stopped shivering, but she still looked extremely pale. Looks like she was really falling sick. However, that didn't affect her vocal cords, apparently.

"I'll help you put it back," I explained. I'm a prim and proper high-spec gentleman. No need to scream at me. I wasn't going to do anything funny to it.

Seemingly convinced by my explanation, she handed over her towel hesitantly.

"Go and rest, I'll get Taishi to take care of you."

She hesitated for a moment, but my eyes impressed on her that she should not argue. Walking past me, she swung her head toward the corridor, emphasising the lush, flowing azure hair of hers. This was the first time I had ever seen her without her trademark ponytail. Her hair flowed down her back, almost reaching her bottom, which I must say, looked very round indeed. Normally it was covered up by her school dress, but this time her tights only served to accentuate the curves that she had.

Stopping myself before she caught me, a difficult task in itself, I turned around and went back to the laundry room, the scent of lavender mixed with her's following me all the way.

Entering the kitchen again to take a rest, I saw Taishi slowly hand over a mug to Keika. Taishi had a surprisingly caring side to him, it seems. Still not letting him close to Komachi though, not a snowflake's chance in hell. It was up to me to protect Komachi, as it wasn't something this mere insect could do.

I recalled that Kawasaki did mention that her parents were not able to pick Kei-chan up, which was the cause behind this whole mess in the first place. It was a mess that I somehow felt obligated to solve. Looking out of the window, the storm was still relentlessly strong, and it didn't look safe at all to venture outside. I was beginning to regret parking my bike so carelessly outside.

"Taishi, when are your parents coming back?"

"Tomorrow morning."

Wait, what?

Seeing my features filled with confusion, Taishi continued and explained, "Our parents finally could take some leave from work together, so they left with the rest of our siblings to visit our relatives."

I sunk into my seat. It was now that I realised how serious the situation was. I was stuck here for the foreseeable future, Kawasaki was evidently sick, and her pair of younger siblings needed to be fed.

"Taishi, can you cook?"

"Onee-chan only lets me use the electric kettle, she's afraid that if I used the stove, I would set the house on fire or something…" Taishi looked away in shame, as if he had recalled something embarrassing. Feeling merciful, I decided not to probe further.

Weighing my limited options, I guess that I would have to cook. I haven't done it on a regular basis since I've been to high school. Since then, my precious Komachi would normally deal with those affairs. Failing which, I normally grabbed some bread from the convenience store while on the way to school. I had, however, in the past cooked rather regularly for Komachi while I was still in middle school. It was important training for a prospective house husband after all, and it was one of the few things I was proud of.

"Can you at least help me prepare the ingredients? Or did Kawasaki ban you from handling knives too?" I questioned him with a smirk.

"No, no, onii-san, I can help with that. " Taishi waved his hands in dismissal, before continuing, "But onee-chan always does it alone so…" Just when I had some hope in this pathetic insect, he crushes it on his own. What a disappointment. One day I'll crush him. Or maybe I'll get Zaimokuza to do it.

"Good. Help me get some rice out. Seeing that your onee-chan is sick, we shall cook porridge today." Taishi nodded in response and began to move.

"Sorry for intruding then," I uttered as I made my way towards the fridge to scour whatever ingredients I could find. Opening the door of the refrigerator, I found that all the packets neatly labelled with expiry dates and when they were bought. It was evidently Kawasaki's handiwork. She was such a professional at this.

Picking some carrots and minced meat, I sighed as I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. All I wanted was some hot tea and a warm place to rest my legs momentarily, how did it come to this?

After what was admittedly quite an arduous task, the porridge was finally done. My less than able assistant did not help matters at all. Smelling the porridge, Keika started to whine.

"Taa-chan, I want some too…"

Not being able to stand the noise from a small kid's high pitched voice, I immediately scooped some into a bowl and handed it over to Taishi. My ears needed a break.

"Here, go feed her."

"How about onee-chan? I think she's hungry too." Taishi looked at me for advice. Well, I can't really deal with whiny little kids, so I guess Kawasaki is the better option. Taishi can deal with annoying noises. After all, he is often a source of it himself.

Retrieving another bowl from the racks, I ladled another portion into it and went upstairs after asking Taishi for directions. Knocking gently on the door twice, I twisted the doorknob and pushed the door open. So this was Kawasaki Saki's room. To my left were her bookshelves and the desk where she did her work. Right next to the door was her cabinet, and further in she lay on her bed, sound asleep.

Lying on her side, facing away from me and towards the wall, she looked at peace with the world. No worries about her younger siblings, no anger towards any of a number of idiots in our class, none of that awkwardness with me. She looked all the more vulnerable, and I was about to disturb her slumber, about to wake the sleeping tiger. I grimaced at that thought. Well, I would just get this over with quickly. I was getting hungry too.

I tapped her on her shoulders, and she did not respond. Placing the bowl on her desk, I shook her with both my arms. "Wake up, Kawasaki."

For my efforts, I was once again rewarded by a shriek from Kawasaki.

"Ehhhh, what are you doing in my room?" Kawasaki recoiled meekly in horror, clutching tightly to her sheets. Her vocal cords possessed the strength that her body evidently did not.

"We made porridge, you should have some before you sleep again."

"We?"

"Taishi… and I. Don't worry. I didn't let him come anywhere close to the stove. Wouldn't trust him with it anyway."

"Taishi… and you…" She repeated. It seemed like her illness had affected her mental capacity too. Well, either that or she was just groggy from having been woken up abruptly. I waited for her to sit up.

Seeing that she wasn't moving and not wanting to waste more time, I encouraged her, "Can you sit up, so that you can eat?"

"I… I don't feel too well…" she said, putting her hands up to her forehead. Meanwhile, seeing a relatively strong girl become a figurative damsel in distress, I felt my protective instincts kick in. I offered my arm in support. She stared at my arm as if it was a weird growth, and was stunned into being a motionless statue.

Deciding that she wasn't going to move on her own accord anytime soon, I grabbed her arm and pulled her up, and with my free hand, I tucked her pillow behind her to prop up her back. Letting her lean against the bedpost, I let go of her gently.

Grabbing the bowl from the table, I brought it over to beside her bed. "Can you feed yourself?" As soon as those words left my lips, I realised that I had asked a redundant question. She looked winded and was closing her eyes in a grimace. I had no other choice then. Shovelling the porridge with the spoon, I put it in front of her. Just as I did for Komachi multiple times before, this was nothing new… right? Just a different person, forced by the circumstances.

"Open up."

Her eyes widened in surprise, but then she swept her hair back with her hands and leaned forward, taking a mouthful.

"Sorry if it doesn't taste good, I haven't cooked in a while," I said sheepishly, and it was true. I had been relying on dear Komachi for most of my meals, and she was glad to indulge me. How lucky I was, with such a brilliant younger sister. I would never let her go.

"Its… It's okay, Hikigaya," she responded, her hands covering her mouth shyly. Seeing that the spoon was now emptied, I refilled it once more from the bowl and put it in front of her once again. With every mouthful, it was getting more and more awkward, and the atmosphere was one of total silence, bar the sounds of cutlery. Normally, I wouldn't complain about silence. In fact, I loved it. No incessant, superficial chatter, just pure, peaceful silence. This silence on the other hand felt… weird, but I could find no way to fill this void. I was not an expert at filling quiet places with noise. After all, that was Yuigahama's speciality. If I stole that from her, what else could she do?

As she finished the last mouthful, my ordeal finally came to an end. Or so I thought.

"I'll go now, take care," I said, as I began to turn around, heading for the door.

I felt a tug on my sleeve, and her next few words stopped me in my tracks.

"Stay with me."

In that quiet room, there was no way I misheard what she said, despite the abuse my eardrums had taken recently. Kawasaki Saki had requested that I stay in her room. Alone with her. Even though she was evidently sick, that request came through loud and clear. There was some sort of sincerity behind it. This was some sort of request that a loner rarely makes. One where he or she demands the presence of another soul. Acknowledging the rarity of her request, and that she was sick, I had little choice but to accede to it.

Turning back around to face her, a smile peeked through her pale face, and some colour returned to her cheeks. Being sick does make people act differently indeed. I've never seen this side of Kawasaki.

"I… I'll stay till you fall asleep." I offered. It was the least I could do. With that, she finally let go of my sleeve.

Sitting down on the floor against her bed frame, I realised that this was my first real break since Kawasaki came home. I yawned as my exhaustion became to overwhelm me. I watched over her in silence as her eyelids gradually drooped, and eventually closed shut.

I slumped against the bed frame, and before I fell asleep I heard something that I never thought would come out from the lips of Kawasaki Saki.

"About that 'love ya'... I love ya too."

Too tired to process what she just said, I closed my eyes and entered a peaceful slumber.

A/N: I am extremely surprised by the response the first chapter has received, and I hope that this second installment is a worthy sequel. I have completed major planning for this fic, and am only left with minor details. Massive thanks to Bchets, Lynx and yang for the beta/proofread, as well as many others I have consulted. Last but not least, thanks to every single one of you who have read this far. Your reviews, follows and favourites have been massively encouraging. See you soon!

Katyusha.