Chapter 383: A Cold
While preparing breakfast and the lunch bento, Eriri finished washing up and came out.
When she first woke up, she felt alright, but after getting dressed and finishing washing up, Eriri clearly felt that she really had caught a cold.
"My nose is blocked, it's uncomfortable..."
While making the tamagoyaki, Kaede glanced at Eriri and said, "That's how it is when you have a cold. You barely got sick last year, but this year you caught one unexpectedly in the spring. Luckily you don't have hay fever, or it would be even worse."
"Mhm, you're right. Fortunately, it's just a cold."
Nodding, Eriri came and sat down at the dining table: "Kaede-kun, what are we having for breakfast?"
"The congee that was set to cook last night, along with some light side dishes. Lunch will also be light. I won't be making the fried chicken pieces I originally planned for today."
Upon hearing that there would be no fried chicken pieces, Eriri became even more listless and slumped onto the table: "Ugh... my fried chicken pieces..."
"Stop complaining. You can eat whatever you want once your cold is better, right? It's really not suitable to eat overly greasy food right now. I've replaced the fried chicken pieces with ginger-fried chicken pieces, which are also delicious."
Kaede scooped out the tamagoyaki, sliced it, placed it in the insulated box and covered it, then began serving breakfast for Eriri.
Although it was only congee, Kaede had made chicken congee using chicken thigh meat, and it tasted excellent.
After comfortably finishing breakfast, and under Kaede's supervision, Eriri changed into thicker stockings. Only then did the two of them leave together.
Holding Kaede's arm, Eriri, who was wearing a mask, sniffed and said, "A cold is so annoying, and I have to wear a mask."
"Since we caught it early, you'll be fine after resting for a few days. Eriri, just behave yourself these few days. I'll also arrange your diet, focusing on light meals."
"Hey!" Eriri looked dejectedly at Kaede, "What about meat? We can't skip meat!"
"Don't worry, there will definitely be meat. I have to eat some myself, too."
"What! So Kaede-kun, you just want to eat it yourself!" Looking at Kaede, Eriri leaned closer in dissatisfaction, "Ahhh, I don't care, I'm going to infect you! If we're going to be sick, we'll be sick together!"
"Huh? You can't do that! Eriri, why are you trying to trick me?"
"If I don't trick you, who will I trick? Don't run!" Seeing Kaede pull away, Eriri continued to move closer.
Kaede immediately placed a hand on Eriri's face and looked at her, saying: "If I really get infected by you, what then? Will we start a cycle? One gets better only to be infected by the other, and then we keep infecting each other? Besides, my constitution isn't so weak that I'd catch it that easily from you."
"Then let's kiss! I want to see if you get infected!"
Right after she finished speaking, Kaede flicked Eriri on the forehead with a finger. He used a little force, and Eriri quickly covered her forehead in pain.
"Kaede-kun, you're bullying me!"
"...You've already said everything, what else can I say?" Taking a deep sigh, Kaede put his arm around Eriri's shoulder and said, "Alright, alright, stop messing around on the street. Let's go to school first."
As a side note, after leaving the house, even Eriri's school bag was being carried by Kaede.
Although it was just a minor cold, it was Eriri's first time being sick this year (not counting her monthly visitor). When something like this happened, Kaede naturally paid close attention, ensuring Eriri's condition didn't worsen and striving for a quick recovery.
After arriving at school, everyone learned that Eriri had caught a cold.
Looking at the mask Eriri was wearing, Aisaka Taiga curiously said, "That's really rare. It's the first time I've ever seen you sick, Eriri!"
"Mhm, mhm, it really is the first time since we met?" Usami nodded, recalling the past year, where it seemed Eriri had never been sick or taken time off.
Sniffing her nose, Eriri's tone was somewhat weak: "Heaven knows how I caught a cold. Kaede-kun said half my body wasn't covered by the blanket when I was sleeping this morning. Hmph, Kaede-kun must have stolen my blanket!"
"..." Kaede gave Eriri a speechless look and said, "Considering you're sick, I won't argue with you, girl."
She shouldn't forget who was the most aggressive blanket thief last winter, and who constantly needed Kaede to adjust her sleeping posture in the middle of the night.
Although the weather was warming up now, Kaede hadn't expected Eriri to behave this way, and even more exaggeratedly.
Cold in winter, and then complaining about the heat in spring. That's typical of you.
Seeing Kaede's helpless gaze, Eriri's eyes held a smile as she shook her head playfully at Kaede. Although she wanted to stick out her tongue, she realized she couldn't because she was wearing a mask.
Just then, Kawashima Ami, who had just arrived in the classroom, came over and said with a smile, "I heard that just now, about stealing blankets and all. Just because you're living together, don't start being so blatant. There are plenty of single people around here."
"Hehe, jealous?"
Eriri said with a smile, "This is just ordinary interaction between Kaede-kun and me. If you're jealous, go find a boyfriend yourself. Haven't you said it yourself? There are plenty of boys with two legs; I think you can definitely find a guy who suits you."
As soon as she said this, many boys nearby started to get excited.
"Someone who suits me~~" Kawashima Ami nodded, looked at Kaede, and said, "Someone like Asakura-kun is pretty good!"
Instantly, the atmosphere around them cooled down. Even classmates who hadn't been participating in the conversation gasped sharply upon hearing Kawashima Ami's comment.
Kitamura Yusaku pushed up his glasses, looking at Kawashima Ami, who was smiling while meeting Eriri's gaze, unsure whether he should be happy or feel some other emotion.
In response to Kawashima Ami's comment and gaze, Eriri returned a smile and said, "Mhm~~~ Kaede-kun can certainly be considered the ideal type for most girls: handsome, caring, and good income! But, Ami, he's mine, and no one else can take him away!"
"You're really confident, Eriri."
"Of course I am."
The next second, Kawashima Ami's expression relaxed. Looking at her friends around her, she said, "You guys actually got nervous! You should know I wouldn't really do that, right? Do you really think just anyone can interfere with the relationship between these two?"
Everyone finally let out a collective sigh of relief.
Usami looked at the two of them and whispered, "I was genuinely startled. I almost thought a war was about to break out!"
"That's an exaggeration, talking about war."
Crossing her arms, Kawashima Ami smiled and said, "It's true that some relationships can easily fracture, but occasionally, you get a scenario like this, reminiscent of a pure romance manga."
Kawashima Ami's words were met with unanimous agreement from everyone.