The Delinquent Shimizu-san Sitting Next to Me Has Dyed Her Hair Black-Chapter 5Volume 4 .4 - Shimizu-san and the Cold

Shimizu-san and the Cold 4

“It’s not your fault.”

“Ah? But Shimizu-san, you left because of what I said, right?”

“That’s... not wrong, but it’s not because you said something unpleasant that I left.”

“Then why did you leave?”

“Because....”

Her voice dropped so suddenly that I couldn’t hear her, even though I was close by.

“I’m sorry, could you say that again?”

“Do I have to?”

Her gaze was weaker than usual, and it made my heart skip a beat.

“If Shimizu-san doesn’t mind, I’d like to know.”

“...because it was embarrassing. You were praising me so straightforwardly.”

I was taken aback. I had never considered that before.

“So, it wasn’t because you felt bad that you left?”

“...Yeah.”

——It wasn’t my words that had hurt Shimizu-san.

It felt like a string that had been tense inside me had snapped.

“That’s a relief...”

“You were that worried about that?”

It seemed my emotions had shown on my face.

“Yeah, that’s why I’ve been thinking about you non-stop since yesterday.”

“Wha?!”

“I’m really glad you weren’t hurt.”

“...You worry about me too much.”

Shimizu-san’s face seemed redder than before, but maybe it was just the fever.

“Shimizu-san, I just told your mother earlier too, but to me, you are very important.”

“Huh? What did you just say?”

“To me, Shimizu-san is an important person...”

“Before that!”

“I just told your mother earlier too...”

“What on earth did you say to someone’s parent!? Ah, later I’ll be asked all sorts of things by my mom...”

Shimizu-san buried herself deep in the futon.

“Are you okay?”

A few seconds later, Shimizu-san peeked out from the futon, glaring sharply.

“Whose fault do you think this is?”

“S-sorry.”

“...Well, okay. Did you say what you wanted to say?”

“No, there’s one more thing I want to tell you, Shimizu-san.”

“Why are you making such a serious face!”

I wonder why Shimizu-san is so flustered.

“Can I say it?”

“Wait, let me prepare myself!”

Shimizu-san hurried out of the futon and sat on the edge of the bed, placing her hands on her knees, ready to listen.

“You don’t need to change your posture for this.”

“It’s my issue, don’t worry about it!”

“Okay, got it.”

I can’t let Shimizu-san, who has a cold, strain herself, so I should start talking quickly.

“So, what is it that you wanted to talk about?”

“What I wanted to tell Shimizu-san is that I want you to take care of yourself... Huh, Shimizu-san, what’s wrong?”

“No, it’s nothing...”

Shimizu-san’s expression clearly changed. Maybe it wasn’t what she was expecting.

“Can I continue?”

“Sure, but it’s my business whether I take care of myself or not.”

“That’s true.”

How Shimizu-san treats herself is indeed her own freedom.

“Then that’s the end of the discussion...”

“But this is just my selfishness.”

“What do you mean?”

“To me, Shimizu-san is irreplaceable. It hurts to hear you speak poorly of yourself.”

I’m sure I didn’t feel this way in my first year.

When did I start feeling like this?

I can’t even remember.

“...Then help me.”

“Shimizu-san?”

“If that’s the case, help me change. I probably can’t change myself alone. So you help too.”

“Am I good enough?”

“You’re the one who brought it up, so it’s only right that you help.”

Shimizu-san said this and then looked away.

“...Okay. I’ll do my best to help Shimizu-san like herself!”

“Yes...”

“Shall we start then?”

“Start what?”

“I was thinking of listing all the good things about Shimizu-san, one by one, to help you like yourself.”

“If you say that, I’ll kick you out of the house.”

Shimizu-san’s tone was serious.

If I say it, she might really do it.

“I’ll think of another way.”

“Do that.”

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How can I make Shimizu-san value herself?

As I pondered, a sudden idea struck me.

“Shimizu-san, is there anything you want me to do?”

“Why so sudden?”

“I was thinking that if I can convey how much I care for Shimizu-san, maybe you’ll start to care for yourself too.”

“Are you talking nonsense? Just because you value something doesn’t mean I will.”

“Really? I feel like Shimizu-san would care. Anyway, isn’t there anything you want me to do? If I can, I’ll do anything for you.”

“You... don’t say such things to anyone but me.”

I was glared at by Shimizu-san.

It seems I said something I shouldn’t have.

“I don’t intend to say it to anyone but Shimizu-san, but I’ll be careful.”

“Good, as long as you understand... *yawn*”

Shimizu-san let out a cute yawn.

“Are you sleepy?”

“A little... You said you’d do anything I ask, right?”

“If it’s within my power.”

“Then listen to what I say.”

“What do you want me to do?”

I wonder what she will ask of me.

I’m a little nervous.

“...hold my hand until I fall asleep.”

“Is that really okay?”

“No good?”

Shimizu-san looked anxious.

Maybe she’s feeling more vulnerable than usual because she’s sick.

“...Alright, shall we hold hands?”

“Yeah.”

Shimizu-san got back into the futon and reached out one hand towards me.

I gently took her hand.

“Is this okay?”

“...yes.”

Silence enveloped the room.

***

After a while, the soft sound of breathing could be heard.

“Shimizu-san...”

“It looks like she’s fallen asleep.”

“Ai-san!?”

I couldn’t help but raise my voice.

When had she returned?

“Shh. Let’s go back to the living room for now.”

“Y-Yes.”

Led by Ai-san, I headed back to the living room.

“Were you able to have a proper talk with Kei?”

“Yes, I think we were able to share our thoughts with each other.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“Thank you for today.”

I bowed my head towards Ai-san.

“There’s no need to thank me. I want Kei and Daiki-kun to get along well, too.”

“Thanks to Ai-san, I was able to convey my feelings to Shimizu-san.”

“What did you tell Kei, Daiki-kun!?”

Then Ai-san eagerly pressed me for every detail about what had happened in Shimizu-san’s room.