“Time to wake up, Nagisa-chan.”
I silenced my phone alarm and called out to her. Nagisa was still sprawled on the bed, her arms wrapped around me from behind, holding me close. Being hugged like this made it impossible for me to get out of bed. Feeling her soft body against my back, I started to feel sleepy again.
But if we fall back asleep now, both Nagisa and I will be late… I tried to move her arms aside to get up, but she held on tight, like a seatbelt.
“Nagisa-chan… seriously, if we don’t get up, we’ll be late.”
“I’m awake…”
Nagisa mumbled in a slightly lower voice than usual, still groggy from sleep. She looked a bit unwell, which worried me. Then it hit me.
Oh right, today’s that day for Nagisa…
It’s not just laziness; she’s probably in real pain. I’m not too affected by it, but Nagisa always seems to struggle a lot every month. I shifted in the bed, turning to face her. Sure enough, her face looked pale…
“Should you skip school today?”
At my question, Nagisa gave a small shake of her head on the pillow
“I’m fine. Just in the morning.”
“Oh… Can you eat breakfast?”
This time, she gave a small nod. Nagisa always acts like an older sister, and I often lean on her, but today I need to be the strong one.
“Then you stay in bed. I’ll make breakfast. Can you let go of me?”
“Nope.”
When I gently touched her arms and asked, she immediately refused. If she doesn’t let go, I can’t get out of bed or make breakfast… But it feels cruel to be cold to her when she’s feeling weak. As I hesitated, Nagisa flashed a mischievous smile.
“Maybe I’ll feel better if you give me a kiss.”
“Huh?!”
I was so surprised I made a strange noise. A kiss?!
“Come on, hurry up! If you don’t do it, we’ll be late.”
Nagisa puckered her lips, waiting for me to do it. Her plump, pink lips drew my gaze. Nagisa is so beautiful that even I feel a little fluttery when she’s this close.
“N-no way. That’s something people who like each other do…”
I looked away from her face and mumbled. Nagisa is my best friend, but I don’t think friends do stuff like that.
“Aww, but I like Yuno. Does that mean Yuno hates me?”
“T-that’s not it!”
Nagisa pouted like she was sulking. I like Nagisa too, but even if it’s as friends, kissing just feels wrong… As I hesitated, Nagisa pressed further.
“Is it… that you don’t want to kiss me?”
She made a genuinely hurt, sad expression. Seeing her like that made my heart ache.
I don’t mind kissing Nagisa at all. If it makes her feel better, maybe it’s okay… But it’s a little embarrassing, and it still feels weird between friends…
As I struggled with what to do, Nagisa giggled.
“Come on, I was just kidding. You’re so cute.”
She poked my cheek. Realizing I’d been tricked, I felt embarrassed for taking it seriously. But Nagisa’s complexion looked better than before, which relieved me a little.
“You’re such a jerk, Nagisa-chan…”
I puffed out my cheeks and muttered, and Nagisa laughed again.