Four days of summer break left. We had a study session planned for the back-to-school placement test, but something was off this morning.
”…Unusual that they’re not here yet.”
Normally they would have already infiltrated my still-asleep bed. Today, no sign. My phone — charging next to the pillow — rang. Tsurugi Reona.
“Hello?”
“Oh, you’re already up.”
“My usual bed-infiltrators didn’t show up, so. What’s going on?”
“Riona caught a cold and she’s down for the count. I want to spend the day taking care of her — can we cancel the study session?”
So that’s why my house was Reona-and-Riona-free this morning.
“Got it. Bad timing for Riona to get sick.”
“Thanks, sorry.”
She hung up. I was thinking fine, solo study session today when I noticed Riona’s tote bag in the corner of my room.
“Right, she forgot it yesterday. I should bring it over.”
Whatever was inside might be something she needed. And I could swing by with a get-well care package.
I grabbed her tote and my own bag and left. I knew the way to their house from the birthday party.
I stopped at a drugstore on the way and arrived. Rang the intercom. Reona, in casual clothes, came out.
“Oh — what brings you here? Did you miss our faces?”
“No — I’m here to drop off the tote Riona forgot yesterday, plus a care package.”
I handed her the tote and the drugstore bag.
“Thanks for coming all this way. Come in — Riona would be happier getting it from you directly.”
“Sure.”
I went in with Reona and we made it to Riona’s room.
“Riona, Ryouya-kun brought your forgotten stuff and a care package.”
”…Ryouya, you came.”
Riona had a mask on and a cooling-sheet stuck to her forehead. Her voice was weaker than usual. Like me after the pool day.
“Oh — since you’re here, help with the nursing?”
“Returning the favor — sure.”
“Then help Riona change.”
”…What?”
I had heard something deeply concerning, maybe an audio glitch.
“Ryouya, please…”
Riona’s voice was weak but her eyes were sharp. No exit.
I peeled off Riona’s pajamas while pointedly looking away. Tried to put a new shirt on her — Riona stopped me.
”…Wait, the underwear is still on.”
“That has to come off too…?”
“Of course.”
I had been hoping the underwear was sparable. It was not. I attempted to figure out the unhooking mechanism and failed.
“Not knowing this will hurt you in adulthood.”
“Yeah, practice now, while you can.”
“Then tell me how to do it.”
“Telling you would not be educational.”
“Ryouya unhooking it himself is meaningful.”
They were enjoying this. Did you get sick on purpose, Riona? Just changing Riona’s clothes took an absurd amount of time. Needless to say.