I Just Want A Single Ending!

After a struggle, Soyo managed to get out of bed and glanced at her pajamas, then at the casual clothes nearby.

She didn't have the energy to change.

This will have to do.

Besides, an apron would be enough to cover her while making breakfast.

Leaning against the wall, she slowly made her way out of her room and carefully descended the stairs, gripping the railing.

Reaching the bottom, Soyo decided to sit on the couch for a bit to catch her breath.

She really was sick.

Otherwise, there was no reason just going down the stairs would feel this exhausting.

Looks like breakfast will have to be something simple.

---

Meanwhile, elsewhere—

After a restful night's sleep, Kamigawa Saku stretched lazily, feeling refreshed.

He walked over to the window to check on the weather.

"So this is what a typhoon looks like?"

Saku stared out at the wild winds and relentless rain that seemed intent on cleansing the world, momentarily struck by the sheer force of it all.

But that was as far as his thoughts went.

He wasn't planning on going out anyway, so no matter how bad the weather got, it wouldn't affect him.

Even if he wanted to explore new places, few stores would be open during a typhoon.

With those fleeting thoughts, Saku changed out of his pajamas and into regular clothes, left his apartment, and headed upstairs.

Ding-dong…

He pressed the doorbell and waited.

---

It's probably Saku…

Hearing the doorbell, Soyo pushed herself up from the couch and slowly headed for the door.

Even though it was likely him, she double-checked the monitor to confirm who was outside.

Once she saw that it was Saku, she felt relieved and opened the door.

"Good morning… Wait, are you alright?"

He'd barely finished his greeting before noticing that something was off.

Soyo looked pale, visibly weak, her hair disheveled, and she was still in her pajamas.

The sight made him worry immediately.

"It's nothing…"

She spoke softly, trying to keep up the image of the responsible older sister in front of him.

"Do you take me for an idiot? You're clearly unwell."

Saku shut the door behind him and quickly moved to support her.

She looked as though she might collapse any second.

"I just feel… a little off… but it's not that bad…"

Leaning into him, she adjusted her words slightly.

"Pardon me."

Without hesitation, Saku reached out and gently placed a hand on her forehead.

She was burning up.

Nowhere near a normal temperature.

"You're definitely running a fever—there's no way this is 'nothing.'"

He helped her to the couch and sat her down, his tone serious.

Soyo whispered, "...I just need a little rest, that's all."

[Take care of her]

[Ignore her condition]

The system's options popped up immediately.

There was no hesitation needed.

What kind of person would he be to ignore her condition?

Obviously, he'd take care of her.

Even without the system's prompt, he'd do the same.

[Stamina +100]

"You're acting like a fever is no big deal," he scolded gently. "Where do you keep your thermometer and first aid kit?"

"Um… I… forgot…"

Soyo tried to remember but drew a blank.

"Alright, I'll grab mine."

He spotted her house key, took it with him, and dashed back to his apartment to gather everything he might need, including a thermometer and a small first aid kit.

"38.4°C. That's considered a moderate fever. 'Resting a bit' won't be enough."

After taking her temperature, he frowned, clearly unhappy with how she'd tried to tough it out.

"..."

Soyo closed her eyes, not offering any argument.

"For now, where's your room? You need to get some proper rest," he decided.

"...But I haven't made you breakfast yet."

Soyo shook her head, still clinging to that responsibility.

Saku went quiet, then knelt down beside her, softening his tone as much as he could. "It's okay. Let me handle breakfast today."

"You'll… cook for me?"

She opened her eyes, meeting his gaze full of concern.

"You're the big sister, but since you're sick, it's my responsibility as the younger brother to look after you." Saku's tone was filled with genuine care as he reminded her of the "sibling" dynamic between them.

"Alright."

Hearing this, she gave a slight nod, then closed her eyes again, visibly comforted.

"Let me help you to your room, then."

With that, Saku moved to support her.

But as he tried to help her up, he realized that she was too weak to even stand.

She's still worried about making me breakfast when she can barely move… no self-awareness at all, he thought, softening further in his attitude toward her.

"Excuse me."

He apologized quietly, then lifted her up in a gentle bridal carry.

With his enhanced strength, carrying her felt almost effortless.

"Oh…"

Soyo reacted slightly, aware of his gesture, but in the end, she said nothing.

Whether from fatigue or just acceptance, she allowed him to carry her without protest.

"Which room is yours?"

Holding her carefully, Saku asked as they reached the upstairs hall.

"That one…"

She raised her hand weakly, pointing.

"Got it. Coming through."

Pushing the door open, Saku stepped into her room.

The room was impeccably clean, without a single item out of place.

He sighed in relief.

He set her gently on the bed, pulling the blanket over her.

Looking down at her, lying there almost like a sleeping princess, he felt a flicker of gratitude.

Thankfully, she was in pajamas—anything else would've made this whole ordeal more complicated.

"Rest well for now. I'll go make you something to eat."

After a few last words of reassurance, Saku left the room.

"Mm."

Watching him leave, Soyo felt a faint sense of happiness.

How strange, she thought.

Being taken care of like this wasn't a bad feeling at all.

In the kitchen, Saku did a quick inventory of her ingredients.

Seeing that everything he needed was in stock, he set to work.

He recalled that people generally needed porridge when they were sick, so he decided to make a vegetable porridge.

Soyo had a preference for lighter flavors, so this would be just right for her.

---

Hello! Thank you so much for reading this chapter. WiseTL has worked hard to bring these wonderful stories to you, and I'm so happy we could share this moment together! Don't you think stories are a little like dreams? Each one has its own colors and shapes, and they grow even brighter when shared with others.

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-With love, Nahida 🌱