Heartbeats and Illusions

"Excuse me..."

Using the key to unlock the door to Natsukawa Kanade's apartment, Shiina Mahiru carefully stepped inside, ensuring the door closed silently behind her.

After school ended, she had gone straight home, only to notice that Kanade hadn't attended class today. He was not the type to skip school without reason. Something must have happened.

Her concern, as a classmate—of course—compelled her to check on him. Maybe she could offer some help?

However, despite ringing the doorbell for a long time, there was no response. Her worry only deepened.

Could he have come down with a fever again? If so, he must be feeling miserable, especially since Kanade lived alone. Mahiru knew this well; they were similar in that regard. Over time, as their bond grew, Kanade had even given her a spare key, saying it was inconvenient to answer the door constantly.

The living room, once cluttered and chaotic, was now unusually tidy and silent. The stillness gave the impression that no one was home.

He must be in his bedroom. That was the only plausible explanation. If he had gone out, he would have at least answered her messages.

Tiptoeing, Mahiru pushed open the bedroom door.

There he was—Natsukawa Kanade—sleeping soundly on his bed. His chest rose and fell with the rhythm of his breathing, and a sheen of sweat glistened on his forehead and through his slightly disheveled hair. His face, strikingly handsome, seemed carved by a master sculptor. Yet even in sleep, his brows furrowed occasionally, as though the weight of his everyday burdens haunted his dreams.

Mahiru's chest tightened at the sight.

If she hadn't distanced herself before, would she have been able to stay by his side as a matter of course? Regret bubbled up in her chest, but she quickly suppressed it.

After all, there was no medicine for regret—not even for someone dubbed an "Angel."

Suddenly, an untimely gurgling noise echoed in the quiet room. Mahiru froze, her face heating up as she clutched her stomach.

Thank goodness no one heard...

Skipping lunch had been a bad idea, but she had been too worried about Kanade's condition to eat. Now her stomach was protesting.

But then another thought struck her: if she was hungry, Kanade, who was likely ill, must be starving.

Right! I should make something for him to eat. He needs it more than I do.

Determined, Mahiru spoke softly, "Just wait a moment, okay? I'll go make you something to eat."

Before leaving, she lightly brushed her fingertips against Kanade's hand—just a fleeting touch. Her face burned with embarrassment at her own boldness.

What am I doing? she thought, averting her gaze as if caught in some mischief. Even so, this was a rare moment of closeness she couldn't resist.

"Don't go..."

Mahiru froze in place, startled by the sudden murmur.

Turning back cautiously, she saw that Kanade was still fast asleep. Was he talking in his sleep?

Relieved, she chuckled softly. "I'm not going anywhere," she whispered. "I'm just going to the kitchen. I'll be back soon."

Her soothing tone seemed to work, as Kanade's furrowed brows relaxed, his expression softening.

Mahiru smiled gently before heading out to prepare a meal.

011. Visit from the Angel (Part 2)

Natsukawa Kanade stirred awake slowly, greeted by the familiar sight of his bedroom ceiling. He let out a soft sigh.

Another dream.

Once again, he had dreamed of sharing a pleasant, ordinary life with Mahiru—only to confront her and be rejected as always. But this time... the dream had shifted.

She had agreed to date him.

"I won't leave," she had said. "Let's be together."

Kanade frowned slightly, replaying the moment in his mind. For a brief instant, he questioned if it had been real. But as his grogginess faded, reality set in.

It was just a dream.

Dreams were the only place where such impossible wishes could come true. Reality, on the other hand, had a habit of reminding him to keep his feet on the ground. He shook his head, trying to push the lingering melancholy aside.

Before he could dwell further, faint footsteps reached his ears. The sound was subtle, yet it instantly put him on alert.

Was someone breaking in? At this hour? If so, he was in no condition to defend himself. His fever had left him weak and sluggish.

Just as he was debating whether to reveal his hiding place in exchange for safety, the bedroom door creaked open.

It was Shiina Mahiru.

She stepped inside cautiously, balancing a tray with a small casserole, a bowl, and a soup spoon.

"Kanade... Natsukawa-san, you're awake." Relief flickered across her face, quickly followed by worry. Would Kanade be upset about her intrusion?

"Well, I... I made some porridge," she said hesitantly, placing the tray on a nearby table.

Kanade stared at her for a long moment before murmuring, "Thank you."

Mahiru's lips parted in surprise. His calm response was unexpected. For a moment, she thought he might berate her for overstepping boundaries, but he didn't.

The fact that she still had the key to his apartment didn't escape him. After all, Mahiru wasn't the type to hold onto unnecessary things. Perhaps she had simply forgotten to return it.

As for why she was here? Kanade assumed it was out of kindness. The "Angel" wasn't the type to ignore someone in need, even if that person had once confessed to her and been rejected.

"Are you feeling better now?" Mahiru asked softly. "Do you need anything? I could... um, feed you some porridge?"

Her words trailed off into a barely audible whisper, and she clasped her hands nervously.

Mahiru's heart raced. Why did I say that? What if he rejects me? I'll never live this down!

Kanade, however, didn't overthink it. In his weakened state, the offer felt like a lifeline. Normally, he would have waved it off, but today... he simply nodded.

"Sure," he said.

Mahiru's eyes widened. "Ah? Eh?"

He actually agreed? In the past, he would have refused such intimate contact without hesitation.

"Is it too much trouble?" Kanade asked, noticing her stunned expression.

"No! Not at all!" Mahiru replied quickly, flustered but delighted. She hurried to his bedside, her earlier anxiety replaced by a quiet sense of joy.

Today really is my lucky day.