The Loner's Cold
My name is Yuki Kiriyama, 16 years old, and believe it or not, I was just proposed to by Yuki-san. Yes, 16 years old. It's important, so I said it twice.
“Um…Yuki-san? I can’t get married yet. You see, I’m only 16.”
“!? Oh, that’s right. I got a little ahead of myself.”
I think this is the first time I’ve seen Yuki-san with such a surprised expression. Her eyes opened so wide.
“So, why did you suddenly say something like that?”
“Well, when I told Hinata-san about my situation, she suggested a fake marriage to silence my relatives. I thought about the men I see regularly, and you were the only one who came to mind, Yuuki-san.”
“...I see. Could I borrow your phone for a second?”
“Sure?”
Yuki-san handed me her phone, clearly not understanding my intentions. I took it and called a certain someone in her contact list.
‘Yuki? What’s going on?’
“This isn’t Yuki-san; it’s Kiriyama Yuuki.”
‘Ah, I see. Did it work out?’
“Before we talk about success or failure, I wanted to get your opinion on something.”
‘What do you want to know?’
“Why did you suggest something like that to Yuki-san?”
‘That’s simple. I thought it sounded amusing.’
I knew it. She probably guessed I couldn’t legally marry yet and still set things up.
“Yuki-san didn’t even realize I’m not old enough to get married.”
‘Hmm… Strange. Usually, Yuki is sharp about these things. I figured she’d catch on. It’s unlike her to miss something so obvious.’
“Is that so?”
‘Let me talk to her.’
I handed the phone back to Miss Yuki.
“Hinata-san wants to talk to you.”
“Understood.”
She obediently took the phone and started the conversation. Every now and then, she glanced at me. Was it just my imagination? Still, I couldn’t help but eavesdrop a little—it was too intriguing not to.
“I can’t do something like that.”
‘You’re stronger than you think, Yuki. Take a chance—’
“No, it’s impossible. Besides, I’m a bit of an oddball, so I’d only be a bother to him.”
‘Or would waiting for him… suit him better?’
I couldn’t make out all of Hinata-san’s words, but the conversation was enough to pique my curiosity. Why does Yuki-san keep looking at me?
“Sorry about that. The call’s over.”
“What were you two talking about?”
“It’s a secret.”
I wish she’d told me. But if it’s a secret, there’s no helping it. At least the marriage talk should be settled now.
“If it’s a secret, I’ll let it go. I’ll head home for today.”
“Alright. Take care.”
I returned home, feeling a mix of embarrassment from today’s events and a little happiness from Miss Yuki’s words. Romance is likely out of my reach, so I’ll treasure today’s proposal as a cherished memory. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“Alright, let’s do our best tomorrow too.”
I crawled into bed and went to sleep.
---
The next day, I woke up feeling too weak to get out of bed. My body felt heavy, and I was burning up. I didn’t need a thermometer to know I had a fever.
“A cold, huh?”
Considering I was running around all sweaty yesterday, it’s no surprise. Well, there’s no use complaining now. I need to call the school. But wait—I don’t know my homeroom teacher’s phone number. What should I do?
“Oh, right. I can call Yuki-san and ask her for Hinata-san’s number!”
I immediately dialed Yuki-san’s number.
‘Yuki? What’s wrong?’
“Could you give me Miss Hinata’s number?”
‘I can, but why do you need it?’
Fair enough—she’s bound to ask. I’ll just tell her the truth.
“I caught a cold and need to inform my homeroom teacher, but I don’t have their number. I figured Hinata-san might help if you gave me her contact info.”
‘...Alright. I’ll tell you, but make sure to rest, okay?’
“Thank you. Sorry for the trouble.”
She sounded a bit upset, but I got the number and called Miss Hinata.
‘Hello?’
“This is Yuki Kiriyama.”
‘Oh? Calling at this hour—what’s the matter?’
“I caught a cold and can’t make it to school. Could you inform my homeroom teacher, Hiiragi-sensei?”
‘Of course. But are you okay alone?’
“It’s tough, but I’ll manage. I’ve always been alone, after all.”
‘I see… Well, stay hydrated and rest up.’
“I will. Thank you.”
I hung up and collapsed back onto my bed. I was drenched in sweat, but I lacked the energy to change clothes. I fell asleep as is.
---
When I woke up, it was just after noon. My condition hadn’t improved at all. Worse yet, everything I needed—water, a thermometer—was downstairs. Being alone really sucks at times like this.
“Alright. Let’s do this.”
I forced myself out of bed and started heading downstairs. My legs wobbled, and I had to lean on the wall for support.
“Finally… made it past the stairs.”
The hallway seemed endless. As I neared the living room, my legs gave out, and I collapsed.
“This is bad… My first real crisis as a loner.”
I couldn’t move. My mind was hazy, and all I could do was lean against the wall, breathing heavily.
“My phone’s in my room… I’m screwed.”
I decided to lie down on the floor. Sitting up was too much effort.
“The floor is nice and cool…”
Before I knew it, exhaustion overwhelmed me, and I drifted off to sleep in the hallway.
---
Author's Note:
Sorry for the delay! I should be able to post tomorrow, but I can’t guarantee the time.
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