"The Clock Of My Life Started When I Met You: Huh?"

FUYUMI'S POV:

With a soft sigh, she brushed a stray strand of hair from his forehead, her fingers lingering for a moment before she began to speak softly.

"Shiriku," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, "I don't know if this is how I feel, but... the clock of my life started the moment you showed me that you're a different Kami." Fuyumi's words hung in the air, tinged with uncertainty and vulnerability.

She let out a small laugh, a mixture of amusement and disbelief. "I know you can't hear me," she continued, her tone softening, "but that day when you let me win the position for class president... at first, I thought you were just being stupid for doing that." Fuyumi's expression softened as she reminisced, her gaze fixed on Shiriku's peaceful face.

"But then," she confessed, her voice growing slightly stronger, "the more you made those... stupid decisions, the more I felt... weird. And happy. About myself." Fuyumi's admission was met with a wave of conflicting emotions, her heart fluttering with uncertainty yet warmth.

Reflecting on their past arguments and misunderstandings, Fuyumi's tone shifted, carrying a hint of regret. "Remember when we argued about me telling Ayaka that you were the worst choice as a fake boyfriend?" she recounted, her voice tinged with remorse. "I didn't realize that you were hurt. I didn't even think about your feelings. I was only concerned about how I felt if Ayaka took you away from me." Fuyumi continued, her voice soft and sincere, "Shiriku, when I'm stressed about studies... you cheer me up just by being a thought in my head."

Fuyumi's words trailed off, her expression a mix of guilt and longing. "That's why, Shiriku... I-" she paused, her voice catching in her throat, "I can't say it. I don't even know if this feelings is true or not." Her admission hung in the air, a weighty confession that left her feeling both relieved and uncertain.

As she spoke, Fuyumi's gestures were soft and hesitant, her movements mirroring the vulnerability in her words. She fidgeted with the hem of her uniform skirt, her fingers tracing absentminded patterns as she grappled with her emotions. Her gaze remained fixed on Shiriku, her eyes searching his peaceful face for any sign of recognition or response.

Fuyumi gently held Shiriku's right hand with both of her own, her eyes welling up with tears. Her emotions were raw, and the vulnerability she displayed was evident to anyone who might see her.

But suddenly, Shiriku began to stir, slowly waking from his unconscious state. He spoke her name, "Fuyu," with a soft and affectionate tone, his eyes focusing on her.

Fuyumi noticed Shiriku's awakening and felt a rush of embarrassment. She hastily let go of his hand and turned away to wipe her tears, her cheeks flushed.

As Fuyumi wiped her tears, Shiriku completed his words with an endearing address. "Fuyu-chan," he said with a pleased expression, lying comfortably on the bed.

Fuyumi turned back to face him, her cheeks redder than ever. "Ugh, how dare you call me that again! You! You! You should've just stayed unconscious," she protested, her embarrassment evident in her words.

Shiriku couldn't help but chuckle at Fuyumi's reaction. He sat up and interrupted her outburst of embarrassment, reaching over to gently pat her hand with a warm smile. "Sorry for making you worry, Fuyumi," he said, gratitude in his eyes.

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Fuyumi, feeling a mix of embarrassment and irritation, crossed her arms and turned her head to the right, pouting. "Wh-what?! Why would I worry about you, me? Of all people worrying about you," she protested, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Shiriku observed her silently, his gaze thoughtful as he glanced around the room, noticing that it was only the two of them left. With a smirk, he returned his attention to Fuyumi. "Well, I mean, everyone already left to get lunch while you're here waiting for me, so that means you're the one who's worried for me too much, hehehe," he teased, his tone light and playful.

Fuyumi reacted by pointing at him, her face turning even redder with embarrassment. "You... you're impossible," she muttered, her frustration evident in her tone. She then facepalmed, letting out a sigh of exasperation. "Shiriku, I'm glad you're okay," she admitted, her voice softening with relief.

Shiriku chuckled warmly and reached out to gently hold her right hand. "Thank you, Fuyumi. I'm glad you're here," he said sincerely, his eyes meeting hers with gratitude.

Fuyumi's surprise was evident as she withdrew her hand from Shiriku's grasp, feigning a cough and turning her head toward the window, away from him. She couldn't help but roll her eyes at his antics, thinking to herself, "This guy... I always said to be careful with his words when he says something, especially if it's to me."

As she glanced back at Shiriku, she noticed him looking down, lost in thought. Despite her annoyance, she couldn't help but feel a sense of fondness for his clueless nature. "Good thing my Kami here is dense," she thought to herself with a small smile, her gaze softening as she watched him.

After a few minutes of friendly banter and a bit of teasing, Fuyumi finally regained her composure. She cleared her throat and turned the conversation toward a more practical topic. "Well, Shiriku, are you hungry?" she inquired, her embarrassment fading as she considered his well-being. "It's already lunchtime. Should I get you something?"

Shiriku, who had regained his usual cheerful disposition, nodded in agreement. "Oh, it's already lunchtime. Well, if it isn't a bother to you, maybe something light to drink would be nice," he suggested, his contented smile reflecting his eagerness to recover.

Fuyumi couldn't help but smile at his response. She rose from her seat, walking towards the door. As she glanced back at Shiriku, her smile was sincere. "Okay, I'll get you something. Be right back," she assured him, her voice filled with care.

As Fuyumi exited the nurse's office, she crossed paths with Aoi, who greeted her with respect. "It's nice to see you, Fuyumi-sama. Is Shiriku-sama inside, resting?" Aoi inquired politely, showing her regard for Fuyumi's status