"Golden Scenario #1: I'll Be Okay"

Fuyumi nodded in response, affirming Shiriku's presence. "Yes, he is. I'm on my way to the cafeteria to get him something to eat."

Aoi was considerate and didn't wish to interrupt Shiriku for long. "Oh, my apologies for interrupting. I won't take much of Shiriku-sama's time. Excuse me," she said politely, understanding that Fuyumi had a task at hand.

However, just before Aoi reached for the door to the nurse's office, Fuyumi couldn't help but express her concerns. Her irritation was palpable in her voice as she addressed Aoi. "Hey, Aoi, next time, tell Ayaka to at least pay attention to what she's doing, instead of just sending you here. And also, be considerate of Shiriku," Fuyumi emphasized, the genuine worry she held for Shiriku evident in her frustration.

Aoi, respectful of Fuyumi's sentiments, replied, "I'll keep that in mind, Fuyumi-sama," assuring Fuyumi that she understood the importance of their conversation.

After their brief exchange, Aoi knocked on the door and then proceeded to enter the nurse's office, where she found Shiriku seated on the bed. She approached him professionally, her demeanor both respectful and businesslike. "Shiriku-sama, Ayaka-sama sent me here to let you know how much she worries and to provide you with an update about our first mission, which was a success," Aoi delivered the message efficiently.

Shiriku listened with a serious and somewhat despondent expression, absorbing the information. He hesitated for a moment before expressing his own concerns. "Oh, okay," he began, acknowledging the message. Then, a hint of weariness crept into his voice. "Can you consider making the plans less strenuous? It indeed took a toll on my body," he confessed, indicating the physical and emotional strain he had experienced during their mission.

Aoi, maintaining her no-nonsense tone, reiterated her point about the challenges of helping Ayaka-sama. She raised a brow and asked, "I don't understand. You agreed to help Ayaka-sama. You should have known the challenges that would happen."

Shiriku, accepting his role in the situation, replied earnestly, "I know, but..."

Aoi cut him off with a pointed statement. "You know what? you're weak?" Her words struck Shiriku with bewilderment. "Weak?" he echoed, his expression one of confusion.

Aoi wore a sly smirk as she delved into her true feelings on the matter. "To be honest, Shiriku-sama, I don't like how Ayaka-sama chose you to be her fake boyfriend. I mean, there are much better choices for that role. I don't see any kind of potential in you other than being a 'Kami.' But alas, it is Ayaka-sama's decision," she remarked candidly, not mincing her words

Shiriku was left speechless, taken aback by Aoi's unfiltered commentary. Her honesty had left him at a loss for words, pondering her assessment.

Before leaving the nurse's office, Aoi maintained her professionalism. She expressed her good wishes to Shiriku. "I should get going. After all, Fuyumi-sama is coming back here to take care of you. Best wishes, Shiriku-sama," she stated politely, turning towards the door.

As she opened the door and prepared to depart, Aoi couldn't resist one last cryptic message. She turned back to Shiriku with a smile on her face. "Oh, Shiriku-sama, Ayaka-sama sends her regards," she said, leaving the meaning of her words hanging in the air.

.

.

Shiriku sat there, still processing the candid words Aoi had thrown at him. Her assessment lingered in his thoughts, tugging at his confidence. But just as the weight of her remarks began to sink in, his phone rang,

He quickly answered the call, and Shiroe's voice flowed through the phone with concern. "Hey! You okay? I heard that you collapsed during your gym class," Shiroe inquired, his brotherly concern evident.

Shiriku let out a sigh, mixed with a trace of laughter. "Yeah, I did," he admitted, not one to hide the truth.

Shiroe, who had a knack for worrying about his younger brother, wasn't quite convinced. He pressed on, "Oh... you sure? 'Cause, you know, I could tell Dad and come pick you up if you want to rest at home."

Shiriku reassured him, his tone more lighthearted. "No need, Shiroe. I'm fine. I actually feel better, haha."

The older brother, still not entirely at ease with the situation, felt compelled to remind Shiriku about their father's intentions. "If you say so. By the way, Dad said he would come to get us after school, so don't wander off the school with your friends."

Shiriku, however, had a different plan in mind. "Oh, Shiroe, actually, you should go ahead and tell Dad that I still have to do something. I'll just take a train."

Shiroe, clearly concerned for Shiriku's well-being, tried to emphasize the potential risks. "You sure, Riku? You know you just collapsed. What if you collapsed somewhere, and no one sees you?"

Shiriku quickly dismissed the notion. "Eyy! Don't jinx it!"

The conversation between the two brothers continued, but Shiroe eventually relented. "HAHA, okay, okay. Be safe. I'm still eating right now, so be sure to eat something too."

Shiriku acknowledged the advice, realizing that his brother's concern came from a place of love and care. "Yeah, I will..."

With a sense of reassurance, Shiroe concluded the call. "Okay, just call if you need something. Well, bye."

Shiriku responded with a final, "Yeah, I will," before ending the call. Alone in the quiet nurse's office, he let out a deep sigh.

4 HOURS HAD PASSED

As the school day waned, the clock struck 4 pm, and the students began to disperse, heading home or to various after-school activities. Shiriku finally left the nurse's office, feeling rejuvenated after his earlier collapse. He navigated the familiar pathways of the school building hallways

In the distance, he spotted Fuyumi standing in front of the 1st-year building. With a friendly smile and a wave of his hand, he called out to her, "Hey, Fuyumi!"

Fuyumi turned at the sound of his voice, her eyes reflecting a mix of relief and concern. "Oh, Shiriku, are you finally feeling well?" she inquired, her expression tinged with worry.