On the quiet path, Hashima carried Sakura steadily toward the infirmary, her legs hooked over his arms.
Once the initial joy from her stock rise faded, all his focus shifted to the girl on his back.
Her figure was simply too alluring—this voluptuous body was impossible for a teenage boy to ignore.
Meanwhile, Sakura, having grown accustomed to the intimate contact, clung tightly to his neck, their bodies pressed together without a sliver of space between them.
Given the summer heat and their light clothing, Hashima couldn't escape the sensation of her softness against him. But Sakura, lost in the warmth of the moment, rested her head against his back, wishing this journey could last forever.
Drowning in her sweet fragrance, Hashima forced himself to think of something else.
What should I focus on?
Right, last night's review questions!
That legislation—who proposed it again? Four-character name...
He desperately racked his brain for textbook knowledge to distract himself from wandering thoughts.
After about ten minutes, the infirmary sign finally came into view. Hashima exhaled in relief.
"We're here, Sakura-san. Ready?"
"Mm."
Glancing at the red cross ahead, Sakura nodded reluctantly, knowing their closeness had to end.
Inside, a white-coated female doctor approached.
"What happened here...?"
"She took a fall earlier and has ankle pain," Hashima explained calmly. "We suspect a sprain. Could you examine her?"
"Of course. Set her down here."
Assessing the handsome boy and the blushing girl, the doctor gestured to a nearby bed.
"Remove your stockings first. Let me see."
As the doctor spoke, Hashima quickly stepped behind a privacy curtain to give Sakura space.
Staying would only embarrass her further.
"Mm..."
Once he was out of sight, Sakura let out a tiny sound before peeling off her mud-stained stockings, revealing delicate, pale feet.
The doctor pressed gently around her ankle. "Does this hurt?" She moved upward to Sakura's calf. "Or here?"
The moment her fingers touched the spot, Sakura gasped.
"Ah—!"
Hearing this, Hashima called out anxiously, "Sakura-san! Are you okay?"
"I-I'm fine! Don't worry!"
The doctor observed Sakura's reaction before concluding, "Not a sprain. Just impact bruising on the calf. Rest 1-2 days with ice packs. Avoid strenuous activity."
"Thank you, Doctor."
As Sakura redressed, the doctor glanced toward the curtain and whispered, "That boy... your boyfriend?"
"Eh?! N-no!"
Flustered, Sakura shook her head fiercely. "H-Hashima-kun is just... a friend."
"Oh? Is that so?"
The doctor smiled knowingly. Years here had honed her romantic radar.
"Then have your... friend escort you back. Rest well."
"Mm."
Testing her ankle, Sakura sighed in relief—no sprain meant quicker recovery.
"Hashima-kun, the exam's done."
"Not serious, right? I heard the doctor say 1-2 days' rest."
He reappeared, concern etched on his face.
"Mm."
"Good."
Hashima studied her. "Can you walk now? If not, I'll carry you back."
"L-let me try first."
Though part of her longed to stay in his arms, Sakura couldn't admit it with the doctor present.
"Alright."
Supporting her, he helped her test her weight.
"It hurts... but I can walk."
"Then I'll assist you back. Luckily, it's not far."
His hand steadied her elbow. "I'll match your pace."
After thanking the doctor (who gave Sakura one last amused look), they slowly made their way to the dorms.
In the elevator, Hashima pressed the 11th-floor button. "I'll see you to your room first."
"Okay. Thank you."
By now, Sakura would agree to anything he suggested. Today's events had deepened her reliance on him.
At her door, Hashima didn't leave immediately. He guided her to bed, then checked her fridge.
"The doctor mentioned ice packs. Want to try now?"
Having visited often, he knew her room well.
"Mm."
"Wait here."
As he prepared the ice pack at her sink, Sakura watched his back, emotions swelling.
Unlike earlier flustered shyness, this feeling was clearer—hotter.
How do I really feel about Hashima-kun?
The doctor's question echoed: "Your boyfriend?"
B-boyfriend?!
Her heart lurched as she imagined it—Hashima as her boyfriend.
We could be together always...
Take photos, study, even...
As an online model, Sakura wasn't naïve about relationships. This fantasy, once seeded, took root stubbornly.
Her pulse raced; her cheeks burned.
"Sakura-san? You okay?"
Returning with the ice pack, Hashima frowned at her flushed face.
"N-nothing!"
She jerked upright, slapping her cheeks to dispel the thoughts.
"Here, let me show you how to ice it properly."
Kneeling, he gently pressed the wrapped ice to her calf, his touch feather-light.
Watching his focused expression, Sakura's breath caught.
This emotion... wasn't false.
I've really fallen for... Hashima-kun.