It was Monday morning, and Kota and Max were getting ready to leave for school. Kota was stuffing his notebook into his bag when Max stretched his arms.
"Alright, let's go pick up Ayumi," Max said, jingling his car keys.
Kota slung his bag over his shoulder. "We don't need the car, Dad. Her house is literally in front of ours."
Max chuckled. "Right, right. Old habits."
The father and son stepped outside and crossed the short distance to Ayumi's house. Kota rang the doorbell.
No answer.
Max knocked. "Ayumi? You awake?"
There was a long pause before the door finally creaked open.
Ayumi stood there, wrapped in a thick blanket. Her face was pale, her eyes droopy, and she looked absolutely miserable.
Kota blinked. "Whoa. You look terrible."
Max immediately crouched to her level, placing a hand on her forehead. "Yup. You're burning up, kiddo."
Ayumi let out a weak groan. "I just... felt it after Keito left this morning."
Max sighed. "You're in no condition to go to school."
Kota crossed his arms. "Then we'll stay here and take care of her."
Ayumi weakly shook her head. "No, you guys have school—"
"Eh, school can wait," Kota said without hesitation.
Max ruffled Kota's hair. "Look at you, being responsible. Alright, I'll make porridge. Kota, stay with her while I grab the ingredients from the store."
Ayumi looked panicked. "Wait, I don't need—"
Too late. Max was already heading out.
Kota smirked. "Looks like you're stuck with me."
Ayumi groaned. "Great."
---
Kota's Storytime
Kota pulled up a chair beside her bed.
"You look miserable," he noted.
"Wow, thanks," Ayumi muttered.
Kota grinned. "Want me to make you feel better?"
Ayumi raised an eyebrow. "How?"
"By telling you the legendary tale of my dad's worst sick day."
Ayumi blinked. "Max?"
Kota nodded. "Yup. The almighty Max."
Ayumi looked skeptical. "I thought he was like, some kind of super dad."
Kota snorted. "He thinks he is, but trust me, I've seen him at his worst."
Ayumi smirked. "Go on."
Kota leaned forward dramatically. "So, one day, my dad catches a cold. A simple cold. But this man—this man—acted like he was dying."
Ayumi blinked. "No way."
Kota nodded. "He laid on the couch, draped his arm over his forehead, and whispered, 'Tell Kota... I loved him...'"
Ayumi burst into laughter, her voice cracking. "NO WAY."
Kota grinned. "Oh, it gets worse. He started hallucinating and kept mumbling something about 'the great battle of the lost sock.'"
Ayumi wheezed. "STOP IT!"
"And then, right before passing out, he dramatically whispered, 'Kota... find the missing sock...'"
Ayumi clutched her blanket, laughing so hard she teared up. "I can't breathe—"
Kota smirked. "See? Told you I'd make you feel better."
Ayumi wiped her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Thanks, idiot."
---
A Glimpse Into the Past
As they chatted, Kota noticed a small picture frame on Ayumi's nightstand.
Curious, he picked it up.
It was an old photo—probably from years ago.
A younger Ayumi stood in the center, holding hands with a teenage Keito. Behind them were two smiling adults—Ayumi's parents.
Kota's expression softened.
"So... this is her family."
Ayumi noticed and turned to see what he was looking at.
Her smile faded slightly.
Kota looked at her. "You kinda look like your mom."
Ayumi bit her lip. "Yeah... that's what Keito says too."
Kota hesitated. "Do you... remember them well?"
Ayumi was quiet for a moment. Then, she nodded. "Bits and pieces."
Kota placed the frame back down. "They looked happy."
Ayumi smiled softly. "They were."
For a brief moment, the air felt heavy—but Kota, being Kota, quickly clapped his hands together.
"Okay! Enough emotional stuff! You're supposed to be resting, not getting all sentimental."
Ayumi rolled her eyes. "Says the guy who just stared at my childhood memories like a drama protagonist."
Kota grinned. "I am the protagonist."
Ayumi laughed.
---
Max Returns
Eventually, Max returned, carrying a bag of groceries.
He found Kota fast asleep in a chair, his head resting on Ayumi's bedside. Ayumi, still drowsy, had also dozed off.
Max sighed with a small smile.
"Man, these kids..."
He moved quietly, setting up in the kitchen and preparing a warm bowl of porridge. Once it was done, he gently woke Ayumi.
"Hey, kiddo. Food's ready."
Ayumi blinked sleepily. "Mmm..."
Max smirked. "Unless you want Kota to eat your portion?"
Ayumi sat up immediately. "NO."
Max chuckled. "Thought so. Here, eat up."
Ayumi took the spoon, her heart feeling a little warmer—not just from the porridge, but from the fact that they stayed with her.
---
Keito Comes Home
Later that evening, Keito arrived and was surprised to find Ayumi in bed, with an empty bowl of porridge nearby.
Max and Kota were about to leave when Keito stopped them.
"Hey... thanks."
Max smiled. "No problem. Just make sure she actually rests."
Keito ruffled Kota's hair. "And you... thanks for staying with her."
Kota grinned. "Eh, it was fun.
Your sister's dramatic."
Ayumi groaned. "I heard that."
Everyone laughed.
And just like that, another day ended—not with adventures, but with something just as meaningful.
CHAPTER END 🫠