Chapter Forty-Seven: Saeko

When Aoki Shu opened his eyes, his head still felt a little muddled. For a moment, the unfamiliar ceiling above him made him almost believe he had crossed into another world once more. Regaining his senses, Aoki let out a faint groan, suppressing the pain in his body as he struggled to sit up.

“Where am I?” He looked around, only able to discern that he was lying in someone else’s bedroom. The room was decorated in an antique style; the wooden desk and bookshelf looked like fine craftsmanship, and the certificates, trophies, and medals about kendo arrayed on the shelves revealed whose room this was. On the desk sat a figurine of a female swordswoman—poised, mature, with a tall and shapely figure under a black coat, bearing a striking resemblance to Saeko Busujima… Perhaps it was that rare aura of heroism found in some women.

Was this Senior Busujima’s bedroom? As Aoki pulled back the blanket covering him, a scent unique to women drifted up—richer and more alluring than flowers, not perfume, but rather… her own fragrance?

His cheeks flushed slightly. Settling on the edge of the bed, Aoki rubbed his temples, the dull ache in his head leaving him restless and distracted.

“You’re awake?” Suddenly, Busujima Saeko’s mature, slightly husky voice sounded from nearby. Aoki turned his head to see her standing there, a steaming cup of tea in her hands and a look of surprise on her face.

Aoki managed a grateful smile. “So it really was you who helped me, Senior Busujima… I’m truly grateful.”

If someone else had found him and sent him to the hospital, the miraculous effect of the Lucky Daruma sticker healing his body within twelve hours would no doubt have made people see him as some sort of monster.

To be brought here by Saeko Busujima—Aoki was indeed grateful. He couldn’t help but wonder, given his weight, just how she’d managed to get him all the way onto the bed.

Wait… what time was it now?

A sudden change of expression crossed Aoki’s face as he reached for his pocket, only to realize his school uniform had been removed at some point. All he felt was the loose fabric of his boxers, and above, just a snug white tank top…

Looking up with a strange expression, he met an equally uncertain look on Saeko’s face.

She placed the teacup on the bedside table, her cheeks tinged with red beneath her violet hair. “Your clothes were all torn during the fight, and your trousers had a hole… And you were covered in blood. I had no choice but to take them off before putting you in bed… I’m sorry for doing it without your permission.”

Thinking about it, lying in someone’s bed covered in blood wasn’t ideal either. But picturing Saeko undressing him while he was unconscious sent Aoki’s mind racing with scenes not fit for polite company, making him blush for once.

“Ah…” He gave an awkward laugh. “No, no, don’t apologize. It’s me who should be sorry for troubling you to bring me here.”

Touching his face, he found his injuries had been tended—bandages where needed, plasters where required, and gauze at the back of his head. There was no doubt who had looked after him.

“Thank you for taking care of my wounds as well, Senior Busujima,” Aoki said earnestly.

Saeko gave a wry smile and shook her head, settling on the bed less than an arm’s length away.

“It was I who was late. By the time I received word and arrived, the fight was already over… I’m amazed you managed to defeat them all on your own. To be honest, I can hardly believe it even now.” The admiration in her gaze was undisguised. “You truly are a strong man, Aoki.”

Perhaps because they were sitting so close, or because of her unfeigned praise, Aoki felt his face grow warm. Coupled with his current state of dress, his heart raced. He hurried to change the subject. “You’re too kind, Senior. It was mostly luck… By the way, where’s my phone?”

Saeko seemed not to notice his attempt to shift the topic, frowning slightly as she replied, “Your phone seems to be broken…”

“What?” Aoki’s eyes widened.

Saeko pointed beside the water glass, and Aoki followed her gesture to see his phone, which had been with him for days, now completely shattered. The screen was in pieces, the body dented—a casualty, no doubt, of a stray kick during the fight.

Aoki frowned, worry clouding his features. “Senior, what time is it now?”

Saeko, her gaze flickering away from his exposed, well-defined arms, replied, “It’s… almost eight o’clock, I think.”

“Ha?” Aoki’s expression changed dramatically. “Senior, could I borrow your phone? I need to make a call.”

Saeko didn’t hesitate for long, unlocking her phone and handing it to him.

To his surprise, her phone case was a girlish shade of pink, adorned with a cartoon swordswoman—the same as the figurine on her desk.

Aoki tried to recall Sora’s number, only to realize he couldn’t remember the last few digits at all… In this age of smartphones, who still memorized phone numbers?

What now? Would Sora be worried about me at home?

With a wry smile, Aoki handed the unused phone back to Saeko and sighed. “Forget it… I can’t seem to remember the number.”

Saeko smiled gently, retrieving her phone. “I know what you mean. It took me ages to remember my own number, let alone someone else’s.”

“Sorry, but I have to go,” Aoki said, looking at her apologetically. “Would you mind… bringing me my clothes?”

Saeko turned her face away, hiding her expression. After a moment’s hesitation, she looked back at Aoki. “The knees of your trousers were completely ruined. I mended them with needle and thread, but they’re still drying after being washed. The same goes for your shirt. If you’re worried about your family, why not have a friend explain things and wait until tomorrow to leave? Your injuries seem quite severe. Besides, tomorrow’s the weekend—no classes.”

“I…” Aoki pressed his lips together, a hint of disappointment on his face. But he soon recovered. “There’s no one home except my little sister—I need to take care of her. If I don’t go back, she probably won’t eat, and I can’t leave her alone… She’ll be worried about me.”

“…I see.” Saeko turned away and stood up, hiding her face from him. Her voice was gentle. “I’ll go dry your clothes with the hairdryer, then. It’s cold out—you’ll catch a cold if you wear them wet.”

Aoki forced a smile and nodded. “Sorry to trouble you again. I’ll definitely find a way to repay your kindness.”

“You’re too polite, Aoki.” Saeko was almost out of the room when she suddenly stopped and turned, giving him a radiant smile. “If you really feel indebted to me, then from now on, don’t call me Senior Busujima. Just call me Saeko… That will be enough to repay me.”

Aoki was taken aback, not quite sure what she meant, but she had already stepped out of sight.

Saeko… is it?

With a complicated expression, Aoki lowered his head. After a long pause, he let out a helpless sigh tinged with melancholy.

But when he lifted his head again, his expression was once more calm and composed.