Chapter 20 Nagi Surrounded by Girls
Nagi Surrounded by Girls
It was a weekday lunch break.
“Hm?”
—Chatter, chatter… laughter…
After finishing lunch in the cafeteria, I strolled outside leisurely when I heard lively voices. They were mostly women’s voices.
“Hmm, what’s going on? Oh… I get it now.”
When I turned toward the commotion, I saw Nagi surrounded by a group of girls, chatting away happily. As expected, his “Prince Charming” nickname wasn’t just for show.
(Haha, Nagi’s so lucky to be popular with the girls… Wait, huh?)
Watching the scene, I couldn’t help but feel like something was slightly off about him. That expression… could it be?
“Oh, hey, Nagi-kun! Look, I bought this brand-new autumn-winter collection bag over the weekend!”
“Wow, that’s such a stylish bag. It really suits you, Yamashita-san. Oh, and did you change your nails? The blue ones before were nice, but these new ones look amazing on you too, Yamashita-san.”
“W-Wow! You noticed my nails too, Nagi-kun? Haha, I’m so happy! My boyfriend never notices these things, so it’s always disappointing. But Nagi-kun, you always pay attention, and it makes me so happy!”
“Ah, that’s not fair! Misaki gets all the compliments from Nagi-kun! Hey, hey, Nagi-kun, take a look at my outfit too!”
“Hello! Sorry to interrupt, but can I have a moment?”
“…Huh?”
“…Huh?”
“Eh? Oh, it’s Taiki.”
I barged into their cheerful conversation. Naturally, the girls around me gave me puzzled looks.
“Uh, who is this guy? Is he someone’s friend?”
“No idea. I’ve never seen him before.”
“I’m Nagi’s friend. Sorry, but I need to borrow him for a moment.”
“What? No way. Can’t you see we’re in the middle of talking to Nagi-kun?”
“Exactly! Nagi-kun is everyone’s prince. Could you not interrupt?”
“That’s why I’m saying sorry. You can talk to Nagi again another time, okay? Come on, Nagi, let’s go.”
“Eh? Uh, o-okay…?”
“Hey! W-Wait!”
—Grip…
I took hold of Nagi’s hand and pulled him away from the group. Once we reached a quieter spot, I let go. By the way, his hand felt surprisingly soft.
“Phew, this should be far enough. Oh, sorry about grabbing your hand like that.”
“No, it’s fine. But what’s going on all of a sudden?”
“Ah, well… I was just wondering. Nagi, are you feeling unwell or something?”
“…Eh? W-Why do you ask?”
Nagi looked at me with a surprised expression.
“I can’t quite explain it, but… you seemed a bit pale. If I was wrong, I’m sorry. Did I overstep?”
“Eh? N-No, not at all. Actually… I’m not feeling great.”
“I thought so.”
It’s hard to describe, but back when I was dating Nanami, she often had the same look on her face whenever she wasn’t feeling well.
Remembering that, I suspected Nagi might be unwell too. As it turned out, I was right.
“Y-Yeah, you’re right. But how did you notice? Was it that obvious? No one else said anything…”
“Haha, it’s something a close friend would notice. So, where exactly do you feel unwell?”
“Uh, um… well, my stomach. It’s been hurting a bit…”
“Oh, I see. Haha, did you eat something that was past its expiration date?”
“N-No, it’s not that kind of pain… It’s more of a dull ache. It’s not food poisoning or anything like that.”
“Ah, I get it. Those kinds of aches can be tough and linger for a while. Alright, then. Why don’t you sit on that bench over there and take it easy for a bit?”
“Eh? Uh, o-okay?”
“Alright, you’re seated. Just wait here—I’ll be right back!”
“Eh? W-Wait, Taiki?”
With that, I told Nagi to stay put and ran full speed toward a nearby vending machine.