Chapter 21 Giving Nagi a Drink

Giving Nagi a Drink

A little while later.

“I’m back! Did I keep you waiting?”

“Welcome back. No, not at all.”

After buying something from the vending machine, I returned to the bench where Nagi was waiting.

“I see. Well, here you go. This is for you, Nagi.”

“Eh? This is… hot cocoa?”

“Yep, that’s right. It’s still warm, so drink it while it’s hot.”

I handed Nagi the hot cocoa I’d just bought.

“Ah, thank you. But why?”

“Well, I used to know someone who’d get stomach aches sometimes, and they’d always want hot cocoa to feel better. So, I figured you might want some too.”

Actually, it wasn’t just “someone”—it was my ex-girlfriend.

When I was dating Nanami, she’d often complain about stomach aches. And every time, she’d demand I make her hot cocoa. Remembering that, I decided to get one for Nagi.

“…I see. Thank you. I was just thinking about how much I wanted some hot cocoa, so this really makes me happy.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Oh, and here’s something else. Take this.”

“Oh, a heating pad. Thanks, Taiki.”

“No problem.”

I handed him a partially used heating pad as well. Then I sat down beside him, and we both took a moment to relax with the hot cocoa.

“Sip, sip… ahh. Fufu, thanks, Taiki. I feel like my condition is already starting to improve.”

“That’s great to hear. But when you’re not feeling well, don’t overdo it. If you’re sick, it’s okay to turn down the girls who come to talk to you, you know.”

“Yeah, you’re right… but when someone talks to me, I can’t help but feel happy and want to respond.”

“I get it. Well, you’re a naturally friendly guy. Oh, I know! If you’re not feeling up to it, just use my name as an excuse to escape the situation.”

“Haha, that’s a great idea! But if I use your name too much, the girls might start to dislike you—like those girls from earlier.”

“Ah… yeah, I guess I might’ve annoyed them. Well, if you get the chance, could you apologize to them for me?”

“Of course. Don’t worry, though—they’re not actually mad. You don’t need to stress about it.”

Nagi chuckled as he spoke, taking another sip of his hot cocoa.

“Sip, sip… ahh. Fufu, but you’re really kind, Taiki. You noticed I wasn’t feeling well right away, and then you even brought me cocoa and a heating pad.”

“Haha, I may not look it, but I’m pretty thoughtful. Honestly, I think I deserve to be a bit more popular because of it!”

“Don’t worry, Taiki. You’ll be popular soon enough. Oh, by the way, do you have a type when it comes to girls?”

“Huh? My type?”

“Yeah. Like, do you prefer quiet girls or trendy, gal-style girls? I’ve never heard you talk about your type before.”

“Ah, now that you mention it, I guess I haven’t. Probably because I’ve always had a girlfriend. Hmm, what kind of girl do I like…?”

Pondering Nagi’s innocent question, I folded my arms and thought about it seriously. What kind of girl is my type?

“Hmm… my type… Oh, I know!”

“Oh? You thought of something?”

“Yeah! I recently met someone who’s the perfect match for my type!”

“Really? Someone you met recently? Could it be someone I know?”

“Yep, you know her—it’s your sister!”

“…Eh? M-My sister…?”

“That’s right! Nami-san! She’s incredibly beautiful, kind, and approachable. I really like gentle, mature women like her!”

“R-Really…? I see, I see…”

I said this to Nagi, realizing something about myself.

I’d been dating a selfish, same-aged childhood friend for so long.

Maybe that’s why I now find myself drawn to mature, composed women like Nami-san, with her gentle demeanor and grace.

“Yeah, that’s how I feel. I really want to see Nami-san again. Huh? What’s wrong, Nagi?”

“W-What do you mean, what’s wrong?”

“Well, your face… it’s bright red. What’s going on?”

“Eh…?! W-What!? No way!”

When I pointed it out, Nagi looked utterly shocked. For some reason, his face had turned a deep shade of red without him realizing it.