"No way, Tomoko-san. We absolutely have to get you to the hospital for a proper examination. What if there's a fracture? That would be a disaster," I said with the kind of seriousness usually reserved for declaring war or ordering pizza toppings.
"Don't you remember what happened with my injured finger, Tomoko-san? I thought it was no big deal at the time, but it turns out trusting your own instincts about injuries can be dangerously stupid."
The same woman who practically dragged me to the hospital for a paper cut is now trying to tough out what looks like a serious ankle injury. The irony is so thick you could cut it with a knife.
"Well... well... I just feel so... so embarrassed about getting hurt like this..." she mumbled, her cheeks flushing with shame rather than passion this time.
Embarrassed? After what we just did, she's worried about being embarrassed over a sports injury?
"Ugh, why did I have to be so stubborn? I'm obviously not a young woman anymore..." she continued with self-deprecating mutters.
Hey now, let's not get crazy. You're absolutely still young and incredibly attractive.
"It's probably because I don't exercise enough. After all, the only physical activity I get these days is..." She trailed off, her face turning an even deeper shade of crimson.
Well, that's one way to put it. And honestly, based on what just happened, I'd say you're getting plenty of... cardiovascular exercise.
Matsumoto Tomoko continued her regretful murmuring while I hurried around gathering supplies for our hospital expedition.
"It hurts so much..." she whimpered, gingerly touching her swollen ankle like it was made of fragile glass.
She attempted to stand up on her own—because of course she did, stubborn woman that she is—but the moment she put weight on that foot, her face contorted in agony.
The reality of her situation seemed to hit her all at once. How was she supposed to get to the hospital when she could barely stand?
I returned from my preparation mission with a determined expression that would make any action hero proud. After helping Tomoko-san get dressed—trying very hard not to get distracted by the process—I crouched down with my back toward her.
"Come on, Tomoko-san. Hop on—I'll carry you," I declared with the kind of unwavering resolve usually reserved for epic movie moments.
"EH?!" The shock in her voice was so genuine it was almost comical.
Did she really think I was going to let her hobble to the hospital on her own?
"How can I possibly let Sosuke-kun carry me on his back...?" she protested, sounding genuinely scandalized by the suggestion.
Oh, now you're worried about propriety? Five minutes ago you were demonstrating Olympic-level flexibility and now piggyback rides are crossing a line?
"No.. no need... Sosuke... it doesn't seem that serious..." she insisted with the kind of denial that would make a politician proud.
"If I try really hard, maybe I can still walk slowly..."
She attempted to stand again, and predictably...
"Owwww!"
And down she goes.
The pain overwhelmed her completely, and she collapsed directly onto my waiting back.
Now I didn't need to waste time on persuasion—I simply stood up with Matsumoto Tomoko secured on my back like the world's most beautiful backpack.
"Ah... um... I must be really heavy, right, Sosuke-kun?" she asked with adorable self-consciousness, her breath warm against my ear.
"Don't worry about it, Tomoko-san. I exercise regularly—this is nothing," I replied, standing up with an ease that would make professional movers jealous.
I began walking toward the door with steady, confident strides.
"That's... incredible..." I heard her whisper, and I couldn't help but feel a little surge of pride.
Her thoughts were probably running along the lines of how broad and strong my back felt, how I could carry her weight without breaking stride, how each step was solid and powerful...
Okay, maybe I'm projecting a little, but I bet that's what she's thinking.
"I already called a taxi—it should be waiting outside the building right now. We'll go straight to the hospital," I explained, trying to sound as calm and collected as possible while internally congratulating myself on my crisis management skills.
"Um... okay... then I'll have to trouble you, Sosuke-kun," she replied softly, and I could hear the gratitude in her voice.
The warmth in her tone made something flutter in my chest. She was genuinely touched by my consideration, my gentle handling of the situation, the calm and methodical way I was taking care of everything...
Now she had no choice but to wrap her arms around my neck and press her entire body against my back for support.
For some inexplicable reason, this situation reminded Tomoko of carrying her young daughter on her back years ago. But now, here was a boy more than a decade younger than herself carrying her...
The distance from her room to the apartment entrance was maybe a dozen meters at most, but for Matsumoto Tomoko, wrapped in the warmth and security of my embrace, it felt like time had slowed to a crawl.
Good. Let her enjoy this. She deserves to feel cared for.
A sensation of comfort and safety enveloped her, and somehow even the sharp pain from her injury seemed to fade into the background.
We finally reached the street, and sure enough, the taxi was waiting exactly where I'd promised it would be.
I bent down carefully to open the car door, then shifted Tomoko-san into a princess carry and gently placed her in the back seat like she was made of spun glass.
After making sure she was comfortable, I closed her door and quickly circled around to enter from the other side.
"Please take us to the nearest emergency room!" I said to the driver with just enough urgency to convey the seriousness of the situation without causing panic.
The driver nodded with professional understanding, and the car lurched into motion, speeding toward our destination.
Hang in there, Tomoko-san. We'll have you fixed up in no time.