"Is it really okay to just put him on your hospital bed?" Nearl asked hesitantly.
"It's fine. I've been with my trainer for a long time—we're more than just partners. It's a little embarrassing to say, but I see him as an older brother. So don't worry, just put him here."
Fujimasa March's cheeks flushed slightly, but she still gestured openly for Nearl to lay Trainer Shibasaki down on the bed.
"No, that's not what I meant—I meant, won't this affect your injury?" Nearl felt she had been misunderstood.
"..."
March's face seemed to turn even redder. She didn't reply, but instead patted the empty space on the bed beside her again.
Alright, the message was clear enough. Nearl didn't press further and carefully laid Trainer Shibasaki down on the half of the bed March had just freed up.
Considering various factors, Nearl didn't remove his jacket and let him sleep in his clothes.
It seemed Trainer Shibasaki was truly exhausted—not even all that movement woke him. He slept soundly, and for once, he probably wasn't having any nightmares.
March's usually fierce ruby eyes softened unusually as she quietly gazed at the trainer who had been by her side for almost three years.
Then she let out a soft sigh and looked up at Nearl, who had been standing quietly by the bed.
"I'm not sure how you managed it, but thank you, Nearl. I've been worried about him all day but didn't know what to do. In his eyes, I've always been like a little sister—he'd never show his vulnerable side to me."
"Besides, I have a feeling his state probably has something to do with my training race earlier. That made it even harder to bring up. I'm just glad he ran into you—otherwise, his health would've broken down soon."
"You might not know this, but Koichi couldn't even eat today."
As she spoke, March pushed back the covers and tried to get out of bed, though her movements were somewhat stiff, as if she was afraid to put weight on her legs.
Nearl stepped forward silently to support her, helping her into the wheelchair by the window. After she was seated, Nearl carefully straightened her clothes.
"Ahem, thank you, Nearl," March said with a smile once she was settled in the wheelchair.
Honestly, in her hospital gown, Fujimasa March had none of her usual intimidating presence. She seemed much more relaxed, her expression warmer, not as stern as usual.
"Could you do me a favor, Nearl? Would you mind pushing the wheelchair for me?"
March patted the armrest of the wheelchair. Despite her limited mobility, there was no trace of negativity on her face.
"Of course." Nearl nodded.
She handed her small bag to March, then stepped behind the wheelchair and began pushing her out of the room.
Sitting in the wheelchair, March looked curiously at the small bag in her hands. She could feel a small box inside, still slightly warm.
"It's a get-well gift I brought for you," Nearl's calm voice came from behind her, just as steady as she remembered. "Go ahead and open it."
"Alright."
Without hesitation, March began unzipping the bag. Inside was a plastic container—a very familiar style.
"Isn't this the kind of lunchbox they sell at the school supermarket? Did you bring me food, Nearl?"
March looked somewhat conflicted as she held the container.
"I appreciate the thought, but I'm not Oguri Cap, you know. I just had lunch—I'm not sure I can eat all this right now."
"Don't worry. I haven't only cooked for Oguri—I know how to portion properly. These are just some light snacks I made myself."
Nearl smiled, easing March's concerns.
"Oh? You made them yourself? Then I'll definitely have to try some. I hope your cooking is good—Oguri Cap's preferences are no reference at all. She just cares about quantity."
March joked, her hands already busy opening the container.
Unexpectedly, or perhaps not unexpectedly, the snacks inside weren't particularly extravagant—just simple, homemade treats neatly arranged together, filling the decently sized container.
"Hmm~ simple but varied. Care to give me a tour?" March said, eyeing the snacks with interest.
"Certainly. Let me introduce them." Nearl leaned down, peering over March's shoulder to look into the container.
"Let's see—top left are shumai, filled with glutinous rice and diced meat; bottom left are rice cakes—you should try these, they're lightly sweet and not greasy; top right are egg pancakes; bottom right are red bean pastries—they crumble into powder with one bite; in the middle are dumplings and spring rolls, both pretty common at snack shops."
"There are a few I haven't heard of. Perfect chance to try them all. Thanks for the gift, Nearl—I really like it."
"If you like them, go ahead and try some. Where's a good spot around here with a nice view? I'll take you there," Nearl said with a smile.
"Let's go to the corner on the right. There's a grassy area with flowers and a few stone tables and chairs. We can have these snacks as our afternoon tea."
March closed the lid and waved the container lightly, signaling to Nearl.
"But I didn't bring any tea—afternoon tea without tea seems lacking," Nearl said, sounding a little regretful.
"What's the big deal? Croquettes don't actually have cola in them, do they?"
A playful smile tugged at March's lips, and Nearl found herself smiling in response.
"You're right—afternoon tea doesn't necessarily need tea."
The two chatted as they made their way to the spot March had mentioned. Nearl pushed her up to one of the stone tables and took a seat on a chair beside her.
March opened the container and placed it on the table, and the two occasionally nibbled on the snacks.
"March, what exactly did the doctor say about your condition?" Eventually, the conversation circled back to March's injury.
"The doctor said I have multiple injuries, including muscle strains and joint inflammation. But luckily, for some reason, none of them are serious. I just need to rest properly for two weeks."
"I see—that's good news." Almost without thinking, Nearl glanced down at her own hands, a faint sense of relief in her voice.
"Mhm. Even though I'll have to pause training for a month—which will definitely slow me down—I'd already prepared myself to retire after that final sprint in the training race. With such a small price to pay now, I'd say I came out ahead."
March popped a dumpling into her mouth, speaking a bit carelessly.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.