Chapter 28: I’m Asking How Old You Are!

“Anhe, are you so captivated?”
The sudden voice made Anhe freeze mid-motion.
Perhaps it was because the blanket no longer shielded him, but he now felt a chill run through him.
He swallowed nervously and cautiously lifted his gaze, finally meeting the playful glint in Nobue Ito’s eyes.
“…Can I say I am?”
Anhe tested the waters, his voice muffled since his mouth was still occupied.
At his words, Nobue Ito narrowed her eyes. Though her face, flushed with a rosy hue, was still smiling, the message behind it was enough to send shivers down one’s spine.
“If you don’t want me to rip your tongue out, then keep going.”
There was murderous intent!
Anhe’s heart tightened. He hurriedly took another strong bite of the rice ball before quickly releasing it, making a popping sound as he swiftly retreated to the other side of the bed.
After that brief moment, his body could finally move, albeit barely. Still, he wasn’t sure he could take on Nobue Ito in his current state.
Nobue’s only response was a fierce glare as she grabbed the clothes placed nearby.
“When did you wake up?”
She asked offhandedly while slipping into her purple lace underwear, showing no intention of hiding from Anhe’s gaze.
“Since you helped me onto the bed.”
Anhe lied casually. Upon hearing this, Nobue’s hands paused for a moment, then she continued fastening her buttons, chuckling softly. “I wouldn’t have guessed. You’re in surprisingly good shape. That medicine would have knocked out most adults.”
“I’ve always been healthy.”
Despite his words, Anhe’s eyes involuntarily drifted down the curve of Nobue’s waist…
Damn it, why are you only half dressed?
He couldn’t help but feel disgruntled.
Noticing his gaze, Nobue frowned, crossed her legs a bit self-consciously, and snapped, “Stop staring and put your clothes on.”
Hearing this, Anhe sheepishly looked away.
Soon, both were dressed.
Nobue Ito wore her usual black shirt and women’s suit, with a white lab coat over it—standard attire for the school nurse.
Looking at her long, shapely legs and her alluring figure, Anhe couldn’t help but ask,
“How old are you, Miss Ito?”

At his question, Nobue paused while straightening the bedsheets, then looked him over and replied levelly, “F.”
What?
Wasn’t I asking about her age?
Anhe was bewildered, but before he could press further, there was a knock at the infirmary door.
Someone was here.
Anhe’s heart jumped. Even Nobue’s expression shifted, and she hurried over, seizing Anhe by the neck and threatening in a low, menacing voice, “What happened today stays between us. If you say a word…”
She didn’t finish, but the danger in her eyes spoke volumes.
Feeling her soft body pressing against him and catching her delicate fragrance, Anhe was momentarily dazed.
Isn’t this supposed to be my line?
But soon, another thought occurred to him—though he’d taken advantage, she was the one who drugged him, and considering his age…
A strange smile crept onto Anhe’s face as he watched Nobue approach the door. He chuckled softly,
“Miss Ito, if you want someone to keep a secret, you know you’ll have to pay a price.”
Nobue paused, and Anhe walked up to her, whispering,
“This secret—I’ll hold it over you for a lifetime.”
Without waiting for her stunned reaction, Anhe strode to the door, waving as he called, “Thank you so much today, Miss Ito! The medicine was delicious. If I ever feel unwell again, I’ll be sure to come back.”
With a click, he opened the door. Upon seeing who was there, he exclaimed in surprise,
“Keiko Kitajima! Are you here to see Miss Ito because you’re not feeling well?”
Keiko Kitajima, who had been clutching her stomach, looked up at the familiar voice. When she saw Anhe, her face visibly brightened.
“It’s you, Anhe! The teacher said you wouldn’t be in this afternoon—I thought you’d gone home.”
“I wasn’t feeling well, so I came to see Miss Ito.”
Anhe made up a quick excuse, stepping aside to reveal Nobue Ito in the room. He smiled, “I’ll head to class now and leave you two to it. Take care.”
He winked at Nobue before turning away.
“That wretched brat.”
Watching him leave, Nobue recalled his words and pursed her lips.

By the door, Keiko Kitajima seemed not to notice, still staring after Anhe’s retreating figure until he disappeared from sight. Only then did she turn to Nobue.
“Miss Ito, my period started today, and I’m in some pain.”
She spoke while holding her stomach and walked into the infirmary.
Since classes weren’t over yet, Anhe had no choice but to return to the classroom and continue with his lessons.
Soon, the day passed.

After school, Anhe, as usual, waited at the school gate to pick up Sawu Amamiya.

…

When the bell rang, and after tidying up her assigned area, Sawu Amamiya took out her pristine red scarf from her desk, wrapped it around her neck, picked up her bag, and left the classroom.
On her way to the gate, many whispered and pointed at her, but no one dared to approach her anymore.
“Ever since I skipped class that day, everyone at school has been much more well-behaved,” she thought to herself, though her eyes had already spotted the figure standing beneath the withered tree by the gate.
He had seen her too, waving enthusiastically.
At the sight, Sawu Amamiya’s usually calm expression softened, and a faint smile graced her lips as she walked toward him.
Perhaps even she hadn’t realized it, but her steps were much lighter than before.
“Did you eat well today, Sawu?”
As she approached, Anhe habitually reached out to tuck her hair behind her ear.
“I ate well,” she replied softly, then slowly unwound half of her scarf.
Seeing this, Anhe obligingly bowed his head, and she wrapped the scarf around his neck as well. Only then did he straighten up.
“Let’s go.”
He smiled, reaching out his hand. Without hesitation, Sawu took it, their fingers intertwining as they walked off side by side.
After walking her home and giving her a few reminders, Anhe then headed toward Rena Serizawa’s house as promised the day before—after all, he couldn’t go back on his word.