ODL – Chapter 85 – Please Feed Me

I was walking along the completely dark night road with Mafuyu-chan. Or more accurately, there were 2 other people with us; one was sound asleep on my back and the other was walking hand in hand with Mafuyu-chan like a zombie.

“Sorry, Mafuyu-chan, even though you can’t drink alcohol.” (Souma)

“No, I’m the one who insisted on joining. Besides… I had fun too.” (Mafuyu)

“In that case, once you can drink, let’s have another drinking party.” (Souma)

“Yeah, I’m looking forward to it.” (Mafuyu)

The lukewarm air of early summer and the relaxing passage of time enveloped us.

Without much to talk about, we continued our journey back home in silence. Since Mafuyu-chan and I commute together every day, we’ve already discussed most of what we want to talk about, and our relationship has reached a point where even silence in comfortable. It was in times like this that I realized once again that we’re childhood friends.

After walking for about ten minutes, we safely arrived at the apartment.

“I’ll go and put Hiyorin to bed. Thanks for your hard work today.” (Souma)

“…Ugh…” (Shizuka)

“Goodnight, onii-chan.” (Mafuyu)

Using the spare key, I entered Hiyorin’s house and made my way to the bedroom as usual. When I laid Hiyorin down on the bed, all the accumulated fatigue I had inside of me rushed out at once.

“Ah, I’m so tired… There are no dishes to wash, so I think I’ll just go to sleep early today.” (Souma)

Leaving Hiyorin’s house, I couldn’t help but be concerned about something on the edge of my sight.

“I hope she’s okay… she was pretty wobbly.” (Souma)

Unlike Hiyorin, who was accustomed to alcohol, Shizuka was a complete novice when it came to drinking. I doubt she’s ever been as drunk as she was today. Hiyorin seems to have a high tolerance for alcohol, but I wasn’t sure about Shizuka.

“…Maybe I should go buy some water.” (Souma)

To break down alcohol, water, and glucose are essential. Right now, this is the most important thing to avoid a hangover¹.

◆

Having purchased some water and ramune candy² at the convenience store, I decided to use the spare key to enter Shizuka’s house. Even though I was initially against exchanging spare keys, it really came in handy at times like this.

“Shizuka, I’m coming in.” (Souma)

As I opened the door, I called out in the direction of the living room. It was so dark, that I couldn’t tell if she was already asleep. I’d prefer not to wake her, so I wanted to move without turning on the lights, but Shizuka’s house was different from Hiyorin’s. I didn’t know where Shizuka’s natural clumsiness might have left obstacles.

When I turned on the lights with the switch near the entrance, I was greeted by an unexpected sight.

“?!” (Souma)

Shizuka was lying on the floor near the entrance. It was evident that she had collapsed as soon as she entered her house since she hadn’t even taken off her shoes.

“Shizuka!? Are you okay!?” (Souma)

“…Nnyon… I’m okaaay (Daijobi)…” (Shizuka)

“People who say that aren’t usually okay. Let’s get you to bed for now.” (Souma)

“Noo… Don’t wanna…” (Shizuka)

“You noisy drunkard.” (Souma)

Ignoring what she said for the time being, I was relieved that she could respond. After taking off her shoes, I picked up Shizuka, and made my way through the living room toward the bedroom. The living room was, as usual, a mess. Even though I cleaned it regularly, it always got dirty so quickly. Maybe Shizuka thought of the living room as a big trash can.

“Let’s get you in bed.” (Souma)

“Mmm…” (Shizuka)

I sat her on the bed, and she immediately tried to lie down. I hurriedly grabbed her by the shoulder.

“Shizuka, have some ramune candy and water before you sleep. With the way you are, you might still end up with a hangover, but it should help.” (Souma)

“Mmm…” (Shizuka)

Saying that, I handed Shizuka the bag of ramune candy and water, but she showed no sign of moving.

Her eyes are closed, but I hope she’s not asleep…

“Hey, Shizuka…” (Souma)

“Feed me…” (Shizuka)

“Huh…?” (Souma)

“Feed me…” (Shizuka)

Shizuka swayed gently, like a baby bird receiving food from its parent, as she puckered her lips upward. Her pale pink lips unfolded like petals, facing me.

“…Seriously?” (Souma)

Do you really want me to feed you…?

“Hurry up…” (Shizuka)

“Alright, alright. Don’t complain about it later!” (Souma)

I snatched the bag of ramune candy from Shizuka and roughly tore it open, taking out a single piece of candy. The candy was only about the size of a pinky fingernail, and no matter how I tried to feed it to her, it seemed like my fingers would have to make contact with her lips.

…I’d prefer if she could eat on her own, but I guess there’s no choice. In the meantime, Shizuka’s liver is probably screaming in protest.

“…Here, take it.” (Souma)

I tried to pinch the edge of the lemonade candy and gently pressed it against Shizuka’s lips. It reminded me of when I fed a giraffe at the zoo when I was a kid. Feeding that creature was a terrifying experience, but this was definitely more nerve-wracking.

“Mmm…” (Shizuka)

Shizuka slowly rolled her lips inward, taking the candy inside her mouth. My fingers were naturally at the edge of the candy, and as a result, they briefly touched Shizuka’s lips.

“Ugh…” (Souma)

I quickly recited a mantra in my mind. I started to imagine all sorts of insects in my head. By picturing the grotesque underside of a beetle, I managed to regain control of my instincts.

“Alright, let’s have about five more.” (Souma)

“Yes…” (Shizuka)

I fed her absentmindedly and gave her some water. After laying Shizuka down in bed, I soon heard her quiet breathing.

“For now, she seems to be okay.” (Souma)

I picked up some noticeable pieces of trash and then left Shizuka’s house.