Hiiro (53)
I look down at the pale Naruhito cradled in my arms. It's not good that his mouth is injured. He won’t eat at all.
Even when I try to coax him, telling him he can work if he eats, or threaten him with the IV he dislikes, he stops after just two bites, placing the spoon down. Maybe he dislikes the bland food meant to avoid aggravating his wounds, or perhaps it hurts just to move his mouth.
I sigh, gently patting his back.
A faint sound escapes his lips, "Mmm..."
Worried I may have woken him, I peer down, but his peaceful breathing reassures me that he’s still asleep.
What a troublesome situation.
After responding to a knock, Hirosue, who had come to clear the lunch dishes, squats down when he sees how much food Naruhito left uneaten.
"He’s not eating..."
Hirosue murmured with a troubled look, gently stroking Naruhito’s cheek.
"Shall we try piling up some dango?"
He’s talking to himself while eyeing Naruhito’s mouth.
"Dango?"
"Yeah. It should be easier to eat. Let’s pile them high on a plate, maybe it’ll spark his appetite."
"Okay. Sorry for leaving it to you."
"Not at all, it’s my own lack of skill."
With a broad smile, he reassured me, and I couldn’t help but laugh softly in response.
Since Sai had gone to his room for a nap, I carried Naruhito to the bed and laid him down. Once I confirmed he was sleeping peacefully, I too drifted off beside him.
"Wow!"
The excited voice startled me awake in an instant.
"What’s the matter?"
"The dango! The dango is...!"
It seemed he was too excited to finish his sentence. Curious about what could cause such a reaction, I followed his gaze and saw a sight that could indeed stir excitement.
On the table, there was a plate piled high with small dango. Since they were small, stacking them neatly must have been a challenge. Beside it were small bowls of mitarashi dango, kinako dango, oshiruko, and fruit shiratama. The fruit looked like finely chopped canned mandarins.
"H-Hiiro... This is amazing. Incredible!"
Naruhito stumbled out of bed, drawn toward the mountain of dango. Hirosue stood by the table, smiling smugly, while Murakano, who had clearly been recruited to help, watched with narrowed, pleased eyes.
As Naruhito stood by the table, full of excitement, he suddenly turned to me with a look of realization.
"Is it my birthday?!"
What do you think about this chapter?
