Takane no Hana - Volume 2 Chapter 8

With his back resting on the side of the bed, Itsuki was sleeping quietly.

Hinako got up with as little noise as possible and observed him.

“… I think it’s the first time I’ve seen his sleeping face.”

Due to the fatigue from her daily performance, Hinako sleeps whenever she can. This is why she rarely has a chance to see other people’s sleeping faces, even if they can see her own.

“Were you tired……?”

When she thought about it, today Itsuki looked sleepier than usual sitting at his desk.

Hinako knew exactly what it felt like to want to sleep when she was tired. Hinako decided to leave Itsuki asleep.

She looked at the study materials spread out on the desk.

She took a glance at the equations scribbled in the notebook, and suddenly saw something.

“Is this the …… caretaker manual?”

She picked up the thick book and flipped through the pages.

Originally, there was no such thing as a manual for caretakers. However, because of the rapid changes in personnel, it took too much time and effort to explain the tasks verbally, so a manual was created.

The manual has sticky notes and highlighters highlighting the points that need attention.

On the memo page, where you can write whatever you want, there are several brands of Hinako’s favorite ice cream. Right next to it, there was a scribble in strong handwriting that read, “Buy when you can and store in the fridge in your room!”.

She felt a stinging pain in her chest.

Before the pain could subside, someone came into the room.

“Miss?”

Shizune walked over to her with a curious look on her face.

“The door was open, so I came to see what was going on…….”

“…… shhhh.”

Hinako raised her index finger in front of her lips and turned her gaze to the sleeping Itsuki.

The look in her eyes made Shizune realize the situation.

“I’m sorry. Sleeping before the lady, he’s not a good caretaker.”

She said this, but her expression was not angry.

Shizune may have also acknowledged Itsuki’s recent efforts.

Basically, Itsuki is very serious. Even if Shizune doesn’t say anything, he will naturally reflect on it when he wakes up.

“Miss. If you like, I can show you to your room.”

“……Hmm.”

Hinako nodded and left the room with Shizune.

“Shizune.”

“Yes.”

“I feel …… strange.”

Hinako said as she mumbled.

“I’m happy that Itsuki is my caretaker, but sometimes I feel uncomfortable when I think that …… Itsuki is taking care of me.”

“…… unpleasant feelings?”

Not long ago, Shizune would have suspected that there was something wrong with Itsuki, but not anymore. They’ve been working under the same roof for over a month. Shizune knew very well that Itsuki was a sincere person.

“Do you have any complaints about Itsuki-san being your caretaker?”

“That …… is not it.”

Hinako shook her head. However, her expression was uneasy.

They reached the front of the room and Shizune opened the door. Hinako slowly walked in.

“No, but …… that’s not good.”

She sank down on the bed.

Placing her arms over her eyelids, Hinako reveals her anxiety.

“Itsuki listens to me because it’s his …… job?”

Hearing these words, Shizune finally understood the true nature of Hinako’s anxiety.

She couldn’t help but smile, but she held back the change in her expression.

“Please don’t worry.”

Shizune said in a gentle tone of voice.

“It’s not just for work that Itsuki-san is by your side.”

“…… Really?”

“Yes. But it will be a little while before you can understand that.”

Originally, Itsuki took on the job of caretaker because he simply didn’t have enough money.

But if money was the only goal, he would not have protested to Kagen to become a caretaker again. The old Itsuki was different. The Itsuki of today feels more than just a job when he takes on the role of caretaker.

Hinako is insensitive in the most important places.

That’s something that’s easy to figure out if you think about it.

“But this is a first. It’s the first time the young lady has asked me for personal advice like this.”

“……Is that right?”

“Yes.”

Hmm? Hinako tilted her head and remembered the past.

Shizune smiled at the sight of her. Shizune felt as if she was watching her daughter grow up.

“I shouldn’t ……. I’m still a college student.”

She is not going to be a mother yet.

After pulling the covers over Hinako, who was asleep before she knew it, Shizune left the room.

Shizune woke Itsuki up after this by tugging on his ear.