“Mai, are you okay?”

  “I think I sprained my ankle when running…”

  I look left and right for a med-kit.

  Shoot! Nothing! And we missed the last bus.

  Mai looked down in the dumps, tears rolling down her face.

  “Kaito, go on ahead without me. I will just slow you down. I can maybe find a bench to rest on tonig-“

  “What are you talking about?”

  Before she could react, I lower myself and give her a piggyback ride.

  “Come on!”

  She gets on my back softly.

  “There! Let’s walk.”

  Mai was surprised, blushing at the situation.

  Ehh? What? This seems very Kaito-ish; he didn’t want to leave me all alone there…

  The silence was criminal, and I could sense Mai felt bad for having me to carry her.

  “You really thought I would abandon you there? After everything we’ve been through?”

  Slight relief shrouded her.

  He’s right. He would never do such a thing…what was in my head. It’s kind of like him to keep on helping us, just like when we were kids.

  “But we have a long way to go…isn’t it like two kilometers?”

  “So what? We’re not in a hurry, are we?”

  “I guess…”

  “Let’s go.”

  I start walking with Mai on my back. Luckily for me, I started working out last year and built my strength.

  I can’t just leave her here, what kind of man would I be?

  Although this situation is a bit embarrassing, I’m happy to see that she still relies on me. This means she trusts me.

  “Am I heavy?”

  Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

  “Nope. I can walk just fine.”

  Mai looked from above at Kaito, like a prince carrying a princess.

  Why am I blushing now of all times…? This should be nothing.…but I really missed this. I really…appreciate the fact that he is always here for me. It really means a lot.

  Mai closes her eyes and relaxes as I walk down the street.

  I get a call, my phone ringing violently. Akane and the others were worried.

  “Where are you two?!”

  “We’re coming on foot…we lost the last bus by a few seconds.”

  The others let out a sigh of relief.

  “You should’ve just called us! Give me your location and stay put!”

  “Okay…?”

  I give Akane my location and the next second she ordered a cab.

  “Stay right where you are!”

  She hung up. Mai overheard us.

  “What’s all that about?”

  “I have no idea.”

  A yellow car approaches us.

  “Order for Kaito-san and Mai-san?”

  HOW FAST WAS THAT?!

  We are both confused, exchanging glares one at each other.

  “Uh…yes?”

  “Come on in, the ride’s already been paid for!”

  Akane…really…thank you. I overestimated my strength. Mai is not heavy but I didn’t go to the gym since school started!

  I lay Mai easily in the cab, and I sit next to her.

  “Is your foot alright?’”

  Her face revealed pain, trying to hide it.

  “Y-yes…”

  I take a look at her ankle. There was a bruise.

  “Mai, you are not okay!”

  “I’m fine, really, it’s nothing. Look! OUCH!”

  “Mai, don’t put up a tough front. Let me take a look.”

  Mai was embarrassed, looking worried at her injury. “Okay…”

  Her ankle has swollen. Could this be a fracture? The fall was not that big of a deal...

  “Mai…”

  We arrive at the villa, lights open everywhere.

  “Thank you mister! Have a good night!”

  I get out of the cab and carry Mai again to the front door.

  Everyone was waiting for us.

  Akane came to intercept us just in front of the door. She was angry with us, crossing her arms over.

  The moment I walk inside, everyone’s speechless.

  Akane’s eyes twitch.

  “Kaito…what are you doing with Mai?”

  “Huh?”

  Oh. They ask why Mai is on my back.

  Mai was slightly blushing.

  “Um…”

  “It’s nothing guys! She sprained her ankle or something…I’m not sure myself. She couldn’t walk back by herself so I gave her a piggyback ride.”

  Nobody was believing me.

  “Really?”

  “Take a look yourself.”

  I lay Mai on the couch and everyone sees her bruise.

  Mizuki puts her palms to her face, staring in utter horror.

  “Oh no! Let me grab a med-kit!”

  The others are speechless.

  “Mai, are you okay?”

  In her usual happy tone, she replies.

  “Yes, Kaito helped me!”

  “How can you be happy in such a time?!”

  “It’s not that big of a deal!”

  Hikaru takes a look at her leg.

  “Bad news…she won’t swim until we come back from the trip.”

  Mai’s face darkens.

  “You’re kidding…right?”

  Hikaru’s face expression made it clear the situation was serious.

  “I’m afraid not.”

  No way. The trip is over?

  I come back with a pack of ice and put it on Mai’s ankle.

  She starts screaming, unaware of the situation.

  “Kyaa! COLD!”

  I put my hand on her shoulder, aiding her to relieve the built-up stress.

  “Relax. We need to lower the swelling around your ankle.”

  Her eyes twitch from the coldness of the pack.

  But she endures it. If I complain now… he’ll think I’m weak. No way.

  Visibly seeing Mai struggle, Hikaru intervenes with the med-kit.

  “Okay, Kaito, it’s been three minutes. Let’s wrap the ankle in a gauze roll.”

  Hikaru and I carefully wrap Mai’s ankle while the others look at us worried, and Mai isn’t able to say a thing.

  “There! Is it better Mai?”

  “Yes, thank you guys!”

  Kaguya grabs a bottle from the kitchen.

  “Guys, since the atmosphere is not healthy, how about we play a game? Truth or dare?”