Chapter 123. [Legal Massage]
The moment I saw my mother standing at the entrance of the hospital room, blood drained from my face.
Oh no, is something wrong?
“Um, hey there. Mom, how are you?”
Tentatively, I called out to her.
I couldn’t begin to imagine how angry I had made her.
I didn’t eat the meals she had made for me, nor did I take my medicine.
And now, I had pushed myself too hard and ended up in the hospital.
“Iroha, you…!”
“Ah! Sorry!”
Reflexively, I took a defensive stance, expecting yelling or a punch to come my way.
But…
“Huh?”
No matter how much time passed. No angry voices or fists were thrown at me.
Tentatively, I peeked through the gaps in my raised arm to see what was happening.
To my surprise, my mother was quietly shedding tears.
And then, she gently embraced me.
“Mom?”
“I’m relieved you’re safe.”
Her teardrops fell onto my face, one by one.
Somehow, they felt incredibly warm.
“…Huh? Huh?”
Big tears welled up in my own eyes, overflowing uncontrollably.
I tried to stop them, but I couldn’t control them at all.
“What is this… Why won’t the tears stop…hic, ugh…”
“It’s alright, Iroha. You were scared, right? You did your best. You’re alive. You’re alive and well. So, everything is going to be okay.”
“Ugh, uaaah… Uaaah!”
The tears and sobbing wouldn’t cease.
It was only now that I realized.
Yes, this person is truly my mother.
I’m relieved now. I feel at ease.
“I was scared for so long… me…”
“Iroha-chan! Iroha-chan…! Iroha!”
Mai, Ah-nee, and Angu Ogu were drawn in by my tears too.
They both started sobbing and embraced me.
“It’s alright now…!”
My mom repeatedly said.
“It’s alright. It’s alright.”
Finally, it began to sink in.
Ah, that’s right. I… I survived.
***
Afterward, I underwent medical examinations.
While wiping my eyes, still red from crying, I listened to the explanation of my current condition.
“What!? Was I asleep for a week!?”
“Yes. Since your muscle strength has significantly declined, please don’t push yourself too hard. Typically, when someone has been bedridden for a week, people said that their muscles decrease by 10% to 20%.”
I see, so I was bedridden for a week. Huh?
Is that long? Is it short?
Honestly, I have no idea.
However, there was one thing I was certain about.
I had missed the live stream that took place during that time.
Nooo, I regret it so much!
“Come on, Iroha. Everyone has been taking care of you all this time, so make sure to express your gratitude.”
My mom urged me.
Especially Angou Ogu.
She even came from America for that purpose.
“Do they have to go that far!? Besides, it’s only been a week since the ceasefire! The situation hasn’t settled yet!”
“You should be worrying about your body before saying things like that. But, at least Mom was completely supportive, saying things like ‘Go’ and ‘You better repay me for this.'”
“Oh, I see.”
I realized I owed Angu Ogu a great deal.
Satisfied, Mai nodded beside me, saying.
“Yeah, Angu-san is amazing! I shouldn’t miss any opportunity to legally touch Iroha-chan’s body! Taking care means giving massages to the sleeping Iroha-chan or helping with stretches.”
“What!? Angu, you! You pervert!”
“H-Hey, that’s not true! I didn’t have any impure intentions! Seriously!… Hey! Are you trying to keep your distance from me?”
I hugged myself, slowly backing away.
Seriously, I can’t let my guard down for a second.
“Mai!? You!”
“Pihyoro. But, you know, Iroha-chan is Mai’s, and yet, Angu-san keeps barging in, saying ‘That’s not how it is’ with the full force of her affection~ Taking care means giving massages to Iroha-chan while she’s asleep and helping with stretches~.”
“What? Affection? Hey, I never…! It’s not like that! Besides, Iroha seems to like me too much, doesn’t she? It’s not a big deal! Besides, Iroha isn’t Mai’s property!”
“What are you saying!?”
“Hey, you!”
Mai and Angu started arguing.
Huh? Weren’t they always this hostile toward each other?
I don’t remember them having any issues when we went to the summer festival together.
Could there be a reason they’ve become hostile to each other?
“Well, whatever. But it seems like Mai is always getting into arguments with someone. I don’t know why. But it’s better to stop doing that.”
“Who do you think is at fault here? It’s because Iroha-chan keeps making new girlfriends here and there!”
“Me? No, that’s a nasty rumor!”
Just then, a new force joined the battle.
Raising her hand and interrupting, it was Ah-nee.
“By the way, not only did I give massages, but I also changed Iroha-chan’s diapers as requested by her mom!”
“Wha-Whaaat!?”
Wait, what does that mean!?
No, hold on…
Come to think of it, I did feel something strange around my lower body…
I’m wearing a diaper!?
“Mom!? Did you ask Ah-nee to change my diapers!?”
“Oh? Yes, I did. She’s reliable in times like this.”
“Mom!”
I collapsed.
I can’t believe a girl my age did something like this to me…
From the Christmas incident to this, I keep asking the wrong person for help every time!
Please, give me a break!
“Um, cough. Is it okay to continue now? I’d like to talk more about Iroha-chan’s current condition.”
The doctor said, veins popping temple, with a forced smile.
Eek! I’m so sorry!
