Crossover: After deciding to give up, i became popular

"Excuse me..."

Sliding open the door to Kanade Natsukawa's apartment with a spare key, Mahiru Shiina tiptoed inside, carefully closing the door behind her to avoid making noise.

After rushing straight home from school, she decided to visit Kanade to check why he hadn't come to class today.

Kanade wasn't the type to skip school without reason. His absence meant something must have happened—something troublesome.

Out of concern for… a fellow classmate, of course, she thought it was her duty to check on him. Maybe she could even help.

But after ringing the doorbell repeatedly and receiving no response, worry began to creep in.

Could he be sick again? she wondered, remembering how easily he had caught a cold before. If he were unwell and alone in his apartment, he'd surely be struggling.

She knew Kanade lived by himself, much like she did.

Back when their relationship had been closer, he'd given her a spare key, saying it was to make things easier for both of them. That key was what allowed her to step into his silent, pristine apartment now.

The living room, once cluttered, was neat and tidy. The entire apartment was eerily quiet, as if no one was home.

He must be in his bedroom, Mahiru concluded.

If Kanade had gone out, he would have checked his messages or notified someone. His silence pointed to one thing: he was probably bedridden.

Gingerly, she pushed open the door to his bedroom and tiptoed inside.

There he was, lying on the bed, deep in slumber.

His broad chest rose and fell rhythmically with each breath. Beads of sweat glistened on his short, tousled hair, and his sharp, chiseled features were marred by a faint frown.

Even in his sleep, he seemed burdened, his brows knitting together every so often.

He must be so tired... Mahiru thought, her heart aching.

If only she hadn't run away back then, perhaps she could have been by his side now, sharing his burdens.

But there were no do-overs in life. Even an "Angel" had to face the consequences of her choices.

"Grrr... ugh..."

A sudden rumbling sound broke the silence. Mahiru's face turned beet red as she clutched her stomach, frozen in embarrassment.

"Good thing he didn't hear that..." she muttered under her breath.

She had skipped lunch, too distracted by her worry for Kanade to eat. Now her empty stomach was protesting loudly.

"That's it! I'll make something to eat. Kanade must need food more than I do right now."

Her hunger had sparked a realization: if she was starving, he, sick and bedridden, must be even worse off. He probably hadn't eaten all day.

"You wait right here, Kanade. I'll cook something for you," she whispered softly.

Before leaving, she couldn't resist a small indulgence. Lightly, she hooked her finger around his exposed hand, savoring the moment.

Then, like a child caught in mischief, she quickly withdrew her hand, her face glowing with a mix of embarrassment and giddy delight.

It was only in such moments—when he was unaware—that she dared to indulge in such intimate gestures, reverting to her old habit of addressing him so familiarly.

"Don't go..."

"!"

Mahiru froze, startled by the sudden murmur.

Turning stiffly, she realized Kanade hadn't woken up. His eyes remained shut, his face still peaceful.

He's just talking in his sleep, she thought, breathing a sigh of relief.

For a moment, she had panicked, unsure how to explain herself.

"I won't go anywhere. I'm just going to make some food. I'll be right back," she whispered softly.

As if reassured by her words, Kanade's tense brow relaxed, and his expression softened.

He looks better already, Mahiru thought, finally allowing herself to leave the room.

When Kanade finally awoke, he found himself staring at the same familiar ceiling as always.

Another dream.

In the dream, he had once again spent a pleasant day with one of the heroines, only for it to end in rejection.

But this time, something had been different. This time...

She said yes?

Kanade blinked, still half-lost in the remnants of the dream.

"I won't leave you. Let's be together."

She had actually agreed.

Just as he began to question whether it was real, he woke up.

"Of course, it was just a dream..." he muttered, brushing it off.

Dreams were the only place where his fantasies could come true. Reality had a way of slamming those doors shut.

He shook his head, trying to dispel the oppressive weight in his chest.

That's when he heard it: faint footsteps outside his room.

The sound was soft, but distinct enough to catch his attention.

Could it be a burglar? he thought, his heart sinking.

In his current state, he wasn't in any condition to defend himself.

Before he could come up with a plan, the bedroom door opened.

Standing there, carrying a tray with a clay pot and bowl, was none other than Mahiru Shiina.

"Kanade... oh, you're awake," she said, a mix of relief and worry crossing her face.

Mahiru had debated whether entering his apartment uninvited would upset him. Back when they were closer, her presence here had felt natural. Now, after everything that had happened, she wasn't so sure.

"I made some porridge," she offered tentatively.

"..." Kanade was silent for a moment before he finally said, "Thank you."

"It's no trouble."

His reaction took Mahiru by surprise. She had expected him to question why she still had his spare key or why she had come unannounced.

But Kanade didn't overthink it.

Mahiru was kind—so kind that even after everything, she would still come to his aid. That was who she was.

"Are you feeling better? Do you need help... eating?"

Mahiru's face flushed as she fidgeted nervously, sitting by his bedside like a worried wife.

Why did I say that out loud?! she scolded herself internally.

If he refused, she'd be too mortified to ever face him again!

But Kanade, weak from illness, didn't have the energy to overanalyze. Right now, all he could think about was how heavy his limbs felt and how nice it would be if someone fed him.

"Okay. I'll trouble you, then."

"Eh?!" Mahiru's small gasp of surprise escaped before she could stop it.

He actually agreed? He usually brushed off such offers for help!

"Is it too much trouble?" he asked, noticing her hesitation.

"No! Not at all!" she blurted, her voice flustered yet earnest.

A bright warmth filled her chest, spreading like sunshine.

Today must be my lucky day, she thought, a feeling of joy—like a precious treasure rediscovered—bubbling inside her.