After my parents invited Nagito to spend the night whenever he didn't want to be home alone, Nagito spent the night almost every night. Thursday after club activities, he'd drive me back home and spend the night. We'd go to school together, come home together, spend the weekends together and with my friends, who all accepted him as part of our friend group. Monday night, he'd go back home, and the cycle would repeat on Thursday.

My parents adored having Nagito over, and I was always happy to have him stay the night. Knowing he was home with me meant he wasn't drowning in loneliness like he would have been. When he was with me, he was safe and happy, just as he should always be.

Nagito would join Chiaki, Kazuichi, and myself for our weekly meetups, playing video games, eating dinner, and just talking. They always made Nagito feel welcomed, and they quickly became some of Nagito's best friends.

Even though Nagito liked sleeping the same bed as me, cuddling with me and using my chest as a pillow, I only slept in with him on Sundays. I had to be the one to drag him out of bed for school, and I'd let him continue to sleep on Saturdays while I headed to the gym with Aoi and Sakura. Whenever I came back, he'd still be asleep, and I'd have to wake him up before I showered so he'd be up for breakfast when I came out.

Life with Nagito was better than ever. I'd be content if life stayed that way. Even though I loved him, I was happy knowing he was happy. I could fathom living in peace like that if it meant he would be happy for the rest of his life.

I always hated the days when he would leave to go home. I wasn't sure if he was worried about overstaying his welcome, but my parents and I considered him part of the family. Having him away for too long was boring and worrying. We were always happy to have him with us, to the point where he could move in and we'd all accept it without question.

According to Gundham, Nagito had to be home Monday through Wednesday due to family afflictions with Sonia's parents. Until he was officially on his own, he'd have to continue to put up appearances and do what was expected of him. While I understood, I hated it. I wanted him away from the family that made him so anxious and lonely and to be home with me, snuggling on the couch as we watched TV or played video games. The nights when he wasn't sleeping in my arms were long and cold.

I was looking forward to the end of club activities that Thursday. Kazuichi was going to make a garlic and parmesan mac and cheese for dinner. My mouth watered just thinking about it. I knew Nagito was excited to come over, too, but when he walked into class that day, I could instantly tell something was wrong.

Nagito hung his head as he walked into the classroom, instantly collapsing over his desk. I wanted to check on him, but the teacher walked in before I could. Gundham sat in front of him, so at least he could check on Nagito during class for me.

When lunch rolled around, I went to check on him. He slept through lunch, and I was too worried to wake him up. He even wound up sleeping through some of our lessons after lunch, so I took clear notes for him to study with once he woke up.

At the end of the day, I walked up to his desk and crossed my arms. Nagito stared up at me with such dead eyes, I hardly recognized him. It was as if all the joy had been sucked out of him. "Nagito, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing," he said, brushing it off. "I'm just feeling a bit tired."

"It would seem the mortal is feeling unwell," Gundham commented. "I would recommend he were sent home and rested up."

"That might be best," I agreed. "I mean, you slept through class."

"I know," he exhaled, staring at me glumly. "I'll be fine, though. I'm alright, I swear."

"But-"

"Please, Hajime," he begged, standing up and grabbing my hands. "I'll be okay today, I swear. I'm feeling much more relaxed after taking that nap."

While I wanted Nagito to head home and relax, he drove himself to school. If he were to feel sick as he was driving home wouldn't be smart or safe. I would have driven him home myself, but I didn't want to risk upsetting Byakuya. With how adamant Nagito was about wanting to go to the café, I gave in, despite being uncomfortable with him serving. If I could, I would lock him in the back and have him sleep until it was time to go home, but I knew once Byakuya saw him, he'd be put to work.

Throughout my sessions, I made sure to keep an eye on Nagito. While he worked slower than usual, he didn't seem sick. I was hoping it really was just an off day, but he was growing paler than usual and exhaustion shined in his eyes. If only time could speed up so I could have him relax at home.

I wasn't sure why he was pushing himself so much. I understood not wanting to worry Sonia or upset Byakuya, but it was important to take care of his health. If he was sick, he needed to rest properly and not overwork himself into exhaustion.

As Mikan talked about her studies, I looked over at Nagito, noticing him holding his head as he leaning against the kitchen counter. Teruteru confronted him, but Nagito brushed it off. It didn't seem like he had much more energy left in him.

"Mikan," I stated, interrupting her mid-sentence, "I'm very sorry, but can you please help me for a moment."

I stood up and walked over to Nagito. Wrapping my arms around him, I held him close as Mikan dragged a chair over. I sat him down and knelt in front of him. He continued to hold his head in his hands, avoiding my eyes.

"Nagito," I murmured, running my fingers through his hair.

"I've got it, Hajime," Mikan stated. She asked Nagito a few questions and checked his eyes and pulse. "It seems to be a common cold brought on from stress. I'd highly recommend he heads home straight away and rests."

"I'm fine. Really," Nagito insisted, trying to stand up, but I pushed him back down into the chair. "Hajime, please."

"I don't know why you feel the need to keep serving when you're sick, but you need to put your health first right now and focus on recovering before it becomes something worse than it currently is."

Nagito wanted to argue, opening his mouth to do so, but no words left his lips. He closed his mouth and stared at the ground dejectedly.

"Thank you for your help, Mikan." I smiled. "I'll take him home."

"Make sure he drinks plenty of fluids and gets plenty of rest."

"Will do," I assured her. "Can you keep an eye on him for a moment? I need to tell Byakuya what's happening."

"O-of course."

After explaining to Byakuya what was happening with Nagito, he quickly excused us from activities for the day. I asked Gundham to tell Sonia what was happening as well, as I knew she was concerned about him.

After grabbing mine and Nagito's bags from the locker room, I led him out to the car with Mikan. She insisted on joining us to make sure Nagito made it to the car safely. Once he was seated in the car, I hugged and thanked Mikan, promising to make up our session some other day.

"D-don't worry about it, Hajime," she quickly said. "This is what I love to do, so I'm glad you trusted me enough to help take care of him for you."

"Thank you, Mikan."

"Keep a good eye on him."

I chuckled. "I'm not letting him out of my sights."

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