“What’s this packet? I can’t eat solids.”
Before Nyssi could open her mouth, Jiro continued speaking, analyzing the contents closely.
“Oh, you made it? I can probably eat some of it then.”
“I tried not to make too many so maybe you can enjoy them all.”
“Did Mina tell you about that?”
She nodded. “Yeah. I wasn’t sure what to get you considering your condition, so she helped me brainstorm.”
The bag was turned over once more. “Thanks”
The wheels of a chair scraped across the ground, and Nyssi retrieved a water bottle tied with a red ribbon from her bag.Â
When they were seated comfortably, she gingerly raised the bottle to his lips. “Like this, right?”
Cool liquid trickled down his throat, and he held up a hand to cease the flow. The bag crinkled as he pulled out one of the tiny pieces, shaped like a slightly crooked beaker. He seemed to admire the effort, then passed it to her to place on his tongue.
He chewed carefully, ensuring it was fully broken down before trying to swallow. “Dark chocolate, and…citrus? Sweetened with honey?”
“I opted for something on the healthy side.”
His crimson eyes floated out into nowhere, as if he were searching his thoughts. “It’s good.”
“I’m glad you like it!”
“I’ll have one more.” He leaned once again to lessen the distance between them, and accepted another small amount of water and small chocolate.
“You’re not feeling nauseous?”
“Not yet.” His hands wrung the bag to reseal it. “I’ll save the rest for now though.”
“That’s fine. I don’t want to see you get sick.”
“I know. That’s why I’ll eat the rest later.”
“Just…don’t make yourself sick over me.”
His lips popped up in a smile. “I don’t intend to.”
“When you want to try some more, just let me know.” The bottle was returned to her bag. “I might be over here anyways, so…”
For some reason, Jiro felt himself seized by a strange impulse. With little thought on it, he acted accordingly, leaning down to close the distance between them and gently nuzzling his forehead against hers. “Alright.”
A blush found her cheeks from the unusual display of affection, but she happily reciprocated. “Take care of yourself, please?”
“I will,” he replied. “If I don’t, Yuri will also be mad at me.”
“Someone has to keep you in line,” she joked.
“I suppose.” His hand reached up, stroking a lock of hair from her face. “You take care of yourself too. It’d be a hindrance to our research if you died.”
Her fingertips pressed against him, pushing his palm flush against her cheek. “I know. I’ll be careful.” Searching through his tired eyes, her voice came again. “...Would you forget me if I died?”
A stifled laugh left her mouth. “Then I can’t die. I don’t want you to forget me.”
“...I don’t want to forget you either.”
