Chapter 117 - Are you a cosplayer?

Takeshi walks to his brother's room. He didn't go to university for two reasons. He heard that his sister-in-law is sick. He doesn't know why she fought with his brother yesterday night. Usually, he wouldn't interfere. But, she's running a high fever because she spent the entire night in the bathtub.

Why is his brother dumb? Even if sister-in-law is a bit difficult, his brother should take care of her first. Why would his brother let her spend the entire night in the bathroom?

The second reason is that he wants to give a break to Iori who always alert about not running into him.

"You cannot enter." The small woman raises her palm in his direction.

He stares at the woman. "Are you a cosplayer?"

"Bo.Dy.Guard." Tsuchiya corrects him. She's often misunderstood either as a teenager girl or a cosplayer. "No one except Mr. Kamiyama and I can enter the room."

The doctors came and treated Rie when Kiyohira was present. Since Tsuchiya did training as a nurse, she is taking care of Rie. No one is needed except her.

Takeshi feels bad for his sister-in-law. "You can tell me how she is doing now."

"I cannot reveal any information," Tsuchiya Tsumi replies politely.

Since he is at work, her condition must be okay. "If something happens, I live in that room."

Tsuchiya doesn't respond. She only reports to Kiyohira. 

***

Am I alive?

There's this angelic face in front of me. Her smile is quite soothing. This little angel looks like Sakurano Kano's little sister from my favorite manga. 

This must be a dream.

I open my eyes again. The angelic face is gone. Reality hits me. I am in Kiyohira's bedroom. I glance at the IV. Why do I frequently find myself in these kinds of situation? Did Kiyohira overreact again? What happened last night after I entered the bathroom?

When I try to get up, a hand presses against my back. The angelic face is in front of me again. 

"Are you Sakurano Tomomi?" I ask her weakly. Then, her elder brother must be around here.

"I am Tsuchiya Tsumi." She grins at me. "I am your bodyguard."

Bodyguard? She's even smaller than I am. Though her voice is m.a.t.u.r.e for her age, she looks half my age. When did this chibi person become my bodyguard? 

"Are you sure that I am not your bodyguard, little girl?"

Am I having a strange dream again?

"Madam Kamiyama, I am sure that I am your bodyguard."

What did she call me? Madam Kamiyama? "I am Umezaki Rie. Not Madam Kamiyama."

She just smiles.

"How did you become my bodyguard again?" I ask her quietly.

Tsuchiya Tsumi sits beside me. She presses her fingertip on my wrist. "Mr. Kamiyama appointed me."

That Kamiyama Bastard! He drowned my laptop and phone. He imprisoned me inside this room. 

"Can I make a call?"

"No, Madam."

"I want to go out."

"You aren't allowed to."

"I am hungry. I am going to the kitchen."

"I will bring the food."

This is frustrating. 

The door opens only when she brings in food or when she comes to check my temperature. The door is locked from outside. There's no chance of getting out.

***

Tsuchiya has done a good job. She keeps him informed about her condition throughout the day. He wonders what is waiting for him in this room. When he opens the door, he comes face to face with Rie.

"Kamiyama Bastard, welcome back home." She is smiling, but her eyes are not. Kiyohira notices how she has returned to calling him by that old name. Did he get demoted? She's mad for sure.

"How are you?" He closes the door. Tsuchiya locks it on the other side. Relaxed, he starts unbuttoning his shirt. It's been a long day. He missed her a lot.

"I have been better." She comes closer and helps him remove his shirt. He can't help but chuckle. She says, slightly irritated, "Why laughing? I am still your wife. If I don't do this, who will?"

Suddenly interested in the role of the wife... "Were you bored?"

"I had an interesting conversation with the chibi bodyguard." She coils her arms around her neck. "Are you tired, honey?"

Her intention is clear.

"I am not tired." He bends down his head, touching his forehead with hers. "Still a little warm. Did you take medicine, Darling?" 

"Yes," She tells him sullenly. "Did you bring that bodyguard to prevent me from leaving you?"

Kiyohira gives her a nod. "That's half of the reason."

"Then..." She licks her lips. "I have decided to stay married to you. You can send her away."

Kiyohira knows that expression. It's some wife roleplay. Is it the cute one or cunning one? Maybe both. He can't decide.

"You have made a wise decision." He would love to take advantage of this roleplay of hers, but she still has a slight fever. "You have to rest tonight."

"I am fine." She sticks her body to him. "Kiyohira, you know that I like you."

"My body, precisely." He pinches her nose and laughs. "Sweetheart, you can stop pretending. I know what your little mind is scheming." 

"Kiyohira, I am not pretending. I have realized it after having a fever." She crosses her arms. "I love you, Kiyohira. I swear. I mean it. I love you tons."

"I love you too, Sweetheart," Kiyohira tells her nonchalantly and goes for the shower while humming a tune. The door is closed before she can enter. 

Rie's attempt at escape fails.

She huffs. "He became smarter."

After he comes out, he sees her asleep with a half-opened mouth. Even if she lies, his heart skips a beat when she tells him that she loves him. What a beautiful lie it is. He hopes that this lie becomes the truth someday.