TSSITWON Chapter 253: The Story of Mei Terumi 8

However, upon hearing that, my body immediately felt stiff. It was as if something was flowing within me, a heat spreading from my cheeks to the tips of my ears. "W-What?! No! I can eat by myself!" I stammered, my voice nearly lost in the deep embarrassment I felt.

My eyes couldn't focus, as if my vision was spinning. Why was my face turning this red? My heart was pounding so loudly, each beat resonating throughout my body, and I could feel it with every breath I took.

Aoki simply smiled casually, his expression showing no hint of confusion. "Your left shoulder is still injured, right? You shouldn't force your right hand just yet. So, let me feed you," Aoki said in such a gentle tone, as if reminding me without intending to pressure me.

I looked at Aoki, my body feeling rigid, and there was a strong sense of hesitation. But Aoki gazed at me with a determined expression, as if silently saying that this was not something to be negotiated. "Come here," Aoki said, his voice firm yet soft, as if he knew exactly what was best for me.

With my cheeks growing even redder, I finally gave in, even though it was incredibly difficult for me to do so. I then sat next to Aoki, my body feeling so close to his, even though I tried to maintain some distance.

The atmosphere around us was so calm, yet in my heart, there were thousands of conflicting feelings, like a storm that had come so suddenly.

We began to eat, but I felt very awkward. Tetsu ate calmly, chewing slowly as if nothing could disturb his tranquility. Grandma Misuki, with her experienced old hands, held her teacup carefully, her eyes radiating a calmness that was hard for me to replicate.

Ajisai, that little girl, seemed unfazed by anything, eating cheerfully as if the world had no problems. But me? I was being fed by Aoki, and it... it was so embarrassing! Each bite Aoki offered felt so different, so intense, as if every movement could make my heart explode.

My heart was racing faster than usual. I tried to calm myself, but I couldn't. How could it feel like this? I had just met Aoki, just last night! So why, with every movement and glance, did I feel so… confused? Am I starting to like Aoki?

No, that's impossible. We come from different worlds, separated by borders, history, and culture. I am from Kirigakure, and Aoki is probably from Konoha, or at least I suspect so. What do we have in common? What can we share?

I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to catch my breath, trying to divert these feelings. Remember Mei, remember! Aoki is only helping you because you are injured. This is all temporary, just because of the wound on your shoulder. Nothing more than that. Don't let these feelings grow deeper.

Yet, despite my efforts, those feelings wouldn't go away. Why did my heart race faster every time I was near Aoki? Why did I feel anxious just seeing his smile?

"What's wrong?" Aoki suddenly asked, his voice softening, but there was confusion behind his sharp eyes. His relaxed smile seemed to calm me even more, but it only made my heart flutter even more intensely.

"Ah, it's nothing," I replied, trying to give an awkward smile, even though my heart was still racing uncontrollably. I tried to appear normal, but my body trembled slightly, as if unable to contain the growing feelings.

...

...

...

Time passed so quickly, and finally, Aoki opened the conversation again, his voice sounding very firm yet respectful. "Mrs. Misuki," Aoki called with a calm voice, "may we stay at your house for two weeks? At least until Mei fully recovers."