Doraemon: Starting by Taking Care of Tamako Nobi

"Shizuka, are you okay? You don't look so well."

Kneeling beside her, Hiro looked at the girl with concern, puzzled by her awkward expression.

"I'm fine. It's nothing. Class is about to start. Let's head back quickly."

Shizuka slowly stood up, her legs still feeling a bit wobbly, and cast a shy glance at Hiro. It wasn't that she felt unwell more like she was too comfortable earlier. Though she didn't quite understand why, her heart still fluttered with embarrassment.

Since he didn't seem to notice anything, there was no need to bring it up.

"If you say so."

Brushing stray blades of grass from his clothes, Hiro refreshed after his nap quickly returned to his usual upbeat self. If someone didn't want to talk about something, there was no need to pry. Everyone had their secrets.

Back in the classroom, the afternoon lessons resumed. Hiro wasn't remotely interested in the material, so he passed the time chatting with his deskmate. But something was clearly off with Shizuka. Her expression was stiff, her legs pressed tightly together beneath her skirt, and her knees trembled ever so slightly.

"Shizuka, you've been acting strange since lunch. What's wrong?"

"It's okay. Really. You don't have to worry."

Hiro leaned closer, gently lowering his voice.

"Come on, you can tell me. I promise I won't laugh."

Shizuka hesitated, her cheeks turning pink. She lowered her gaze, twisting her fingers nervously before finally whispering something barely audible.

"This stays between us, okay?"

"Of course."

"I… I think I had a little accident," she murmured, burying her face in her arms in shame. "I didn't even notice until now, but it's all cold and uncomfortable…"

Hiro blinked in surprise.

He tried not to imagine anything specific. No need for that. What mattered was helping her feel better.

"I see," he said, clearing his throat. "Don't worry. I'm not going to tease you or anything. Here, the best move is to grab a handkerchief from your bag and well deal with it quickly. That usually helps."

Shizuka nodded, clearly mortified, and slipped quietly out of the classroom. Sure enough, after a few moments, she returned looking much more at ease.

"Feeling better now?" Hiro asked.

"Yes… but this is a secret, alright? If anyone else finds out, I'll never forgive you."

Her eyes sparkled with a mix of sternness and embarrassment, though the color in her cheeks had softened.

"Cross my heart. It's just between you and me."

The image lingered in Hiro's mind longer than he expected. Probably because of all the ridiculous storylines he had absorbed from cheesy late-night dramas. He shook his head quickly to clear it.

With a soft smile, he reached out under the desk and gently held Shizuka's small hand in his. He didn't want to rush anything or cross a line he just wanted this subtle, honest connection to last a while longer.

"What kind of secret is this anyway? Honestly, Hiro… you're such a jerk."

Shizuka gave him a playful glare, but didn't pull her hand away.

And just like that, they returned to whispering and giggling like they always did during class.

Later that afternoon, just before dismissal...

"Tomorrow's Saturday. Got any plans, Gian?" Suneo asked while packing his bag in the back of the classroom.

Gian thought for a moment, then shot the question back. "Not yet. What about you, Suneo?"

"Ha! My cousin Aki just bought a new yacht. He's taking me out to sea this weekend."

Suneo puffed out his chest with pride, clearly eager to show off. As usual.

Of course, this kind of bragging was asking for trouble.

"A yacht?" Gian's eyes lit up. "Hey, take me with you! I've always wanted to try something like that."

He clapped Suneo on the back, delighted at the prospect. Finally, a weekend plan that didn't involve staying home bored out of his mind.

"Uh… well…"

Suneo hesitated. A bead of sweat rolled down his temple. He hadn't planned to invite everyone.

"What's with the hesitation? You don't want me to come or something?"

Suneo didn't have time to answer. Gian had already seized him by the collar.

"W-wait! I didn't mean it like that! Of course you can come! You're totally invited!"

"Haha! Now that's what I call a true friend!"

Gian released him with a grin, giving Suneo's shoulder a hearty slap. His mood had swung from stormy to sunny in a flash.

Then Nobita wandered over, eyes sparkling with hope. "Suneo, can I come too? I really want to try a yacht ride!"

"Sorry, no more room. It's a shame, really."

Suneo reverted back to his smug self, clearly enjoying his power over Nobita. Of all his friends, Nobita was the easiest to push around.

"What? There has to be space left!"

"I said no, and I mean it."

Brushing him off with a wave, Suneo trotted over to Shizuka's desk. "Shizuka! Want to come with us to the seaside? My cousin's yacht is brand new!"

"Wow, really? Thanks, Suneo! Can Hiro come too?"

Shizuka turned to him with a sweet smile.

"Uhh… sure, no problem."

Suneo's smile twitched. He didn't really want Hiro to come what if he stole the spotlight again? But he couldn't refuse in front of Shizuka. That would make him look petty.

"Unbelievable!" Nobita muttered through clenched teeth. "Just now he said there was no room, and suddenly Hiro and Shizuka are invited? That's so unfair!"

He stormed off. "Fine! I'll ask Doraemon to take me to a tropical island this weekend! That'll be way more fun than some dumb yacht!"

"What?! A tropical island?!"

"Count me in, Nobita!" Gian bolted over to him. "I'd way rather hang with you anyway!"

"Sure, no problem. I'll ask Doraemon as soon as I get home. Everyone's welcome!"

Nobita beamed, proud and defiant. Who needed a yacht when you had a secret weapon like Doraemon?

"Grr… that Nobita," Suneo growled, fists clenched as he watched his thunder get stolen.

He wanted to join them too but he couldn't bring himself to ask. Not after that.

As always, Shizuka played the peacekeeper, smoothing things over with a few kind words and soft glances. Within moments, Nobita had stopped sulking, and the group was at least on the surface friends again.