Rejected a 1000 Times, I Tried to End It… And Got a 1000 Girlfriends!

Shizuki Aisha stood outside my hospital room, leaning against the closed door as if it were the only thing holding her up. Her breath came in shallow, ragged bursts, and her heart raced so fast she could hear it in her ears.

What's wrong with me? she thought, pressing a hand to her chest, where her heart thumped wildly.

Her face burned, and she could feel the heat rising all the way to her ears. "I don't even know him," she muttered under her breath. Yet, even as she said it, her mind betrayed her with memories of his smile and the way his eyes had met hers earlier.

He smells so good, too… The thought made her cheeks flush even deeper, and she groaned softly, covering her face with her hands.

After a moment to compose herself, Aisha straightened up and inhaled deeply. "Okay, Shizuki, get it together. He's just a patient," she whispered. But the tremor in her voice betrayed her resolve. A very cute patient… Stop it!

Determined, she walked toward the nurses' station, picked up his lunch tray, and prepared a folding table. Yet even as she worked, her thoughts were consumed by him.

I hope he likes the food. Wait, what if he can't eat on his own? Should I offer to feed him? Would that be too weird? She bit her lip as she imagined the scenario. Her hands wobbled slightly, and a droplet of soup spilled onto the tray.

"Oh no!" she yelped, quickly wiping it off with a napkin. "Focus, Aisha, focus!"

Balancing the tray and table carefully, she walked back toward my room, her footsteps measured but her mind anything but calm. If I mess this up, he'll think I'm incompetent… or worse, he'll hate me! But he smiled at me earlier, didn't he? Maybe he likes me, too?

By the time she entered the room, her face was a shade of red that could rival a ripe tomato.

Inside, I was staring at the ceiling, my mind clouded with thoughts of her.

She's so beautiful, I thought, replaying our earlier interaction. And so kind. Why does she even care about someone like me? Just because we're soulmates?

Hearing the door open, I turned my head and saw her walk in, carrying the tray. My heart skipped a beat. There she was again, her long ponytail swaying gently with each step, her face slightly flushed as she avoided eye contact.

"Lunch is here," she said softly, setting the folding table over my chest. Her voice was steady, but I noticed the way her hands trembled ever so slightly as she adjusted the tray.

She lifted the lid off the bowl of soup, and the aroma filled the room. "It's chicken soup," she said, her tone a mix of professional detachment and shy warmth. "Try to sip this. It'll help you replenish your strength."

I nodded and reached for the spoon, but as soon as I tried to lift it to my mouth, my arm gave out. The spoon clattered against the bowl, and I groaned in frustration.

Aisha's eyes widened with concern, and I could see the sadness flicker across her face. I should have realized… she thought, biting her lip.

Before I could apologize for my weakness, she hesitated for a moment and then spoke. "Umm… if you don't mind, can I… can I feed you?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, and her cheeks flushed again.

I blinked, surprised by her offer. "You'd do that?"

She nodded quickly, not meeting my gaze. "I… I just don't want you to struggle. I mean, if it's okay with you."

I smiled at her, my heart swelling with gratitude. "I'd be glad. Thank you, Shizuki-san."

Her breath hitched slightly when I said her name, and for a brief moment, she looked at me like I'd just said something profound. In her mind, I was no longer just a patient—I was someone special. He said my name… It sounds so nice when he says it.

With trembling hands, she picked up the spoon, scooped some soup, and raised it to my lips. I leaned forward slightly, sipping the warm liquid.

"Is it good?" she asked, her eyes searching mine nervously.

"It's delicious," I replied with a smile. "Even better because it's you feeding me."

Her face turned beet red, and she froze for a moment, the spoon hovering mid-air. What did he just say?

In her mind, it was like an explosion of emotions. He's so cute! Oh no, I think I'm falling for him! Wait, am I in love? Her thoughts spiraled, and she almost dropped the spoon.

"I… I'm glad," she managed to stammer, though her movements were now slightly clumsy as she continued feeding me.

As we continued, I couldn't help but feel a warmth I hadn't experienced in years. Her gentle care, her shy glances, the way she blushed at the simplest compliment—it all made my chest tighten with an unfamiliar but welcome emotion.

Without realizing it, a tear slipped down my cheek.

"Ah! What's wrong?" Aisha exclaimed, setting the spoon down and leaning closer to me. "Did I do something wrong? Please tell me!"

I shook my head, wiping at my face. "No… it's not you. It's just…" I paused, trying to find the words. "I can't remember the last time someone was this kind to me. I'm so happy, I…" My voice broke, and I covered my face with my hands.

Her heart ached at my words. Is this why he tried to end his life? Because he's been alone for so long?

Without thinking, she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around me. My head rested against her chest, and I could feel the steady beat of her heart through the fabric of her uniform. Her warmth enveloped me, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt safe.

"It's okay," she whispered, her voice soft and full of emotion. "Cry if you need to. I'm here for you. But promise me one thing, Kage-kun. Promise me you'll never try to hurt yourself again."

Her words broke the dam I'd been holding back, and I sobbed into her embrace, clutching her as if she were my lifeline.

Aisha held me tighter, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears. She didn't say anything more—she just let me cry, stroking my hair gently.

When my sobs finally subsided, I pulled back slightly, our faces inches apart. Her cheeks were still pink, and her eyes held a warmth that made my heart ache in the best way possible.

I couldn't hold it in any longer. "Shizuki Aisha," I whispered, my voice trembling, "I love you. Please… will you be my girlfriend?"

Her eyes widened, and for a moment, she seemed too stunned to speak. Her hands fidgeted nervously, and she glanced away, her face burning.

"Well…" she began, her voice shy and uncertain. She took a deep breath and slowly stepped closer to me.

As she leaned down, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she finally met my gaze. Her lips curved into a shy smile, and she whispered, "Yes."

Before I could fully process her answer, she leaned in and pressed her lips to mine.

The kiss was soft, tentative, and full of emotion. My eyes widened in surprise, but I quickly melted into it, my hand reaching up to gently cradle her face. Her hand rested over my heart, and I could feel its rapid beat matching mine.

When we finally pulled apart, we were both breathless, our faces flushed.

"I love you too, Kage-kun," she said, her voice trembling with sincerity. "I want to be with you. I don't care if you're younger than me—I love you."

Her words filled me with a warmth and happiness I'd never known before. For the first time, I felt like I wasn't alone.

Shizuki Aisha… my first girlfriend.

END OF CHAPTER 3: MY FIRST GIRLFRIEND!