Chapter 164: Beware of Heatstroke

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Translator: Soafp

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The welding process began, taking up a large section of the workshop floor. Using clamps to secure parts, they started by attaching small components to the bottom of the main support pole. Their sculpture featured small, circular, bubble-like discs at the base, gradually spreading out into a heart shape toward the top. Attaching the larger pieces first would've gotten in the way, so they began with the smaller ones.

“I’m starting.”

“O-Okay.”

Ginji lowered his full-face welding mask, while Sora used a handheld one to peek from behind.

The distinctive TIG welding gas smell filled the air. Ginji took a deep breath and touched the filler rod to the torch.

Even from behind, Sora could feel the intense focus and tension radiating from him. Once it started, there was no turning back. Carefully, piece by piece, Ginji welded the components together. He moved around to get the angles, using spot welding where the discs overlapped or needed reinforcement.

The scent of argon gas, the lingering buzz in her ears, and the glow seen through her mask—it all enveloped her senses.

“Wow…”

Sora had always seen factories as places that shaped practical things. She'd gone on tours before and thought she had a decent grasp of it, but seeing their own project coming to life from this close was a whole different experience.

All her senses were stimulated—this wasn't “drawing,” it was “creating.”

The glow of the torch looked like the tip of a magical wand, and her boyfriend, holding it with such skill, seemed like a real sorcerer.

She wanted to remember it all, draw every detail. To Sora, it was a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

“Alright, that's good for now. Let's check it over.”

“Yeah.”

The welded areas shimmered with rainbow hues, and to Sora's eye, it looked beautifully done. The angles were slightly off in some places, but overall, it matched their blueprint. Together, they kept checking and continued the work.

After several more welds, they finally attached the last piece at the base. Sora gazed silently at Ginji's back as he worked.

“Alright, that's it for today. Not bad at all. Let's check it and clean up.”

Ginji took off his mask and rolled his shoulders. When he turned around, he found Sora still frozen in place, mask on.

“Sora? You can take off your mask now.”

As Ginji approached and removed it for her, he saw her face bright red, her eyes unfocused and dazed.

“Are you having heatstroke!?”

“N-No! I just got a little too focused…”

Sora hurried to deny it, but it was clear she was swaying.

“You idiot, we need to cool you down now!”

“Wah, Ginji?!”

Seeing her unsteady on her feet, Ginji scooped her up in a bridal carry. It took Sora a few seconds to realize what had just happened.

“Eep!”

“Stay still.”

Heatstroke in a factory was no joke. Ginji knew that well and hurried her to the office.

Of course, on the way, they ran into some older workers who saw everything. Worried, they all followed behind, causing a stir.

“Should we call an ambulance?!”

“I'm fine, really! I just got a little lightheaded!”

The office staff, alarmed, were ready to call emergency services, but Sora—now able to move again—insisted on stopping them. While technically she was just overly focused, the symptoms were still similar to mild heatstroke, so she was made to lie down and rest on the sofa. Fortunately, the factory was well-prepared: they brought out oral rehydration solutions and ice packs in no time. Her uniform loosened for cooling, Sora was tucked behind a partition, forced to rest.

“You okay, Sora?”

Seeing Ginji, normally so calm, totally rattled, Sora couldn't help but smile.

“I told you, I'm fine. I just got a little dizzy from the heat.”

“Same difference! Damn, you scared me. If you still have a headache later, we’re going to the hospital, got it?”

“I didn't have a headache to begin with… and I'm already fine…”

“Doesn't matter. Just rest, and let the staff know if you feel worse. I'm going to clean up.”

“I'll—”

As Sora tried to sit up, Ginji gently pushed her back down. She looked up to see his serious face, and her heart thumped again.

“No. Stay down. You're still flushed.”

“That's because of you…”

“Huh?”

“Never mind, I get it.”

Looking away before she overheated for real, Sora obeyed. By the time Ginji came back after cleaning up, the partition was gone. Sora was now surrounded by a group of concerned office ladies.

“Are you sure you're okay? The boss could give you a ride home.”

“I swear I'm fine… Oh, Ginji, sorry for making you do all the cleanup.”

Noticing Ginji, Sora stood up.

“It's fine. But can you walk?”

“Totally. I'm good.”

Trying to prove herself, Sora gave him a little push as they said their goodbyes and left the factory, heading back to the Momoi house nearby.

“We're back. Sora almost had heatstroke.”

“…Got it.”

Tetsuya, raised in a factory environment just like Ginji, responded immediately. He seated Sora in the living room and went to prepare a honey-lemon rehydration drink. Ginji got an ice pack ready.

“I said I'm fine! I've already had way too much water!”

Sora protested with all her might. She couldn't exactly admit she got dizzy from staring at Ginji too long.

“We should take a taxi back.”

“Yeah. Aniki, can you take her?”

“Sure. Gonna take a quick shower first. Sweated like crazy myself.”

“…Do what you want. And… sorry for making everyone worry.”

And so, after a short rest, they took a taxi home.

As soon as they got back, Sora headed for the shower. Finally, Ginji seemed to relax a little. When Sora emerged, he handed her a glass of milk.

“Here.”

“Thanks… ahh, refreshing!”

Wearing just a T-shirt and shorts, Sora looked totally carefree. Ginji averted his eyes.

“Alright, I'm heading home. Make sure you rest today. Tomorrow's welding—”

“I'm definitely going. I'll be more careful next time.”

She set her cup down and tugged on his arm. Ginji smiled wryly and patted her head.

“Got it. I'll make sure we take more breaks too.”

“Yeah, and… thank you. Sorry for the trouble. But I was really happy.”

“You nearly gave me a heart attack.”

“Come here for a sec.”

“Huh?”

Sora pulled Ginji to the couch, then got on her knees and hugged him tightly.

“S-Sora?!”

“I've been holding back from hugging you all day.”

“…”

Overwhelmed by her warmth and the scent of her freshly washed hair, Ginji's brain froze. Was he the one about to pass out now?

“Crap, I might actually lose it here…”

“Not happening! You're supposed to rest!”

If this kept up, Ginji figured his total surrender was only a matter of time.