Chapter 37: Nursed

Right after the call, I wanted to work on my novel but it seemed like my body wouldn't allow it so I fell asleep helplessly. 

I was woken up by my doorbell ringing a few times. I wonder who is ringing my doorbell at 10 PM in the evening, could it be Shin? With every ounce of strength I had, I made my way to the front door which surprisingly felt far away when you're sick. It was a struggle to just reach my door, if this isn't something important I'll give this person an earful. That is if I still have any energy left to do so. 

I unlocked the door and saw Yukino standing there catching her breath while also sweating. I guess she rushed here after hearing that I'm sick. O god, I've watched this scene in movies but never have I imagined that this would actually happen to me right now. The sight of her worried face actually made me feel happy. I would usually get a fever once or twice a year maybe even thrice and no one would actually come and visit me except for today. How glad am I to be alive right now to witness this very moment. 

I felt my headache coming back after feeling numb for a few seconds right after seeing Yukino. Being unable to stand, I felt my legs wanting to give up. I tried to fight it by leaning my left arm towards the wall right beside me but I slid down causing me to fall down. But right before hitting the ground, Yukino caught me and put my arms around her shoulders to support me. 

We walked back inside as I relied on her help just to reach the bed. Yukino went back to the doorstep to grab the plastic bag she was holding earlier before catching me. 

"I'm sorry to disturb you when you're resting, Aoi, I'm just really worried. I bought some medicine and some food to cook so I'll take care of you." 

"I'm lucky to have such a sweet and caring girlfriend huh?" 

"Just shut up and wait for me right there." 

Yukino went to the kitchen and started cooking the ingredients she bought from the convenience store. It smelled really good that the aroma filled my nose. I was watching her cook from my bed until I fell back to sleep due to my drowsiness. 

"Aoi? Aoi? Wake up and eat this. I bet you haven't eaten all day." 

"I cooked an egg for lunch." 

As I said those words, my stomach made a loud rumbling sound that made me feel embarrassed as Yukino laughed her guts out. 

"I guess your stomach is more honest than you. How do you expect it to not complain after only having an egg for the entire day? Eat up." 

Yukino made a rice porridge that looked appetizing despite being a plain meal which most sick person wouldn't want to eat. 

"Here, say Ah." 

Yukino fed me the rice porridge using a spoon as I opened my mouth. And just as I expected, it was really delicious. Yukino kept on feeding me until the small cup that held the porridge was completely empty. 

"Good! At least you have some appetite. I went here preparing to force feed you just so you know. What a let down." 

"I'm not a kid!" 

"I'm treating you like one right now. You can't even stand properly. Like a baby even." 

Yukino then went back to the kitchen to wash the dishes. She went back holding a glass of water. 

"Here, take this medicine, it'll make you feel better in no time." 

Yukino gave me the medicine. I consumed it and drank water right after doing so. I lay down on my bed once again as I felt my head aching and getting dizzy. 

Yukino then went back once again now carrying a small basin with water in it. She put on a wet towel on my forehead before sitting beside me by the bed. 

"Sorry to make you do all this." Said I. 

I think I've caused a lot of trouble for her right now when she should be resting. How pathetic of me to rely on her when she has problems of her own.

"Don't even think about it. Isn't this what most couples would do when their partners are sick? They take care of them so don't even try to apologize if you don't want me to smack your head." 

"Oi, at least spare me the violence this time." 

I saw Yukino busy reading my novel drafts before I fell into a deep sleep.

I was woken all of a sudden when I felt a head resting on my stomach heavily. My eyes were hazy but it all cleared up after a few seconds. It was Yukino sleeping, how cute. I placed my hand on her head, caressing her hair slowly and gently. 

"Aoi? How's your fever?"

"Did I wake you up? It's gotten a bit better." 

"Good." 

I checked the time and it was already 2:30 AM in the morning.

"Shouldn't you head back home? I don't want your uncle giving me an earful later." 

"I called him earlier and explained everything. I'm spending the night here if you don't mind." 

"I don't really mind if you don't." 

I scooted over to the side of the bed by the wall and asked her to lay down beside me so she did after turning off the lights. 

"Come to think of it, this will be the first time we'll be sleeping beside each other." 

"I'm not ready for that yet." Said Yukino looking at me surprised.

"No! I don't–" 

"I'm kidding Aoi! I don't want your fever to go up again." 

A few minutes passed with silence as we lay down on the bed beside each other. I held her hand and she didn't seem to mind.

"Should we go on a trip? Just the two of us." I suggested while looking up at the ceiling.

"Sure, that would be fun. But first of all, your fever has to go down or else no one will be driving me to my desired destinations." 

"Roger!" 

We fell asleep holding each other's hands. Her visit really made me happy. Being taken care of by a girlfriend while sick huh? Who wouldn't get happy when that happens.