My bestfriend

C h a p t e r: 2

*kringggg!! kringggg!

I immediately turned off my alarm clock and threw it.

"Arghhh… I don't want to get up."

"Five more minutes…"

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After 5 minutes

*kringggg!! kringggg!

"Zzzzzz…" (Insert music box song for sleeping)

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After 10 minutes

*kringggg!! kringggg!

"Zzzzzz—ughk! *cough! *cough! Zzzzzz…" (Music box song for sleeping intensifies)

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One hour later

*kringggg!! kringggg!

RINGGG!!!

TOKTOKTOKTOKTOK!!

"Ugh, so noisy!" I groggily hugged my pillow tighter and buried myself deeper into the bed.

I was feeling so lazy, oh my gosh.

There's nothing to do today anyway. It's not like my life is that hard. So why not relax?

I deserve to be lazy.

But then my head started to hurt as I realized everything around me was just too loud.

"Why is it so noisy?!"

My eyes widened.

Wait. Have I become a celebrity?!

"Why is someone knocking? Could it be my manager already?"

I stomped my feet on the bed in irritation. I didn't want to open the door.

I don't want to get uuuuuup!

I shut my eyes tightly. "Whoever is knocking, stop it already…"

Who's also calling nonstop?

And why is my alarm clock still ringing?

Those were the questions running through my mind, but my laziness prevailed. I sighed and tried to grope around for my alarm clock to turn it off. But no matter how much I reached, I couldn't find it.

Huh? Where is it?

I sat up slightly to peek, wondering if my alarm clock had fallen off, but then I noticed someone standing in front of me.

"Oh my gosh!"

I fell down as my arm slipped while trying to prop myself up. I quickly rubbed my hip, which hurt from the fall.

Thank goodness it wasn't my face that hit the floor…

I lowered my head. Why does he have to show up every single morning like this?!

He stared down at me. "Are you planning to lie there for the rest of your life?"

That's my wannabe mom right there.

In front of me stood a guy wearing my Hello Kitty apron, holding a cellphone in one hand, his other hand on his hip.

Looks like he's the one calling me too. I'm dead meat if he's in a bad mood. Another round of verbal sparring awaits if he's annoyed.

I slowly stood up, trying to butter him up as I rubbed my eyes. "What's with this outfit, Jessi? You look so dashing today!" I said teasingly before crawling back into bed.

Trying to lighten his mood. Hehe.

He just smirked and turned to open my window. "Stop it, Lch. It won't work on me. I told you, you need to move around or at least stretch because you've been bedridden for months." He glared at me. "Unless you want me to take you back to the hospital?"

Oh no.

I clutched my blanket tightly.

I know every person supposedly has a spirit watching over them, especially when they're in danger.

Is that a guardian angel?

It kind of feels like a bad word when I say it, right? I know mine probably gave up on me long ago, but—

Ahem! Not saying anything in particular, but if you're still there, please show up. Just this once.

#Idon'tfeelsafe.

Brain, do your thing.

Brain, work.

Brain, work.

Got it!

I coughed weakly. "U-uhm, older brother, I'm not feeling well… I think I'll just sleep all day. Please…" I lied, pouting and fluttering my eyes for added effect.

Pleeaaaase~

He suddenly froze in place, looking like he'd turned to stone.

Hehe, I know he loves it when I call himolder brother.

When we first met, he said he was a few years older than me, so I started calling him that. He almost cried with joy, but then later said to just call him Jessi because older brother made him feel old.

Choosy much?

But it works in my favor. Saying kuya makes your wishes come true.

Abracadabra! Here's your wish, Jessi!

Without saying a word, Jessi left. I frowned at his reaction.

I knew it—he's smarter than a rat.

I was about to let myself wallow in despair, waiting for Jessi to karate-chop me, but I was startled to see him returning with a tray. From the looks of it, there was food, considering the steam rising from it. Unless… is that hot charcoal, and he's planning to dump it on me because of my antics?

But it was only a half-lie, right? A half-lie or a white lie? Well, whatever—it's not like I'm completely lying. I do feel a bit unwell, just not too bad, and I can definitely still get up.

Huh?

My jaw dropped when he placed the tray on the bedside table.

What's this?

What's this?!

What the heck is this?!

He grabbed my arm, startling me, and I instinctively slapped his hand away.

Oh no! I didn't mean to!

I quickly raised my arm to shield my face, bracing for a smack.

Here it comes!

"Tsk. So stubborn."

Instead of a slap, I felt something damp and cool brushing against my forehead. Slowly, I lowered my arm and saw him wiping me with a damp towel. He really acts like a mom sometimes. Add to that the pink apron he's wearing.

Nice. I've got a helper now.

"Olderb brother." I called him.

"What?" he snapped.

"That." I said, pointing to the steaming bowl on the tray. I knew it was food, but I still asked to avoid looking too desperate. "What's that?"

He glanced at what I pointed at, then turned back to me, shaking his head.

"Eat later. I'm still cleaning you up." He soaked the towel again and placed it on my forehead.

Food postponed.

I was starting to feel guilty about what I'd done to Jessi. He was going all out to take care of me, not knowing it was all because of one of my schemes. After a while, Jessi stood and left, only to quickly return with something in hand.

"Older brother?"

My eyes widened at what he was holding. Never in my life had I been so nervous, not even when I thought I'd get hit by a stray bullet.

This is bad.

It looked like a lie detector in his hand, and I scooted to the edge of the bed, trying to keep it away.

He raised his hand as if to swat me. "Tsk! Lch, stop it, or I swear I'll knock some sense into you."

I didn't listen and moved even farther.

"One!"

Two.

I had no choice but to tightly shut my eyes as he pulled my arm and placed the thermometer where it needed to go.

They say liars go to hell—brought to you by Jessi.

I heard the thermometer beep, and Jessi removed it.

"39.8."

I opened my eyes. "What?"

What did he say?

"Your fever's high. What on earth have you been doing to get this sick?!"

Is this legit? Is this a sign?

Did my guardian spirit do this? If so, thank you for saving me from death's door!

"Take better care of yourself. Here, eat this while it's hot and take your medicine." He said, his voice tinged with concern.

Nice! Food!

I nodded and took the bowl of freshly cooked arroz caldo, stirring it like I was beating eggs, and then devoured it.

Jessi frowned and flicked my forehead. I quickly rubbed it.

"Eat slower, Lch! Do you want me to bring the whole pot to you?"

Why not?

I pouted and continued eating my arroz caldo while Jessi glared at me. Who wouldn't act like a starving wolf if they hadn't eaten since yesterday?

After I finished eating, Jessi helped me take my medicine. Once everything was in order and the room was clean, he stayed by my side, wiping me down with the damp towel.

"I'll leave now. I've got things to do. Rest for now and don't forget to take your medicine."

I gave him a small smile.

I was grateful Jessi was here to take care of me.

A little later, I fell asleep, but before that, I felt a kiss on my forehead.

"Sleep tight, sweetheart."

But.

Is he...

Really my bestfriend?

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