Hidden Feelings

Jane was beyond exhausted when they returned to the hotel. The hike, the games, and the excitement of the day had drained her, but it was the sight of Nick's pale face that made her pause. He hadn't said much on the way down the mountain, and she'd noticed him growing quieter with each step. Her concern deepened as she dropped her things on the floor and decided to check on him.

She knocked softly before entering Nick's room. He was sprawled on the bed, looking completely out of it. His friend Adam was in the bathroom, so Jane took the opportunity to sit beside him. His skin was hot to the touch, and his face was flushed. He attempted to make a funny face, probably trying to brush off her concern, but it only made her worry more.

"You're burning up," she said, lightly brushing her fingers across his cheek. "Are you having a fever?"

Nick tried to wave it off, but she could tell it was more than just a little fatigue. Adam came out of the bathroom and, noticing her worry, said, "He's been running around with work these past few days. No rest at all."

Without hesitating, Jane rummaged through her handbag for a strip of fever reducer tablets. She handed him one, but Nick groaned and kept his eyes shut. "I'm fine," he muttered, his voice thick with exhaustion.

Jane wasn't having it. She gently pulled on his arm, helping him sit up. He obliged with a groan, his body sagging from exhaustion. He nearly collapsed back onto the bed, and she quickly supported him with her shoulder. His hot breath brushed against her skin, making her heart race with concern. She made him swallow the tablet, then helped him lie back down.

"Let him sleep for a while," Jane said, her voice quieter now. "If the fever doesn't come down, call me."

Adam nodded as she left his room, her heart still heavy with worry. She showered quickly, hoping the hot water would ease the stiffness in her muscles from the hike. When she put on her dress and climbed into bed, exhaustion pulled at her, but sleep wouldn't come. She tossed and turned, thoughts of Nick swirling in her mind. She couldn't shake the feeling that she needed to be with him, but at the same time, she wasn't sure if she should intrude.

After hours of restless tossing, Jane sighed and slipped out of bed. The clock ticked 5 am. She changed into a pair of jeans and a top, to check on Nick again. Her heart sank when she opened his door. He was shivering under the covers, his forehead damp with sweat. Adam was fast asleep beside him, blissfully unaware of Nick's condition.

Without waiting for a response, Jane hurried out of the room, her mind racing. "Where's the nearest clinic?" she asked the receptionist, breathless.

"There's no clinic nearby, but there's a pharmacy down the road. It's about an hour away," the receptionist answered.

Determined, Jane grabbed Nick's car keys, ready to rush out. But the receptionist stopped her. "You can't drive there; the road is too narrow. You should take a bike."

After a quick pause, Jane nodded and grabbed the bike the receptionist handed her. The cool morning air hit her face as she pedaled down the road, her heart racing with adrenaline. The path was mostly downhill, but climbing it back up was a real struggle, she thought. Her hands gripped the handlebars tightly, and the rough friction left bruises on her palms.

After what felt like forever, she finally reached the pharmacy. She grabbed the medicine as quickly as she could, her heart pounding with urgency. The ride back was even harder, with every uphill climb. Sweat poured down her face, and her legs burned as she pushed herself to get back.

Jane rushed into the room, still catching her breath from the exhausting bike ride. Her heart was pounding. She had barely set foot inside when Nick, his hair damp from a shower, looked at her with wide, confused eyes.

"Jane, what happened?" he asked, his voice low with concern, his confusion shifting into worry.

She took a few steps toward him, trying to calm the rush of adrenaline in her veins. "You were burning up," she said, her voice tight with the lingering panic. "I went to get you some medicine.

Nick blinked, still not fully processing her words. His gaze softened as he looked her over, noticing the beads of sweat on her forehead, the disheveled look of someone who'd gone through a physical battle. "You... you went all the way there for this?" His voice was thick with surprise, his eyes flicking from her sweaty, tired form to the small bag of medicine she was holding.

She nodded, a small, strained smile on her face. "Yeah, I did. The pharmacy was a little further than expected, but I couldn't just sit here and wait."

Nick didn't speak for a moment, his expression softening as he finally understood the effort she had put into getting the medicine. "You didn't have to do that," he said quietly, guilt creeping into his tone. "I didn't mean to worry you."

Jane looked at him, her concern evident. "It's not just about the medicine, Nick. It's about you. You've been pushing yourself too hard."

She moved to sit beside him on the bed, and gave him the medicines. "Why did you wake up so early? You should rest more." she said softly, her hand lightly brushing his.

Nick's heart sank when he saw Jane's bruised hand. He gently took it in his, examining the tender skin, his worry growing. Before he could say anything, the room attendant entered, carrying breakfast and setting it on the table.

"How are you, sir?" he asked politely.

"I'm fine," Nick replied, his voice sharp with frustration.

The attendant glanced at Jane with a small smile. "Did you know?" he asked Nick. "This miss rode a bike down the mountain to get you medicine. It's a tough road."

Nick's heart skipped a beat. "What?" he said, his voice filled with surprise and concern.

The attendant nodded. "Yeah, she insisted on going. I was amazed by her determination."

Nick quickly grabbed a moisturizer from her bag, his concern growing stronger. He walked over to her, his brows furrowed. "Why did you have to go through all this?" he asked, his voice soft as he gently applied the ointment to her hand.

"It's nothing, really. Don't worry about it," Jane replied, meeting his eyes. But there was something in her gaze that made his chest tighten.

Without thinking, Jane spoke, her voice quiet but sincere. "You're the most important to me."

Her words hit him like a wave. Before he knew it, he pulled her into a hug, holding her tight. The moment stretched on, neither of them willing to pull away. It was just a hug, but it felt deeper. Her heart started to beat faster as she thought to pull away from him but her body was not ready for it. 

The attendant quietly slipped out of the room, leaving the two of them alone. "What should I do with you Jane?" He asked, pulling away from the hug. Jane's face turned red and she avoided meeting his eyes. He understood his place in her heart and let go of all the doubts he had about them. 

The drive back home was silent. Jane, exhausted, drifted off to sleep, her head resting against the window. Meanwhile, Nick couldn't help but steal glances at her.

Each time Nick saw Jane's bruised hand, a pang of guilt struck him. He dropped off her colleagues first, then Richard, who shot Nick a jealous glance before stepping out of the car.

"Take care of your hand," Richard said gently, his tone sincere as he wished Jane goodnight.

Nick felt a flicker of irritation at how Richard cared for her. "Nick, what's wrong with you?" Jane finally asked as they reached her home. Her frustration is clear in her tone.

"Nothing," he replied sharply, his mood darkening.

"I thought this trip would be fun for you, but it didn't seem like it was. I'm sorry for putting you through all of this," she said, stepping out of the car and handing him the medicine cover. "Get some rest."

"Jane." Nick called her name softly, getting out of the car and walking to her.

"It was the best trip of my life," he admitted, looking at her seriously. "I know I acted childish and messed with your friend, but the time I spent with you— that's what matters to me."

Her eyes softened. "Really?"

"I honestly thought you'd die of jealousy." She laughed lightly and started to walk past him, but he reached out, grabbing her hand and pulling her closer.

She stumbled into his chest, her heart racing. Her wide eyes locked with his as she felt his warmth.

Nick's lips hovered near her ear as he spoke in a low voice, "Never make me jealous again, Jane. Next time, I might not be able to control myself." His breath brushed against her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.

Her face flushed with heat. She placed her hand on his chest and gently pushed him away, trying to put some space between them. "Goodnight Nick," she murmured, her cheeks bright red with embarrassment and ran away.

As Jane walked away, the smile on Nick's face grew wider. He couldn't help but feel happy. The way she looked at him when he pulled her closer, her soft touch when she placed her hand on his chest—everything felt different now. His mood shifted completely, the tension from earlier melting away. His heart felt lighter, and his thoughts couldn't escape the memory of the hug they shared, the way she'd fit perfectly in his arms.

The drive back home felt different too. His friend Adam looked at his expression and let me enjoy the moment he shared with her. He kept silent throughout the drive and held himself back by giving teasing remarks. Nick replayed the moment over and over in his mind, feeling giddy and happy.