I was sitting at my desk, but my hand couldn't stop shaking—the one that got cut. My whole body felt like it was on fire, and I had no idea why.
The pain was intense, and I felt my eyes tearing up from it.
"What's wrong?" Mei suddenly appeared at my side, her expression turning to shock as she looked at my trembling hand.
"That... how?" Her voice was filled with disbelief, like she recognized the wound but couldn't believe it.
"Do you know... anything?" I asked, my voice weak. The room seemed to tilt, and I felt like I might pass out.
"N-no, I don't," she replied, her voice trembling. "But we need to get you to the nurse's office." She helped me up, and we slipped out of the classroom.
No one seemed to notice us leave; the other students were too busy with their own business.
But my legs gave out, and I collapsed to my knees. "Bogard—" I heard Mei call my name, but her voice was distant, as if I were underwater.
My consciousness was fading fast, and I wasn't sure if I could hold on much longer.
Then I heard a familiar voice, one that pulled me back from the edge. "Stand up," it commanded. But I couldn't respond; I couldn't even move. Everything felt heavy, and the darkness was closing in.
I felt someone lift me, carrying me effortlessly.
"I'm so dizzy," I muttered, trying to open my eyes to see who it was. When I managed to open them just a little, the dizziness seemed to clear, because I saw Lykon carrying me in her arms, bridal style.
"L..Lyko—" I tried to speak, but my throat was so tight that I couldn't get the words out.
"What's wrong? You're burning up with fever. Why didn't you tell me you weren't feeling well?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. I could see the worry in her eyes as she carried me through the hallway.
I shook my head weakly, unable to answer her question. It wasn't just the fever—I felt a strange sense of dread, as if something was terribly wrong.
I started walking slowly, taking in my surroundings, and ended up in front of a figure bound in chains. He seemed to be sleeping or unconscious.
The thick metal links wrapped around his arms and legs, anchoring him to the stone floor.
"This person...?" I muttered, squinting at him. "I talked to him before, but now he's sealed? How is this possible?"
I gazed at him, noticing how peaceful he looked despite the chains. It was hard to reconcile this tranquil appearance with the sense of danger he used to exude.
"I see you're here," he said suddenly, his voice cutting through the silence. My eyes widened slightly, but I quickly forced a smile, hoping to keep things friendly.
After all, if he were in a bad mood, those chains might not hold him back.
"Good morning! Why are you chained up here? Isn't it uncomfortable?" I asked, trying to sound casual as I walked closer.
"Tch." He scoffed, turning his head away. "You're here again. Seems like your body's getting weaker," he remarked, not bothering to hide his disdain.
"Why do you sound like you don't want to see me here?" I asked, feigning surprise. "Weren't you the one who forced yourself inside me? You should be happy I'm visiting you."
I chuckled as if we were old friends, but his glare told a different story.
He sighed heavily and looked back at me with annoyance.
"Because of you! Your idiocy trapped me in these chains. Now your body's experiencing extreme poison side effects. You let those bastards touch you!" he shouted, his anger boiling over.
"I didn't know I was poisoned until you told me," I replied, trying to defend myself.
"That's because you don't care," he snapped, his eyes blazing with frustration.
It was clear he blamed me for his predicament, and he wasn't going to let it go easily. It wasn't the warmest of reunions, but I needed to keep my cool.
This was one of the more volatile personalities I had to deal with, and it was better to keep things calm—or as calm as they could be with him.
I played with my fingers, pouting a bit. "Something's wrong with my body, right? Would you die if my body dies? Because it's like you're my other self," I asked, my voice soft but probing. I could see his reaction change; he looked annoyed.
"Die? Yours? You—" he began, his tone edged with anger.
"Wait, don't get mad! I'm just asking. Why don't you chill for a bit?" I said, trying to calm him down. He glared at me and hissed, but I could see him backing off a little.
"Even though we share the same body, I won't let it die because it's also mine," he explained. The words made me feel a little lighter, and I smiled broadly.
"Then that means you won't let this body die? You mean you'll save me from the fever?" I asked with a hopeful grin.
"Ha?" He laughed mockingly.
"Do you think you have the power to heal? You think I'm some kind of doctor who can fix your fever?" He was clearly not impressed with my reasoning, and his sarcasm was as sharp as ever.
I shook my head, knowing I'd have to tread carefully with him. "No. But if you don't do anything, you know what will happen to us, right?"
I said, keeping my voice calm but firm. He needed to understand that we were in this together, whether he liked it or not.
"Fine. Let me help you again." He finally agreed to my offer, though his tone was laced with reluctance.
My eyes lit up with relief. "Really?" I asked, almost not believing it.
"However," he said, grinning as if he had the upper hand, "we have to switch places."
I tilted my head, confused. "Eh?"
"Let's switch places for a while. You'll stay here, and I'll look for a way to fix your body," he explained.
"But... how can I be sure you won't betray me?" I hesitated, feeling uneasy about the arrangement.
He smirked. "You know fully well that I hate betrayals."
I was momentarily at a loss for words. It was true; he'd never shown any signs of treachery, but still... he would have full control of my body while I was stuck in this strange realm.
I didn't like the idea, but I didn't have many options left.
"Alright. But as soon as you fix my body, we switch back, is that clear?" I bargained, trying to keep some leverage.
"Tch," he clicked his tongue in annoyance, but he didn't refuse.
I sighed, feeling the weight of my decision. I knew I had to take the risk if I wanted to get better. It wasn't ideal, but I couldn't be a burden to Lykon, not when she was already dealing with so much.
If this was the only way to fix things, I'd have to trust him—at least for now.