Kazuki could feel his body aching as the fever continued to take its toll. He tried to sit up, but the moment he did, a wave of dizziness hit him, forcing him to lay back down. He groaned softly, feeling both annoyed and exhausted at his helplessness.
His phone buzzed again, this time with a message from Shizuka.
**Shizuka:** *"I'm almost there. Just hold on a bit longer."*
Kazuki smiled weakly. The thought of Shizuka coming to take care of him filled him with warmth, but at the same time, he couldn't help but feel embarrassed. He wasn't the type to let anyone see him vulnerable, especially not someone as important as her.
Aoi was still bustling around, making sure Kazuki had everything he needed—water, tissues, the occasional glance to make sure he wasn't getting worse. She seemed unusually serious, which wasn't like her at all. But then again, when it came to her brother, Aoi had always been fiercely protective. It was part of what made her the way she was—a little overly attached, maybe, but always looking out for him.
"Big Brother, you need to drink more water," Aoi said, holding out another glass for him. "And don't try to get up again. Just rest."
Kazuki took the glass, grateful for her care, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Shizuka. What would she think when she saw him like this? Would she be worried? Maybe even pity him?
He couldn't quite shake the feeling that he wasn't living up to the image of the confident, composed person he usually tried to be.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Aoi shot a glance toward the door, then at Kazuki. "That must be her. I'll get it." She quickly stood up, nearly rushing to the door.
Kazuki's heart thudded in his chest as he heard the sound of Aoi's voice greeting Shizuka. He tried to sit up, but his body refused to cooperate, so he simply closed his eyes and waited.
A moment later, Shizuka entered the room, her presence almost immediately calming him. She was wearing a simple sweater and jeans, her silver hair cascading down her back in soft waves. Despite the casual outfit, there was a kind of radiance to her—something that made Kazuki's heart race every time he saw her.
"Kazuki, you look terrible," Shizuka said, concern clear in her voice as she walked over to the couch. She placed her hand gently on his forehead, checking his temperature. "You're burning up. Why didn't you tell me sooner? I could have helped earlier."
Kazuki chuckled weakly, a flush creeping up his cheeks. "I didn't want to worry you..."
"Worry me?" Shizuka raised an eyebrow, her lips pressing into a slight frown. "Of course, I'm worried. You're my boyfriend, and I care about you." She leaned down, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead. "Now, let me take care of you. Just rest. You don't have to worry about anything."
Kazuki's heart skipped a beat at her words. The genuine affection in her voice made him feel both warm and embarrassed, and for the first time that day, he felt like maybe, just maybe, he wasn't alone in this.
Aoi, who had been standing quietly by the door, spoke up. "I'm going to let you two be alone now. Call me if you need anything." She shot Kazuki a knowing look before heading out of the room.
As Shizuka settled beside him on the couch, Kazuki tried to find a comfortable position, but the fever made it hard to focus on anything. Shizuka seemed unfazed by his discomfort, though, as she gently adjusted the blanket around him.
"You're lucky I came over," Shizuka teased softly, though her tone was warm. "If I didn't, you might have just stayed here like a sad sack all day."
Kazuki smiled faintly. "I guess I should be grateful you came to check on me."
Shizuka's eyes softened. "You should be. Now, drink some more water. I'm going to make you some tea, and then we'll just relax, okay?"
Kazuki nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. The discomfort from the fever hadn't completely faded, but having Shizuka here made everything seem a little bit better. Her caring nature made him feel more at ease, and he couldn't help but smile despite himself.
Shizuka stood up and walked toward the kitchen, and Kazuki closed his eyes, letting his mind wander. He was still feeling feverish, but the thought of being taken care of by someone who genuinely cared for him was a new feeling. It wasn't just about the physical care—though that was certainly appreciated—it was about knowing that someone was there for him, no matter what.
Shizuka returned shortly after with a warm cup of tea. She handed it to him carefully, making sure he took it slowly. "This will help you feel better," she said gently, sitting back down beside him.
As Kazuki sipped the tea, he felt his body relax a little more. The fever was still there, but with Shizuka by his side, he knew he wasn't alone. Her soft touch, her words, everything about her made him feel like the world wasn't so heavy.
"I'm glad you're here," he said softly, meeting her gaze. "Really."
Shizuka smiled, her silver hair catching the light. "Of course I'm here. You're important to me, Kazuki. I'll always be here for you."
Kazuki's heart swelled in his chest, and for the first time that day, he felt at peace, even with the fever still lingering.