Mahiru slowly opened her eyes, feeling warmth nearby. Her fever had lessened, but her body still felt weak. She turned her head slightly and noticed Sam, sitting on the floor, leaning against the couch with his arms crossed and his eyes closed.
She blinked, taking a moment to process the scene. Did he stay here the whole time?
Carefully, she sat up, the blanket slipping off her shoulders. The small movement made Sam stir, his eyes fluttering open. He looked up at her, still half-dazed from sleep.
"You're awake," he mumbled, rubbing his eyes.
Mahiru nodded. "Yeah… Did you stay here all this time?"
Sam looked away, scratching his cheek. "Well, I couldn't just leave you alone while you were sick."
Mahiru felt something warm in her chest. She wasn't used to this—to having someone care for her like this.
A soft chuckle escaped her lips. "You're really kind, Sam."
He scoffed. "I'm just making sure you don't collapse or something. Don't overthink it."
Mahiru tilted her head, a teasing smile forming. "Are you embarrassed?"
His face twitched slightly, but he didn't respond.
The silence stretched for a moment before Mahiru whispered, "Thank you."
Sam glanced at her. She looked more vulnerable than usual, her voice softer, her usual energy dimmed by the fever.
"…Get some more rest," he said, standing up. "I'll get going now."
Mahiru's eyes widened slightly, and before she could think, her hand reached out, grasping his sleeve.
"Stay."
Sam froze.
Mahiru lowered her gaze. "Just for a little longer…"
There was something fragile in her voice. Something that made it impossible for Sam to refuse.
He sighed and sat back down. "…Fine."
A small smile appeared on Mahiru's lips as she pulled her blanket up again, lying down with her eyes half-closed.
Sam leaned back against the couch, glancing at her.
The room was quiet, peaceful.
And for the first time in a while , Mahiru didn't feel lonely in her apartment.
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