Mahiru shifted slightly under her blanket, her body finally feeling lighter after resting. The fever had subsided, and she no longer felt as weak. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the soft lighting in her room.
As she turned her head, her gaze landed on Sam, who was seated nearby. He had dozed off in the chair, a book resting on his chest, slightly tilted as if he had fallen asleep while reading. His breathing was slow and steady, his usual guarded expression replaced by a rare, peaceful look.
A small smile formed on Mahiru's lips as she watched him. He must have been exhausted after taking care of her all night. She reached out slowly, carefully taking the book from his chest and placing it on the table beside her. Then, she grabbed an extra blanket and draped it over him.
Her fingers brushed against his as she adjusted the blanket, and she paused, her heart skipping a beat. He had stayed by her side, worried about her, making sure she was okay.
"You really are too kind, Sam…" she murmured, a warm feeling blooming in her chest.
She sat back, resting her head against the pillow while stealing glances at him. He looked so different like this—calm, vulnerable… cute.
Just as she was lost in thought, Sam stirred, letting out a small sigh before blinking his tired eyes open. His gaze met hers, and for a second, he looked confused before realization dawned on him.
"You're awake," he mumbled, his voice husky with sleep.
Mahiru chuckled softly. "I should be saying that to you." She pointed at the slight bags under his eyes. "You really didn't sleep much, did you?"
Sam rubbed his face, letting out a small yawn. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
Mahiru's heart clenched at his words. Without thinking, she reached out and gently took his hand, squeezing it lightly. "Thank you, Sam. For everything."
His eyes widened slightly, but then he squeezed her hand back with a small, shy smile. "Anytime."
For a while, they sat in comfortable silence, the warmth of their joined hands lingering between them.
After a moment, Mahiru let out a soft giggle. "You know… if someone saw us right now, they'd probably think we're a married couple."
Sam instantly turned red. "W-What?! Where did that come from?!"
She giggled again at his flustered reaction. "I'm just saying," she teased. Leaning back into her pillow, she closed her eyes with a contented sigh. "I like moments like this."
Sam glanced at her, his heart skipping a beat. He rubbed the back of his neck, his voice softer this time.
"…Yeah. Me too."
As the quietness of the room settled around them, a new warmth filled the space—not from the fever, but from something far deeper.
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