The afternoon sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. Mahiru had drifted back into a light sleep, still recovering from her fever, while Sam sat beside her, watching over her with quiet care.
After a while, Mahiru stirred, rubbing her eyes as she slowly sat up. She looked much better now, her fever almost gone.
"Feeling any better?" Sam asked gently.
Mahiru stretched slightly, a small yawn escaping her lips. "Mmm… much better. Thanks to you." She smiled warmly.
Sam exhaled in relief. "Good. You had me worried for a while."
She tilted her head. "I must've been a handful, huh?"
Sam shook his head. "Not at all. I just… I didn't like seeing you sick."
Mahiru's cheeks warmed at his words, and she looked down, twiddling her fingers. "You really are too kind, Sam."
Sam scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Well… what kind of boyfriend would I be if I just left you alone?"
Mahiru's eyes widened slightly, and then a soft giggle escaped her lips. "Boyfriend, huh?"
Sam turned red, realizing what he had just said. "I-I mean—uh—you know what I meant!"
Mahiru just smiled, her heart feeling lighter than ever.
After some time, Sam checked his phone and sighed. "It's getting late. I should probably head home."
Mahiru's smile faltered slightly, but she nodded. "Yeah… I guess so."
She slowly got out of bed, still a little weak but determined to walk him to the door. Sam immediately reached out, steadying her. "Careful," he murmured.
Mahiru chuckled softly. "I'm not that fragile, you know."
Still, she allowed him to support her as they walked to the front door. As they stood there, neither of them spoke for a moment, as if neither wanted the moment to end.
Just as Sam was about to open the door, Mahiru hesitated before suddenly stepping forward and wrapping her arms around him in a warm embrace.
"…Thank you for taking care of me," she whispered.
Sam stiffened for a second, caught off guard, but then he slowly relaxed, wrapping his arms around her as well. "Anytime."
They stayed like that for a moment, just enjoying the warmth between them. But then—
"Ahem."
Sam and Mahiru both turned their heads to see Anna standing in the doorway, arms crossed, a teasing smirk on her face.
"Well, well, well… What do we have here?" she mused.
Mahiru immediately jumped back, her face turning red. "A-Anna?! When did you—?!"
Anna shrugged. "I was just passing by and thought I'd check in. But looks like I walked into something interesting."
Sam groaned, rubbing his temples. "It's not what it looks like."
"Oh, sure, sure," Anna teased. "You two looked like you were in your own little romantic drama just now."
Mahiru covered her face in embarrassment, while Sam just sighed in defeat.
Anna grinned. "Anyway, lover boy, let's get you home before Mom starts asking too many questions."
Sam turned back to Mahiru, a little hesitant to leave, but she gave him a reassuring smile. "Go on, Sam. I'll be fine now."
He nodded. "Alright. But take care, okay?"
Mahiru giggled. "I will."
With one last look, Sam followed Anna out, leaving Mahiru standing by the door, watching him go with a soft smile on her face.
As the door clicked shut, she touched her cheek, feeling the warmth linger.
Maybe… being taken care of by Sam wasn't so bad after all.
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