I shrugged and didn't refuse.
Still, the whole situation felt a little awkward—especially when Sophie deliberately bit down on the fork and wouldn't let go, a mischievous grin on her face.
"If you keep this up, I'm not feeding you anymore," I warned, putting on a stern expression.
Sophie quickly let go of the fork and pouted. "Sorry! I just didn't want you to feel so awkward."
My hand paused mid-air, and a wave of guilt washed over me.
After all, she got hurt because of me.
And here I was, hesitating over something as simple as feeding her? It was pathetic.
"You're right. That's on me," I said, adjusting my mindset. I speared another bite of food with the fork and held it up to her lips.
But Sophie didn't move.
Instead, she just stared at me, her eyes locked onto mine.
"Do you... not like me?"
Her voice was soft, but I caught the slight tremble in it.
Sophie had always been cheerful and carefree, yet now, for the first time, she looked genuinely vulnerable.
I was at a loss for words.
No matter what I said, anything that might hurt her would be downright cruel.
Seeing my hesitation, a flicker of disappointment flashed in her eyes.
But in the next moment, she put on a bright smile.
"It's okay! I like you—that's my choice. I shouldn't make it your burden."
She was smiling, yet for some reason, it made my chest tighten.
Even my hands trembled slightly.
Feeling helpless, I quickly changed the subject.
"Eat up before it gets cold."
Sophie nodded obediently.
But deep down, she was already plotting how to win me over.
---
According to the doctor, Sophie needed to stay in the hospital for observation.
Naturally, I became the designated caretaker.
The problem was—where was I supposed to sleep?
There was a small cot in the hospital room for visitors, but given my height, there was no way I'd fit.
Sophie noticed my discomfort and frowned slightly.
"Why don't you take the bed, and I'll sleep on the cot?"
I refused immediately.
What kind of person lets the patient sleep on the visitor's bed while the caretaker takes the actual hospital bed? That was just absurd.
"But you can't sleep like this every night," Sophie argued, biting her lip. "It's bad for your back."
"Then I'll just deal with it," I replied.
Sophie hesitated, then whispered, "Or... you could just go home. I'll be fine on my own. You can come back during the day."
"Not happening."
I shut that idea down without a second thought.
"I'm not leaving you alone in the hospital."
Sophie fell silent for a moment.
Then, she shifted to the side, making space on the bed.
"...Then how about you sleep here? With me?"