On the way home in the pouring rain, I saw you struggling without an umbrella. I couldn't just pass you by. I shoved my umbrella into your hand and ran home through the rain before you could even say a word.

When I arrived home, I looked like a drowned rat, dripping water everywhere. My clothes were soaked and clinging to my body, and my hair was completely drenched.

After taking a shower and getting dry, I flopped onto my bed, turned on my phone, and sent you a text. I fell asleep after reading your reply, even though my whole body was shivering.

The next day, I woke up feeling like my entire body was on fire. I was shivering and coughing... My temperature was 38.9°C. Naturally, I couldn't go to school. I tried to calm my shaking body by wrapping myself in blankets and falling into a dead sleep, but my fever only went up.

Beep—

39.3°C. As soon as I saw the temperature, I collapsed back onto the bed. I tried to pull myself together and get up to take some fever reducers from the living room drawer, but my vision was blurry. I sat back down on the bed, and right then, a text from you arrived.

Are you okay? Why weren't you at school today?

I'm worried, so I'm coming over now.

A smile spread across my face as I read your text. Even in this weakened state, I felt so happy because you were worried about me. I just sat there smiling foolishly at your message while waiting for you to arrive.