𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐁𝐄 - 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄

Chapter 18 - Sick Day

Third Person POV :
One morning at school, Test Tube talks to Fan in the hallway. During their conversation, Test Tube couldn't help but notice a shift in Fan's tone. After they said their goodbyes, Test Tube couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. She made a mental note to check in with Fan later.

At first, he brushed it off, thinking it was just hunger or nerves. However, as the hours passed, he began to feel increasingly unwell. He remained in class and continued studying as usual, but this time with excruciating pain. People in the class stared at him like they had seen a ghost.

The bell signaling lunch rang, and while his classmates excitedly chattered about their plans, Fan slumped in his seat, feeling ill. His forehead glistened with a light sheen of sweat, and he occasionally rubbed his temples, trying to alleviate the throbbing ache that persisted. Every now and then, he stifled a cough, his eyes watery and tired.

Test Tube quietly entered Fan's classroom, her eyes scanning the rows of desks until she found him sitting near the back. She could tell immediately that he was not feeling well.

As Test Tube entered the room, a hush fell over the crowd. Her presence seemed to command attention effortlessly, drawing all eyes towards her.

Fan woke up from his slumped position, his eyes immediately finding Test Tube's form. A small smile played on his lips as he watched her navigate the room with ease, effortlessly capturing everyone's attention.

"Isn't she the smartest student in school?" One student murmured, glancing at Test Tube with a mix of awe and envy. "Yes. And I never realized how stunning she is." Whispered another student, their eyes lingering on Test Tube's expressive eyes and captivating presence.

"Hey." The gentle voice he usually heard calling him, caught his attention. Test Tube's brow furrowed in concern as she reached out to feel Fan's forehead.

"You're still running a fever." She remarked, her touch gentle and comforting.

"Yeah. It's sucks." He admitted, his eyes never leaving her face. As Test Tube fussed over him, fetching water and medicine, Fan couldn't help but notice the way her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders and how her eyes sparkled with empathy.

"You look really beautiful today, love..." Fan blurted out, surprising himself with the compliment. Test Tube's cheeks flushed slightly, a shy smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you, Fan." She replied, her gaze meeting his with genuine warmth.

After ensuring Fan had everything he needed, Test Tube glanced at the clock as the bell rang, signaling the end of the break.

"I need to go back. Take care of yourself, okay?" She said as he nodded. He was still touched, he didn't expect that girl could be this brave.

He watched her walk away, each step she took further distancing her from him. The sight of her leaving, even if it was just for her own classes, the feeling made him sad, longing for her comforting presence to stay a little longer.

Test Tube's POV :
"Why am I even studying physics? I'm an artist, not a science student. Are they asking me to be Isaac Newton's successor?" Paintbrush whined next to me.

"Well, you can't refuse. So just accept your fate, buddy." I chattered, continue writing in the notebook. They don't seem to be in the mood, so what else can I do?

"Test, did you have a problem yesterday?" I was completely taken aback when Paintbrush asked me. I thought from the start too, everyone would talk about that.

"You know it's okay to-"

I took a deep breath, looking at them. As I hesitated, trying to find the right words, Painty's expression shifted from curiosity to shock.