Double Star

24 : Fever.

POV: Ashley

When I stepped onto the rooftop terrace, the cold wind made lighting my cigarette a struggle. But the craving, that bittersweet ache I never seemed to satisfy, pushed me to endure the sting of each failed attempt. Lately, smoking had become my only peaceful ritual—maybe the only moment I felt alive was when I was slowly killing myself.

I flicked the stub to the ground and crushed it under my heel.

It was cold, but the sun was shining. The open door groaned in the wind like an old rocking chair, and the breeze rubbed my cheeks raw. My nose was numb, my fingers stiff and burning. I cupped my hands and blew into them, trying to warm them up, but the effort only stirred a tickle in my throat.

—"You should stop smoking, Ash. You cough harder every time."

—"Edward!" I turned, arms crossed, hair whipping across my face in the wind. I could barely see him through the wild strands.

—"So... you're not mad at me?" I asked, trying to sound light, brushing the hair away to no avail.

He stepped closer, smiling softly.

—"Why would I be?" He reached up, gently tucking my hair behind my ears. The wind undid his effort instantly.

—"You know... I left you alone that night, and..." I trailed off, embarrassed. He didn't answer, just stood beside me, calm and quiet. Then, with surprising care, he gathered all my hair over one shoulder, braided it loosely, and secured it with his wristband.

He rested his head on my shoulder. He looked pale—his messy hair and droopy eyes made him seem sick.

—"Ed, are you okay?" He turned toward me slowly, his gaze exhausted.

—"Why wouldn't I be?"

I didn't answer. I just pressed my cold hand to his forehead.

—"Oh my god, you're burning up!"

—"Thanks. I know." He smirked sarcastically, and I couldn't help but chuckle.

—"Not that kind of hot, idiot. You have a fever!"

—"Nah, just tired."

I gave him a look. He groaned and pulled away.

—"Fuck you. Yeah, okay—I have a fever. So what?" He tried to sound tough, but his voice cracked.

—"Come on, I'm taking you to the infirmary." I grabbed his arm, but he pushed me away gently.

—"I'm fine, Ashley. Nothing to worry about, I sweaaaAH—!" He sneezed three times, then coughed violently.

—"See? I'm fiii—AH!" Another sneeze.

—"Yeah, sure. So what's that running from your nose ? Honey?"

He blinked at me in confusion, then wiped it with the back of his hand.

—"Don't know what you're talking about."

—"Gross." I rolled my eyes and stepped closer, looping his arm over my shoulder to help him walk. This time, he didn't resist.

—"You shouldn't have given me your jacket. Look at you now."

—"I'm not your kid, you know."

I stuck out my foot and tripped him playfully. He gasped and almost fell if I hadn't caught him.