Jaya Week 2022

Fever

"I'm not going back into my room!" She screamed at the top of her lungs as loud as she could. The sound echoed off the walls and floors of the Bounty until it faded away with nothing left behind but silence.

Her voice had been so shrill that even she was surprised by how high-pitched it sounded. Her throat burned from screaming too loudly like this—her body's natural defense mechanism against pain or danger. It wasn't exactly an ideal situation when sick because her vocal cords were frayed from dehydration caused by throwing up all over herself repeatedly. But hey, the rest of the team ran off for a mission. At least they'd have some privacy if they kept yelling here...

Jay looked confused, but mostly tired, while standing in her room. "What is wrong?" he asked softly. His voice didn't carry much force either despite being almost as strong as hers earlier. He seemed more concerned than anything else about what was happening between them right now. Maybe he thought she would be embarrassed? That wouldn't happen since she already knew how she felt for him, and she couldn't help herself from wanting him desperately regardless of any embarrassment she might feel towards her own actions. 

But she had pushed him away. Rejected him. Broke his heart.  Believed a perfect match simulator over her own feelings.

She did notice something different about his tone compared to before. He wasn't yelling which meant he still wanted to talk things out instead of fighting. Was he actually considering her opinion on this matter?! No way!

Nya was staring down at the ground, her hands clenched tightly then relaxed behind her. Her eyes were red from crying, but she refused to look at him again. What was wrong with her?

"You need to go back into your room," said Jay calmly.

She turned around, looking directly at him without saying another word. "No."

He sighed deeply. "We can do this however you want—"

"I hate you!" She shouted suddenly, surprising both of them once again. And then she started sobbing uncontrollably, collapsing to the floor and burying her face in her knees.

A pained expression spread across Jay's face. In Nya's feverish state, she was devolving into a temper tantrum throwing brat. He was beginning to understand why Kai bounced with the rest of the team, leaving Jay as the unlucky schmuck to deal with a sick Nya. 

He needed to get her to bed, and fast.  He wasn't sure how much more emotional damage he could take from his feverish ex-girlfriend. There was only one thing he could think of doing that would calm her down enough to listen to reason.

"Fine..." he muttered quietly.

The moment those words came out of his mouth, she realized what he planned on doing next. He walked into the narrow hallway and grabbed hold of her shoulders. Then he slowly pulled her backwards, forcing her onto her feet. As soon as she stood up, he began dragging her along by her arms.

It hurt to walk like that, especially with such little strength remaining within her. Her legs wobbled under her weight, threatening to give out every few steps. But he continued pulling her until he reached her room. Once inside, he pushed her up against the wall and pressed himself hard against her back. She tried to push him away, but he held tight, keeping her pinned firmly against the wall.

And then he whispered into her ear. "You're sick, Nya. You need to take care of yourself first before worrying about anyone else."

She froze, completely shocked by his sudden declaration. This wasn't the reaction she expected after hearing him yell at her earlier. Did he really mean what he said? Or was it simply another tactic he used to try and make her submit to him? If it was the latter, it worked. Because now she was feeling weak and vulnerable. So she allowed herself to lean closer into him, pressing her forehead against the cold surface of the wall.

His lips brushed gently against the tip of her ear. Their bodies remained motionless, neither trying to move away nor moving closer. All that existed in the space between them were two people who loved each other dearly, yet in total denial of their feelings.

They stayed like that for several long seconds, their breath mingling together and creating a warm, moist air surrounding them. After awhile, they parted slightly, allowing their eyes to meet.

"Go to sleep," he murmured quietly.

"Okay."

Without another word spoken, he released his grip on her and walked out of the room. He shut the door behind him, leaving her alone in darkness once more.