Salmon Bagel and a Hot Chocolate

35 - Sick Leave

"What did I tell you?" 

"That I'd get sick." 

"And what happened?" 

Minjeong looked at Karina with a sheepish grin on her face as her head peeked out of the blanket, "I got sick." 

"You're gonna stay in bed and keep yourself warm," Karina instructed, leaning down to place a light kiss on Minjeong's forehead. "I'll come by during lunch with food, then I'll come again in the afternoon, and then I'll clock out early and be back with dinner for us both, okay?" 

"Can't I just come with you?" Minjeong gave Karina those puppy-eyes she knew the older one couldn't refuse. 

"Normally I'd say yes to that face, but not today," Karina laughed lightly. "You need to rest and recover. No leaving the house or I'll call your mom and tell her to watch you." 

"You wouldn't..." 

"I've got her on my favourites... just one click away." Karina told. 

"Since when have you two been so close?" Minjeong huffed. 

"For quite a while now," Karina shrugged. "She used to come to Vivid with Yizhuo while you were working."

"Amazing..." Minjeong sighed. "Whatever both her and Yizhuo say are just lies. All lies." 

Karina let out a laugh, leaning down to place another kiss on Minjeong's forehead, "Rest or I'll get your mom and Yizhuo to take care of you." 

"I'll rest, I promise I'll rest!" Minjeong quickly said. "Just don't call them... I need peace to recover and I'm not getting that if they're around." 

"Alright, alright. It'll just be me later." Karina assured. "Lunch time, afternoon, then home for dinner." 

Karina didn't even realise she'd started referring to Minjeong's place as her home. 

"Home for dinner," Minjeong hummed, giving Karina a smile. "I love you." 

"I love you too," Karina let out a smile so wide her cheeks started hurting. "Call me if you need anything, okay?" 

"I will, I will," Minjeong took a deep breath in as she closed her eyes. "I'm gonna sleep now." 

"Rest well, my love," Karina said as she tucked Minjeong in. "Take care." 

Knowing very well she'd never leave if she stood there any longer, Karina decided to make her way out of Minjeong's place before she somehow found her way under the covers with the younger one. 

Her car still hadn't left her place– because she'd been staying over at Minjeong's for the past few days–  so she took Minjeong's car to work, the younger one gladly offering it. 

Karina threw on a couple more layers to ensure she wouldn't also get sick before making her way down and driving off for her shift. The roads were crowded, Karina guessing because everyone was making their way to work as well. 

The weather was a little colder than it should've been, which was why Karina was pretty worried about how warm Minjeong would be able to stay. Although she wrapped the woman up in several layers of clothing and ensured the duvet covered every inch of the smaller one's body, Karina still couldn't be too sure. 

She felt bad leaving Minjeong all alone at home, but she also figured that being in Minjeong's space all the time may come off as a little too strong. Karina was still taking it a little slow with the younger one, especially considering the fact that this was a new feeling for both of them.