You'd never known Jason to be an open type of man.
He wasn't necessarily cold just quiet and reserved.
You never tried to push him to talk about much; his company was usually all you looked for. On the occasion, when he does open up, it is like opening Christmas presents. It felt so special, magical if you will.
Jason was your closest friend, nevertheless. Though he didn't talk much, you knew he prioritized school more than anything. It was the one thing he'd never shut up about. The one thing he prioritized.
When Jason was a no-show for an important class, you felt a chill run down your spine. It wasn't right. It felt like the room was colder without him there.
First things first, you send him a text. He's an adult, he should be fine is what you kept telling yourself.
After a couple of minutes of no response, you began to worry.
The class goes by, and he's still a no-show. You're heart pounds at the idea that something was wrong with him.
With great and deep hesitation, you decide to go to his apartment. When you arrive, you approach his door, having been here a couple of times for study sessions, and notice his door isn't locked.
Odd.
You entered, peaking in slowly. The apartment was dark and cold.
"Jay... you home?" You called in.
No response.
Your heart began to pound harder at the choking silence. As you stepped inside, you noticed the outline of someone lying on the couch, causing you to freeze in place and hold your breath. It wasn't until your eyes adjusted to the darkness of the apartment and the silent grunting that you came to recognize the man in front of you.
"Jay?" You practically whispered, creeping closer.
You knelt beside him, seeing he was asleep. Upon reaching out to gently wake him, the touch of his burning skin startles you.
Shit.
With some difficulty, you manage to find some fever reducers and a cold towellete.
"Jason.. hun... you gotta take some medicine.." You softly whisper to him, shaking him slightly.
Jason hums in response, allowing you to help him take the medicine. It felt so odd seeing him so, helpless.
After some time, you begin to stand up and leave, scared about overstepping boundaries; suddenly you are stopped, well grabbed, by a warm hand on your wrist.
"Stay... please... y/n.." a whiney, quiet, deep voice begged. "I need you to stay.."
It was the weakest you had ever seen or heard him before. He always managed to take care of himself. Jason always took care of others. This was so different.
