Basic

Chapter 9

Ace had been making steady progress, both academically and athletically, until setbacks and challenges disrupted his routine. Falling ill, he found himself unable to attend classes or volleyball practice, much to his frustration and disappointment. As he lay in bed, feverish and weak, he couldn't shake the worry that crept in with each passing day of absence.

Lili, the diligent manager of the volleyball team, noticed Ace's prolonged absence and grew concerned. Unable to find him at school, she sought out Jared, a fellow teammate, hoping to glean some information about Ace's whereabouts. Their conversation led her to Ace's apartment, where she found herself standing at the door, heart pounding with apprehension.

With no response to her knocks, Lili hesitated for a moment before realizing the door was unlocked. She pushed it open tentatively, her concern mounting with each step into the dimly lit apartment. There, lying in bed, pale and sweating, was Ace, lost in the grip of illness.

Their dialogue was a mixture of concern and relief as Lili checked on Ace's condition, asking if he had taken any medicine or eaten anything. His response, a feeble shake of the head, spurred her into action. Determined to help him, she hurried out to fetch medicine and ingredients for a nourishing meal.

Back in the kitchen, Lili's hands moved with purpose as she prepared a hearty soup, her thoughts consumed with Ace's well-being. As the aroma of the simmering broth filled the apartment, she returned to Ace's bedside, offering him comfort and care until the day waned into dusk.

In the quiet moments between tending to Ace's needs, they shared a dialogue filled with gratitude and warmth. Ace, usually reserved, found himself opening up to Lili, expressing his appreciation for her unwavering support. Blushing slightly, Lili accepted his thanks, her heart fluttering with a newfound closeness.

As the evening wore on, exhaustion finally caught up with Ace, his eyelids growing heavy with sleep. In a moment of vulnerability, he nearly confessed his feelings for Lili, his words trailing off into a soft murmur as slumber claimed him.

With a fond smile, Lili watched over him, her cheeks tinged with a blush of her own. As she prepared to leave, she couldn't shake the lingering warmth in her heart, a silent acknowledgment of the bond that had formed between them in the quiet hours of the day.