𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙥𝙚 | 𝘢𝘬𝘪 𝘩. ᯓ ᡣ𐭩

˚⊱ 19. | ꜰᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍꜱ ⊰˚

Touko stepped out from the bathroom. She wore pajama shorts and a loose-fitting t-shirt, clothes that were comfortable and easy to move in.

Her hair was still damp from her shower, the silky strands clinging slightly to the side of her face. The t-shirt she wore clung to her still-damp skin, showing off the lean muscles of her arms and the curve of her collarbone.

Shaking off the remnants of impossibilities from her mind, she knew she needed to check on Aki before she could relax, to make sure he was alright.

Before she could make a move towards his room, Touko's heart skipped a beat as she heard a sudden loud thud coming from Aki's room.The sound sent a shiver of worry down her spine, shattering her thoughts and replacing them with concern.

Without a moment's hesitation, she rushed towards his room.

Her heart raced as she approached his room, her hand reaching for the doorknob. The thudding sound came again, a sharp and foreboding sound that made her stomach churn with concern.

Touko's heart clenched in her chest as she pushed open the door to Aki's room and found him lying on the ground, struggling to get up. The sight of him sprawled on the floor, weakened and exhausted, sent a surge of worry rushing through her.

Touko's eyes widened in alarm as she rushed to his side. "Aki!" she called out, her voice filled with urgency and concern.

She dropped to her knees beside him, her heart pounding in her chest with worry.

Aki grunted with effort as he tried to pull himself up, his arms trembling with weakness. Curses escaped his lips as he struggled to lift his body off the ground. "Shit.."

Aki's pale skin contrasted with his cheeks flushed with exertion and heat. Sweat glistened on his brow, his forehead creased with a frown as he pushed himself to his elbows.

Aki's breaths came out in ragged gasps, each one a struggle. His chest rose and fell unevenly, the effort of simply breathing evident in the way his body strained.

Touko's sharp eyes took in all the signs. His paleness, the flush in his cheeks, the sweat on his brow, and the ragged sound of his breaths.

Touko's fingers touched his forehead, immediately noticing the heat radiating off him. Her features tensed with worry as she felt his feverish warmth.

"You're burning up now." she said, her voice filled with concern.

Aki's eyes flickered open, his fever-ridden mind registering Touko's voice as she spoke. He could hear the concern laced in her tone, but his brain felt fuzzy, his thoughts muddled.

"Yeah.. that I know." he mumbled, his voice hoarse and weak.

Touko helped him sit up, her arms supporting his weight as she guided him back into bed. He was light, too light, a testament to the toll his contract was taking on his body. She gently settled him back against the pillows, her heart aching with worry. "Stay here," she said quietly, her voice firm and reassuring. She didn't want him trying to get up again and potentially hurting himself further.

Aki mumbled a weak protest but couldn't find the strength to argue. He sank back against the pillows, feeling the weight of his illness and the relentless grip of his fever. "I'm fine.." he mumbled, trying to downplay his state, but the hoarseness in his voice betrayed him.

Touko scoffed at his weak protest, her worry intensifying at his stubbornness. She knew he was far from fine. "You're not fine, idiot." she retorted, her voice filled with concern and frustration.

Aki's eyes widened slightly at her words, caught off guard by the concern laced in her frustration. It wasn't often she showed such vulnerability. He felt a pang in his chest, a mixture of guilt and irritation.