ᴛʜᴇ ᴅɪꜰꜰᴇʀꜱ : ᴛʜᴇ ᴜᴘʀɪꜱɪɴɢ

|6|

• ＷＩＬＬＯＷ •

I woke up feeling like I had been hit by a truck. My body ached, and my head throbbed as if it were splitting open. As I slowly became more aware of my surroundings, I realized I was in an unfamiliar bed. Panic began to bubble up inside me, but then I remembered the ride, the unbearable heat, and Raiden's hand holding mine.

I tried to sit up but felt too weak, so I just lay there, staring at the ceiling.

Eventually, I heard footsteps approaching. Maya appeared in the doorway, looking relieved to see me awake. She sat down beside me and gently touched my forehead. "Your fever broke during the night," she said softly. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been run over," I croaked. My throat was dry and scratchy. Maya handed me a glass of water, and I took small sips, feeling the cool liquid soothe my throat.

"Do you remember anything?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

"Bits and pieces," I admitted. "I remember the hallway, maybe the ride and Raiden, and then... nothing."

Maya nodded. "You were in a bad way. We were really worried."

I looked around, trying to gather my thoughts. Maya was here and I was in a stranger bed. Something was definitely wrong with my head. "Where am I?"

"You're at our house. We thought it best to keep you here until you recovered." I must have hit it pretty hard, there's no other reason why I'm here.

I lay back down, feeling exhausted just from sitting up for a few minutes. "Thank you," I whispered. "For taking care of me."

"It was nothing," Maya replied with a reassuring smile. I felt safe, it was an odd feeling.

I felt asleep right after. I was beyond exhausted, and something about that bed made me feel sleepy and peaceful.

Later that day, the others came to check on me. They were all relieved to see me awake and feeling better. Ember even managed to get me to eat a little soup, though I had no appetite.

They explained how they had told my parents I went to their house but ended up being too exhausted to go back to my place. I don't know how they managed to make that lie pass to my overprotective parents, but apparently they did.

They must have some super persuasive powers because my dad is one thought nut to crack.

After another nap, I finally got that I was, in fact, sleeping in Raiden's room. Meaning, I was sleeping in his very own bed.

I was starting to think this was all a joke and a pitiful dream. Maybe I did hit my head on that hallway and imagined all the rest because there was no way I was sleeping in his bed.

Pretty stupid how I always imagined my first time entering his bedroom to be cute or whatever. It certainly wasn't from being unconscious, that's for sure.

The next morning, they decided it was time to take me home. I protested, saying I could go back on my own, feeling guilty for causing so much trouble, but they insisted. Raiden accompanied me to the car, and we drove back to my house. My parents were frantic with worry when we arrived, but as Luke had already spoken to them and explained the situation it was better. They were just glad to have me back.

For the next few days, I stayed at home, trying to regain my strength. My parents were overprotective, not letting me do anything on my own. I appreciated their concern, but it was stifling. I wanted to return to school, to some semblance of normalcy.

When I finally felt well enough to go back, I was anxious about facing everyone. The car ride to school felt surreal, and when I walked through the gates, I felt like all eyes were on me. Someone's must have seen me with them.