DaiShun (The Boyfriend)

Chapter 26: The Fever

Dai arrived at Shun’s apartment early that morning, carrying a tray with breakfast carefully prepared by his mother. The delicious aroma of the meal filled the hallway as Dai unlocked the door with the spare key Shun had given him. He was eager to surprise Shun and spend some quiet time together before their classes.

But as he stepped into the room, Dai noticed something unusual. The usual peacefulness of Shun’s sleeping figure was marred by an uncomfortable flush on his face. His breathing was uneven, and he seemed restless, even in sleep. Concern immediately washed over Dai as he set the tray down on the nearest surface and rushed to Shun’s side.

“Shun,” Dai whispered softly, leaning in to wake him, but there was no response. His worry deepened when he gently placed his hand on Shun’s forehead, only to find it burning with fever. Panic surged through Dai as he realized the seriousness of the situation.

He pressed his own forehead against Shun’s, as if hoping his touch alone could take away the heat. “You’re burning up,” Dai murmured, his voice tight with worry. Shun stirred slightly, his eyes fluttering open just a bit, but he was too weak to speak.

Dai’s heart pounded in his chest as he quickly got up and rushed to the bathroom. He grabbed a bowl, filled it with cool water, and found a clean cloth. His hands trembled slightly as he soaked the cloth, wrung it out, and returned to Shun’s side.

Dai’s touch was gentle, filled with the kind of care that comes from deep love. He undressed Shun, revealing his feverish, flushed skin. The cool cloth pressed against Shun’s forehead first, and Dai watched as a slight sigh escaped Shun’s lips. Dai continued, slowly wiping the cloth across Shun’s chest, arms, and back, trying to bring down the fever. His movements were slow, deliberate, as if every touch could somehow convey his feelings, his worry, and his love.

Shun’s breaths were shallow, but he seemed to relax slightly under Dai’s care. Dai didn’t stop, even when his own fingers began to numb from the cold water. He couldn’t bear the thought of Shun suffering. “You’re going to be okay,” he whispered, more to himself than to Shun. “I’m here now. I’m not going anywhere.”

After what felt like hours, Dai finally saw a slight improvement in Shun’s condition. The fever wasn’t as intense, and Shun’s breathing became more steady. Relieved, Dai decided to make some porridge, something light and easy for Shun to digest. He moved carefully, not wanting to wake Shun just yet, and made his way to the kitchen.

The porridge was simple—rice, water, a little bit of ginger to soothe the stomach—but Dai prepared it with all the care in the world. He wanted it to be perfect for Shun. As the porridge simmered, Dai returned to Shun, wiping him down again and whispering reassurances as he did so.

By the time the porridge was ready, the sun had risen higher in the sky, and Shun was beginning to stir. His fever had come down enough for him to open his eyes and focus on Dai, who was now by his side with a bowl of porridge in hand.

“Dai…?” Shun’s voice was weak, barely above a whisper. He tried to sit up, but his body was too weak.

Dai quickly set the bowl aside and helped Shun sit up, propping him against the pillows. “I’m right here,” Dai said softly, his voice filled with relief and affection. “I made you some porridge. You need to eat a little to get your strength back.”

Shun nodded faintly, too tired to argue, as Dai carefully spooned the porridge into his mouth. The warmth of the food seemed to bring some life back into Shun, and he managed a small smile as he swallowed. “Why are you here? What about your classes?”

Dai smiled gently, brushing a stray hair from Shun’s forehead. “It’s fine. I couldn’t leave you like this. I was so worried when I saw you with that fever.”

Shun tried to protest, but Dai placed a finger on his lips. “Why didn’t you call me when you started feeling sick?”

“I didn’t want to worry you,” Shun admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Dai’s eyes softened as he looked at Shun. “You should have told me,” he said, his tone a mix of tenderness and mild chastisement. “You don’t have to go through things alone, Shun. I’m here for you.”

Shun’s eyes met Dai’s, and in that moment, he felt an overwhelming sense of warmth and gratitude. “I’m fine now,” he whispered, trying to ease Dai’s worry.

But Dai wasn’t satisfied with just words. He leaned in and placed a soft kiss on Shun’s lips. It was gentle, a brush of warmth and reassurance. But then, slowly, his tongue found its way into Shun’s mouth, exploring softly, savoring the taste of him. Shun’s breath hitched, and he pulled back slightly.

“What are you doing?” Shun asked, his voice tinged with concern. “You might catch my cold.”

Dai smiled, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Didn’t you just say you’re fine now?”

Shun tried to protest, but his words failed him. Dai’s warmth was too comforting, too soothing to resist. “I meant…,” Shun started but then trailed off, lost in the moment.

“Next time, tell me everything,” Dai whispered, his voice full of love. “Even if you think it’s not serious, I want to know. I want to be there for you.”

Shun nodded, touched by Dai’s sincerity. He allowed Dai to help him into the bathroom, where Dai gently washed him, making sure Shun was comfortable the entire time. It was a tender, intimate moment, filled with the quiet understanding that only comes with deep affection.

Afterward, Dai guided Shun back to bed and prepared lunch for both of them. He made something simple but nourishing, a light soup with vegetables and some steamed fish. As they sat together, eating quietly, there was an unspoken bond between them, a deep connection that words couldn’t quite capture.

“Thank you for taking care of me,” Shun said softly, his eyes meeting Dai’s with a warmth that made Dai’s heart flutter.

“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you,” Dai replied, reaching across the table to take Shun’s hand in his. They sat like that for a while, hands intertwined, enjoying the simple pleasure of each other’s company.

As the day wore on, they talked about everything and nothing, their conversations filled with laughter, warmth, and the kind of love that felt both tender and eternal. Every glance, every touch, every word was a reminder of how much they meant to each other.

And as the afternoon sun began to dip in the sky, they curled up together on the bed, holding each other close. Shun’s fever had broken completely, and he felt safe, loved, and cherished in Dai’s arms.

“I love you,” Shun whispered, his voice barely audible, but Dai heard it, clear as day.

“I love you too,” Dai replied, pressing a kiss to Shun’s forehead. And in that quiet moment, surrounded by warmth and love, they both knew that they had found something truly special in each other—a bond that would only grow stronger with time.