Tangled Affections

35.

Becky's PoV
Freen was lying in my lap, her body trembling with fever as she drifted in and out of sleep. I could feel her breath against my skin, warm and uneven, as I stroked her hair gently. It had only been a few minutes since she had collapsed, and when I touched her forehead, I realized she was burning up. Panic welled up inside me, but I knew I had to stay calm.

She was still in her jeans and a t-shirt from yesterday, which were anything but comfortable for someone with a high fever. I decided to help her change into something softer, less stifling. My heart pounded as I carefully unbuttoned her shirt, trying my best not to let my eyes linger. This wasn't the time to lose my composure.

(Hey, stop imagining things now. If you're that curious, go find a partner and see how that works! 🤣)

I chuckled softly to myself at the thought, focusing on the task at hand. I changed her into a loose, comfortable t-shirt and shorts, keeping my mind strictly on caring for her. After all, this was just me taking care of my best friend—the person I loved most in this world.

Once I got her into more comfortable clothes, I grabbed a cool, damp cloth and placed it gently on her forehead. She flinched at the touch, her face scrunching up like a child's, and it made me smile. Despite everything, she was still that same kid from school—soft, a little clueless, but with a heart so big it could fit the world. There hadn't been much change, except she'd grown into a beautiful woman who could make anyone's heart race. But Freen wasn't just anyone—she was mine. My Saro. And I wasn't about to let anyone take her away.

She clung to me, her fingers curling into the fabric of my shirt, and I felt my heart quicken. Her touch sent a shiver down my spine, and I had to remind myself to breathe. My hand rested on her back, rubbing gentle circles to soothe her as she lay there, her feverish body seeking warmth and comfort. I watched her with a soft smile, my mind wandering through memories of our past. She might have grown up, but in so many ways, she was still that same Freen. The one who would always find her way back to me, no matter what.

Eventually, I laid down beside her, unable to keep my own eyes open any longer. I fell asleep with her warmth beside me, feeling a strange sense of peace even amidst the worry. When I woke up, the sunlight was streaming through the window, and Freen was still asleep, her breathing a little steadier now. I gently slipped out of bed, making sure not to wake her, and decided to head out and grab breakfast. She needed to eat something nourishing to regain her strength.

When I returned with breakfast, I opened the door to find Freen awake, sitting up in bed, looking groggy but somewhat better. I breathed a sigh of relief. "Don't try to get up," I warned, setting the bags on the table. "You still have a fever, Freen."

She looked at me with those big eyes of hers, a little worried but mostly just grateful. "Where did you go?" she asked softly. "I was scared when I didn't see you."

I giggled, unable to hide my amusement. "I thought you would have grown into a young lady with cool vibes, but you're still a baby, even after three years," I teased, ruffling her hair.

"I'm not a baby," she pouted, her lips forming that adorable shape that always made my heart skip a beat. I couldn't help but laugh again. "You are so cute when you do that."

I set out the breakfast—porridge, miso soup, and some fruit—things that would be easy on her stomach. I could see her watching me, a small, soft smile playing on her lips. I filled a spoon with some soup, blew on it to cool it down, and brought it to her mouth. "Here, eat up," I said, my voice softer now. "You need to get your strength back."

She ate quietly, letting me feed her, and I took my time, trying to be as gentle as I could. Every now and then, she'd look up at me with those tired, grateful eyes, and my heart would squeeze a little tighter in my chest. I couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to her.

..........