DaiShun (The Boyfriend)

chapter 45: I'm sorry

The evening air felt cool and refreshing as it slipped through the half-open window, filling the room with the crisp scent of approaching autumn. Shun and Dai sat comfortably on the worn, familiar sofa, their legs entwined, a gentle breeze playing with the edges of the curtains. The weather had taken a turn, and tonight, the sky was a soothing mix of muted purples and blues, the perfect kind of evening to settle in with a cup of hot coffee.

Dai wrapped his fingers around his mug, letting the warmth seep into his hands, while Shun rested his head on his shoulder. The TV played in the background, but neither of them were really paying attention, lost in the contentment of each other's company. The world outside felt distant, as though they were in a bubble of calm and safety. Shun lazily flicked through the channels, not searching for anything in particular, until something caught his attention.

A somber voice from the news anchor filled the room. “...the recent shift in weather has led to a rise in viral infections and fevers, particularly affecting the elderly and young children. Citizens are advised to take extra precautions and visit their healthcare providers if symptoms arise.”

Shun’s brows knitted in concern, and he shifted slightly, turning to look at Dai. “Did you hear that?” His voice was soft but tinged with worry. “You need to take care of yourself. These fevers sound serious.”

Dai chuckled lightly, brushing off Shun’s concern with a small smile. “You always worry too much, Shun. I’m fine. We’re both fine.”

But Shun couldn’t shake the unease that had settled in his stomach. Dai might be brushing it off, but the warning felt too real, too close. He reached for Dai’s hand, squeezing it. “Just… promise me you’ll be careful.”

Dai’s eyes softened. “I promise. And you should be careful too, okay?” He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Shun’s temple, hoping to ease the tension. Shun smiled, but the worry didn’t fully leave his eyes.

---

A few days later, the soft glow of early morning filtered into the bedroom. Dai stirred awake first, stretching lazily before rolling over to check on Shun. He expected to see his partner already up, maybe on the couch with his guitar, but Shun was still in bed, his breathing soft and shallow.

Dai frowned. It wasn’t like Shun to sleep in this late. He reached over, placing his hand on Shun’s forehead—and immediately, his stomach dropped. Shun’s skin was burning hot to the touch. Panic bubbled up in Dai’s chest as he gently shook him.

“Shun, wake up.”

Shun stirred, his eyelids fluttering open just a sliver. “Hmm?” His voice was groggy, his face pale against the pillow.

“You’ve got a fever,” Dai said, worry clear in his voice. “We need to go to the hospital.”

Shun shook his head weakly, eyes closing again. “It’s fine… just need to sleep it off…”

Dai’s frown deepened. He wanted to insist, to bundle Shun up and take him to the hospital right away, but Shun looked so exhausted, so fragile. “At least eat something,” Dai urged softly. “Let me make you some porridge. You need to keep your strength up.”

Shun mumbled something unintelligible, but didn’t argue, his body sinking deeper into the bed as Dai got up. The worry gnawed at him as he prepared a simple bowl of porridge, his mind running over worst-case scenarios despite his best efforts to stay calm. He brought the bowl to Shun, carefully spoon-feeding him, his heart twisting with every bite Shun struggled to swallow.

“Please, Shun,” Dai whispered, his voice barely audible. “If it gets worse, you have to call me. Promise me.”

Shun gave him a tired nod. “I will,” he muttered, closing his eyes again, barely able to stay awake.