Soft spot

Sickness

The sun had just begun to rise, casting a warm golden hue over the sprawling garden, where the scent of blooming flowers mingled with the fresh morning air. Minho was enjoying his morning routine, tending to the plants and appreciating the tranquility of his surroundings. He had always found solace in the garden, a place where he could escape the weight of his responsibilities, even if just for a moment.

As he worked, he caught sight of Daisy approaching, her usual energetic stride a little slower than normal. A smile spread across his face, but he noticed something off. She seemed a bit pale, and he could see a hint of fatigue in her eyes. “Morning, sunshine!” he called out, his tone bright and warm.

“Good morning, Mino,” she replied, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. She walked over to the fountain, her usual enthusiasm absent.

Just as she reached the edge of the fountain, she suddenly doubled over, coughing violently. The sound echoed through the garden, sharp and alarming. Minho’s heart raced as he rushed to her side. “Daisy! Are you okay?”

But the cough only intensified, deep and harsh, as if it were a violent storm raging inside her. Daisy gripped the edge of the fountain, her knuckles white as she struggled to catch her breath. Panic surged through Minho as he saw her face turn a shade of gray, her breathing becoming labored.

“Daisy!” he shouted, worry etched across his features. “Hold on!” He quickly reached out to steady her, but she was already sinking down, the fight leaving her body as her strength faltered.

“Minho…” she gasped, but the words came out as a choked whisper. Then, without warning, she collapsed, the world around her fading to black.

Minho’s heart dropped. “Daisy!” He scooped her up in his arms, his mind racing as he dashed back toward the mansion, calling for help. “Someone! Call the doctor!”

He burst through the front door, the urgency in his voice drawing the attention of the servants. Within moments, the doctor arrived, her expression shifting from professional calm to immediate concern as she assessed the situation.

“What happened?” she asked, already moving to examine Daisy, who lay unconscious in Minho’s arms.

“She was coughing, and then she just… she passed out,” he explained, panic threading through his voice.

The doctor nodded, her demeanor focused. “Let me check her vitals.” As she worked, Minho felt helpless, his mind swirling with worry and fear.

After a few tense moments, the doctor straightened up, her brow furrowed. “Daisy has a severe cold that’s aggravated her lungs. The coughing fits have taken a toll on her body. She needs rest and proper care.”

“What do we need to do?” Minho asked urgently, desperation creeping into his tone.

“She needs to avoid speaking as much as possible; it’ll trigger the cough again. I’ll prescribe some medications to help with her recovery, and I’ll need to check on her every day for a while. She’ll also need injections to support her healing process,” the doctor explained, her voice steady and reassuring.

Minho nodded, absorbing her words. “Okay. Whatever it takes. I just want her to be okay.”

The doctor smiled softly at his concern. “She will be, with proper care. Make sure her meals are warm, and keep her comfortable. It’s important that she stays hydrated, too.”

With a quick nod, Minho set to work. He carried Daisy to her room, tucking her into bed with the softest blankets. He arranged her pillows, ensuring she was comfortable before returning to gather the supplies the doctor had mentioned. He felt a sense of urgency mixed with fear, not wanting to leave her side.

As he prepared her room, he kept glancing back at Daisy, who lay so still, her face pale but peaceful. “You’re going to be okay, Daisy,” he whispered to himself, as if his words could reach her even in her unconscious state.

Hours passed as Minho tended to her, preparing the meals the doctor recommended and ensuring everything was just right. He watched over her, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he needed to protect her, to make sure she was safe and sound.

When Daisy finally stirred, her eyelids fluttering open, Minho was right by her side. “Hey, sunshine,” he said softly, his heart racing at the sight of her awake.

“Minho?” she murmured, her voice weak and raspy.

“Shh,” he whispered gently, placing a finger to his lips. “You need to rest. The doctor said you shouldn’t speak too much.”

Daisy blinked up at him, confusion mingling with fatigue. “What happened?”

“You collapsed from coughing,” he explained, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead. “You’re not allowed to talk much right now, okay? Just focus on resting.”

She nodded slowly, her eyes glistening with gratitude. Minho felt a rush of emotion seeing her like this, vulnerable yet still so strong in spirit.

“I’m here, Daisy,” he reassured her. “I’ll take care of everything.”

As the days passed, Minho made it his mission to ensure Daisy’s comfort and well-being. He followed the doctor’s instructions closely...