Soft spot

Sickness 2

Leeknow had never considered himself a man easily shaken, but seeing Daisy struggle each day tested every ounce of his strength. She was so fragile now, and each cough, each struggle to breathe, reminded him of just how much she needed him.

Every morning, he would wake early, setting his work aside and delegating tasks to his men so that he could stay by her side. As the days passed, he became even more protective, keeping a vigilant watch over her every moment. When her coughs would wrack her body or she’d suddenly sit up, gasping for air, he was there, steadying her with gentle hands and calming words.

“Easy, love,” he’d whisper, his tone laced with quiet reassurance as he rubbed gentle circles on her back, guiding her through each labored breath. “I’m right here. Just breathe with me.”

It wasn’t long before Daisy’s weakened state brought on bouts of nausea, and he quickly learned the routine, holding her hair back, offering her water, and soothing her until the wave passed. He never winced, never hesitated. Instead, he would wipe her tears, a softness in his gaze that was reserved only for her.

One evening, as she lay fitfully asleep, a nightmare gripped her, and she awoke with a startled cry, her breathing rapid and panicked. Minho was there in an instant, pulling her into his arms, his embrace firm but gentle, as if he were shielding her from the very fears haunting her dreams.

“Shh, sweetheart. It’s just a dream,” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “You’re safe with me.”

Beyond just comfort, Minho took on the role of caretaker with fierce determination. He trusted no one but himself with her care, dismissing the servants and insisting on preparing each meal himself. He’d painstakingly prepare the warm broths the doctor recommended, adding herbs for flavor, carefully tasting everything to make sure it was perfect. When she was too weak to hold a spoon, he fed her himself, his touch patient, never wavering.

Every moment of those days, his focus was entirely on her. Whenever she mustered a small smile or whispered a quiet “thank you,” he felt his heart swell with warmth. Seeing her so vulnerable, so dependent on him, only deepened his feelings, igniting a protectiveness within him that bordered on fierce devotion.

“Just focus on getting better, love,” he’d say, tucking her in with tender care each night. “I’ll take care of everything else. You’re my priority, Daisy.”

And slowly, with his constant attention and unwavering support, she began to improve. Her color returned, her breathing steadied, and her strength started to come back. But Minho stayed just as devoted, watching over her with that same protectiveness, unwilling to leave her side until he was certain she was truly well again.

Through it all, he realized that his feelings went beyond the surface. He hadn’t just brought her into his life to protect her; she had become someone he cherished deeply, someone he couldn’t imagine being without. Daisy, who had once been quiet and reserved, was now his everything—and he was determined to protect her, now and always.