I Don't Want To Be In Love

Fevered Dreams

Ming was regretting getting out of bed the next morning. Oh, boy, was he regretting it! There was no way he was going to be able to make it through Sotus. He had chills wracking his body, his skin was flushed from the fever, and everything hurt as if he'd gone a couple rounds with the Incredible Hulk. Even taking a hot shower hadn't helped. He promptly went back to his bed and flopped on it, wincing when his joints and throbbing head protested the rough treatment. He picked up his phone.

Ming: P, I'm sick today. I can't make it to Sotus or class.

Forth: Do you want me to check on you during lunch?

Ming: I think this is just one of those 24 hour things. I'll be fine. Just need some rest.

Forth: Okay. Let me know if you need anything.

Ming: Thank you, P'Forth. I will. Sorry about this.

Forth: Don't apologize! You can't help getting sick. Take care of yourself, Ming.

Ming: I will.

Ming set his phone on the bedside table, waiting to feel somewhat decent enough to get back up and change into some bedclothes. He had no clue how he'd managed to dress in his hazer uniform, but it really wasn't comfortable enough to sleep in.

Just as he'd gotten himself upright, he heard someone messing with the doorknob. He sat there, listening as someone inserted a key and unlocked the door, then watched as the door opened.

"What are you doing up??" Pha wasn't happy to see Ming up and dressed.

Ming blinked at the sight, Pha walking inside his dorm room laden down with a couple bags. He was surprised when Pha laid a gentle hand on his forehead, checking his temperature.

"Yo will be here this afternoon. I told him I'd look after you for the morning."

"Yo?" Ming screwed his face up, trying to figure out - oh, Kit must've told him. That traitor.

"Yes, Yo. He's very worried about you," Pha said. "Now, where are your sleep clothes?"

Ming pointed wordlessly at the dresser. It still hadn't sunk in that Pha was in his room, taking care of him. Am I dreaming??

"I brought soup, medicine, and electrolyte water. After we get your clothes changed, you need to take a couple pills and have some soup."

We? Ming felt his face heat up even more at the realization that Pha intended to help Ming change. "Um...I can change my own clothes, P," Ming mumbled, unable to look at Pha.

Cute, Pha hid a smile. And so shy, just like Yo. "I'm not making you strip all the way, Ming."

Ming's face flushed even more. He cleared his throat and changed the subject. "Um...w-what soup did you bring?"

"I remember you eating chicken noodle soup when Kit took care of you last year. But Yo insists that you only like a Japanese clear onion soup. I had to google the recipe."

"You made it??" Ming stared at him with wide eyes.

Aish, stop being so freaking adorable! I thought Engineering students were wolves! Pha stamped down the urge to scoop Ming up and cuddle him. "Yes. I couldn't find it on any menus, so I made it. Wasn't hard. I just hope it tastes right."