SOPHIA’S POV
When I woke up again, the sunlight was already coming in through the window.
For a moment, I stayed still, not moving. I didn’t even breathe too deeply, as if I was afraid that any small movement would break the calmness I felt.
My body still ached, but the pain wasn’t as bad as before. The fever had gone down, but I still felt weak.
Then I became aware of something else. I felt warm.
The warmth wasn’t just from the blanket, but from behind me.
My heart skipped, and I slowly turned my head, already knowing what I would see. Zade was there, sitting close to me.
The sight of him made me remember how he held me throughout the night. My heart skipped a beat again.
“You’re awake,” he said softly “Good morning”
I swallowed. “Yes. Good morning”
My voice was still weak and hoarse from the dryness in my throat.
His eyes moved over my face carefully, as if checking every detail, searching for any sign that I wasn’t okay.
“How do you feel?” he asked, leaning a little closer.
“Better,” I said, though even I could hear how tired I sounded. “At least... better than before.”
He didn’t look convinced.
“You still look pale,” he said. “And your breathing isn’t steady yet.”
I let out a small breath, looking away from him because his attention felt too intense
. “I said I’m fine,” I insisted.
He didn’t argue, but I could feel that he didn’t believe me.
I became painfully aware of how close we had been all night, how easily I had leaned into him, how I hadn’t pushed him away. The thought alone made my face burn again, and I quickly sat up, trying to create some distance.
“I can manage on my own now,” I said quickly, almost too quickly.
Zade tilted his head, watching me. “Manage what?”
“Everything,” I replied, avoiding his eyes “You don’t have to stay so close anymore. I’m not... that weak.”
He stood up but his eyes never left me.
“Do you need to use the restroom?” he asked directly.
The question caught me off guard so suddenly that I froze.
“I-” I hesitated, my face heating up even more. “I can go by myself.”
“You can try,” he said calmly.
“I don’t need to try,” I replied. I was a little defensive now. “I can walk.”
He didn’t respond right away. Instead, he stepped closer.
“What are you doing?” I asked, my voice rising slightly in surprise.
Before I could react, he bent down and lifted me into his arms.
“Zade!” I gasped. My hands gripped his shirt tightly. “Put me down!”
“You said you’re fine,” he said. “So this shouldn’t be a problem.”
“This is embarrassing,” I muttered.
My face burned as I avoided looking at him.
“It’s practical,” he replied simply.
“I can walk,” I insisted again, even though I didn’t actually try to get down.
“I know,” he said. “But you don’t have to.”
His words made something in my chest tighten, and I didn’t argue anymore.
When we reached the restroom, he set me down carefully, making sure I was steady before letting go. His hands lingered for just a second, as if making sure I wouldn’t fall.
“I’ll wait here,” he said.
“You don’t have to,” I muttered. “I’ll be fine.”
“I know you will. I’m still waiting.”
I opened my mouth to argue again, but nothing came out.
Instead, I just stared at him for a second before turning away and walking inside.
Even when the door closed, I could still feel his presence outside. It was strange, but it made me feel... less alone.
When I came out, he was exactly where I left him.
“You took longer than I expected,” he said lightly.
I frowned “It wasn’t that long.”
He didn’t argue. Instead, he stepped forward again and lifted me without asking this time.
“Zade,” I sighed, but there was no real resistance left in my voice.
“You’re still weak,”
“And you’re stubborn,”
“Yes,” he smirked. “I am.”


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