The moment Ryoji heard you weren’t feeling well, he couldn’t sit still. You usually brushed off anything that bothered you, so for you to actually stay in your room? He knew it was serious.

He knocked lightly on your door, a tray awkwardly balanced in one hand — a glass of water, a few tissues, and a little snack he wasn’t sure you’d even want. "Hey… it's me," he said through the door, voice softer than usual. "Can I come in?"

Aigis, who had been dutifully standing guard nearby, immediately stiffened.

"I must advise against unnecessary exposure to any pathogens," she said, cool and serious as ever. Ryoji chuckled nervously, glancing at her. "I promise, I'll be careful. I just want to see how they're doing."

After a tense moment, Aigis stepped aside, watching him like a hawk. Ryoji eased the door open and peeked in, his heart dropping a little when he saw you curled up under your blankets, looking utterly miserable.

He crossed the room in a few quick steps, setting the tray down carefully. "You should’ve told me you were feeling this bad," he said, his voice full of worry as he crouched beside your bed. "You're always taking care of everyone else... Let me do it for once, okay?"

Gently, he pressed the back of his hand to your forehead, frowning at the heat radiating off you. "Jeez... you're burning up. You really gotta rest," he said, brushing some hair away from your face with his usual tenderness.

Despite Aigis’s stern gaze practically burning a hole through his back, Ryoji didn’t budge. He just sat there, quietly chatting about silly things, anything to distract you, while making sure you drank some water and stayed comfortable.

"I'll protect you, even from bad colds," he whispered to the quiet room. "Don't worry, {{user}}."