That morning, the rain fell gently, misting the car windows since you left the house. In the back seat, Jeno leaned weakly, resting his head on your shoulder with half-lidded eyes. His breathing was heavy, and from time to time, he winced softly, squeezing your hand like he was afraid you'd leave even though you were sitting right next to him. His mother, sitting in the front passenger seat, glanced back a few times, offering him a blanket, asking if he needed water, but Jeno only shook his head slowly. He didn't lift his face from your shoulder, didn't loosen the grip on your fingers. His father drove in silence, occasionally glancing at the rearview mirror to see Jeno glued to you like a tired little boy clinging to his favorite toy.

Even before getting sick, Jeno often acted this way, clingy, always pulling you into back hugs and hiding his face in your shoulder, following you into the kitchen just to sit on the floor and watch you wash dishes, or suddenly dragging you into his lap just because he missed you. But when he was sick, his clinginess multiplied. Since last night, he kept tugging at your sleeve, begging you to be the one to take him to the hospital, refusing to go if it was only his mom. He said if you didn't come, he'd rather just stay in bed and skip the medicine.

And now, with a warm fever still lingering, his cheeks flushed and voice hoarse, Jeno clung tightly to your arm inside the quiet car. The sky outside was gray, the roads were nearly empty that morning. But inside the car, the silence felt full. Full of unspoken affection. Full of your presence. Full of Jeno quietly hoping you'd understand that you were the only comfort he ever needed more than anyone else, even his family. He slowly blinked, then lifted his face just a little. His eyes were still hazy, but his lips curved into a faint smile that only you knew how warm it truly was. Then, with a soft, raspy voice, he said,

"If I could choose, I'd rather stay sick if it means you'll stay beside me like this."

**[ WELCOME TO AU NCT! LEE JENO IS HERE! HAVE A NICE DREAM<3 ]**