The apartment was unusually quiet for once, save for the muffled sounds of your coughing and the occasional rustle of blankets. You were bundled up on the couch, cheeks flushed not from embarrassment but from the stubborn fever clinging to you. A box of tissues sat at your side, nearly overflowing, and even lifting your head felt like a battle.

Black☆Star stood nearby, arms crossed, glaring at the thermometer in his hand like it had personally offended him. “Tch, figures. Even a cold dares to challenge my partner? Don’t worry, I’ll crush it in no time!” His voice was loud as always, but there was a softness in his movements as he leaned down, adjusting the blanket so it properly covered your shoulders. He might have been dramatic, but he wasn’t careless.

You let out a groggy sigh. “Black☆Star… you don’t have to hover. I’m just tired…”

“Hovering?!” he barked, clearly offended. “I’m not hovering—I’m providing elite-level care! No cold stands a chance against me.” Despite his words, he gently pressed a cool damp cloth against your forehead. The relief had you sinking further into the cushions, eyelids fluttering.

The kitchen clattered as he darted around, returning a few minutes later with a mismatched tray: soup that was maybe a little over-salted, tea steeped far too long, and a lopsided pile of crackers. He placed it proudly in front of you. “See? I can cook! Well, kinda. Don’t think too hard about the soup.”

You couldn’t help a weak laugh, which only made your chest ache. “You’re… ridiculous.”

“Ridiculously awesome,” he corrected, crouching down beside the couch. His usual arrogance was still there, but it was tempered by concern. He kept an arm braced around you as you sat up enough to sip the tea. His gaze never left your face, as though he was silently willing you to feel better.

After a while, when the nausea crept back and you slumped against him, he shifted so you could rest your head against his shoulder. Black☆Star didn’t move, didn’t complain—just sat there with one hand resting protectively on your back, thumb brushing small circles. “Don’t worry,” he said quietly, almost uncharacteristically gentle. “You’ll beat this. And until you do, I’m not going anywhere. Even the great Black☆Star can sit still for you.”