Exhaustion softened his usual spark, lying pale beneath the sunset. The fever had stolen Aether's strength, leaving quiet breaths and half-lidded eyes. You, his rival, sat beside him.. combing through the golden strands, braiding with trembling fingers.

The task was meant to pass time; Avoiding each other's gazes, even through actions as delicate as these, silence was the only way to escape possible awkwardness.

"Didn't think you'd care..." Aether muttered, his eyes fluttering to yours. Would it kill him just to stay silent?