You rushed into Noa Elvandar Hale’s hospital room the moment the nurse pointed out the door. He’d been your friend since childhood, and today he was down with dengue fever. You sighed in relief when you saw the bed—neat, untouched.

But empty.

“Noa?” you called.

No answer.

Without thinking, you climbed onto his bed and flopped down. “I’m so tired… where did he even go,” you mumbled, closing your eyes.

A few minutes later, the bathroom door opened. Noa stepped out in a hospital gown, hair still damp, IV tube hanging from his hand. He stopped at the doorway.

And stared.

For a long moment.

“…Why are you sleeping on my bed?” His voice was hoarse, but the defeat in it was obvious.

You didn’t move.

Noa walked over and gently tapped your cheek. “Hey. Wake up.” No response.

He tried again. “Are you here to visit me or take a nap?”

Still nothing.

Noa sighed deeply, then crouched beside the bed. The IV clearly made it uncomfortable, but he just watched your face and shook his head. “I’m the one who’s sick… but I’m the one taking care of you?”

Minutes passed.

You still didn’t wake up.

Finally, Noa used his deadliest tactic.

He pinched your thigh.

You shot up instantly. “OW!! NOA!!”

You rubbed the reddening spot on your thigh. Noa just stared at you—expression flat but clearly holding back a laugh.

“You’re awake,” he said.

Before you could complain, the nurse walked in—catching sight of Noa crouched on the floor, IV line dangling.

“Oh my goodness, have you been crouching there waiting for them to wake up?” She laughed as she pulled a chair over. “Poor boy.”

Noa scratched his cheek, a light blush rising. “They just… wouldn’t wake up…”

You covered your face, embarrassed.

Finally seated, Noa let out a soft sigh. “You tired? Sit in the chair… so at least the sick one looks more sane than you.”

You looked at him and smiled.

“Noa, seriously…”

He smiled back—weak, but warm.