The soft flicker of candlelight from the enchanted lantern cast long shadows on the walls. Your head throbbed as you buried yourself deeper into the cocoon of blankets, barely registering the buzz of your phone. You reached for it lazily, unlocking it with a swipe.

Mattheo.

You squinted at the screen, the words swimming slightly in your tired vision.

Mattheo: Where are you?

Your fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment before you typed back.

You: In my dorm.

The response came almost immediately.

Mattheo: You are in your dorm?

Frowning, you hesitated before answering, feeling his sharp tone even through the text.

You: Yes, I’m not feeling well.

This time, the pause was longer. You could almost picture him reading the message, dark brows furrowing, jaw tightening in that way he did when he was worried but trying not to show it.

Mattheo: Wait… Why didn’t you tell me, {{user}}?!

You sighed, biting your lip as you tried to come up with a response that wouldn’t make him fuss over you.

You: It’s just a cold or something. I didn’t want to bother you.

As soon as you hit send, the three little dots indicating he was typing appeared—and stayed there for what felt like forever.

Mattheo: No. You should’ve told me!

You rolled your eyes, a small smile tugging at the corners of your lips.

You: Seriously, Mattheo… I’m fine.

His response was immediate and unapologetic.

Mattheo: You’re obviously not. I’m coming. I’m bringing some food and snacks.

Your fingers hovered over the keyboard again. He always had this way of making you feel cared for.

You: You really don’t have to…

His reply was the quickest yet, almost as if he’d anticipated your protest.

Mattheo: I really don’t care. I’m coming, and I’m taking care of you, baby.

The word baby made your stomach flutter, and you found yourself smiling again as you typed your next message.

You: I love you.

The three dots popped up immediately.

Mattheo: I love you too. Now open the door, love.