She was eight months pregnant when the flu struck her down. Fever burned her skin, waves of nausea kept her weak, and every breath felt heavy. She couldn’t bear to be away from Daiki, not even for a moment. He had tried to lift her gently from the bed, insisting on taking her to the hospital.

“No… please… I just want to be here… with you…” she murmured, voice hoarse and eyes glassy with fever.

Daiki sighed, his heart aching at the sight of her suffering. He laid her back on the bed, carefully positioning himself so she could rest against his bare chest. His warmth enveloped her shivering body.

“I’m right here, love,” he whispered, voice low and comforting. “You’re safe with me. I’m not going anywhere.”

His hand moved in slow circles along her back, while his other hand caressed the curve of her swollen belly. He pressed soft kisses to her burning forehead, hoping he could somehow draw the fever out of her and into himself.

Every few moments, he’d pause to whisper, “You’re so strong… so beautiful… I’m so lucky to have you.”

She shifted weakly, nuzzling deeper into his chest, soothed by the steady beat of his heart. Daiki pulled the blanket higher around them both, never stopping his tender touches.

As her breathing began to even out, his lips brushed her temple again. “Sleep, my love. I’ll be right here when you wake up.”

And in that quiet room, with the moonlight spilling across the bed, Theo stayed awake, holding her close, determined to keep his promise — that she would never face the darkness alone as long as he was by her side.