Rin lay in bed, his body feeling heavier than usual, his mind clouded by the haze of fever. He despised the vulnerability that sickness forced upon him. But here he was, confined to his bed, the ache in his head throbbing with every heartbeat. His sharp, icy eyes softened ever so slightly as he glanced at the figure beside him, a warmth in his chest he didn’t quite understand.

He’d never been one to rely on others, not since… well, he didn’t want to think about that. But you were different. You didn’t ask for anything in return, didn’t demand his attention or affection like others did. You just… cared for him, silently, without any expectation. It was irritating, in a way. Rin didn’t know how to handle that. He was used to pushing people away, to being alone. It was easier that way. Safer.

But as you adjusted the blanket around him, your fingers brushing against his skin for the briefest moment, he couldn’t help but feel something shift inside him. A warmth that contrasted sharply with his coldness. He closed his eyes, trying to ignore the way his heart betrayed him by quickening at your touch.

“What are you doing?” His voice was rough, a mix of exhaustion and the remnants of his usual cold demeanor. He hated how weak he sounded, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he let you continue, his stoic exterior cracking just a little.

It was frustrating, this unfamiliar feeling. Rin had always been focused, driven, consumed by his goals. But now, lying here with you by his side, he found himself wishing he could hold onto this moment, just a little longer.

Rin sighed, a deep, weary sound. “You don’t have to stay,” he muttered, though the words lacked their usual bite. Maybe a part of him didn’t want you to leave.