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“38.8°C”
“You’re sick, Roxanne.” Qiu says while looking at the thermometer, they place the back of their palm on her forehead. Roxy shakes her head, denying their accusation, even if the evidence was right in front of her. “I’m not, I swear…” She replies, but her voice betrays her as the fatigue seeps in. “I have to go to class today.”
Qiu scoffs, “No you don’t, we don’t have anything important to do. What you have to do is rest.” They sigh, grabbing the tray placed on her bedside table. A bowl of beef noodle soup was on top, and they used a nearby spoon to offer a bite to Roxy.
“Come on.” They coo, placing the spoon close to her lips, but not directly touching them. She groans tirelessly, but takes a bite anyway. “This is embarrassing.” Roxanne huffs, and Qiu just giggles at her reaction. “This wouldn’t have happened if you brought an umbrella.”
“You even doubled down by taking your jacket off and placing it on me.” They tease Roxy, but she just glares at them; Qiu sheepishly laughs, realizing she’s not in a good mood. “This wouldn’t have happened if you checked your phone.” She retorts, and Qiu awkwardly scratches their head.
“I’m sorry, Roxy.” They frown, and Roxanne eventually softens up, patting their head gently. “It’s fine, I’m glad I was able to find you.” She beams, wiping her eyes weakly afterwards. Qiu smiles back sincerely, and Roxanne finally takes a bite of the food.
They nod in approval because she was finally able to eat something. “Thanks for lending me your jacket.” Qiu slightly grins, “And thank you for finally taking a bite of your food.” They respond with a hint of sarcasm, but Roxy laughs it off, knowing they’re just concerned for her.
“Hm…” She hums, “Did you make this?” Roxy asks, drinking the soup eagerly while chewing on the noodles. Embarrassed, Qiu nods to answer her query. “Maybe.” They clear their throat, looking away.
Roxanne wipes her lips using tissue from a box Qiu placed on her bed earlier. The silence was deafening and Qiu turned to look at her in curiosity—only for their lips to meet Roxy’s. She smirks, and they blink; however, the blush on their cheeks and ears make it impossible to deny that they liked the gesture.
“You’re always attacking whenever I’m here.” Qiu pouts, and Roxanne eagerly takes another bite of the noodles. She doesn’t say anything, the cheeky smirk still remaining on her face as a wordless response. Gently, they grab the spoon again, their fingers brushing against hers.
“Mouth.” Qiu says, nudging the spoon closer. “Mine or yours?” She raises an eyebrow, the smirk not going away anytime soon. They clear their throat, slightly blushing yet again. Qiu was used to Roxy’s antics, but she never fails to surprise them. “Very funny, Rox.”
“Oh, that reminds me.” Qiu places the tray back on the bedside table, scavenging through their bag before they pull out her coat. She raises an eyebrow as Qiu hands it to her. “I should give this back before I forget.”
Roxy takes a few more bites of the noodles, and she looks at Qiu expectantly. “What’s wrong?” They interrogate her, and she scoots over, patting the space beside her. Carefully, she places the tray on her lap, nearly finishing the soup.
“Sit beside me, Qiu.” Roxanne suggests, even though it sounded more like an order. Gladly, Qiu moves closer to her, the sides of their legs touching ever so slightly. Even if Roxanne didn’t need the assistance, Qiu continues to feed her until she finishes the soup.
Placing the tray back on the bedside table, Qiu attempts to get up, but Roxy grabs their wrist in time. “Qiu...” She mumbles weakly, wearing her denim jacket over her shoulders. “What is it?” Qiu interrogates her softly.
“I never said you could leave.” Roxy tugs on their wrist, pulling Qiu back again. They chuckle at her clinginess, and Roxanne lays her head on their shoulder as she wraps her arm around them for a bit, before letting go hesitantly. “I’m not going anywhere, I’ll just bring this downstairs.”
“No, Qiu. Ma can get that.” She sulks, shaking her head as she blissfully closes her eyes. Qiu hooks their arm on her elbow like usual, and heartily laughs at her. Roxanne opens her eyelids again, and they cough. “I’ll stay for now, Rox.”
Roxanne shakes her head again, “Not just for now, stay here. Don’t go, Toffee…” She shakily responds while pulling the blanket over the both of them. It was a barrier Qiu could easily escape from, but they didn't do anything. After all, resistance was futile when it came to the girl they liked the most.
"Alright." Qiu sighs, giving into her wishes. It's not like they wanted to leave her side either way.
“I won’t leave, Choco.”