~ 𝘼𝙇𝙇 𝘼𝙇𝙊𝙉𝙂 ~

<17>

YEJI

I was awakened by the sound of voices downstairs. I checked the time on Ryujin's alarm clock and realized it was already 9:36 AM. As I turned my head, I saw Ryujin's peaceful face and couldn't help but notice her lips.

The memory of our kiss replayed in my mind, but I reminded myself that I have a boyfriend.

I slowly got out of bed and made my way to the bathroom in her room. After using a spare toothbrush and taking a quick shower, I changed into fresh clothes and stepped out of the bathroom, only to be surprised by Ryujin standing in front of me.

"Warn me next time, Ryu!" I gasped, clutching my chest. She smiled and opened her arms for a hug. Confused, I hesitated for a moment before hugging her back.

As I held her, I realized that she seemed tired and unwell. I checked her forehead and discovered that she had a fever.

"Ryujin, you have a fever! Go back to bed," I instructed her, leading her back to bed. I covered her with blankets and went to grab a towel from the bathroom. After wetting it with warm water, I returned to her and placed it on her forehead.

her eyes were still half-opened but they were wandering on the ceiling, it looked like she was in thought, or even drunk.

"I'll make you soup okay?" I patted her stomach and stood up but was quickly stopped. she grabbed my hand lightly and pulled me back.

"I don't want any soup. Stay here, Yeddeong..." she trailed off in a cute voice. I sat on the bed and observed Ryujin. Despite being concerned about her well-being, I couldn't help but find her small, sleepy smile endearing.

"I want to make something for you to help you feel better. I can go ask one of the others to come with me if you want-"

"No, I want you to stay here," she interrupted eagerly. I chuckled in response.

"Okay, just for a little while." I climbed onto the bed and got under the covers next to her.

"Can I have a hug?" she asked, opening her arms and turning towards me.

"Sure." I opened my arms as well, which made her smile. She quickly shifted into my embrace and lazily placed the towel on her forehead on the nightstand. Her head rested in the crook of my neck, and her hot breath fanned my skin. She held onto my waist tightly as if she didn't want me to leave. My hand moved up to caress her hair slowly, hoping that she would fall asleep soon so I could go and make something for her.

As I lay in bed, I heard my phone chime on the nightstand. However, I couldn't reach it because Ryujin was in the way. Deciding to check it later, I left it untouched.

We remained in the same position for some time, and I eventually realized that Ryujin had fallen asleep when I heard her light snoring. Thinking it was my chance to move, I carefully lifted her arms off my waist and pulled away from the embrace, sitting up on the bed. However, I noticed her furrowed eyebrows and realized it wasn't a good sign.

"Yeddeong, please don't go," she murmured, her arms reaching out and her eyebrows creased in a panic. Sighing, I grabbed her wrist and gently laid back down, placing her arm on my side once more. Her eyebrows slowly softened as I shifted back into our earlier position.

As she settled in, her arms tightened around me, and I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. I wondered how Ryujin would be as a girlfriend.

Straining to reach the nightstand, I finally grabbed my phone and checked the notifications. Yeonjun had messaged me 25 minutes ago, asking to hang out. I replied, saying that I was busy today but maybe tomorrow we could get together. He responded shortly after, understanding my situation.