Jun collapsed on the bed as soon as he got back home. He tiredly closed his eyes, but Jin's face would always flash in his mind like a siren.
My fault. I should have replied to his messages. He wouldn't have suddenly appeared today like that…
Even though Jun was kicked out from the house, it was complicated for either Jinhai or Jun to explain why he was being thrown out.
It wasn't an easy thing to just confess in front of everyone. It was an unbelievable thing to happen. So Jun left home in pretext of working on his new venture and getting some alone time to focus on it. It didn't come as a shocker as everybody knew how he liked to be left alone. Till now, things were going good without raising any suspicion.
Until Jin came today and threw him off his pace.
He let out a breath. He shivered, feeling cold as his shirt and hair was still damp.
Thinking of cold…That woman is something. Who would just pour a bucket of water onto someone out of nowhere?
He thought back to her serious expression and with the way she patiently knelt beside him.
Not realizing that he was actually faintly smiling, he whispered, "What a stupid idea. Ah…But I guess only she can think of that."
If she could hope for a meteorite to knock out a book, then her idea wasn't that unexpected coming from her at least.
His eyelids felt heavy, and he soon fell asleep.
Ai was on her regular seat the next morning, continuing to read where she left off. She glanced at the assistant librarian's desk, but it was empty. The clock showed 9.16 AM.
He is never late, she thought to herself.
After observing him for the last few days, she learned that Jun was an extremely punctual and organized man. He would never be late anywhere.
She slightly furrowed her brows.
Is he taking the day off today?
Ai thought it could be the case, especially after how he was uncomfortable meeting his brother.
She went back to reading. The clock ticked by. But she couldn't focus on reading. Ai went down to the first floor where Mrs. Quan Su was present.
"Oh hello dear. Thank you so much for yesterday. The teachers were really happy with you, especially with the way you told Cinderella's story. They are really thankful to you for making them see it in a different light. It was good learning for the children."
She softly smiled. "It's my pleasure."
"Can I ask where he is?"
"The assistant librarian."
"Oh, Jun? He called me today morning to say that he is taking the day off. He is running cold and has a fever."
Ai was taken aback for a moment but then quickly realized that…
She pursed her lips, feeling guilty. "It's my fault. It's because of the cold water and cold air. I made him sick."
Mrs. Quan Su shook her head. "It's not your fault. Actually, I wanted to thank you for helping out Jun too. I am not sure what went wrong, but you calmed him down. He looked in so much pain," her eyes were filled with concern.
"Sometimes he worries me. When I met him the first time too, he was looking so…lost. He was standing in the rain all alone. His eyes were so empty."
Ai had seen it too. As much as Jun was intense, he emanated a sense of loneliness too. As if there was nothing left in this world for him anymore.
'What is the purpose of living such a meaningless life when I have lost everything?'
'I just have to live alone for the rest of my life, waiting for my death to come. Is this the journey you are talking about?'
Ai asked, "Can you do me a favor, Mrs. Quan?" This text is hosted at novel fire.net
"Ughh…" Jun groggily woke up in his room feeling a splitting headache. "Who is it!? I swear I will kill you."
He painstakingly got up, his whole body aching terribly. He walked deathly slowly. Turning the knob, he opened the door and icily asked, "What?"
The figure looked hazy and shaky to him. "Who?"
Ai took a glance at Jun. His face was a little reddish. He was breathing heavily, and his body was swaying slightly in imbalance. She lowered her gaze guiltily.
He is sicker than I thought.
"I heard you were sick. I am sorry. It's all my fault-"
She froze on her spot when Jun's head suddenly collapsed on her shoulder. She felt his burning forehead on her skin.
Just how high is his temperature?
Her guilt intensified.
"Uhm…Mhn…mhm…" he was mumbling to himself. It was a miracle that he was even able to open the door at all.
Ai was bending on her knees to support his weight. He was getting heavier and heavier to support.
"Can you please stand?"
He didn't respond or move. She quickly held his arms as he was about to fall. "You-you are a bit heavy," she gasped, "It's getting difficult for me to hold onto you…"
"Hmm…" Jun was clearly sleepy.
Ai took a deep breath and with one push wrapped his arm around her neck. She helped him balance on his feet as much as she could.
"Sorry for the intrusion."
Ai started to drag him inside bit by bit. Jun's hot cheek rested on the nape of her neck, making her feel as if it was on fire too. After a laborious amount of time, she finally reached his bedroom and laid him on his bed.
"Haaah…" Ai gasped, feeling breathless. She took a moment to catch her breath. She then adjusted his position on the bed.
So cold. Is there no heater?
There was, but it wasn't switched on.
Ai did so and went back to his side which was when she realized. She frowned.
These are the same clothes from yesterday. Didn't he change?
It dawned upon her why he was so sick. Sleeping in a damp shirt with damp hair in winter…what else was to be expected?
No wonder his temperature is so high.
She pursed her lips. "Irresponsible."
She gave it a thought. "I need to change his clothes first."