Liana's POV:
A gentle squeeze on my hand pulled me back to consciousness. My eyes fluttered open slowly. Was I sleeping? I couldn't tell. The last thing I remembered was feeling dizzy… I tried going to the bathroom, but then everything went dark.
When my vision finally cleared, the first thing I saw was the balcony door. It was open, letting in the quiet night air. It must've been late; everything outside was too calm.
I turned my head toward the side, expecting to see my mother or Char holding my hand. But when I rubbed my eyes and blinked a few times, my heart skipped a beat.
It was Ethilia. She was asleep with mouth slightly open, hair a complete mess, but her posture somehow still alert. Her fingers were wrapped tightly around mine, as if she was afraid to let go.
My face broke into a small smile before I could even stop it. If fainting meant I could have her beside me like this, then maybe I wouldn't mind falling sick every day..
I reached out and brushed away a loose strand of hair that had fallen across her face. That one stubborn piece always managed to block my view.
Of the face I could never get tired of. The only face I wanted to wake up to… and the only one I wanted to see before falling asleep each night.
I tried to got up but then felt something on my forehead. I slowly reached and touched it... a damp towel...
Did I got a fever or what? I couldn't remember much, only some blurred flashes of someone trying to feed me while I mumbled nonsense.
Maybe I was half-conscious and that's probably why everything felt like a dream. I again glanced at Ethilia and grinned.
She was sleeping beside me, curled up like a baby. But the moment she felt my movement, her eyes fluttered open. She quickly sat up, worry flashing across her face.
"How are you feeling?" she asked softly, pressing her palm against my forehead. She adjusted the blanket around me with gentle hands. "Are you feeling cold?"
I wish this woman knew what she does to me… how she makes my heart race, how her touch burns and soothes at the same time, how she makes me want to hold her and never let go.
The room was dim, but the moonlight slipped through the curtains, tracing the outline of her face. It was complementing her beauty more...
Those doe-like eyes were filled with care. And the way she was taking care of me... did she mean it, or was she just doing it... because I helped her?
Still, I pushed the thought away and smiled faintly. I tried to sit up, but her hand wrapped gently around my shoulder to support me.
When I turned my head, I couldn't believe how close we were. My heartbeat stumbled, thudding so loudly I prayed she couldn't hear it. She helped me sit, guiding me gently against the headboard of the bed.
She started to pull away, but I slowly took her hand in mine and whispered, "Don't go."
Ethilia paused, squeezing my hand before leaning in and murmuring softly, "I'll go get the thermometer."
For a few seconds, my breath caught. Honestly, I thought she might be about to kiss me… or maybe she actually was. The way her eyes were looking into mine, it was like she was staring at my soul.
I shook my head. She wasn't that reckless, not like me. I sighed and waited. When she returned and sat beside me, she asked again, "Are you cold, Ana?"
My eyes widened, my whole body froze, and so did my heartbeat. That nickname… I stared at her as I was stunned, but she quickly looked away, clearing her throat.
I smiled softly and shook my head. "No… I'm feeling hot." My voice was husky and rough. Maybe from a sore throat, but the way her eyes widened told me she wasn't thinking anything innocent.
A teasing smirk crept onto my face as I pushed the blanket aside. She quickly turned away, swallowing hard. "Umm… okay then…" she whispered, taking a deep breath.
I grinned and leaned my head lightly on her shoulder. I wasn't sure if I should, but something deep inside me told me she wouldn't pull away.
I closed my eyes, letting myself relax against her. Slowly, I opened them again. Her fingers were fidgeting nervously, playing with each other as she whispered, "What happened?"
I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself from smiling too much. But, for sure my insecurities wouldn't let me enjoy the moment fully.
What if she's just taking care of me out of… humanity? my inner voice taunted.
I sighed. "My head hurts," I whispered, closing my eyes. That part wasn't a lie, my head really did hurt. I opened my eyes again to see her reaction.
Her eyes widened. She turned to me, brushing her fingers through my hair. "Your head is hot, but your body temperature is fine," she said, frowning slightly as she explained, her confusion somehow… cute.
I hummed, holding her hand with both of mine. "Maybe I need to take a bath…" Her hands were soft... I liked it...
She didn't say anything. The hesitation on her face was clear. What was she even thinking? I wished I could hear her thoughts… At least then I'd know how she really felt. Did she even like me, even a little?
I pulled back and held her face gently between my hands. "Lia…" I leaned closer, pressing my forehead against hers. "What are you thinking?" I asked, even though I knew I probably shouldn't.
She swallowed hard, meeting my eyes. I caught her glance flicker toward my lips… then back to my eyes. Was I imagining things, or had she really looked at my lips? I tried to ignore it.
Her hands came to rest over mine on her cheeks. "I was scared, Liana… I'm still scared…"
I frowned, trying to understand the reason. And maybe sensing my confusion, she pulled back slightly, holding my chin before practically shoving the thermometer into my mouth.
Feisty, huh? I smiled softly. I loved that she didn't hide who she was with me.... that she didn't think twice about showing herself.
I nudged her playfully, gesturing for her to answer, and she murmured, "You were passed out the whole day… do you even realize how scared I was?"
This woman was going to give me a heart attack, I swear. The way she made my heart race tonight…But honestly, I was ready to die for her... more than once.
And as soon as she realized what she'd said, she added quickly, "I mean…"
I placed a finger gently over her lips, shaking my head, and pulled the thermometer from my mouth. "Turn on the light, Lia…" I wanted to see her reactions properly.
She flipped on the light, taking back the thermometer with a small smile. "You're fine." She started to move away, but I grabbed her hand, pulling her toward me.
She lost her balance and tumbled halfway onto me. I wrapped my arms around her instantly. My whole body was sweating from how close she was.
I wanted to kiss her, but instead I nuzzled into her neck, holding her tightly. At first, she tensed… then slowly relaxed, letting me feel the steady thump of her heartbeat.
It was heaven for me... just holding her, being near her. Without thinking, I murmured, "Let's stay like this?"
She stayed quiet for a long moment before murmuring, "But you said you'd take a bath."
I chuckled softly. "Why? Are you that eager to see me without clothes again?" I knew my T-shirt and shorts weren't chosen by Mom or Char… so it wasn't hard to guess who'd picked them.
I heard her gasp, and she buried her face deeper into my neck. "Shut up… I didn't see," she muttered, defensive and embarrassed.
I laughed, holding her tighter. She groaned and pinched my waist, only for me to squeeze her more.
"I wouldn't mind even if you did," I teased. Her lips didn't reply, but her heart was racing, I could feel it.
This woman... I turned my gaze toward the balcony door and saw a shooting star streak across the night sky. Closing my eyes, I silently wished for just one thing, straight from the core of my heart.
God, I want this woman… please. I can't be without her. I want to lose myself in her... in her warmth, her silence, her chaos. She's the only answer I've ever wanted for every good thing I've done in my life.
Take everything from me, my fame, my name, everything I have, but give her to me. Let me be hers, and hers alone.