Chapter 8

The first thing Lisa noticed was how quiet the apartment had become.

Usually, Jennie filled every corner of it—soft humming from the kitchen, the faint tapping of her phone, or her sleepy complaints about early mornings. But today, there was nothing. No music. No voice. Just silence.

Lisa frowned as she stepped inside, slipping off her shoes quickly. “Nini?” she called out, her voice gentle but laced with concern.

No response.

Her heart picked up speed.

She walked briskly toward the bedroom and pushed the door open. There, curled up under a mountain of blankets, was Jennie. Her usually rosy cheeks looked flushed in a different way, and her breathing was heavier than usual.

Lisa’s chest tightened.

“Nini…” she whispered, rushing to her side.

Jennie stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open just enough to recognize the familiar voice. “Lili…?” she mumbled weakly.

That was enough to confirm it.

Lisa reached out, placing her hand against Jennie’s forehead—and immediately pulled back with wide eyes.

“You’re burning,” she said softly, panic creeping in.

Jennie let out a small whine, snuggling deeper into the blankets. “I’m okay… just tired.”

Lisa shook her head, already moving into action. “No, no. You’re not okay.”

Within minutes, Lisa had transformed from girlfriend to full-time caretaker.

She grabbed a thermometer, a glass of water, and a damp towel. She moved quickly but carefully, her movements filled with quiet urgency.

“Sit up a little, baby,” Lisa murmured, slipping an arm behind Jennie’s back and helping her up.

Jennie groaned softly, her head immediately falling against Lisa’s shoulder. “Don’t wanna…”

“I know,” Lisa whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple. “But you need to drink this.”

She held the glass to Jennie’s lips, patiently waiting as Jennie took small, reluctant sips.

“Good girl,” Lisa praised softly, brushing a few strands of hair away from Jennie’s face.

Jennie pouted weakly. “Don’t baby me…”

Lisa smiled, even as worry lingered in her eyes. “Too late. You’re sick. I’m allowed.”

She carefully placed the thermometer under Jennie’s tongue, watching her closely like she might disappear if she looked away.

A few seconds later, the result confirmed what Lisa already feared—high fever.

Lisa exhaled slowly, trying to stay calm. “Okay… we’ll bring this down.”

She guided Jennie back onto the pillows, tucking her in properly before placing the cool damp towel on her forehead.

Jennie flinched slightly at the cold.

“Shh, I know,” Lisa soothed, her voice soft and steady. “It’ll help, I promise.”

Jennie’s hand weakly reached out, finding Lisa’s shirt and gripping it lightly. “Don’t go…”

Lisa’s heart melted instantly.

“I’m not going anywhere,” she said, intertwining their fingers. “I’ll stay right here.”

And she meant it.

Hours passed quietly.

Lisa stayed by Jennie’s side the entire time—changing the towel when it warmed, making sure she drank water, gently coaxing her to take medicine even when she made the cutest grumpy face.

At one point, Jennie frowned up at her. “It tastes bad…”

Lisa chuckled softly. “I know. But you have to take it, Nini.”

Jennie shook her head weakly, lips forming a stubborn pout. “No…”

Lisa raised an eyebrow, pretending to think. Then she leaned closer, her voice dropping playfully. “If you take it, I’ll give you a kiss.”

Jennie blinked.

“…Two kisses,” Lisa added.

There was a pause.

Then, very slowly, Jennie opened her mouth.

Lisa couldn’t help but laugh quietly. “That’s my girl.”

She helped her take the medicine, immediately following it with water. And true to her word, Lisa leaned in and pressed two soft kisses—one on Jennie’s cheek, one on her lips.

Jennie smiled faintly, eyes still heavy. “Worth it…”

Lisa brushed her thumb along Jennie’s cheek, her expression softening. “You’re unbelievable.”

As evening settled in, Jennie’s fever slowly began to go down.

Lisa noticed it immediately—the way Jennie’s breathing eased, the slight return of color to her face.

Relief washed over her.

Jennie shifted, opening her eyes again. This time, they were clearer.

“Lili…” she whispered.

“I’m here,” Lisa replied instantly, squeezing her hand.

Jennie blinked up at her, studying her face. “You didn’t sleep…”

Lisa shrugged lightly. “Didn’t want to.”

Jennie frowned weakly. “You should’ve…”

Lisa smiled softly, leaning down to press her forehead gently against Jennie’s. “Taking care of you is more important.”

Jennie’s lips curved into a small, tired smile. “You’re too good to me…”

Lisa shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. “Not enough.”

She adjusted the blanket around Jennie, making sure she was comfortable before slipping beside her on the bed.

Jennie immediately curled into her, resting her head against Lisa’s chest like it was her safe place.

Lisa wrapped her arms around her carefully, one hand gently rubbing her back in slow, soothing motions.

“Go back to sleep,” Lisa murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her hair. “I’ve got you.”

Jennie hummed quietly, her grip on Lisa tightening just a little.

“Love you…” she whispered.

Lisa smiled, her heart finally at ease.

“Love you more, Nini.”

And as Jennie drifted back into a peaceful sleep, Lisa stayed right there—holding her, watching over her, and making sure nothing would disturb her rest again.