Chapter 75: Lies

 

With the new term fast approaching, I wanted to spend more time with Eun-ha.

 

I had planned to study with Eun-ha today as well, but then a problem arose.

 

“…37.6 degrees?”

 

I had woken up with a throbbing headache and a chilly sensation, so I checked my temperature, and it was 37.6 degrees.

 

To think I’d catch a cold in this sweltering heat, melting away… It’s been quite an eventful time.

 

It seemed likely that sleeping with the air conditioner on recently was the cause.

 

My mother had gone to see my father in Busan and said she wouldn’t be back until tomorrow evening.

 

Well, it’s not like I haven’t been sick on my own before, no need to worry unnecessarily.

 

I hurriedly changed my clothes and headed to the local ENT clinic.

 

I waited quietly in line with my mask on until a nurse called my name.

 

“Lee Han-gyeol, please come into the consultation room.”

 

“Yes…”

 

Maybe it was because I moved around.

 

I felt heavier than when I had woken up from sleep.

 

But it was definitely not to the point of collapsing.

 

“Yes, how can I assist you today?”

 

“Ah, I think I’ve caught a cold. I seem to have a fever too. It was 37.6 degrees this morning.”

 

“Since when have you been feeling this way?”

 

“Since I woke up this morning.”

 

“Let me check your temperature again. Just a moment, please.”

 

After measuring with the thermometer, the doctor said,

 

“It’s 37.8 degrees now. Do you have a cough or a runny nose?”

 

“I have a bit of a cough... and no runny nose, but could you prescribe something just in case?”

 

“Yes, of course. I’ll prescribe medicine for three days. It’s uncomfortable in the summer, but make sure to cover yourself with a blanket when you sleep.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

“Get plenty of rest. You know what to do, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

I settled the medical bill and picked up my medication.

 

I considered eating something but, feeling both lazy and exhausted, I ended up taking the medicine on an empty stomach.

 

Ah, I forgot to buy porridge on the way home. I’ll just order delivery later. I’m too tired right now.

 

After a quick wash in the bathroom, I went straight to bed.

 

“Ah, I need to tell Eun-ha I can’t make it today...”

 

I searched for my phone beside the bed and turned on the screen.

 

Knowing Eun-ha, if I told her I was home alone, she’d definitely come over to take care of me.

 

With the college entrance exams just about 100 days away, I didn’t want to risk her catching a cold from me... So, I decided not to mention that I’d be alone until tomorrow.

 

“Ahem...! Hm...! Ah- Aaaaah-”

 

Clearing my throat, I called Eun-ha. After a few rings, she picked up immediately, her voice filled with affection.

 

-“Hello~ Han-gyeol, why~? Wanted to hear my voice first thing in the morning?”

 

“Were you studying?”

 

-“No, I was just thinking about Han-gyeol~”

 

“Ah, Eun-ha. I don’t think I can come over this afternoon, so I wanted to call you.”

 

Eun-ha’s playful tone disappeared from her voice.

 

-“Oh? Why? What happened?”

 

“I think I’ve caught a cold. It’s nothing serious, so don’t worry too much.”

 

-“Really? Do you have a fever?”

 

“Just a slight one. But it’s nothing to be concerned about.”

 

-“Did you go to the hospital? Do you have medication? Is anyone home with you?”

 

“I went to the hospital this morning and got some medicine. At home... Mom’s here.”

 

-“Ah... She’s not going out, is she? You’re not alone, right?”

 

I felt a twinge of guilt but had no other choice.

 

“Yeah. Mom’s at home.”

 

-“Okay, got it. Did you have breakfast and take your medicine?”

 

“I just took my medicine and lay down after a quick shower.”

 

-“Alright, got it. Just rest for now. Can you send me a message after you wake up from a nap? It’s okay if you can’t, though.”

 

“Why would that be difficult? I’ll send you a message when I wake up.”

 

-“Okay. Sleep well-! And if you need anything, just call me anytime, okay?”

 

“Yeah~ Sorry to worry you.”

 

-“No worries! Just get some rest. Should I hang up? Go rest.”

 

“Okay~”

 

After hanging up the phone with Eun-ha, I placed it back beside my pillow.

 

But my head kept throbbing, making it difficult to fall back asleep.

 

As I closed my eyes slowly, the thumping of my heart became audible, beating steadily.

 

I tried to use the rhythmic sound as a lullaby, but it was in vain.

 

With my eyes open, all I saw was the stark white ceiling, and with them closed, all I could hear was the sound of my heart.

 

It felt similar to an experience I had before... the emotions weren’t much different.

 

“Being sick really does hurt...”

 

As time passed and the medicine began to take effect, sleepiness gradually crept up on me.

 

My eyelids felt heavy, and soon, I was on the verge of falling asleep.

 

I hoped to wake up feeling better.

 

***

 

—Ding-dong!

 

I wasn’t sure how long I had slept, but someone rang the doorbell.

 

Could it be a delivery? Still, I just wanted to pull the blanket up and sleep more.

 

After about 5 minutes of silence, the doorbell rang again.

 

—Ding-dong!

 

“Is it something urgent...?”

 

I reluctantly pushed off the blanket and sat up in bed, though I really didn’t want to get up. But considering it might be something important, I forced myself out of bed and headed to the front door.

 

“Who is it..?”

 

My voice was hoarse, probably because I had just woken up. When I managed to open the door, a beautiful girl was waiting outside.

 

I locked eyes with the loveliest person in the world, Eun-ha.

 

“Uh...? Were you sleeping?”

 

“Eun-ha...? Why are you here...?”

 

“Sorry for coming unannounced. I heard Han-gyeol was sick, so I brought some fever patches and a few other things. I didn’t expect you to answer the door...! Is your mom not home?”

 

“Ah, well...”

 

Should I say she stepped out for a moment?

 

I didn’t really want to lie to Eun-ha to that extent. But if I told her the truth, Eun-ha might get really upset...

 

As I hesitated, Eun-ha glanced inside the house.

 

“No one’s home? Did they step out for a bit?”

 

“Ah, well, do you want to come in for now?”

 

“Is that okay? I’ll just stay for a bit then. Han-gyeol, you should go lie down.”

 

I opened the front door wide and let Eun-ha into the house.

 

“Where’s your room, Han-gyeol?”

 

“Ah, this way. I haven’t tidied up.”

 

“It’s fine. You look really pale. You should lie down right away.”

 

As we entered my room, Eun-ha immediately made me lie down on the bed.

 

“I’ll stay until your mom comes back. Do you want an electrolyte drink? Or should I put a fever patch on you?”

 

Eun-ha started pulling various items out of a plastic bag.

 

Everything she had brought was because I was sick. At this point, continuing to lie to Eun-ha seemed impossible.

 

“Eun-ha, actually, my mom went to Busan.”

 

“Huh? But you said she was at home earlier.”

 

“Sorry. I didn’t want to worry you unnecessarily. My mom went to see my dad in Busan and will be back tomorrow...”

 

“What-? So you’ve been to the hospital and stayed home alone all this time?”

 

I should have kept quiet. But then again, since she said she’d stay until my mom returned, this lie was bound to be uncovered eventually.

 

As I remained silent, Eun-ha looked at me with a slightly annoyed expression. I expected her to be angry, but at that moment, I was at a loss for words.

 

“Sorry.”

 

“Hmm- Have you eaten anything?”

 

“Huh? Ah, no, not yet.”

 

“Then just lie down for now. I’ll make some porridge.”

 

“No, it’s okay. We can just order something.”

 

“That won’t do. Stay put, alright? I won’t ask you twice, okay?”

 

“Okay.”

 

“Lie down then. I’m going to use the kitchen. Can I open the fridge and take out what I need?”

 

“Yeah, that’s fine.”

 

“Rest up.”

 

Eun-ha gently pushed me down onto the bed, making sure I was lying down, and then headed to the kitchen.

 

“I’ll leave the door open, so if you need anything, just call me, okay?”

 

“Okay.”

 

Eun-ha started making porridge in the kitchen.

 

The clattering of utensils and the chopping of ingredients reached my ears.

 

Soon, the delicious aroma began to waft into the room. Watching Eun-ha cook from behind, I felt a sense of appreciation for her beauty and kindness. Yet, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that she was still slightly upset.

 

“Here, say ‘ah.’ I let it cool down a bit in the kitchen, so it should be okay to eat now.”

 

Eun-ha had made egg porridge and was feeding it to me herself. It was a tad hot, but she continued to feed me little by little.

 

“Is the seasoning okay?”

 

“Yeah. It’s really good.”

 

“Is there anything else you’d like to eat?”

 

When I shook my head, Eun-ha brought another spoonful of porridge to my mouth.

 

“I’ll eat by myself from now on.”

 

“You sure? Here.”

 

Eun-ha handed me the tray. I silently finished the porridge she had made.

 

“Give me the tray. I’ll take it to the sink.”

 

“No, I’ll do it. I’m not that sick.”

 

“I want to do it for you. Where’s the medicine?”

 

I was fine, really... But Eun-ha’s gaze was too determined.

 

“It’s on the dining table.”

 

“I’ll go get it.”

 

Since confessing that my mom wasn’t home, Eun-ha hadn’t smiled even once.

 

Although she was caring for me with such devotion, it was clear she was still a bit angry.

 

“Here’s your medicine and some water.”

 

After bringing water and medicine from the kitchen, Eun-ha sat down beside the bed again.

 

“Eun-ha...”

 

“Yeah, Han-gyeol?”

 

“I’m sorry for lying earlier.”

 

I apologized, but Eun-ha, still not smiling, responded.

 

“Let’s take the medicine first. We can talk about that later.”

 

What to do... She’s kind of intimidating.

--- The End OF The Chapter ---

 

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