Melody's POV
The sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, but it brought no warmth. I felt like my entire body had betrayed me. My head pounded, my stomach twisted, and the pain in my lower back was a constant throb that refused to let up.
I didn't want to move. Even blinking felt like effort. My body was heavy, like bricks had been tied to my arms and legs overnight. I groaned and rolled slightly to the side, regretting it instantly. A sharp cramp shot through my abdomen, making me curl up again.
My throat was dry. I needed water.
Or maybe sleep. Or both.
I wasn't sure if I was hot or cold. My skin was clammy, my forehead damp with sweat. I closed my eyes tightly and breathed through my mouth, hoping the wave of nausea would pass.
The bed shifted gently behind me.
I froze. Of course. Marvis.
I'd almost forgotten I was in his room. Last night's storm had swallowed all logic. The fear, the shaking, the way he held me without question. No words, just warmth and arms that made the thunder seem far away. I hadn't expected him to stay.
But he had.
And now I felt like death in the same bed as him.
I didn't want to face him. Not like this.
I heard movement, then the soft sound of a glass being placed on the side table. A moment later, I felt the mattress shift again as he stood up.
The room stayed quiet.
I forced myself to turn my head just enough to see him. He was pulling a hoodie over his head, his expression unreadable as usual. His eyes flicked to me, then down to the floor, like he wasn't sure whether to say anything.
"You're awake," he said finally.
His voice was lower than usual. Careful.
I nodded slowly and tried to sit up, but the pain hit me again, sharp and deep. I flinched and dropped back onto the pillow.
"Don't," he said quickly. "Just stay."
"I feel sick," I whispered.
He didn't reply. He just walked out of the room.
For a second, I thought he was leaving. Walking away like he always did when emotions were too close. But a minute later, I heard the faint sounds of cabinets opening, water running, and something being stirred.
He came back with a steaming mug and a small white bottle.
"Drink slowly," he said, placing the tea in my hands. "It'll help."
I blinked at the cup. He'd made ginger tea.
I hadn't told him that ginger settled my stomach. Not once.
He opened the pain reliever and handed me two tablets without saying a word. I swallowed them gratefully and tried a sip of the tea. It burned my tongue slightly, but the warmth felt good.
He sat on the edge of the bed, facing away from me.
I stared at the back of his head. The silence between us was louder than any thunderstorm. I wanted to thank him. I wanted to ask why he cared.
But I couldn't form the words.
"I'm sorry," I said instead.
He didn't move.
"For being a mess," I added. "This week. Today."
"You're not a mess."
His voice surprised me. Low, but certain. No pause. No hesitation.
I looked at him, waiting for him to turn around, but he didn't.
"Everyone gets sick," he added. "You don't need to apologize for that."-
It was the kindest thing he'd said in days.
"I should go back to my car," I murmured. "I don't want to be a burden here."
He turned to me finally, his eyes dark and unreadable.
"You're not sleeping in your car like this."
"I've done it before."
"I don't care," he said, his tone sharp. "You're not doing it now."
My fingers tightened around the mug. "You kicked me out, Marvis. Remember?"
He flinched slightly. Just for a second. "I was angry."
"I noticed."
He stood again and walked toward the window, staring out at the sunlight that broke through the trees. His hands were in his pockets, shoulders tense.
"You think I don't care," he said slowly. "But I do."
I didn't respond. I couldn't. My throat felt tight, my eyes burned for no reason.
He turned back to me.
"I saw you last night. Shaking. Clenching your fists in your sleep. You talk tough, but you don't hide pain well."
I looked down at the tea. "You held me the whole night."
He didn't deny it.
"I didn't want you to feel alone," he said.
And that was it. No flowery speech. No apology. Just truth.
Simple. Quiet. Real.
My head still hurt. My body still ached. But for the first time in days, my heart didn't feel like it was breaking.
"I'll rest a bit," I said, lying back again.
He gave a slow nod and pulled the blanket higher over me.
"Let me know if you need anything," he said.
As he walked out and closed the door behind him, I whispered under my breath, not sure if I wanted him to hear me or not.
"Thank you, Marvis."