Donghae keeps a watchful over you as you cough repeatedly, quickly running to the kitchen to get you a glass of water.
Your coughs are getting worse and worse now; at the beginning of the week, you just had a tickle in your throat but now whenever you coughed, it burned your lungs and left you weak and with a constant headache. All Donghae could do was fetch you anything you needed all day and worry all night. He had taken you to the doctor but they just blamed the cold weather and given you something for the headaches. You got worse and worse every day and there was nothing he could do, and it killed him.
“You can take that worried look off your face, I’m fine,” you say as you take the glass of water from Donghae’s hand and drink from it.
“You’re not fine.”
“I am. I sound worse than I feel,” you reply as defiantly as you can, but your croaky voice betrays you and you cough again.
“I’m making another appointment with the doctor,” Donghae says, reaching for his phone.”
“Donghae, please don’t. I don’t want to be poked and prodded, only for them to give me over-the-counter aspirin again. I just need rest and I’ll be okay in a few days.”
“Two days. If your cough isn’t sounding better in two days, you’re going to the doctor again. A different doctor,” he reasons, putting his phone down again. It was useless arguing with him - he had that authoritative look in his eye, his lips, usually curled in a smile, now pressed together in a straight line. You huffed, not happy with the prospect of going to the doctor again.
“Fine.”
Donghae’s face softens as you lay down on the sofa, kicking the blanket over you, trying to get it cover your body. Donghae stands and helps you, pulling the blanket up to you your chin. He places his head on your head and strokes your forehead with his thumb, a small smile on his face.
“I don’t mean to be such a hard-ass; I’m just worried about you.”
“I know,” you reply, placing your hand on his outstretched arm, “but honestly, I’ll be okay. It’s just a chest infection. A few more days and I’ll be better.”
“I just feel so powerless.”
“You’re helping me more than you know. You being here, looking after me, is making me stronger. I couldn’t shift this infection without you.”
Donghae’s smile widens. He bends and presses a loving kiss to your forehead.
“Get some rest, baby. I love you.”
You close your eyes and will your body to get better.