7 - Stubbornness

ERA'S POV

I didn't sleep the whole trip. How come his voice is pleasant to hear? Why is that? Why does he have all of the characteristics of a blessed person? Why are my leadership abilities skewed?

"Cause I've been aiming for Heaven above, but an angel ain't what I need..."

Ugh. This is f*cking aggravating.

“Era, hey. Wake up.”

I was overwhelmed by the pat on the back. His hand is extremely warm, I want to get drowned at his touch. Especially now as he helps me sit up from lying down.

"Turn off your aircon... it's cold..."

"Have this soup first before you go back to sleep again."

Huh? Am I sick? W- Wait a dam minute! Why is my dress different?!

"M- My clothes... where are they?"

“Ah. I changed your clothes. You were drenched in sweat last night. You almost had a convulsion.” W- What did he say?! He changed what I’m wearing?!

“I didn't see anything. Why? Is there any I can… see?”

I couldn't stop myself from hitting him. I’m thrilled with what he has done! Why didn’t he ask me before taking off my clothes?! Why should I be afraid?! Go ahead and give me a five! Please give me a failing grade! I'm not afraid to retake his class! Ah... shit. I only recently realized... He is the only professor who teaches that subject. Meh.

"Do you hear what you're saying?!"

“Yes, I do? I didn't undress you under— AAH!! It hurts! Oh! My sideburns!”

“It hurts, right?! It hurts?!”

“I blindfolded myself, okay?! This is the handkerchief I used! Why would I yearn for you? That's crazy.”

I was astounded by what I heard. Yes, this is still the underwear I'm wearing. Right. He looks sincere. Breathe, Era. Calm the fuck down.

"S- Sorry," I dumbfoundedly whispered.

“Have this soup first. I have to go now—“

Unconsciously, I touched the sleeves of his dress. I closed my eyes several times, trying to figure out to myself why I did it. Am I begging for attention?

“I'll just to be under time so you have someone with you, huh? I’ll be right over after lunch.”

"O- Okay..."

He helped me lie down and tucked me in before he left. I was dizzy, honestly. But I tried to get up. I'm ashamed. I should be cleaning the house now.

MIKHAIL’S POV

I couldn't keep a grin out of my lips as I remembered her aggravated expression. As a result, I'm holding her in this position because she's too sensitive to mental instability. I'm treating her as if she were a fragile crystal. I was able to secure her future, as well as the future of her family, in this manner. I owe a duty of gratitude to the Poncianos, and I hope that in some small way, I can support them.

Handouts will be sent to you through email this afternoon," I said. "For the time being, simply jot down some crucial points so that you can keep up with our discussion, is that okay?"

"Yes, sir!"  After taking a sip of my double shot espresso, I give them a kind nod as my response.

I didn't give them the power point presentation file I assured them last night that they would have printed it ahead of time because I was preoccupied with taking care of Era, who needed my attention. She was in such poor condition that she couldn't even breathe properly. Since I was concerned that something would happen to her last night, I didn't stray away from her side. Everything she requested—water, food, an additional blanket, and all of the other necessities I provided— was granted.

"Please accept my apologies once more for the inconvenience, class. Okay, let's get started with Intramolecular Hemiacetal as our first topic—”

Shoot. Why is she here? I just timed in, why is she here? Isn't she supposed to be in her own room?

"Sir, I’m sorry for being late..."

"T- Take a seat, Miss Ponciano." Why didn't she just lay down and rest at home?! She has a pale complexion. Her eyes— they're on the verge of passing out.

You know something is going on in my class. You nitwit, keep your cool. Keep your demeanor the same as it has always been. You came to class to teach, right? Didn't you leave her alone at home? What else would you expect from a person who refuses to listen and is always ready to rebel?

"Let's proceed to the Intramolecular Hemiacetal formation wherein the fifth chiral carbon of your backbone structure attacks the functional group which is the first carbon of the backbone structure."

I can’t focus on the lecture because of her. She’s making me worry.

I let them go after an hour or so of frantically instructing them.  They're supposed to be taking a quiz right now. But I think of Era's condition right now. Neither her friends nor anybody else bothered to take her to the clinic, nor did anyone even care to ask her whether she was all right or something. That's the kind of gesture I'm hoping she would receive. The source of concern is missing. However, I believe they are not—and this is the most heartbreaking part.

"Hey," I called her.

Being all alone in the room and able to chat with her while still seated at my desk was a bonus.

"Don't commute. It's a waste of time.  Come with me." Her eyes squint, despite my reiterating my concerns. I see now why she's avoiding me!

"I'm not interested."

“Goddammit. What's wrong with you? Come on, you can't be serious. I'll be in the parking lot waiting for you."

"I don't want to, alright? Stop it."

"Era!"

It was as if she had been thrown to the ground by a stone. She was startled. I knew I shouldn't have yelled at her, but I'm getting irritated with myself. Extremely stubborn. Her attitude has brought my blood to a boil. To relax, I simply close my eyes tightly. When it comes to this kid, my head hurts.