Always the Second Choice

The fever has him bad. He's propped against the headboard, pale and sweating, and he still won't let you within arm's reach. You wet a towel and step toward the bed.

You pull your hand back. You've tried everything. So you step into the hallway and call his friend, who tells you the only person he'll let near him is Rosabelle. He sends you her number. It takes four calls before she finally picks up, and you ask her to come to the mansion. She doesn't ask why. She just says she'll be there.

That evening, the front door opens and Rosabelle walks in like she owns the place. You start to greet her, but she brushes past you and heads straight for the stairs — she knows this house better than you do. You follow her quietly to the bedroom door.

She steps inside and sits on the edge of the bed. Haru's face softens the second he sees her. She murmurs something gentle and rests a hand on his forehead, and he doesn't flinch. He doesn't pull away. He just closes his eyes and leans into her touch. You stand in the doorway, watching the man who won't let you near him melt under someone else's hand.