Leaning against the kitchen doorframe, Ashley watched Mia intently as she downed a pill with a glass of water. Arms crossed, Ashley studied her, noting the way Mia braced herself against the countertop, her eyes momentarily shut.

"That pill... is it to help you calm down?" Ashley asked, her curiosity piqued.

Mia glanced at her and chuckled softly. "Sleeping pills," she clarified with a casual shrug, refilling her glass with water and taking another sip.

"Oh," Ashley murmured, nodding. She hesitated before continuing, "Right. I should probably head out. Do you need anything else before I go?"

Mia shook her head but then paused, looking at Ashley. "Actually... could you stay a little longer? Just until I fall asleep. That's it," she said, her voice softer now as she moved closer to Ashley.

Scoffing, Ashley arched an eyebrow. "If I weren't your bodyguard and training instructor, I'd think you're trying to make me your babysitter," she teased, her tone light but amused.

Mia frowned, the corners of her lips tugging down slightly. "That's not it. Forget it—if you've got something to do, you can leave," she said, brushing past Ashley with a small, forced smile.

Ashley's gaze followed her, lingering as Mia moved. Her tone shifted, tinged with concern. "You're not planning to do anything... harmful, are you?" she asked carefully.

Mia turned sharply, startled to find Ashley standing directly in front of her, their faces just inches apart. She swallowed hard, tilting her head to meet Ashley's eyes. "Why would I do something like that? I'm not insane," she said, laughing nervously.

Ashley sighed, her expression softening. "Fine. I'll stay until you fall asleep," she conceded, moving toward the living room and settling onto the couch.

Mia's laughter followed her. "And how exactly would you know I'm asleep if you're sitting all the way out there?" she asked, gesturing toward her bedroom door a few meters away.

Ashley frowned, narrowing her eyes. "Don't tell me you're asking me to stay in your bedroom."

Mia raised an eyebrow in return. "There's a couch in there. You can sit on that," she replied with a shrug.

Ashley stood up, approaching Mia once more. This time, she bent slightly, their faces almost level. "Are you seriously trusting me enough to let me into your bedroom?" she asked, her voice dropping to a low, teasing tone.

Mia held her ground, meeting Ashley's gaze even as her heart raced. "You're not planning to do anything, are you?" she asked, gulping.

Ashley blinked, taken aback by the unexpected question. A laugh escaped her lips. "What? Do you really think I'd take advantage of someone who's asleep?"

"Well, there's your answer, weird detective. I am trusting you to enter my bedroom," Mia said smoothly, turning to open the door.

Ashley hesitated, lingering just outside the doorway. Mia glanced back at her, one hand still on the doorknob. "What are you waiting for? Christmas to come early?" she teased.

Ashley sighed, shaking her head as she finally stepped inside. "You're absolutely unbelievable right now," she muttered under her breath.



Glancing at her wristwatch, Ashley sighed and turned her gaze to the bed in front of her. Mia stirred, letting out a soft moan as she remained in a deep sleep. Chuckling to herself, Ashley stood up and walked over to the bedside, watching Mia closely.

"Well," she murmured, "it seems you've finally fallen asleep." A small smile played on her lips as she whispered to herself, I should take my leave now. She turned, about to leave the room.

But Mia stirred again, frowning in her sleep and pulling her thick blanket tighter around herself. She let out another soft moan, her brows furrowed. Ashley stopped, her curiosity piqued. "Is she dreaming?" she mumbled, stepping back toward the bed to observe.

Her brows furrowed further as Mia mumbled something incoherent, her body trembling slightly. Concern overtaking her, Ashley leaned down and pressed the back of her hand to Mia's forehead. She gulped, feeling the heat radiating from her skin.

"She's burning up," Ashley muttered, heaving a sigh and rubbing her temple. "Great, now I am a babysitter for someone ten years younger than me." She rolled her eyes, but her voice betrayed her worry. "I can't just leave you like this."

She headed to the bathroom, finding a basin and a face towel. After filling the basin with cool water, she soaked the towel and wrung it out before returning to the bedroom. She set the basin on a stool by the bed and sat on the edge of the mattress, gently dabbing the cool towel against Mia's flushed face, neck, and arms.

As she worked, Ashley chuckled softly, glancing at Mia's sleeping face. "You really overwork yourself," she said quietly, shaking her head. "And why do I even care so much?" she added with a self-deprecating laugh, aware of the growing fondness she felt.

Mia stirred again, this time reaching out in her sleep. Her arms wrapped loosely around Ashley's waist. Ashley froze, her body stiffening as her eyes widened. "What the..." she mumbled, her heart pounding in her chest. She shut her eyes, willing herself to stay calm. "Why am I feeling this way again? Get it together, Ashley."

Carefully, she reached for Mia's hands, trying to pry them off, but the more she tried, the tighter Mia's hold became, pulling Ashley closer. "Oh, come on," Ashley muttered under her breath, struggling to maintain her balance. She braced herself with one hand on the pillow just above Mia's head, leaning precariously over her.

Mia groaned softly, rubbing her eyes as she began to wake. Her hand went to her forehead, touching the damp towel. She blinked, sitting up groggily as she removed it. "Did Ashley... do this?" she mumbled, glancing around. Her gaze landed on the basin and stool beside the bed. Sniffling, she touched her forehead again. "Did I catch a fever?"

The door creaked open, and Ashley walked in, holding a breakfast tray. "So, you're finally awake," she said with a chuckle, setting the tray down on the bed. "Sorry, I used your kitchen and made some cream of broccoli soup. Hope you don't mind."

Mia cleared her throat, her gaze shifting between Ashley and the soup. "I..." She hesitated, her voice soft. "Thank you," she murmured, lowering her eyes. "And I should be the one apologizing—for disturbing your rest last night."

Ashley laughed softly, reaching out to check Mia's forehead. "Your fever's gone down," she said, satisfied. "Eat up so you can regain your energy. And don't apologize—it was my choice to stay. I couldn't just leave you like that." She shrugged. "I'd feel guilty."

"I really appreciate it," Mia said quietly, still avoiding Ashley's gaze. Her face turned crimson, acutely aware of her current state—without undergarments under the blanket.

Ashley patted her head gently. "Eat up," she said, encouragingly.

Mia nodded, picking up the spoon with trembling hands. Clearing her throat, she felt Ashley's lingering gaze and looked away, pulling the blanket tighter around herself. "Um... could you maybe not... stare at me so much?" she stammered, glancing down. "I'm... not wearing undergarments," she added in a barely audible voice, her face burning with embarrassment.

Ashley's eyes widened in shock, and she nearly choked on air. Turning abruptly, she faced away from Mia. "S-sorry," she stuttered, her own face reddening. "I'll... I'll be in the living room!" she blurted, practically bolting for the door and leaving Mia alone.

As the door closed behind her, Mia buried her face in her hands, letting out a groan. "Why does she always have to fluster me like that?" she muttered under her breath, stealing a glance at the untouched soup.