"Xiao... Xiaoxiao?"
Lu Bochen's fingers trembled. Before he had even finished calling his sister's name, Lu Xiaoxiao tightened her grip on his hand.
"It's all right now, Bochen. You looked like you were having a nightmare, so I wanted to wake you up. As long as you're awake, it's all right. Everything's okay now."
Lu Bochen stiffened, then hurriedly looked away to avoid meeting Lu Xiaoxiao's eyes.
He couldn't explain what he was afraid of, but at that moment, he suddenly felt the urge to cover his ears again.
His sister would surely blame him for doing something so foolish, wouldn't she? Even if she didn't say it aloud, she would surely think it.
But he could hear Lu Xiaoxiao's thoughts. If he heard her think that later... he... he knew he wouldn't be able to take it.
At that thought, Lu Bochen's whole body grew even more tense.
Lu Xiaoxiao had no idea what was going through his mind. She squeezed his icy hand, trying to share her own warmth with him. Only when her gaze fell on his dry, cracked lips did she suddenly realize that getting him some water should have come first.
[Oh my gosh! I really have no experience looking after a patient! Bochen must be speechless at how clueless I am!]
[Hmm... should I hurry and call everyone over? They'll be so happy to see Bochen awake! But Mom's had insomnia for so long, and she finally managed to fall asleep in the early hours. I'd better wait a little before asking her to come see him!]
Hearing those cheerful thoughts, Lu Bochen froze for a moment, then began to relax a little.
There was no blame at all... He had been worrying over nothing.
He wanted to tell Lu Xiaoxiao that he wasn't