Pick Up the Rejected Pure Love

Chapter 75: Lies

With the new term fast approaching, I wanted to spend more time with Eun-ha.

I had planned to study with Eun-ha today as well, but then a problem arose.

37.6 degrees?

I had woken up with a throbbing headache and a chilly sensation, so I checked my temperature, and it was 37.6 degrees.

To think Id catch a cold in this sweltering heat, melting away Its been quite an eventful time.

It seemed likely that sleeping with the air conditioner on recently was the cause.

My mother had gone to see my father in Busan and said she wouldnt be back until tomorrow evening.

Well, its not like I havent been sick on my own before, no need to worry unnecessarily.

I hurriedly changed my clothes and headed to the local ENT clinic.

I waited quietly in line with my mask on until a nurse called my name.

Lee Han-gyeol, please come into the consultation room.

Yes

Maybe it was because I moved around.

I felt heavier than when I had woken up from sleep.

But it was definitely not to the point of collapsing.

Yes, how can I assist you today?

Ah, I think Ive caught a cold. I seem to have a fever too. It was 37.6 degrees this morning.

Since when have you been feeling this way?

Since I woke up this morning.

Let me check your temperature again. Just a moment, please.

After measuring with the thermometer, the doctor said,

Its 37.8 degrees now. Do you have a cough or a runny nose?

I have a bit of a cough... and no runny nose, but could you prescribe something just in case?

Yes, of course. Ill prescribe medicine for three days. Its uncomfortable in the summer, but make sure to cover yourself with a blanket when you sleep.

Thank you.

Get plenty of rest. You know what to do, right?

Yes.

I settled the medical bill and picked up my medication.

I considered eating something but, feeling both lazy and exhausted, I ended up taking the medicine on an empty stomach.

Ah, I forgot to buy porridge on the way home. Ill just order delivery later. Im too tired right now.

After a quick wash in the bathroom, I went straight to bed.

Ah, I need to tell Eun-ha I cant make it today...

I searched for my phone beside the bed and turned on the screen.

Knowing Eun-ha, if I told her I was home alone, shed definitely come over to take care of me.

With the college entrance exams just about 100 days away, I didnt want to risk her catching a cold from me... So, I decided not to mention that Id be alone until tomorrow.

Ahem...! Hm...! Ah- Aaaaah-

Clearing my throat, I called Eun-ha. After a few rings, she picked up immediately, her voice filled with affection.

-Hello~ Han-gyeol, why~? Wanted to hear my voice first thing in the morning?

Were you studying?

-No, I was just thinking about Han-gyeol~

Ah, Eun-ha. I dont think I can come over this afternoon, so I wanted to call you.

Eun-has playful tone disappeared from her voice.

-Oh? Why? What happened?

I think Ive caught a cold. Its nothing serious, so dont worry too much.

-Really? Do you have a fever?

Just a slight one. But its nothing to be concerned about.

-Did you go to the hospital? Do you have medication? Is anyone home with you?

I went to the hospital this morning and got some medicine. At home... Moms here.

-Ah... Shes not going out, is she? Youre not alone, right?

I felt a twinge of guilt but had no other choice.

Yeah. Moms at home.

-Okay, got it. Did you have breakfast and take your medicine?

I just took my medicine and lay down after a quick shower.

-Alright, got it. Just rest for now. Can you send me a message after you wake up from a nap? Its okay if you cant, though.

Why would that be difficult? Ill send you a message when I wake up.

-Okay. Sleep well-! And if you need anything, just call me anytime, okay?

Yeah~ Sorry to worry you.

-No worries! Just get some rest. Should I hang up? Go rest.

Okay~

After hanging up the phone with Eun-ha, I placed it back beside my pillow.

But my head kept throbbing, making it difficult to fall back asleep.

As I closed my eyes slowly, the thumping of my heart became audible, beating steadily.

I tried to use the rhythmic sound as a lullaby, but it was in vain.

With my eyes open, all I saw was the stark white ceiling, and with them closed, all I could hear was the sound of my heart.

It felt similar to an experience I had before... the emotions werent much different.

Being sick really does hurt...

As time passed and the medicine began to take effect, sleepiness gradually crept up on me.

My eyelids felt heavy, and soon, I was on the verge of falling asleep.

I hoped to wake up feeling better.

***

Ding-dong!

I wasnt sure how long I had slept, but someone rang the doorbell.

Could it be a delivery? Still, I just wanted to pull the blanket up and sleep more.

After about 5 minutes of silence, the doorbell rang again.

Ding-dong!

Is it something urgent...?

I reluctantly pushed off the blanket and sat up in bed, though I really didnt want to get up. But considering it might be something important, I forced myself out of bed and headed to the front door.

Who is it..?

My voice was hoarse, probably because I had just woken up. When I managed to open the door, a beautiful girl was waiting outside.

I locked eyes with the loveliest person in the world, Eun-ha.

Uh...? Were you sleeping?

Eun-ha...? Why are you here...?

Sorry for coming unannounced. I heard Han-gyeol was sick, so I brought some fever patches and a few other things. I didnt expect you to answer the door...! Is your mom not home?

Ah, well...

Should I say she stepped out for a moment?

I didnt really want to lie to Eun-ha to that extent. But if I told her the truth, Eun-ha might get really upset...

As I hesitated, Eun-ha glanced inside the house.

No ones home? Did they step out for a bit?

Ah, well, do you want to come in for now?

Is that okay? Ill just stay for a bit then. Han-gyeol, you should go lie down.

I opened the front door wide and let Eun-ha into the house.

Wheres your room, Han-gyeol?

Ah, this way. I havent tidied up.

Its fine. You look really pale. You should lie down right away.

As we entered my room, Eun-ha immediately made me lie down on the bed.

Ill stay until your mom comes back. Do you want an electrolyte drink? Or should I put a fever patch on you?

Eun-ha started pulling various items out of a plastic bag.

Everything she had brought was because I was sick. At this point, continuing to lie to Eun-ha seemed impossible.

Eun-ha, actually, my mom went to Busan.

Huh? But you said she was at home earlier.

Sorry. I didnt want to worry you unnecessarily. My mom went to see my dad in Busan and will be back tomorrow...

What-? So youve been to the hospital and stayed home alone all this time?

I should have kept quiet. But then again, since she said shed stay until my mom returned, this lie was bound to be uncovered eventually.

As I remained silent, Eun-ha looked at me with a slightly annoyed expression. I expected her to be angry, but at that moment, I was at a loss for words.

Sorry.

Hmm- Have you eaten anything?

Huh? Ah, no, not yet.

Then just lie down for now. Ill make some porridge.

No, its okay. We can just order something.

That wont do. Stay put, alright? I wont ask you twice, okay?

Okay.

Lie down then. Im going to use the kitchen. Can I open the fridge and take out what I need?

Yeah, thats fine.

Rest up.

Eun-ha gently pushed me down onto the bed, making sure I was lying down, and then headed to the kitchen.

Ill leave the door open, so if you need anything, just call me, okay?

Okay.

Eun-ha started making porridge in the kitchen.

The clattering of utensils and the chopping of ingredients reached my ears.

Soon, the delicious aroma began to waft into the room. Watching Eun-ha cook from behind, I felt a sense of appreciation for her beauty and kindness. Yet, I couldnt shake off the feeling that she was still slightly upset.

Here, say ah. I let it cool down a bit in the kitchen, so it should be okay to eat now.

Eun-ha had made egg porridge and was feeding it to me herself. It was a tad hot, but she continued to feed me little by little.

Is the seasoning okay?

Yeah. Its really good.

Is there anything else youd like to eat?

When I shook my head, Eun-ha brought another spoonful of porridge to my mouth.

Ill eat by myself from now on.

You sure? Here.

Eun-ha handed me the tray. I silently finished the porridge she had made.

Give me the tray. Ill take it to the sink.

No, Ill do it. Im not that sick.

I want to do it for you. Wheres the medicine?

I was fine, really... But Eun-has gaze was too determined.

Its on the dining table.

Ill go get it.

Since confessing that my mom wasnt home, Eun-ha hadnt smiled even once.

Although she was caring for me with such devotion, it was clear she was still a bit angry.

Heres your medicine and some water.

After bringing water and medicine from the kitchen, Eun-ha sat down beside the bed again.

Eun-ha...

Yeah, Han-gyeol?

Im sorry for lying earlier.

I apologized, but Eun-ha, still not smiling, responded.

Lets take the medicine first. We can talk about that later.

What to do... Shes kind of intimidating.

--- The End OF The Chapter ---

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