‡ Mirabel's POV — Five Minutes Later ‡
Her body lay limp on the cold floor until the door creaked open. Dave's eyes widened the moment he saw her.
"Mirabel!" he rushed across the room, scooping her fragile body into his arms. He laid her carefully on the bed, brushing her hair from her bruised face, his chest heavy with worry.
The door burst open again. Tracy ran inside, panic written across her features. "What happened to her?"
Dave shook his head, his voice low and strained. "I don't know. I just found her like this."
Tracy pressed a hand against Mirabel's forehead, gasping softly. "She's burning up…" Without wasting time, she darted into the bathroom and returned with a bowl of water and a towel. She wrung the towel and gently placed it on Mirabel's head, then opened her small kit, dabbing ointment on her swollen cheek.
"Will she be okay?" Dave asked, his tone trembling with worry.
Tracy glanced at him, then paused. "You must be Dave, right?"
Dave gave a faint smile despite his tension. "Yes… I am."
"I've heard a lot about you. I'm Tracy — Mirabel's best friend."
"It's my pleasure, Tracy," he replied. "I'm Mirabel's boyfriend."
Tracy blinked, arching a brow before nodding. "Well, nice meeting you… but you should go. I'll take care of her."
Dave shook his head firmly. "No. I'm staying with her."
Tracy hesitated, then sighed. "Fine. I'll be right back."
The moment she left, Dave sat on the edge of the bed, caressing Mirabel's cheek tenderly. That's when his eyes trailed down… and froze. A deep mark bruised her pale neck — a hickey. His jaw clenched, fury blazing in his chest. Who touched her? His hands balled into fists, but he forced himself to stay calm, brushing her hair again gently.
Tracy returned holding a cup of liquid medicine. She leaned closer to Mirabel and tilted the cup carefully.
"What are you doing?" Dave asked, frowning.
"It's medicine. She needs it," Tracy explained.
Before she could continue, Dave leaned down. His lips brushed against Mirabel's, parting them slightly as he poured the medicine into her mouth in the softest, most careful kiss.
Tracy froze. Her eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as she stared at the scene.
Clearing her throat awkwardly, she muttered, "Goodnight, Dave. She'll be okay by tomorrow." She quickly excused herself, leaving them alone.
Dave slipped under the covers beside Mirabel, wrapping an arm protectively around her waist. "I'm not leaving you tonight," he whispered against her hair. And with that, he held her close until sleep claimed them both.
🔹 Morning 🔹
Mirabel stirred awake, groaning softly at the pounding in her head. She blinked, her body stiff — until she realized an arm was draped firmly around her waist. She turned, her heart lurching when she saw Dave sleeping soundly beside her.
Did he stay here all night?
Her eyes softened as she studied his face, her fingers brushing against his jaw. Her gaze slid to his lips, and she found herself leaning closer before she caught herself, snapping back to reality. What am I doing?!
But Dave's eyes fluttered open, catching her in the act. His lips curled into a lazy smile as he caught her hand. "Good morning, sunshine."
Mirabel flushed crimson. "Good morning, sleepyhead."
"Ouch, harsh." He chuckled and leaned in, kissing her forehead softly. "How are you feeling now?"
"I'm better," she murmured.
"What happened to you?" he asked, eyes searching hers.
Mirabel turned away quickly. "Oh, nothing. I just… fell on my face."
Dave narrowed his eyes but said nothing. He knew she was lying, but he let it slide. She'll tell me when she's ready.
Tracy entered just then, hugging Mirabel tightly. Mirabel hugged her back, smiling faintly. "I'll go get your medicine," Tracy said, leaving the room again.
Alone once more, Mirabel turned to Dave. "Thank you so much…"
Dave smiled softly. "You don't need to thank me. That's what any boyfriend would do for his girlfriend."
Her cheeks burned pink at his words, her hands flying to her face. "So… I'm your girlfriend now?" she asked shyly.
"Yes," Dave said without hesitation.
Her heart skipped. He cupped her cheek, brushing his thumb along her skin before leaning in. Their lips met slowly at first, then melted into a deep, passionate kiss. Mirabel kissed him back, surrendering to the warmth she had been denying.
The door creaked open. Tracy stood frozen in shock, her mouth wide open, medicine cup trembling in her hand.