Taylor and Chris walked through the busy campus, weaving past groups of students chatting and rushing to their next classes.
"I'm starving," Taylor admitted, rubbing her stomach. "I didn't really eat much yesterday…"
Chris raised an eyebrow. "I figured that. Which is why I'm taking you to the cafeteria — and not letting you touch junk food."
Taylor rolled her eyes. "You can't control everything, you know."
"Try me," he said with a smirk, opening the door to the cafeteria. The smell of fresh food made Taylor's stomach growl again.
Chris grabbed a tray for himself and one for Taylor. On hers, he carefully placed a small glass of milk and a bowl of fresh fruit — strawberries, grapes, and apple slices. "Here," he said, nudging it toward her. "Healthy. Don't eat too much junk today. You're still recovering."
Taylor glanced at the tray, then at him, and gave a small smile. "You really think of everything, huh?"
Chris shrugged casually but couldn't hide the small smile tugging at his lips. "Someone has to. And I don't trust you to make good choices when you're sick."
She laughed softly. "I guess I can let you boss me around a little. Today."
Chris grinned. "Good. That's the right answer."
As they found a quiet corner to sit, Taylor picked up a grape and popped it into her mouth. Chris watched her for a moment, a faint warmth in his chest at how she looked — relaxed, eating, finally feeling better.
"You know," Taylor said between bites, "milk and fruit aren't so bad. Better than cereal that morning."
Chris chuckled. "See? I'm full of brilliant ideas. Next time you feel weak, you know who to call."
Taylor smiled, a soft, genuine one. "I think I already do."
And as they ate together, the noise of the cafeteria faded around them. For the first time in days, Taylor felt safe, cared for — and a little closer to Chris than ever before.