Irene's POV

I couldn't help but laugh at Raun, but every attempt she made to get up just made it complicated since the more she stood up the more she got entangled with the blanket, pulling more of it to her side, removing it from my upper half and revealing my whole chest for her to see. 

I felt exposed, to the point of wanting to bury my face through that blanket but I rejected that idea. If she has already seen my body then there is no point to get embarrassed by it. Judging from her reaction I guess, there is no need to feel insecure.

'' I don't know if this is really your objective or is it just pure clumsiness of yours. '' I teased her, tugging the remaining fabric close to my chest.

My teasing only made her flush redder, which I find funny. She really looks like a kid who got caught. 

'' Shut up Mcrene! For someone who seems so energetic you are prone to get sick! '' she leaned in, her face closing into mine until our foreheads touched. '' Seems like it has gone down, but you still need to rest for a bit.''

She leaned away and got up.

'' Where are you going? '' I tilted my head '' It's going to rain soon, ''

'' Do you want to go with me? '' she asked back, grabbing a robe from her closet. 

'' Hmmm-'' but before I could answer her, she already lifted me up in her arms. '' wa-wait! where are we going?! '' 

'' Somewhere warm '' she replied playfully, then went on to cover me with the blanket, twisting it around my body

I couldn't stay calm, peaking down to her feet made me uneasy since just being carried like this and coming down the stairs just made me scared, what if she stumbles down, or what if- 

I tightly wrapped my arms around her neck, waiting, fearing for the worst.  

'' Please if we stumble down, let me live '' I prayed in whispers multiple times. 

I guess Raun heard some of my prayers, she started laughing, and I could feel her chest vibrating going up and down.

'' Are you serious right now, Irene? You'd rather save yourselves than save both of us? '' she asked me, shaking her head with a smile on her lips.

'' I mean God has a lot of humans in this world, I can't take chances you know, it is a 50/50 shot. And you know god is unpredictable in terms of saving people, he puts them on trial and I've already been in a lot of those. '' I shrugged.

'' Yeah, sure, I guess if that really ever happens, I guess I already have a brownie point from him.''

'' Huh? For what reason? When? '' 

'' From today. Taking care of you. I guess you can say you were being snaughty ( snot and naughty) '' she said while wiggling her eyebrows at me.  

'' what?! '' I exclaimed.

'' And here we are, '' she announced.

''In the kitchen? '' 

''Yes, I'll be cooking and it'll heat up in here soon. '' she opened the gas valve grabbed a kettle, and lit up the stove. ''Which do you want: a cacao choco milk or a coffee? ''

I repositioned myself on the chair and adjusted the blanket enough to keep me warm and covered. '' one choco milk please ''

After a few minutes of preparation, she placed my chocolate milk in front of me.

''Thanks''

'' Do you want a soup or something normal? ''

''Can you do scrambled eggs and toast? ''

'' Oh honey, you sure are underestimating my abilities.'' She pouted before crossing her arms. 

'' Well, I'm only analyzing your said ''abilities'', to know where is the limit. ''

'' Fine, tell me what you really want to eat. I can do it,'' she proudly said, putting her hands on her hips.

''Okay, fine. A kare-kare with rice on the side. '' I smirked at her  '' Now, let's see if you really have the so-called abilities. ''

'' Kare-kare, please that is easy '' she replied  before coughing. 

She might have tried covering up that nervousness in her tone but I already noticed it. 

'' Yeah right, tell me if you need some HELP. I'll be on the sofa. '' I turned around and waived.

She might not say it out loud but I can see the nervousness in her actions; like when she grabs an ingredient of the dish, her eyes go back and forth from her phone's screen to the peanut butter.

I guess some people wonder why to put peanut butter in a dish since it's not common but in kare-kare it is.

I waited for her to call for my help but I never heard from her, till I fell asleep. 

Many hours later...

I can feel someone poking my cheeks. 

When I opened my eyes, I saw Raun's face with a smudge of peanut butter on her forehead. 

I couldn't help but laugh at her. 

'' Oh come on, I already finished the dish you requested! ''  she exclaimed.

'' Sorry, you have a smudge of peanut butter on your forehead '' I motion for her to come closer '' Here let me get it for you,'' I wiped it away and then tasted it.  '' Hmm, you chose a good brand of peanut butter, Raun. ''

'' Now taste the real deal! '' she directed me to the kitchen where I saw a plate of nicely plated Kare-kare with a mountain of rice on the side together with fish sauce in a small bowl.

'' Hmm,  that looks good! And now let's taste it.'' I sat at the kitchen island, grabbed the cutlery, and helped myself.  

It has a nutty flavor and I can taste the bagoong. The meat is so tender and flavorful the sauce really infused with it.

I can see her nervously tapping her fingers while gazing at me with anticipation in her eyes.

'' This is really... flavorful. You did it! Raun, you are a great chef! '' I high-five her. '' Do you want some? ''

I didn't wait for her answer and just gave her a spoonful. 

'' Now this is only for me. ''  and continued on eating. 

Once I finished my plate, I could feel myself getting sleepy. 

I put my dishes in the dishwasher.

'' Thank you for the food, Raun '' I yawned then walked closer to the sofa where I was sleeping before and now too.

'' No, we are going upstairs, I can't have you getting sick again. ''

She hastily ran to me and lifted me up again in her arms. I can feel myself getting sleepy on the way upstairs. But I could still feel that tiny fear of falling down.

'' Please don't let us fall down the stairs. And if by accident we do, please let us live.'' I prayed while tightly wrapping my arms around her.

But I guess she heard me and started chuckling.

'' I guess I earn a point from you by cooking kare-kare, huh? ''

'' Shush, I'm sleepy,'' 

To be continued...

AN: kare-kare