Chapter 9 Surprises vs Expectations

It was already lunchtime when Jonathan woke up. He forced himself to stand and change his clothes. He could've asked Stefani for some help but then, just that idea made his whole body heat up and his heart beating abnormally. It might be because of the fever, Jonathan thought. So in the end, for his and Stefani's safety, he decided to do the task alone.

After struggling to go back to his bed, the door then opened and let in a blushing Stefani carrying a tray of food. "I-I made something. But if you don't want it I can buy-"

"I'll eat it," Jonathan cut the stammering young lady off and gave her a smile. Stefani blushed, immediately looked away, and hesitated for a few seconds before she sighed and placed the tray in front of Jonathan.

"You made this?" Jonathan asked curiously as he stared at the... the stuff Stefani brought. For the first time in his life, Jonathan wasn't sure what kind of thing his eyes were looking at.

"Y-Yes. But don't misunderstand!! I just happened to have some free time this morning so I did this!" Stefani defensively countered. The truth was she had a pile of school assignments and projects which she hadn't even started in any yet. It also took her an entire evening and morning to learn how to cook this stupid porridge. Luckily, Rose was patient enough to teach her.

Jonathan couldn't help but smile at Stefani's now fidgeting form as he grabbed the spoon and dipped it in the bowl.

"H-How was it? Does it taste good?" Stefani expectantly asked Jonathan who just gulped the first spoonful of porridge down. Jonathan could already sense the younger's nervousness.

"Yes, it tastes good," Jonathan lied. It was the worst type of food he has ever eaten in his entire life. Not to mention, he was a picky eater.

Jonathan watched as Stefani's eyes lit up in delight upon hearing Jonathan's words.

She cleared her throat and spoke while trying to hide the blush on her face. "W-Well, I don't mind cooking for you again next time," Stefani blushingly said while looking away, making Jonathan gulp in terror.

"N-No, it's okay. Please don't stress yourself about it," No, seriously don't! Jonathan pleaded inside his mind. Can he really take another spoonful of Stefani's porridge?

"You don't want my cooking?" Stefani worriedly asked and looked hurt Jonathan wanted to hug her right there. But this topic was so crucial to Jonathan's life. So instead, he cleared his throat and spoke calmly.

"I just don't want you working for me. I'm not used to it," it was the truth anyway, Jonathan told himself. Stefani serving Jonathan was truly an unimaginable thing, yet it still happened. Jonathan couldn't still believe it and he refused to believe the reasons - the possible meanings - of Stefani's kindness to him. It was too soon for him to assume or expect anything from the younger.

"Then I'll just cook for you when you're sick!" Stefani insisted. She truly looked like she wanted Jonathan to swallow -slash force-feed - everything she has cooked.. or will be cooking.

Jonathan forced a smile at Stefani.

Jonathan has decided. He will never be sick again.

Jonathan had a wonderful dream. He dreamt of working in a very organized place, everywhere he looked the objects were arranged neatly that it made him smile. After working for more than eight hours straight and successfully accomplishing all the needed tasks without feeling tired or any pain at all, Jonathan smilingly and proudly lay on a wide mattress. This mattress was especially so clean, so pure and soft, that made him smile even more. He slept peacefully on it. Then he realized the white sheet was a flock of sheep in clusters in an open field. The wind blew and sent a comfortable feeling to Jonathan's body.

Then he heard barks. Barks from dogs who won't just stop.

Jonathan frowned then opened his eyes, leaving the peaceful dream. He got up to sit and realized his body was now feeling lighter. He glanced at the digital clock on his bedside table.

08:00 PM

Cracking his neck to the right side, Jonathan stood up and stretched his limbs for a bit, feeling his body had indeed become better than it had been yesterday. He took and wore his navy blue silk robe and was about to head into his bathroom when he heard the TV playing too loud outside.

Suddenly, he remembered having Stefani nursed him earlier. It still felt like a dream. Stefani being extra kind to him even to the point of making a poisonous-looking porridge Jonathan wondered if it was actually intentional. To his surprise, he finished everything Stefani gave him. There was this incredible feeling he felt from being watched by the younger as Jonathan ate the food she wholeheartedly prepared. But now thinking about it, Jonathan could never eat that type of food again. Well, as long as he won't be sick again, then it was all good.

Averting his attention back to the loud sound, Jonathan turned and strode his way to the living room. His heart was beating a bit too fast for someone who was expecting to see "a person who hates him".

But what he saw was beyond what he had expected. Or ever could.

Four girls sat in different areas of the room: one was lying on the couch eating popcorn, one was on the floor on her stomach flipping pages of a magazine, one was painting her nails in front of the TV, and beside her was another girl applying a certain type of lotion on her arm.

Junk foods, sweets, cans of sodas were on the couch, table, and floor.

Scattered... EVERYWHERE.