Chris didn't think twice. He bent slightly and held out his hands. "Hop on," he said firmly.
Taylor blinked at him, confused and groggy. "W-what?"
"You're too weak to walk. Piggyback," he replied, rolling his eyes slightly, though a small grin tugged at his lips. "Move it."
"I'm not a child!" she protested weakly, trying to push herself upright, but her legs gave out, and she slumped against him.
"Exactly why you're getting a ride," he said, sliding his arms securely under her thighs. She let out a small squeak as he hoisted her onto his back, holding her close to him.
Taylor's face was buried in his shoulder, half asleep, half flustered. "Chris… this is… humiliating," she murmured.
"I don't care," he said, already moving toward her house at a brisk pace. "You're sick. You're not walking."
As they moved through the campus, Chris could feel her small, tired weight pressing against him. Her hair tickled his neck, and she let out a soft, sleepy sigh. He gritted his teeth, resisting the urge to smile too widely. She's so cute like this…
When they finally reached her home, Chris carefully carried her up the stairs, still piggyback, and gently helped her settle onto the bed. "There," he said softly, brushing her hair back. "Safe. Comfortable. Don't move."
Taylor gave a tired, grateful smile. "You're… ridiculous, you know that?"
"Maybe. But I'm also making sure you survive," he replied, checking her temperature and fetching water and medicine.
Chris made her something warm to eat, helped her take the medicine, and stayed nearby until she fell asleep again. When he finally settled on the couch, blanket around him, he couldn't help but glance at her sleeping form. I'll always protect her, he thought
No matter what.
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