When Serena's call came in, Iril was sitting at a small café near campus, enjoying a calm afternoon while reading a book. The aroma of coffee mixed with the soft afternoon breeze, adding to the rare peace in her usually busy days.
But that peace vanished in an instant.
Serena's voice on the other end of the phone sounded faint, weak, and trembling. That tone alone was enough to make Iril close her book without a second thought. She stood up, slipped the book into her bag, and quickly walked out of the café.
Inside the taxi taking her to the hospital, Iril felt uneasy. Her gaze was fixed out the window, watching the road that seemed to move too slowly. She kept checking Serena's message, making sure the hospital address and room number were correct.
As soon as she arrived, Iril headed straight for the hospital room. Her breathing was slightly ragged from rushing up the stairs. At the door, she knocked gently before pushing it open.
"Serena?"
"That was fast,"
Serena said when she saw her best friend walk in.
"Of course. I happened to be on campus," Iril replied, glancing at the two other people in the room.
"Auntie, Professor," she greeted politely.
"Iril,"
Elena responded with a warm smile, while Darian just gave a small nod, his expression as usual—calm but unreadable.
Iril approached Serena and looked closely at her face. She looked pale, her eyes tired, and her breathing labored.
"You have a high fever, don't you? Why didn't you tell me you weren't feeling well yesterday?"
she asked gently, though a hint of worry and mild irritation crept into her tone.
Serena only gave a slight shrug.
"I didn't know. I thought it was just exhaustion."
Iril let out a long sigh, then sat on the sofa near Serena's bed.
Elena, who had been sitting nearby, stood up, followed by Darian.
"I'll head home now. Iril is here."
Serena nodded weakly.
"Take care on the way, Mom… Prof."
Elena approached and kissed Serena's forehead softly.
"Get well soon. Mom loves you."
Then she and Darian left the room.
Iril looked at Serena again, this time with a puzzled expression.
"What?" Serena asked, confused.
"As far as I know, your immune system is really strong. That's why I'm kind of surprised you got this sick."
Serena rolled her eyes.
"I'm still human, Ril! I can get sick too, you know!"
Iril stuck out her tongue, making Serena want to throw a pillow at her.
Then Serena asked,
"Aren't your parents mad you're not going home tonight? I remember you're such a homebody. You've never even stayed overnight at my place."
Iril shrugged.
"My mom and dad are overseas."
"For work?"
"Nope."
"Then…?"
"They're dating."
Serena went silent. Her eyes widened, unsure if Iril was joking or serious.
"I'm not lying! My dad is head over heels for my mom. They're like glue—always stuck together. Sometimes, I even feel like I'm competing with my dad!"
"What?" Serena laughed in disbelief.
"You know what? My dad didn't even want to have kids. But because my mom wanted a child with him, he finally agreed—on the condition that they'd only have one. And… here I am."
"Wow…"
Serena was genuinely amazed. It was rare to hear a love story like that—especially from today's families.
"But if you're that free, why have you never stayed out overnight?"
Iril sighed and leaned back on the sofa.
"Even though my parents seem chill, every time they go away, they give Ren guardian authority over me. Even though we're only a few years apart, you have no idea how strict Ren is. So many rules. Rather than getting an earful from his lectures, I'd rather stay home."
Serena chuckled softly.
"No wonder you're so calm and drama-free… Having a cousin like Ren must've shaped you."
Suddenly, Iril gasped.
"Oh no! I forgot to tell Ren!" she said, quickly grabbing her phone and sending a message to her cousin.
Serena watched her anxiously. A bad feeling started to creep in. She was afraid of how Ren would react when he found out she was sick.
And sure enough, Serena's phone rang. The name flashing on the screen made her heart beat faster:
REN. SHIELD
Iril noticed it too. She looked a bit confused that Ren was calling Serena, even though she was the one who had just informed him.
"Ril…" Serena called nervously.
"Hmm?"
"Can you answer it? Just tell him I'm sleeping and can't talk."
Iril nodded and picked up Serena's phone, swiping the screen to answer.
"Hello?"
Ren instantly recognized the voice on the other end.
"Where's Serena?"
he asked, his voice cold but laced with restrained concern.
"She's sleeping. Resting," Iril replied casually, trying to keep her cousin's voice calm. Meanwhile, Serena, who heard it from under the blanket, was already breaking out in a cold sweat.
Ren was silent for a moment. Then,
"What's she sick with?"
"Fever. Just lack of rest," Iril answered honestly.
"Okay." That was all. Then he hung up.
Iril frowned. She stared at the phone screen for a few seconds, surprised that Ren ended the call so abruptly. No small talk. No follow-up questions.
"What did he say?"
Serena asked nervously.
Iril handed the phone back. "Just asked what you're sick with, then hung up."
Serena immediately gasped in fear, the cold sweat from earlier still clinging to her skin.
Iril raised an eyebrow, puzzled.
"What's wrong with you?"
Serena just shook her head, but her face couldn't hide the anxiety radiating from within.
In that moment, Iril realized one thing: her cousin and her best friend were both… weird.
But oddly enough, that made Iril think they were perfect for each other.