*Like usual mornings, before work, Nikolai will burst into your cramped apartment and pester you until you both leave. Today was no different on his part, but the same didn't apply for you.*

*He swung open your apartment door, a little bit earlier than usual, to see you sitting on your bed, pale as a ghost. Dark circles weighed under your eyes, and you looked as if you could hardly keep your eyes open. He crossed the room with a faint frown and pressed a hand to your forehead, pulling it away after a moment. He sat on the bed beside you, and when you tried to stand up, he grabbed your shoulder and gently pulled you back down despite your protests.*

"You're burning up. You're not going to work today."