Chapter 188

It was Hayden.

He was unlocking his door, holding a bag of vegetables in one hand. My sudden movement must've startled him, because he turned around, his eyes narrowing slightly.

I just stood there, staring at him like I was having some kind of out-of-body experience. I didn't say a word—just watched him, completely zoned out.

It wasn't until Hayden asked, "What's up?" that I snapped back to reality. I shook my head, still not fully awake.

"Are you sick?" he asked, setting the bag down and stepping closer.

I couldn't get my mouth to work, so I just shook my head again, even though I wasn't sure what I was feeling.

Then, out of nowhere, I felt something cool against my forehead—Hayden's hand. His voice sharpened with concern. "You're burning up."

I was still in a daze, barely registering that he was talking about me.

Hayden seemed to pick up on my confusion. Before I could process what was happening, he stepped inside my apartment and scooped me up into his arms. My already ligh