Chapter 55: Beastmen
Coleen blurted an awkward laugh and tapped Eirin’s hand, bearing in mind the grim expression on the teenage girl’s face. "I-I think the illness hasn’t completely left my system yet," she said and moved away. "You might catch it, so we better put some distance."
Fear crept into Coleen’s heart as she scratched her fingernail and said, "D-Don’t worry, I won’t be a burden to the team. I only need to rest for a little, then I’ll—"
"What are you saying?" Eirin’s eyes were filled with surprise and sadness as she reached out her hand to Coleen. "How could you say such a thing? I never saw you as a burden. If you’re a burden, what about me then?" She smiled and gently held Coleen’s hand, comforting her with words and gestures.
"Also, I think I’ll be fine being with you. I don’t catch diseases that quick," Eirin smiled her brightest, reassuring Coleen. It was the first time Coleen McGuffin witnessed the pretty transfer student, Eirin Luxfield, smile like a child. "For now, you should lay on the bed and focus on getting well. I’ll ask the manager if they could let you eat here inside."
Coleen bit her lower lip, suppressing her tears. ’She’s so kind,’ she thought as Eirin left the room. She immediately wiped the tear that escaped from her eye with the back of her hand.
"It’s a first... someone actually cares for me when I’m sick and wouldn’t scream at me instead," Coleen muttered as she smiled. "I hope I could be of help to her someday."
Eirin sighed as she got out of the room. "This is bad," she thought as she walked into the hallway, searching for the other two until she finally bumped into them on the stairs. The teenage girl didn’t hesitate as she explained everything to Link and Shade about Coleen’s current situation.
"I think we should send her back to the academy," Link showed such worries in his eyes that he even came up with an unwise idea, leaving Eirin baffled.
"Don’t be stupid. Do you think a gullible and weak girl can return home alone? And what’s more, she’s ill. This isn’t like you. Think rationally like you usually do," Shade said while shaking his head.