Grace tries to frown at you, but she ends up coughing instead. Her face flushes even redder as she holds a hand to her chest.

"Hmph... well, hurry up and stop gloating. I'm not in the mood for your nonsense."

She turns her head away, trying to hide her embarrassment. Her pink hair is messy and sticking to her forehead with sweat.

Grace's ears turn red at your words, and she huffs irritably.

"Cute? Don't make me laugh! You're just saying that because you know I can't get out of this bed!"

Despite her harsh words, there's a slight smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. She picks up her phone again, trying to act casual.

"You'd better not take too long. I'm waiting."

The way she says it sounds more like a threat than encouragement.

Grace makes a face, looking both annoyed and flustered by your teasing.

"Ugh, you're so annoying! I don't need you to be eager to serve me. I'm ordering you to serve me!"

She crosses her arms and pouts, but there's a hint of amusement in her eyes. After a moment, she sighs and rubs her forehead.

"Just... just hurry up and bring me my tea. And something to eat, too. I'm starving."

Her voice is softer now, almost vulnerable. It's clear that being ill doesn't agree with her usually bossy attitude.

Grace glares daggers at you, but her eyes are watery from the fever. She tries to look away, but she can't help staring at your back as you move around the kitchen.

"I-I don't have a soft spot for you! I just... I just don't want to die of hunger while you're playing around!"

She huffs and covers herself with the blanket, trying to hide her embarrassment. Her cheeks are flushed an even deeper shade of pink.

"J-Just bring me my food and shut up! I don't want to hear any more of your stupid jokes."

Despite her harsh words, she looks relieved that you're taking care of her. For once, she doesn't seem to mind relying on you.

Grace blinks in surprise at your question, looking genuinely confused for a moment. Then she seems to remember that she's supposed to be bossing you around and scowls.

"What do you mean, 'enjoy?' I'm not here for your entertainment! I'm here because I'm sick and you're supposed to take care of me!"

She crosses her arms again, but there's less heat in her words. Instead, she looks curious.

"And why would you want to enjoy seeing me eat? That's weird."

Despite her confusion, she seems slightly flattered by your attention.

Grace pauses with the tea cup halfway to her mouth, staring at you in shock. Her cheeks flush even redder, and she sets the cup down with a clatter.

"You... you really think I'm strong and charming?"

She sounds breathless, almost awestruck. It's clear that your compliments have caught her completely off guard.

"I thought you just saw me as a bossy pain in the ass..."

She trails off, looking uncertain. Her eyes flick between you and the tea, as if she's not sure what to focus on first.

Grace's face flushes an even deeper red, and she hurries to take a sip of her tea. She coughs a little, choking on the hot liquid, and glares at you.

"J-Just because I'm sick doesn't mean you can say whatever you want! I'll still punish you if you cross the line!"

Despite her harsh words, she takes another sip of her tea without complaint. She seems to be trying to hide her embarrassment by acting tough.

"And here I thought you were going to be nice to me while I'm sick. I guess I was wrong."

There's a hint of disappointment in her voice, but also a small smile playing at the corner of her mouth.

Grace freezes as you tuck her hair behind her ear, her eyes widening in surprise. For a moment, she just stares at you, her cheeks flushed and her breath hitching slightly.

"You... you wouldn't dare..."

But even as she says it, she takes another sip of her tea, her eyes never leaving yours. There's a vulnerability in her gaze that you've never seen before.

"I appreciate you taking care of me... but don't think this means you can take advantage of me."

Her voice is soft, almost hesitant. It's clear that she's not used to being taken care of, and she's not sure how to react to it.

Grace's eyes widen and she seems to hold her breath for a moment. She looks away, trying to hide her blush.

"What? No! I don't desire anything from you! And I definitely don't need you to do anything personal for me!"

Despite her protests, she doesn't sound entirely convincing. She takes a few shallow breaths, her hands fidgeting with the blanket.

"But... b-but if you're going to be here, you could maybe help me with some things. Like... like bathing and changing clothes and stuff."

She mumbles the last part, barely audible. It's clear that asking for help is not something she's used to doing.

Grace's face turns bright red at your words, and she quickly looks away.

"I-I didn't mean it like that! I just meant... I can't do those things myself right now, okay?"

She huffs, clearly flustered by your innuendo. She takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.

"And I'm not letting you have a behind-the-scenes look at anything! You're just supposed to help me because I'm your sister and I'm sick!"

Despite her words, she seems a little more relaxed now. She takes another sip of her tea, her eyes still avoiding yours.

"Just... just make sure you knock before you come in, okay? I don't want you seeing me in my underwear or something."

She mumbles the last part, looking even more embarrassed.

Grace's mouth falls open in shock, and she stares at you in disbelief. For a moment, she seems at a loss for words.

"You... you wouldn't dare! I'm your sister, you can't just... just say things like that to me!"

She crosses her arms, trying to look stern, but her face is still flushed red. She takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.

"I-I'm not paying you to be serious about this. I just need you to help me with basic stuff! Nothing more!"

She huffs, looking away again. Despite her protests, there's a small, curious glint in her eyes. It's clear that your boldness has piqued her interest, even if she won't admit it.

Grace looks at your outstretched hand, then back up at your face. She swallows hard, clearly torn between her instincts to refuse and her desire to see where this will go.

"Y-You really think this is a good idea? What if... what if something happens?"

She bites her lip, looking nervous. But she doesn't pull her hand away.

"I mean, I guess it could be fun to have someone take care of me for once... but don't you dare go too far!"

With that, she reaches out and shakes your hand, sealing the deal. Her skin is soft and warm against yours, sending a small shiver down your spine.

Grace's breath hitches as you tip her chin up, her eyes widening in surprise. She seems to hold her breath for a moment, then lets it out in a small sigh.

"O-Okay... I'll try to trust you. But if you do anything weird, I'm kicking you out, got it?"

She tries to sound stern, but her voice comes out soft and hesitant. She leans into your touch slightly, her eyes searching yours.

"I... I guess I could use some comfort right now. I don't want to be alone."

It's a rare display of vulnerability from Grace, and it's clear that she's putting a lot of trust in you by admitting it. Her hand trembles slightly in yours, betraying her nervousness.

Grace's breath catches in her throat as you lean in close, her heart pounding in her chest. She looks into your eyes, seeing the promise they hold, and feels a flutter in her stomach.

"N-New challenge? What are you talking about?"

Her voice is barely above a whisper, her gaze flickering between your eyes and your lips. She swallows hard, trying to regain her composure.

"And I'm not giving up, but... but I'm still sick right now. I need to rest."

She leans back slightly, trying to put some distance between you, but she doesn't push you away completely. Her cheeks are flushed, and her eyes are bright with curiosity and anticipation.