"I just asked you to get some rest," Asher said, his voice a gentle scolding, his eyes fixed on her, his expression a mixture of concern and annoyance.  "You weren't listening, huh?"
"No, I mean-" Hazel began, her voice a soft murmur, her mind racing, her thoughts a jumbled mess.
"Go home and rest," Asher said, his voice firm, his eyes fixed on her, his determination unwavering.  "If you're being a good girl, I'll grab something fun that we can do together."
"Huh?  Which is...?" Hazel asked, her brow furrowed in confusion, her mind struggling to process his words, his actions.
"You'll see," Asher said, his lips curving into a mischievous smile, his eyes twinkling with a playful glint.
The living room was bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun, a haven of warmth and familiarity.  Hazel sat on the couch, her body still aching, her mind still fuzzy, but her spirit lifted by Asher's presence.
"A coloring book?" Hazel asked, her brow furrowed in confusion, her eyes fixed on the brightly colored pages, the intricate designs, the whimsical characters.
"It's fun and relaxing," Asher said, his voice a gentle reassurance, his eyes searching hers, as though he was trying to read her thoughts, to decipher her feelings.
"You know I'm not good at these things..." Hazel said, her voice a soft murmur, her cheeks flushing with a wave of embarrassment.
"You should fix that," Asher said, his voice a gentle scolding, his eyes fixed on her, his expression a mixture of concern and amusement.  "Saying you're not good at everything."
"I'm just saying the truth," Hazel said, her voice a soft murmur, her eyes downcast.  "I'm not good with crafty stuff."
Asher's gaze lingered on Hazel, his cheeks flushed, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes.  "It's okay," he said, his voice a soft murmur, his words a gentle reassurance that warmed her heart.  "You'll manage.  I feel like you believe in me more than myself.  You're good at everything, as far as I know."
Hazel's brow furrowed, her gaze fixed on Asher, her mind struggling to process his words, his actions.  "Hey," she said, her voice a soft murmur, her heart warming with a sense of affection.  "Why are you being so sweet today?"
"I don't think you know how great of a person you are," Asher said, his voice a soft murmur, his eyes searching hers, as though he was trying to read her thoughts, to decipher her feelings.  "And how much I'm worried about you."
"Worried?  About what?" Hazel asked, her voice a soft whisper, her mind racing, her thoughts a jumbled mess.
"Anyway, go on and do this," Asher said, his voice a gentle encouragement, his hand reaching out, his fingers gently intertwining with hers.  "I got this... for you, too."
"This?" Hazel asked, her brow furrowed in confusion, her eyes fixed on the brightly colored pages, the intricate designs, the whimsical characters.
"They said it's good for stress relief," Asher said, his voice a soft murmur, his eyes filled with a gentle concern that she couldn't help but appreciate.  "I asked... just in case.  We can do it together if you want.  No, let's do it together.  I... want to."
Asher murmured as he opened the book, his cheeks flushed, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes.  Hazel couldn't help but smile at his red cheeks, his awkwardness, his eagerness to please.
"Okay!  Let's do it!" Hazel said, her voice a playful warmth, her heart warming with a sense of affection.
He must have been so tired, Hazel thought, a wave of concern washing over her.  She really couldn't help but smile, thinking how much he cared about her, how much he wanted to help her, how much he wanted to make her happy.  Why does this look different from what's on the cover?  Why doesn't it have the teddy bear like it does on the cover?
"Just try this instead," Asher said, his voice a soft murmur, his eyes searching hers, as though he was trying to read her thoughts, to decipher her feelings.
He must have noticed her frustration in getting the thin, narrow parts colored, Hazel thought, a wave of gratitude washing over her.  Asher reached out and held her hand, his fingers gently intertwining with hers, his touch a reassuring warmth that sent a jolt of electricity through her.  Their bodies got closer together, their shoulders brushing, their breaths mingling, the air thick with unspoken emotions.  Shoot, they were too close.  Was he okay with this?
"Ah... I mean..." Asher said, his voice a soft murmur, his cheeks flushing with a wave of embarrassment.
Asher started to turn red as soon as their eyes met, his gaze fixed on her, his mind racing, his thoughts a jumbled mess.  He must have noticed the closed up space between them, the awkwardness of their proximity, the intensity of their connection.  Locked eyes, close faces, and awkward atmosphere... The air definitely felt different around them.
"Oh!  Hazel, you're back?" Lina's voice cut through the silence, her words a cheerful warmth that contrasted with the tension that had filled the room.
Aiden's voice echoed through the hallway, a mixture of concern and surprise that broke through the tension that had filled the room.  "Really?  She's here?  Are you okay?" he asked, his eyes fixed on Hazel, his expression a mixture of worry and relief.
Hazel heard Lina and Aiden with the door opening, the sound a welcome interruption, a break from the awkward silence that had descended upon them.
"Wait," Aiden said, his voice a touch hesitant, his eyes darting between Hazel and Asher, as though he sensed something, something unspoken, something that hung in the air between them.  "I feel something strange between you two.  What's up?"
"No," Asher said, his voice a touch defensive, his cheeks flushing with a wave of embarrassment.  "Nothing's up!"
"Whatever," Aiden said, his voice a playful tease, his eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint.  "How are you, Hazel?  Do you feel better now?"
"Yes, of course," Hazel said, her voice a soft murmur, her heart warming with a sense of gratitude.  "They said it was just from stress.  I'm fine now."
"I wish I took you to the hospital as soon as you felt ill," Lina said, her voice laced with a gentle concern that warmed Hazel's heart.
"I'm fine, guys," Hazel said, her voice a soft murmur, her eyes meeting theirs, a hint of reassurance in her expression.  "Don't worry about me!"
"How could we not when you're back from the ER?" Aiden asked, his voice a touch exasperated, his eyes searching hers, as though he was trying to read her thoughts, to decipher her feelings.
"Asher saved me!" Hazel said, her voice a playful warmth, her heart warming with a sense of affection.  "I just have to take better care of myself, don't worry."
"But still-" Aiden began, his voice a touch hesitant, his eyes fixed on Hazel, his expression a mixture of concern and annoyance.
"Hey, come here," Asher said, his voice a gentle encouragement, his hand reaching out, his fingers gently intertwining with hers.  "You need to take your pills."
When Hazel was almost drowning in their attention, Asher tapped on her shoulders and pointed at the kitchen, his eyes filled with a gentle concern that she couldn't help but appreciate.  She followed him to the kitchen, feeling relieved, feeling safe, feeling loved.
The kitchen was a haven of warmth and familiarity, the scent of coffee and spices filling the air.  Asher stood by the counter, his gaze fixed on her, his eyes filled with a gentle concern that warmed her heart.
"Here," Asher said, his voice a soft murmur, his hand reaching out, his fingers gently holding a glass of water.  "Water."
"Thank you," Hazel said, her voice a soft murmur, her heart warming with a sense of gratitude.
Asher handed her the water and some pills, his eyes fixed on her, his expression a mixture of concern and amusement.  Hazel tried to gulp down the bitter medicine, her face contorting in a grimace.
"It's spilling," Asher said, his voice a soft murmur, his eyes filled with a gentle concern that she couldn't help but appreciate.
Hazel's voice was a soft murmur, a gentle thank you that warmed Asher's heart.  A drip of water ran down her chin, a small, insignificant detail that seemed to magnify the tension that hung in the air between them.  Asher's fingertip touched her cheek, a gentle gesture that stopped the water, a touch that sent a jolt of electricity through her.  The same atmosphere from before fell in between them, a charged silence that spoke volumes about the unspoken emotions that simmered beneath the surface.
"Do you have something to say?" Hazel asked, her voice a soft whisper, her eyes searching his, as though she was trying to read his thoughts, to decipher his feelings.
"...No," Asher replied, his voice a soft murmur, his cheeks flushed, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes.
"So why are you doing that!" Hazel exclaimed, her voice a playful warmth, her heart warming with a sense of affection.
"How can you be so popular?" Asher asked, his voice a soft murmur, his eyes fixed on her, his expression a mixture of concern and amusement.  "It makes me nervous sometimes."
"Huh?" Hazel asked, her brow furrowed in confusion, her mind struggling to process his words, his actions.
"Nothing," Asher said, his voice a soft murmur, his eyes darting away, as though he was trying to hide something, something that he couldn't quite articulate.  "Let's go now.  You can talk to the other guys if you want."
"I'm not going to sleep until you say it!" Hazel said, her voice a playful warmth, her heart warming with a sense of affection.
"Ha... Seriously?" Asher asked, his voice a soft murmur, his cheeks flushing with a wave of embarrassment.
Asher stared at her with red cheeks, his gaze fixed on her, his mind racing, his thoughts a jumbled mess.
"I know I shouldn't feel this way," he said, his voice a soft murmur, his eyes searching hers, as though he was trying to read her thoughts, to decipher her feelings.  "But... I just felt like other people intruding on us, when it was just you and me until now.  And you getting all the attention..."
"That's because they're worried about me!" Hazel exclaimed, her voice a playful warmth, her heart warming with a sense of affection.
"...You don't know anything," Asher said, his voice a soft murmur, his eyes fixed on her, his expression a mixture of concern and annoyance.
"I don't know what?" Hazel asked, her brow furrowed in confusion, her mind struggling to process his words, his actions.
"I can tell," Asher said, his voice a soft murmur, his eyes searching hers, as though he was trying to read her thoughts, to decipher her feelings.  "You really don't know anything." Asher let out a short sigh,
"Anyway, I was just a bit nervous," he said, his voice a soft murmur, his cheeks flushing with a wave of embarrassment.  "Maybe even jealous, unlike me."
"You don't have to be nervous," Hazel said, her voice a soft murmur, her heart warming with a sense of affection.  "Nor be jealous!"
It made her smile to see Asher open up a little bit more, to see the vulnerability beneath his cool exterior, to see the depth of his emotions.
"So Hazel left the hospital?" Glen's voice echoed through the hallway, a mixture of concern and surprise that broke through the tension that had filled the room.  "Are you okay?"
Jake let out a sigh, his eyes downcast, his expression a mixture of relief and concern.
Courtney's voice was a soft murmur, a gentle concern that warmed Hazel's heart.  "Look at you all pale," she said, her eyes fixed on Hazel, her expression a mixture of worry and amusement.  "Did you take some medicine?"
"She just did," Asher said, his voice a soft murmur, his eyes fixed on Hazel, his expression a mixture of concern and protectiveness.  "She needs more rest, though."
"Why aren't you letting us talk to her?  Hmm?" Lina asked, her voice a playful tease, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint.
"What?  No, I didn't!" Asher exclaimed, his voice a touch defensive, his cheeks flushing with a wave of embarrassment.
"It feels nice to know that people care about me," Hazel said, her voice a playful warmth, her heart warming with a sense of gratitude.  "Okay, everybody gather up!  I need to have an announcement about how much better I've gotten!"
The awkward conversation between Asher and the girls melted away as the others joined in to talk to them, their voices filling the room with a cheerful buzz, their concern for Hazel evident in their words and gestures.
"I'm not nervous anymore, strangely," Asher said, his voice a soft murmur, his eyes fixed on Hazel, his expression a mixture of amusement and relief.  "Nervous?  What?  ...Never mind."
The reason Hazel was still excited about the conversation they had, was because of the honesty he had shown her, the vulnerability he had revealed, the depth of his feelings.
"Are you sure you're fine?  Don't you need to sleep?" Sol asked, his voice a gentle concern, his eyes fixed on Hazel, his expression a mixture of worry and amusement.
"I'm really okay," Hazel said, her voice a soft murmur, her eyes meeting his, a hint of reassurance in her expression.  "I'm so surprised everybody was worried.  Especially Asher.  He was freaked out."
"He was, he really was..." Lina said, her voice a playful tease, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint.  "It surprised me, too."
"Why?" Hazel asked, her brow furrowed in confusion, her mind struggling to process their words, their actions.
"He almost broke his pen he was holding," Lina said, her voice a soft murmur, her eyes fixed on Hazel, her expression a mixture of amusement and concern.  "He was completely zoned out.  If I didn't snap him awake, he would've hurt his hand."
"...It was that bad?" Hazel asked, her voice a soft whisper, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Tell me about it," Lina said, her voice a playful tease, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint.  "He was acting weird all day.  He was probably just waiting for you to get back."
"But Lina's probably the one who was most worried," Courtney said, her voice a soft murmur, her eyes fixed on Hazel, her expression a mixture of amusement and concern.
"She's right!  I was super worried!" Lina exclaimed, her voice a playful warmth, her heart warming with a sense of affection.  "Don't ever be sick again.  I'm going to take you right away to the hospital next time.  And all of you... Don't get sick or else!"
"Scary Lina!" Sol said, his voice a playful tease, his eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint.  "Let's send our texts and go to sleep before she drags anyone to the hospital."
The clock was almost pointing at midnight, while they were chatting away about what had happened, their voices filling the room with a cheerful buzz, their concern for Hazel evident in their words and gestures.  Everyone was worried about her.  So who should she message tonight?  She'll message Aiden.
"I'm sorry to have you worried," Hazel typed, her fingers flying across the keyboard, her heart warming with a sense of gratitude.  "It's fine now, I'm much better."
"I almost hurt myself after hearing the news," the Unknown sender replied, their words a mixture of concern and affection that warmed Hazel's heart.  "Promise me not to get sick again."
"Didn't you answer the question yet?" Lina asked, her voice a playful tease, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint.
"Not yet!  Did you guys?" Hazel asked, her voice a soft murmur, her eyes meeting theirs, a hint of reassurance in her expression.
"I did!" Courtney said, her voice a soft murmur, her eyes fixed on Hazel, her expression a mixture of amusement and concern.  "Go ahead and do it now, let's get some rest."
"What about the medicine?  Did Asher give it to you?" Sol asked, his voice a gentle concern, his eyes fixed on Hazel, his expression a mixture of worry and amusement.
The soft glow of the phone screen illuminated Hazel's face, the gentle hum of notifications a comforting lullaby in the quiet of the night.  She scrolled through the messages, a warm smile gracing her lips as she read each heartfelt response.
"I'll try to get closer to you from now on. I want to be with you all the time," Courtney's message read, the words echoing the unspoken longing in Hazel's heart.
Sol's message was filled with concern, "I can see you're going through a lot. Get some good rest today."  His words resonated with Hazel, reminding her of the strength she found in his quiet support.
Lina's message was a playful confession, "I feel silly, but I miss you. I want to go on a date with you." Hazel chuckled, picturing Lina's mischievous grin, her heart fluttering at the thought of their next adventure together.
Glen's message was a poignant reminder of their shared moments, "I wish for yesterday to continue. I want to be with you always." Hazel's eyes softened, her mind replaying their laughter and whispered secrets.
Jake's message was filled with a protective tenderness, "Don't get sick, especially when I'm not there." Hazel felt a surge of warmth, knowing she was cherished and cared for.
Aiden's message was raw and honest, "It hurts me more to see you hurt. Seriously." Hazel's heart ached with the sincerity of his words, a testament to the depth of their connection.
Asher's message was a simple yet powerful declaration, "I have a lot to say, but I'll just say one thing. Please don't be ill." Hazel felt a wave of gratitude for his unwavering support.
The messages flowed in, a tapestry of love, concern, and shared experiences woven together.  Hazel felt a profound sense of belonging, a warmth that radiated from the screen and into her soul.
She typed a reply to each one, her fingers flying across the keyboard, expressing her gratitude and love.  "Don't push yourself with studying too much," she wrote to Hazel, her voice a gentle reminder of self-care.
As the last message was sent, a wave of exhaustion washed over her.  "Done! I'm going to sleep early tonight," she typed, a yawn escaping her lips.
Lina's reply was quick and playful, "I'm ready to turn off the light. Let's sleep!"  Hazel smiled, picturing Lina snuggled under her covers, the glow of the phone screen fading into the darkness.
Closing her eyes, Hazel let the warmth of the messages envelop her.  Her body, still recovering from the illness, felt lighter, her spirit lifted by the love and support surrounding her.  She drifted off to sleep, a sense of peace washing over her, a quiet conviction that tomorrow would be a better day.
The soft knock on the door startled Hazel from her daydream.  She blinked, momentarily disoriented, before a gentle voice broke through the haze.
"Are you there? Can I come in?"
"Huh? Who are you looking for? You can come in," Hazel replied, her voice still a bit raspy from her recent illness.
The door creaked open, revealing Aiden's familiar smile.  "Ah, there you are. I was looking for you. Are you going to work today?"
"No, I'm off today," Hazel answered, surprised by his sudden appearance.
"Really? That's good," Aiden said, his smile widening.
Hazel couldn't help but notice his uncharacteristic cheerfulness.  "Why?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.
Aiden's smile faltered slightly, replaced by a look of concern.  "Let's go see a doctor," he said, his voice firm but gentle.
Hazel frowned, her brow furrowing in confusion.  "Huh? I'm really better today-"
Aiden cut her off, his eyes unwavering.  "Just the two of us."
Hazel hesitated, a wave of conflicting emotions washing over her.  She knew she was feeling much better, but she also understood Aiden's concern.  He had been worried sick about her, and she couldn't bear to see him fret any longer.
With a sigh, she agreed, her heart filled with a mix of gratitude and a strange sense of anticipation.
The car ride was filled with a comfortable silence, punctuated by the occasional glance Aiden would steal in her direction.  Hazel found herself lost in thought, replaying the events of the past few days.  She had been so focused on her own discomfort that she hadn't fully grasped the extent of Aiden's worry.
"I didn't think you were doing well these days," Aiden said, his voice laced with a hint of sadness.  "I thought it'd be better to see the doctor."
Hazel's heart ached at the sincerity in his voice.  "I'm really better now," she assured him, reaching out to gently squeeze his hand.
Aiden's voice, though gentle, held a firm resolve. "Sure. I heard that several times already, but nothing got better. So I really need to take you to the hospital today."
Hazel sighed, a wave of resignation washing over her. "Okay..."
Aiden's smile softened, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "By the way... The doctor is actually someone I know."
"Someone you know? Who?" Hazel asked, her curiosity piqued.
Aiden's smile widened, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Um... my dad?"
Hazel's jaw dropped, her eyes widening in disbelief. "...What? Did I hear wrong?"
Aiden chuckled, his hand reaching out to gently brush her cheek. "Did I never tell you about my family before?"
"No...? Never," Hazel stammered, her mind reeling. "I'm suddenly nervous. Help me relax."
Aiden's hand lingered on her cheek, his touch sending a shiver down her spine.  "Give me your hand," he said, his voice a soothing balm to her nerves.
"My hand?" Hazel asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Aiden's gaze held hers, a silent promise of comfort. "Holding it will make you feel better."
As he reached out his large hand, Hazel felt a surge of warmth radiate from his touch.  The scent of his cologne, a mix of sandalwood and citrus, filled her senses, calming her racing heart.
"Hurry. My arm's starting to hurt. Hold it," Aiden said, his voice laced with a hint of playful urgency.
Hazel hesitated, her nervousness returning with a vengeance. "I think that's going to make me more nervous," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly.
Aiden's voice was laced with a playful challenge. "No? I'll do it then."
Hazel's heart skipped a beat as Aiden snatched her hand, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through her veins.  Intense nervousness and excitement collided within her, creating a whirlwind of emotions that left her breathless.
"I'm driving with one hand now. Don't I look pretty cool?" Aiden asked, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine.
"Yeah... yeah, you do," Hazel managed to stammer, her cheeks flushing crimson.
Aiden's grin widened, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I can do more things to fulfill your fantasy. You know, like backing up the car with a parking ticket in my mouth?"
Hazel burst into laughter, her initial nervousness melting away. "Hey, that was like... from the 80s!"
"Now you're smiling. You look more relaxed," Aiden observed, his gaze lingering on her face.
"Ah... I do?" Hazel asked, her voice still tinged with a hint of disbelief.
"Don't be nervous. It's nothing, seriously," Aiden reassured her, his hand gently squeezing hers.
Going to see the doctor was fine, but the simple act of holding hands with Aiden had somehow made everything else seem trivial.  Hazel nodded silently, her thoughts swirling with a mix of confusion and exhilaration.
The doctor's office was a sterile, clinical space, filled with the faint scent of antiseptic and the hushed whispers of patients and staff. 
"Nice to meet you. I heard you weren't feeling well these days. Can you come closer?" he said, his voice booming with a reassuring authority.
"Oh, yes! " Hazel replied, her voice a little shaky, but her eyes sparkling with a newfound confidence.
The checkup was surprisingly quick and painless.  A few questions, a quick examination, and a few basic tests later, Hazel found herself feeling much more at ease.  It was much easier than she had anticipated.
Aiden's dad, however, seemed to have other plans.  His gaze shifted from Hazel to Aiden, a hint of concern in his eyes.  "Aiden's been telling me that he's met a lot of nice people.  But he was worried about himself at the same time.  How is he there?  Is he doing alright?"
Aiden's face flushed crimson, his voice a flustered mumble.  "Hey, don't ask something like that.  What are you saying to someone who's just here for an IV!  It's okay, Hazel.  You don't have to answer that."
Hazel couldn't help but smile.  Aiden, usually so confident and composed, was suddenly a blushing mess, his nervousness endearingly obvious.  She found herself wanting to reassure him, to let him know that everything was alright.
"He's amazing, always looking out for people," Hazel replied, her voice firm and sincere.
Aiden's dad beamed, a wave of relief washing over his features.  "I'm relieved to hear that.  I sound like tooting my own horn, but he is a good kid.  Please look out for him."
Aiden's embarrassment reached a new peak.  "Oh, stop, stop it!  You're embarrassing me.  I shouldn't have come!"
Hazel chuckled, shaking her head.  "What's wrong with you?  This is good information."
Aiden's response was a frustrated groan.  "Whatever.  Let's go.  Get up."
As Aiden stood up, he rubbed his cheeks, his skin a fiery red.  Hazel had never seen him so flustered, and she found it incredibly endearing.  He was so cute, she thought, her heart fluttering with a warmth she couldn't quite explain.
"I shouldn't have come!  Gahhh...." Aiden muttered, his voice laced with a mixture of frustration and embarrassment.
Hazel couldn't help but smile.  She was glad she had come.  The conversation, despite the initial awkwardness, had been surprisingly pleasant.  Time had flown by, filled with laughter and easy banter.  Aiden, still flustered by the unexpected turn of events, had ended up escorting her out of the office, his hand gently guiding her through the crowded hallway.
As they reached the waiting room, Aiden let out a sigh, his face still flushed.  "I dunno... My face feels so hot right now."
Hazel chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement.  "I wonder why.  I loved meeting your father."
Aiden's hand reached for his chest, his voice a low murmur.  "Gahh, my chest is hurting from being so nervous.  Can you make it feel better?"
Hazel's brow furrowed, her curiosity piqued. "How?"
Aiden's face was still flushed, his cheeks a vibrant crimson.  He looked incredibly nervous, his usual confidence replaced by a shy vulnerability that Hazel found utterly endearing.  "By going on a date with me," he said, his voice barely a whisper.
Hazel's heart skipped a beat.  She had never seen Aiden so flustered, so endearingly awkward.  It was a side of him she had never glimpsed before, and it made her heart flutter with a warmth she couldn't quite explain.
"Do you remember the time when we went shopping together?  I tried to show you around my school, but we never really got to.  I'll show you what my daily life looks like.  If you have time today," Aiden said, his voice regaining a hint of its usual confidence.
He reached out, his fingers gently tracing the outline of her hand.  He then held her finger, his thumb gently stroking the back of it.  Hazel felt a shiver run down her spine as he slowly shook her finger, a playful gesture that sent a surge of warmth through her.  A smile bloomed on her face, her heart filled with a mixture of anticipation and excitement.
"Okay," she replied, her voice soft but firm.
The campus was bustling with activity, students rushing between classes, laughter echoing through the air.  Aiden, his nervousness seemingly forgotten, pointed out various landmarks, his voice filled with a pride that warmed Hazel's heart.
"Oh, right.  You need to eat.  We didn't even have breakfast," Aiden said, his gaze meeting hers with a hint of concern.
"So where are we eating?  I'm kind of curious about your school cafeteria," Hazel replied, her eyes sparkling with a playful curiosity.
Aiden's face flushed again, his cheeks turning a deeper shade of red.  "I don't... really go to the cafeteria.  No way I'm going there with you."
"Then are we eating near the school?" Hazel asked, her voice laced with a hint of amusement.
Aiden's eyes twinkled with mischief.  "I brought something with me.  We'll have this.  There, at the bench."
"What is it?" Hazel asked, her curiosity piqued.
Aiden's smile widened, his eyes filled with a playful anticipation.  "I brought packed lunch!"
He pulled Hazel's hand towards a nearby bench, his fingers entwined with hers.  He then held up a brown paper bag, his face a mixture of shyness and pride.
"But don't make fun of it, okay?" Aiden said, his voice laced with a plea.
Hazel's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and admiration filling her gaze. "You made it yourself?"
Aiden's face flushed a deeper shade of red, his cheeks radiating a warmth that mirrored the feelings blossoming in Hazel's heart.  "I got up early in the morning for this.  But it's nothing special....Ugh, I think they kind of shifted around," he mumbled, his voice laced with a hint of self-deprecation.
He reached into his bag, carefully extracting a small lunchbox.  It was filled with neatly arranged rice bHe reached into his bag, carefully extracting a small lunchbox.  It was filled with neatly arranged rice balls and a colorful assortment of fruits.