Why Can't You?

He Juan cradled the boy with one arm as he headed towards the study.

Like this, Mu Yuze stayed quiet with his head resting against He Juan's shoulder, only his labored breathing betrayed his discomfort. With his free hand, He Juan pushed open the study door, flicked on the light and rummaged through his drawer for a medicine kit.

First, he retrieved a digital thermometer which he had bought when Mu Yuze first came to live with him. "Open your mouth," he instructed, and when Mu Yuze complied, he gently placed the thermometer inside and said, "Don't let go until it beeps."

Next, he searched through the kit until he found what he was looking for. Taking out the sealed syringe, he bit down on the cap, tore it open and injected the liquid into his own arm with practiced ease.

Mu Yuze's eyes widened slightly, as he had initially thought the syringe was for him. Was Juan-gege sick too? With the thermometer still in his mouth, his voice came out muffled, "What is that?"