The Sway and Slide of Love by Jean Song

Even though Dylan sounded calm, Noelle could feel an underlying pressure in his words.

She paused for a moment before responding, "It's not what you think-"

"I know," Dylan quickly said with a smile. "You don't need to be so nervous. Others might not understand the situation between you and Hendrix, but I do. He must have had someone trick you into going there, right? And no matter what, you'd never abandon Rosie. So, I believe you."

He spoke patiently, sounding as if he was offering Noelle an explanation for herself. Yet, at the same time, it felt as if he was placing a heavy burden on her.

"You probably didn't sleep a wink last night, right? Go get some rest now," Dylan added as he stood up. "I'll head back to my room now."

Noelle nodded.

But as Dylan passed by her, he suddenly stopped and took a step closer to her. The sudden closeness startled Noelle, and she instinctively took a step back. Dylan couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction. "Did I scare you?"

His voice carried a hint of teasing, but there was also a trace of self-deprecation.

Noelle suddenly froze. She opened her mouth to explain, but before she could say anything, he said, "Don't worry. I wasn't planning on doing anything. Go get some rest."

With that, he turned and left.

there, suddenly feeling a bit lost. It was a long moment before she finally went into

the bed. She seemed to be feeling insecure, as she was curled up

this. After a moment, she lay

to be found. And precisely because of this, she spent those two days in

anyone else She clung to Noelle every moment, afraid that if she

en

her fault for not giving Rosie

simply let her

ended, they

point, was already

back." Seline was sitting on the couch, looking completely at home.

immediately ran over,

at the resort.

into a lively

of

occasionally glancing at Noelle