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.

was a long moment before she finally went into the

on the bed. She seemed to be feeling insecure, as she was curled up into a small

felt an ache in her heart when she saw her like this. After a moment, she lay down beside Rosie and gently

Noelle didn't see Hendrix again. Even Erwin was nowhere to be found. And precisely because of this, she spent those two

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

en

it was her fault for not giving Rosie enough sense

scold her and simply

Dylan's vacation ended, they returned

at some point,

was sitting on the couch, looking completely at home.

over, calling

the resort. belongs to

a lively

of

smile, occasionally glancing at Noelle