The Sway and Slide of Love

As her words fell, Noelle began to tremble uncontrollably.

The firefighter in front of her stared at her for a moment, then silently removed his gas mask.

Noelle understood what he meant, but she didn't take it. Instead, she shook her head and said, "I don't want it. If Hendrix is really dead inside, then I'll just stay with him."noveldrama

The firefighter frowned at her words. He was about to say something when a familiar voice suddenly came from behind her, "Noelle."

A jolt immediately shot through Noelle. Afraid that it might be her imagination playing tricks on her, she didn't dare to turn around. Not until he called her name again. Only then did she turn her head.

Hendrix was standing behind her. He was wearing only a shirt, the white fabric stained with soot and what looked like blood. His hair was disheveled, his appearance a far cry from his usual composed self.

Noelle stared at him for a long time. Only after confirming that she wasn't seeing things did she snap out of her daze. Then, she rushed forward and wrapped her arms around him.

Hendrix was still injured. When Noelle suddenly threw herself at him, the wound on his abdomen reopened. Pain shot through him, but he didn't even flinch. Instead, he slowly wrapped his arms around her.

Noelle's tears seeped through his shirt as she trembled uncontrollably. Knowing how afraid she must have been, Hendrix instinctively tightened his embrace. As their warmth intertwined, the panic that gripped them slowly began to fade.

Only then did Hendrix find his voice. "Were you worried about me? Don't worry. I won't die so easily. I thought I was seeing things earlier. What are you doing here?"

However, he received no reply from Noelle. Finding it odd, he looked down, only to find Noelle had passed out.

His expression immediately changed. Without hesitation, he bent down and scooped her up into his arms.

...

When Noelle woke up, she found herself in the hospital. The white ceiling above her and the sharp scent of disinfectant in the air left her disoriented for a moment. But then, the memories of what had happened before she blacked out came rushing back.

She immediately sat up in bed.

"You're awake." Hendrix's voice came from beside her.

She whipped her head around.

Hendrix was also lying in a hospital bed, an Idrip attached to his arm. His abdomen was wrapped in- bandages, with traces of blood seeping through, and there were burn marks on his forearm

Noelle opened her mouth. She wanted to say something, but no words came out.

Hendrix, however, seemed to understand her thoughts. "Don't worry. It doesn't hurt."

Noelle didn't speak. Instead, she slowly lowered her eyes. Her eyelashes fluttered, and tears began to fall.

l.ne

She wasn't even sure why she was crying. Was it from the relief of surviving a near-death experience? The Sight of Hendrix's bloodstained wounds? Or simply fear?

As Noelle sat there with her head bowed, Hendrix suddenly moved to her side.

"What are you afraid of? I'm right here," he said.