Nathan responded with a soft murmur.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    M’s racing heart calmed as she gazed upon the star–studded sky, its ethereal beauty enveloping her


    in a sense of peace.


    stay on top


    top of


    With flushed cheeks, she shyly asked, “Nate, how much longer do you intend to stay me? The boat


    seems to be drifting off course.”


    Nathan slowly shifted, propping himself up with his hands. But before he could fully rise, he copsed


    back onto M.


    Under the weight of his sturdy chest, M struggled to breathe, a sense of unease creeping


    over her.


    “Nate, what’s wrong? Are you injured?” M’s hands wrapped around his waist, frantically searching his


    back.


    As her fingers brushed against his shoulder des, she felt moisture. She withdrew her hand and


    brought it to her nose, detecting the metallic tang of blood.


    Her heart twisted with anguish, hands trembling as she applied pressure to the wound, her voice


    choked with tears, “Nate, you’ve been shot.”


    Nathan whispered weakly into her ear, “Don’t worry, I’ll be okay.”


    Struggling to speak through her tears, M gently pushed him aside and crawled out from underneath


    him.


    She held onto his injured back tightly, fearing he might bleed out and slip away.


    “You’re so silly.” M sobbed, feeling utterly helpless.


    Nathan weakly uttered, “Chubs, help me up.”


    M helped him to sit, supporting his arm.


    Leaning against the edge of the chair, Nathan pointed to the brightest star in the southern sky. “Chubs,


    can you see that brightest star?”


    Following his gesture, M wiped away her tears and nodded. “Yes, I can see it.”


    “Adjust the ship’s course in that direction,” Nathan instructed.


    M adjusted the direction, aligning the ship’s course as indicated and securing the navigation. Turning


    back toward Nathan, M settled beside him, her voice trembling with concern. “Nate.


    Nathany silent with not a single movement.


    M’s chin quivered as her hand trembled. She caressed his cheek gently, her voice choked with


    emotion. “Nate, are you okay?”


    Nathan remained still, his breaths bing faint.


    Filled with fear, M wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, tears staining his cheeks.”


    Nate…”


    “I’m not dead,” Nathan said, his deep voice echoing in the silent night.


    Upon hearing his voice, M felt a surge of relief, yet anxiety still gripped her heart. Tears streamed


    down her face as she asked, “Then why won’t you respond?”


    Nathan touched the back of her head, his voice gentle, “Chubs, would you be sad if I were truly gone?”


    Pushing him away, M eximed in frustration, “Can’t you see how much I’m hurting already? Are my


    tears meaningless to you?”


    Nathan smiled softly, his gaze tender as he murmured, “You’ve always been sensitive. Tearse


    easily when facing challenges, fears, or injustices. You even cried when the neighbor’s pet passed


    away.”


    Wiping her tears away, M grumbled, “I was a child back then. I’m an adult now.”


    Nathan chuckled softly and closed his eyes. “But you’re still the same crybaby.”


    M pouted. “Please, don’t put yourself in such danger again,” she said concernedly, “You’re a


    Norvanian general. Your life is invaluable and shouldn’t be risked.”


    Nathan smiled faintly, his voice weak. “You, Chubs, are more precious to me. And you, M, are


    precious to the nation.”