Till The End Of The Moon [SEASON- 2]

9. Almost kissed?

When Li Susu came out of her dreamlike daze and turned to head back, she suddenly bumped into someone-hard.

The unexpected collision threw her off balance. Her foot slipped on the damp forest floor, and she instinctively closed her eyes, bracing herself for the fall.

But instead of hitting the ground, she felt strong arms wrap around her waist and pull her into a firm, protective hold.

Her breath caught in her throat. Slowly, she opened her eyes-and there he was.

Miang Tao.

His face was inches away from hers, his hands still steady on her waist. His deep eyes, darker than the night around them, stared into hers with something unreadable... something intense. His expression wasn't angry or annoyed-just surprised... and drawn.

Li Susu froze. For a moment, neither of them moved. They stood like that in the quiet of the forest, the cool night breeze whispering through the trees. The moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting silver shadows across Miang Tao's sharp features and Li Susu's delicate face.

And then something shifted.

Miang Tao's hold on her softened, but he didn't let go. His fingers rested gently at her waist, his thumb brushing against the silk fabric of her robe as if he hadn't even noticed he was doing it.

Li Susu's heart pounded wildly. She was aware of everything-his breath brushing against her cheek, the warmth radiating from his body, the way her chest rose and fell too quickly. She tried to look away, but her eyes were drawn to his-the calm, quiet intensity in them made her feel like she was unraveling.

Miang Tao's gaze dropped to her lips.

He didn't move closer-but he didn't pull away either. His eyes flicked back up to hers, and she could feel the question in them, unspoken but clear. His breath was slow, but she could hear it, and felt it against her skin.

They were so close now, their foreheads almost touching. Every breath they took mingled in the small space between them. Her hand, unthinking, gripped the fabric of his sleeve.

Li Susu didn't know what was happening-only that her body had gone still, waiting. And Miang Tao... he wasn't moving either, but the look on his face-quiet longing mixed with confusion-made her chest ache.

Just as Miang Tao's hand lifted slightly, as though it might brush her cheek or tuck a strand of hair behind her ear-

They both snapped out of it.

As if waking from the same dream, they stepped back at the same time. The space between them widened too quickly, and cold air rushed in. They both looked away, the silence between them suddenly loud.

Clearing his throat, Miang Tao was the first to speak, his voice a little rough.

Miang Tao: "What are you doing out here alone? It's the middle of the night."

Li Susu blinked, startled. Her face flushed with heat, and she struggled to come up with an answer that made sense.

Li Susu: "I... I couldn't sleep. I just... needed some air. It was getting stuffy inside, and I-" she stopped, realizing how shaky her voice sounded. "I felt restless, so I came out for a walk."

He studied her for a moment, then nodded.

Miang Tao: "You shouldn't wander alone in the forest. It's cold... and dangerous."

She looked up at him, her breath still uneven.

Li Susu: "I know. I didn't mean to come this far. I just kept walking."

They stood in silence again, the moonlight painting silver outlines on their faces. Then, gently, she asked,

Li Susu: "But... why are you here? Did you follow me?"

He hesitated, his hand moving up to scratch the back of his neck.

Miang Tao: "I woke up to drink water and noticed you weren't inside. I... got worried. You'd been quiet since dinner, and Jiang is still not fully recovered. I didn't want anything to happen to you."

Her eyes softened at that. For a moment, she forgot about everything-the confusion, the distance, the past-and only saw the man in front of her, caring in ways he didn't fully understand.

Li Susu: "Thank you..."

She looked down, then slowly started walking back, and Miang Tao fell into step beside her.

As they walked side by side, their arms occasionally brushed, and every time they did, a quiet tension sparked between them. Neither spoke. But their silence was not empty-it was filled with questions, emotions, and an invisible thread pulling them closer.

When they reached the small house again, the quiet night had grown heavier, more intimate. Before they stepped inside, Li Susu paused and looked at him.

Li Susu: "I'm... glad you came."

Miang Tao looked back at her, eyes steady.

Miang Tao: "I'm glad too."

And then, without another word, they walked into the house-closer than before, yet still wrapped in a fragile distance neither dared to cross.

Not yet.

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Chapter ended.
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