Till The End Of The Moon [SEASON- 2]

19. Strain again?

When morning light streamed into the small house, Li Susu stirred slowly, her lashes fluttering open. The first thing she saw was Miang Tao’s face—peaceful, striking, dangerously close. For a heartbeat, she forgot the world. Her breath caught as she studied the sharp lines of his jaw, the faint shadows under his eyes, and the softness that only sleep could bring to his usually guarded expression.

But reality pulled her back.

Blinking rapidly, she glanced around and found Tantai Jiang sleeping beside her, curled up like a kitten with one hand tucked under her cheek. A smile tugged at Li Susu’s lips. The child looked so sweet in sleep, completely untouched by the chaos of the world.

But then—her smile vanished. Her eyes widened in shock.

Her head…was resting in Miang Tao’s lap.

She stiffened.

A warm flush crept up her neck. She had been lying like this the entire night? Her thoughts scattered. He must have been exhausted… poor Miang Tao… Guilt pricked her chest.

Carefully, she tried to rise, but as she shifted, a sharp pain shot up her back. Her body faltered, and she fell back—right onto his lap again.

Startled by the sudden movement, Miang Tao awoke.

His brows twitched as he stirred, glancing down to see her already awake, her eyes wide with embarrassment. Her head snapped up, meeting his gaze.

Time stilled.

Their eyes locked—hers filled with stunned apology, his with unspoken concern. The air between them seemed to hum. But neither spoke. After a long moment, they both looked away, awkward and breathless.

Li Susu struggled again to get up, her movements weak. Seeing this, Miang Tao’s voice cut gently through the silence.

"Hey... wait a minute. I’ll help you."

His tone was soft, but firm—laced with worry. He supported her as she slowly sat up, easing her away from him with quiet care. She winced as she moved, still sore, her head heavy with lingering fever.

Miang Tao watched her closely. His features were calm, but his eyes betrayed his tension. He hadn’t slept well. Not because of discomfort—but because she’d been burning up all night, and he’d feared she wouldn’t wake.

Before she could speak, he broke the silence.

"I know what you’re about to ask... what happened last night, right?"

She nodded weakly.

"You fainted while we were talking. It was the herbs—they’re doing their work. The fever helps push the poison out. You were burning up… so I stayed up applying cold compresses. I didn’t mean to fall asleep like that." His voice dipped, barely above a murmur. "So… don’t take it the wrong way."

Li Susu blinked. His honesty, his care—it wrapped around her like warmth.

"No… why would I?" she said softly. "You’ve been nothing but kind. I think… you’re a good person. You help when others need help."

Miang Tao said nothing at first. His jaw tensed subtly. Then, after a moment, he added:

"And right now, you need complete rest. You’re not allowed to do anything. Is that clear?"

She smiled faintly.

"Yes… It’s clear. And thank you for taking care of me. I don’t know how I’ll repay you for this."

Miang Tao looked away, voice low.

"There’s nothing to repay. If I had gone to fetch the wood, none of this would’ve happened."

"No," she interrupted. "It’s not your fault. I should’ve been more careful."

His expression softened, but his voice stayed gentle and distant.

"Either way, it wasn’t a favor. It was… my duty."

She didn’t argue. She just smiled—quiet, understanding. Miang Tao rose and walked outside. Left alone, Li Susu leaned back slowly, her eyes following him until he vanished.

Her thoughts spun.

How do I help him remember? she wondered. Sometimes he seems like he knows everything. Sometimes like a stranger. What if Jiang gets close to him too… and even then, nothing returns to him?

Her chest tightened. And once I recover… what reason will I have to stay? How do I remain by his side if he doesn’t remember us?

Unbeknownst to her, Miang Tao sat outside near the river, haunted by the same storm.

She’s here—but not really. His fingers curled around his knees. I remember everything. Every moment. But I can’t tell her. She’s trying so hard… and yet, what if history repeats itself? What if fate is already written—again?

He stared at the flowing water, silent.

Eventually, he stood and returned. Li Susu was sitting up now, gently stroking Jiang’s head. The little girl lay there content, lost in her dreams, unaware of the emotions weighing down the room.

Miang Tao stepped inside, kneeling beside the bed.

"Are you feeling better now?"

He already knew the answer. Still, he asked.

Li Susu shook her head. No.

He said nothing. He only nodded once, got up, and walked out again. She watched him go, her gaze lingering long after he disappeared.

---

Two days later.

He had been caring for her with quiet dedication—preparing food, tending Jiang, checking on her fever, and watching her when she wasn’t looking.

That evening, he returned with a tray, but the bed was empty.

Just then, she entered.

He frowned. "Where were you?"

Before he could finish, she answered:

"I was tired of lying in bed all day. I went out for fresh air. I fell accidentally. My clothes got dirty, so I washed them."

She spoke quickly, brushing it off.

His jaw tightened.

"Why don’t you understand?" His voice rose—not in anger, but fear. "I told you to rest for a reason. There’s still poison in your body! You could faint, fall, anything! Why do you always take my words so lightly?"

She flared.

"You can’t talk to me like that! I just stepped out for a while. Why are you overreacting?"

He stared at her, stunned.

"Overreacting?"

"Yes!" she shot back. "I can take care of myself!"

A silence fell.

Jiang, wide-eyed, stood still—watching like a small mediator caught between two stubborn children.

Miang Tao shook his head.

"Fine. I won’t say anything anymore. Do whatever you want."

"Fine!" she snapped. "That’s better!"

He left abruptly.

Li Susu sat back down. Her eyes burned. She hadn’t meant to argue—but his concern… it warmed her. It scared her. She didn’t know how to respond to it.

A tear slipped down her cheek before she could stop it.

Moments later, she saw Jiang sitting alone, looking lost. Wordlessly, she opened her arms. Jiang walked over, and Li Susu wrapped her in a soft, trembling hug. Jiang leaned into her warmth, silently offering the comfort Li Susu didn’t know she needed.

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Chapter ended.
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