Inferno Hearts | Xu Minghao

78. One Last Kiss

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Nabi emerged from the kitchen, after taking a moment to collect herself.

Meanwhile, the other members were in the midst of preparing to depart, each one determined to track down Jeonghan.

Minghao's eyes softened as they found Nabi. Approaching her, he gently cupped her cheeks in his hands and tenderly pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Concern etched across Minghao's features as he observed Nabi. "Are you feeling alright?" he asked, his voice a gentle murmur, his gaze searching hers for any hint of distress.

Drawing closer, he examined her face with a meticulous gaze, as if trying to read the unspoken language written in the nuances of her expression.

His fingertips delicately brushed against her cheek, a tender gesture meant to offer both comfort and reassurance.

Nabi extended her hands, gently reaching for Minghao's, and offered him a reassuring smile. "I'm okay, Minghao. I just need a bit of rest," she said, her voice carrying a sense of gratitude for his concern.

"I'll be in our bedroom if you need me."

"Rest, my love," Minghao whispered tenderly, his gaze reflecting both concern and affection.

"I'll be leaving with the others, but I'll return before you know it," he assured, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead before reluctantly letting go of her hands.

Minghao couldn't shake off a subtle uncertainty lingering in Nabi's eyes, a silent language that didn't go unnoticed by his perceptive senses.

He could feel her, an unspoken connection that transcended words, causing a subtle shift in the atmosphere.

"I love you, Minghao."

"I love you too, baby," Minghao replied, his words carrying a hint of uncertainty as he grappled with the enigma unfolding in Nabi.

Before her tears could make their way, she wrapped her arms around Minghao's waist and hugged him tight, afraid this might be their last hug together.

Minghao furrowed his brows, sensing that something was wrong.

He gently encircled her with his arms, pressing a soft kiss to her head, and whispered, "My love, I can feel that something's not right. Please, don't keep it from me. I'm here for you."

Nabi, with her face buried in his chest, found solace in his words, the reassurance offering a glimmer of comfort amid the uncertainty.

"Can we stay like this a little longer?" she asked in a hushed tone, her plea injecting a sense of urgency into the air.

Minghao, sensing her distress, felt the weight of unease settle in.

"Nabi, I'll hold onto you for as long as you need. But please, let me in. Share what's on your mind," he implored, his arms wrapped tightly around her, offering both comfort and an unwavering support.

"I'm just worried for Jeonghan," she lied, the words slipping from her lips with a practiced ease.

Yet, Minghao, holding her close, felt the subtle tremor in her voice and the unspoken weight behind her eyes.

"We'll find him, my love. Don't let worry consume you. But right now, I need you to be honest with me. Tell me what's really going on," he urged, the concern in his eyes deepening as he sought the truth behind her facade.

Inhaling his scent for what felt like the last time, she reluctantly began to ease out of the embrace, already missing the comforting closeness.

Meeting his gaze proved challenging for Nabi, acutely aware that her tears threatened to betray the composed front she was desperately trying to maintain.