Cassian was a little strange today. But maybe that was a good thing. After eating way too much barbecue yesterday, Natalie didn't feel like having another big meal. She only wanted something as simple as pasta. After washing up, she first poured the pet food for Lucky, Baron, and Cash. Then she went to the kitchen and decided to make a simple tomato pasta for two. She grabbed some frozen tomatoes from the freezer and tossed them into a hot pan, stirring until they softened and turned saucy. Adding a couple cups of water, she let it simmer into a rich tomato broth. A pinch of salt went in next, along with a handful of thin pasta that cooked right in the broth until tender. Just before serving, she sprinkled in chili flakes and fresh parsley, making the pasta fragrant and bright. She set the pasta on the dining table with forks and went to knock on Cassian's door. "Cassian, breakfast's ready." It took a while before she heard his reply. "Coming." Cassian came out without saying much and sat at the table. Natalie blinked in surprise. He wasn't acting clingy or playful like usual. She shot him a weird glance and greeted, "Morning." He looked tired. "Morning." Natalie glanced at the pasta soaking in the sauce for a long time and didn't ask more. She quickly sat down. "Let's eat."She dug in, slurping the pasta and sipping hot coffee with delight. Then she noticed Cassian eating slowly, almost dragging it out. "What's wrong? Don't like it?" she asked. He gave her a look. "Not really." Cassian pondered a little and added, "I don't feel so good." Natalie leaned forward and asked worriedly, "What's wrong?" "Nothing serious. Just a little cold," Cassian said. She frowned. He wasn't coughing or sniffling. It didn't seem like a cold. She reached out and touched his forehead. No fever. But he still looked weak and low in spirit. What if it was something worse? Just as she was about to ask more, a sharp, painful scream rang out from outside. Both of them turned toward the window. The rain had started again, a thin, steady drizzle. From the sound of those screams, Natalie knew. Acid rain. She sighed. More people were going to suffer. When she turned around, ready to press Cassian for answers, she found him eating his pasta with real appetite at last. Natalie asked, "Feeling better now?" Just a moment ago, he had been nibbling his food like a picky kid. Now he was shoveling big bites into his mouth. Cassian took a sip of the coffee. "Yeah. Eat more."Natalie gave him a puzzled look but joined him. Before long, the two plates of pasta were wiped clean. Natalie stood up to clear the table, but Cassian reached over and took the dishes from her hands. "Take a break. I'll do it." Natalie started, "Didn't you just—" Then she froze, realizing something, and shut her mouth. She watched as Cassian carried the dishes off to wash. When he came back, he sat beside her on the couch. Natalie raised an eyebrow and asked, "If you're not feeling well, why don't you go lie down in your room?" Cassian pulled her into his arms. "Because I want to be with you." Natalie frowned. "You've got a cold. Aren't you afraid you'll pass it to me?" He was dumbfounded by her question. "No, I won't." Natalie gave him a sharp pinch. "Cassian! You're faking this, aren't you?" Cassian pulled back, embarrassed. "How did you figure it out?" Natalie shot him a look. "You're strong like a bull. A little cold wouldn't stop you from eating. And the second the rain stopped, you dropped the act! You ate that pasta faster than I did!" Cassian tried to deflect. "That just means your cooking is too good." Natalie pounded his chest again and again. "You sneaky liar!" Cassian only laughed, letting her punch him without dodging once.When she grew tired and finally slowed down, he caught her hands and pulled her back into his embrace. "Nattie, I just don't want to leave you." That morning, when he saw the rain stop outside, his chest had tightened with panic. He was afraid she'd tell him to go home. Natalie had just agreed to be with him, and things between them were still fragile. He doesn't want to leave her side. Natalie rolled her eyes. "When did I ever say I'd send you away once the rain stopped?" Cassian pressed his lips together. "You never said it. But you keep avoiding me." Natalie muttered, "That's only because ... " Because she was shy. But that word would never leave her mouth. Not from a woman with the presence of an eagle like her. She glared at him. "Stop guessing at my thoughts!" Cassian chuckled. "Got it." Natalie wasn't done scolding. "If you ever—" She didn't get to finish. Cassian cut her off with a kiss. Natalie resisted for only a moment before giving in. Young couples always struggled to stay apart, even someone as cool-hearted as Natalie. Rain tapped against the windows outside while warmth filled the room.For the next few days, the two of them were lost in the glow of new love.