Naomi's POV: I twisted the hem of my shirt, my fingertips digging into my palm as I stared hard at the tips of my shoes. "You ... " "Sam ... " We spoke at the same time, and just like that, the already-awkward tension grew even weirder. I bit my lip, my eyes fixed on Samuel's face—then, all of a sudden, I broke down crying. It startled him. He tried to get out of bed instinctively, but the movement tugged at his wound, and he let out a sharp cry of pain. Panicked, I rushed to his bedside. "Are you okay? Do you want me to call the doctor?" Samuel pressed his lips together but said nothing. He barely managed to look away from me. Seeing that, I knelt beside his bed and looked up at him. "I'm sorry. I was being so stupid. I shouldn't have said those things and walked away like that ... " He still didn't say a word. My heart ached just looking at him, so I asked gently, "Does your head still hurt? What did the doctor say? Is there going to be any ... " Before I could finish, Samuel suddenly leaned in and kissed me. I froze, my eyes wide as I blinked at the face so close to mine. My heart pounded wildly in my chest. It took me a second to react, and when I did, I instinctively pushed him away. "You ... " I covered my lips with my hand, my ears burning. Samuel's POV: Did Naomi justpushmeaway? Wassherejectingme? Thenwhatwasallthatshejustsaid? Wasit a lie? My heart, which had been soaring just a moment ago, crashed hard. "You should go," I said, taking a deep breath and forcing my voice to stay calm.Naomi stared at me in shock, her lips pressed tightly together. But I had already turned away and didn't notice the look on her face. Lost in my bitterness, I said painfully, "If you don't have feelings for me, then why even ... " But she cut me off before I could finish. "Samuel, who said I don't have feelings for you? You think I was just talking nonsense earlier?" Naomi's POV: A rush of frustration rose in my chest. I honestly doubted if Samuel had heard a single word of my teary, heartfelt confession. I blinked at him in disbelief as he looked back at me, clearly confused. "Then why did you push me away just now?" "You ... " I blinked a few times. "You're still hurt—your head, your body. Couldn't we have kissed any other time? Why did it have to be now?" The more I spoke, the more my voice faltered until I ended up mumbling the rest under my breath. But this time, Samuel heard me. His eyes lit up just a little, though his tone was still subdued. "But you looked like you didn't want to. Naomi, I would never force you." I bit my lower lip, then gave him a hard look. Finally, I muttered, "Would it kill you if I just admitted I was embarrassed?" As soon as I blurted it out, I saw the smile tugging at the corner of Samuel's mouth grow wider, and it hit me. He'd tricked me. Those things he said earlier? He didn't mean them. He just wanted to get a rise out of me. "Alright," he said, reaching out. But because of the injury on his arm, he could only barely touch my hand. I hurried over, leaned in close, and whispered, "Samuel ... " "Do you mean it?" His voice was low, almost nervous. "Do you want to be with me? Not out of guilt?" I didn't even let him finish. I gently placed a finger over his lips."Samuel, it's not about anything else. I love you. That's why I want to be with you—for real." My eyes filled with tears. "I was so foolish before, always running away from my feelings. But now, and from now on, I'm going to give you everything I've got." Then I leaned down and gently kissed the bandage on his forehead. He smiled and pointed at his cheek. "What?" I thought he was in pain and leaned closer to check. "It hurts," he said softly. "I'll call the doctor right now." I turned to go, but before I could take a step, Samuel pulled me into his arms. I let out a soft gasp and froze, not daring to move. He rested his chin on my shoulder and said in a teasing tone, "No need to call anyone. One kiss from you will make it all better." "Samuel!" I shot him a glare, but he just closed his eyes and turned his cheek up expectantly. Embarrassed, I glanced around to make sure no one was nearby, then gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "All better?" I asked, feeling like I was babying him. "Uh-oh ... Now my other cheek hurts. And my neck. And my chest ... " He was relentless, acting like a spoiled little kid. In the end, I had to threaten to call the doctor just to shut him up.