Chapter 1
The night sky stretched out like a deep, inky canvas, dotted with shimmering stars that twinkled like golden threads left behind by a celestial seamstress.
A winding path snaked through the darkness, faintly visible like a shadowy tunnel leading into the unknown. It was the kind of road that could inspire unease in anyone traveling alone.
Yet, amidst the stillness, a singing voice broke through the silence.
“Walking down the country road, an old ox keeps me company… lalalala… Ah, I messed up the lyrics again! Guess I’m just not cut out for singing.”
The clear and melodious voice seemed to dissolve the night’s gloom, filling it with warmth.
“Ugh, I can’t believe Clover left me to walk home alone. I’m never going to share my snacks with her again,” Nelly Albright grumbled, pouting in dissatisfaction.
It had been Clover Reagan’s turn to walk her home, but an impromptu class reunion had thrown a wrench in their plans. Left with no choice, Nelly had to head home by herself.
She hopped lightly as she moved. Her steps radiated confidence, and her petite frame was lively against the somber night, like a fearless fairy dancing in the moonlight.
“Lalala, lalala—”
Suddenly Nelly stumbled, and she screamed as an icy hand gripped her ankle.
“Ah! Who are you? Let go of me!” she shrieked, struggling to free herself.
As she wrestled with the sudden restraint, the person spoke up. “Help… me.”
It was a man’s voice, low and magnetic yet chilling.
“W-Who are you?” Nelly stammered, her voice trembling.
“Help me,” the man repeated firmly before slipping into unconsciousness.
Cautiously, Nelly crouched down, straining to make out his features in the darkness. However, his face was shrouded in shadows.
“What should I do? Should I help him?” she mumbled to herself, feeling torn. “But I can’t just leave him here either… Whatever, saving a life is the right thing to do.”
Having made up her mind, Nelly mustered all her strength to help the tall man to his feet. Her small frame contrasted sharply with his imposing stature.
“Good grief, this must be what they call a ‘cute height difference,'” she muttered wryly.
Instead of calling a cab, Nelly was ever thrifty and decided to walk the short distance home. By the time they arrived, her clothes were soaked with sweat.
Exhausted, she let go of the man without thinking, and he landed on the floor with a heavy crash.
“Oops, sorry! Didn’t mean to do that,” Nelly said apologetically.
Summoning what strength she had left, she hauled him onto the couch before getting her first aid kit.
Although her place was small, it was neat and inviting.
When Nelly returned to the man’s side, she noticed something peculiar—a golden mask adorned his face. It was intricately carved with a lifelike dragon, exuding a mysterious and sinister air.
While Nelly couldn’t see his face, her mind had already begun to wander with endless imaginings.
“Huh. Must be hiding a hideous face,” she muttered with a hint of disdain.
Still, his weakened state quickly prompted her to crouch down and examine his injuries.
Nelly unbuttoned his shirt and was shocked to discover a gunshot wound on his abdomen. Fortunately, it didn’t hit any vital parts.
“Oh my God! What trouble have I gotten myself into?” she whispered in disbelief.
Nelly shook her head to dismiss her thoughts. Since she had brought him back, it was only right to help him deal with his injuries.
Carefully, Nelly began tending to the man’s wounds, mimicking what she’d seen in TV shows. Though her hands trembled throughout the process, she gradually grew more adept.
She used an alcohol swab to gently clean and disinfect the area around his abdomen. Once done, she set her tools aside and stretched with a satisfied sigh.
“I should’ve been a doctor,” she muttered proudly.
She darted into her room to grab a blanket and draped it over the man. Glancing at his still figure, she returned to her desk and pulled out her assignments.
Nelly was only a sophomore in college, but she knew that constant effort was the only way to avoid falling behind.
With that thought in mind, she picked up her phone and sent a text to someone in her contacts. However, there was no reply even after more than ten minutes.
“Must’ve gone to bed. I should work on my assignments,” she murmured, trying to console herself.
“Ugh…”
Just as she was settling in, the man on the couch let out a soft groan, his forehead beaded with sweat.
Recognizing the signs of a fever, Nelly sprang into action. She fetched a basin of cool water from the bathroom and placed a damp towel on the man’s forehead.
She had lost track of how many trips she’d made until her legs felt like they were about to give out. Thankfully, the man’s fever subsided at last.
Slumping over her desk, Nelly resumed studying. Before she realized it, her eyelids grew heavy, and she slowly drifted off to sleep.
…
The next morning, sunlight streamed into the room, bathing it in a warm, gentle glow. It brought a sense of tranquility, leaving one feeling peaceful and refreshed.
The man stirred on the couch, his fingers brushing against his temple as he awoke to unfamiliar surroundings.
As the memories of the previous night resurfaced, a menacing expression crossed his face. Nonetheless, it disappeared as soon as he heard an unexpected voice.
“Fried chicken, ice cream, creamy pasta… Delicious… They’re all mine!” Nelly mumbled in her sleep, a glimmer of drool escaping her lips as she dreamed of food.
Matthew Yorke paused when he realized she was the one who had saved him. He studied her sleeping face and found her particularly beautiful with sunlight spilled across her features.
Though Nelly wasn’t extraordinarily stunning, she was still considered charming. Her big eyes, delicate nose, and rosy lips complemented each other perfectly.
As he gazed at her, his usually cold heart stirred for the briefest moment.
His eyes then shifted to the assignment sheets scattered across her desk before noticing the absence of a blanket on her. For some reason, he had the urge to cover her with one.
But as he rose, the pain in his abdomen caused his body to lurch forward.
Matthew tried to steady himself but struggled to maintain his balance due to his injury. Luckily, he managed to prop himself up with his hands on the desk, or else he might’ve squashed Nelly.
Yet, his lips inadvertently brushed against hers.
