Chapter 1638

Belle leaned in close to John, her face just inches from his, examining him with a tilt of her head as if to figure out how he resembled Naomi. Naomi was caught off guard by John's sudden embrace. The boy who used to trail after her was now towering above her, strong enough to wrap her entirely in his arms. Belle’s curious, puzzled voice broke through, and Naomi smiled, gently nudging John as she spoke, "John, let go now." John noticed Belle but glanced at her before dropping his gaze, holding Naomi tighter. Only when she spoke again did he finally loosen his arms and release her. However, he did not let go completely—he held her hand, standing obediently by her side, his eyes warm with a smile as he looked at her. Naomi could feel how much closer John had become to her. Not that he was never distant, of course. He always liked following her around, but he was reserved, and polite—he would either trail behind her or stand quietly beside her. Now, though, he embraced her, holding he