Everyone fell silent, completely unsure how to respond."So… When can we go back?" someone finally asked."You can leave whenever you want," Hayley said calmly."Then we want to leave tomorrow.""Nope."The group exchanged blank looks again, caught between confusion and disbelief."Then we'll stay here a few more days. Honestly, I like this place. You should show us around properly," Nathaniel finally said. "Sure," Hayley said.Under Hayley's "enthusiastic hospitality", Nathaniel's group decided to remain for the time being.Hayley handed Nathaniel a communicator so he could send a message back to his people, letting them know he would be staying longer.With the return date settled, everyone shared dinner in relative peace.Throughout the meal, Nathaniel kept talking with Hayley, mostly about the food, supplies, and daily life in the base. Hayley answered casually, while everyone else kept their heads down, barely daring to speak.After dinner, Nathaniel smiled at her.
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