Leave the Villainous Second Male Lead Alone - Chapter 5.5

Callisto’s face turned red as he repeated my words, as if he was hearing them for the first time. His embarrassment made me wonder if I’d said something strange. While I mulled over what might have caused his reaction, Callisto glanced toward the ships, then nodded as if coming to a decision.

“Alright,” he said, his tone oddly resolute. “Let’s go night fishing.”

It turned out the crew had rushed back to the ships to gather fishing supplies. Callisto’s fleet was always moving quickly, leaving little time for fishing despite being constantly surrounded by the sea. So whenever they had a chance, the sailors would fish to procure fresh meals and unwind.

“Everyone especially loves fishing near this island,” Callisto explained. “The waters are so full of fish that all you have to do is drop a net and pull it up to catch something.”

“Oh? Then let’s just join the others. No need to do it separately.”

“…No,” Callisto said quickly. “Too many people in one spot will scare the fish away.”

I pointed to a group of sailors drinking and laughing loudly on a nearby boat. “It already looks noisy to me.”

Callisto shook his head and hesitated before gesturing toward the quieter side of the sea. “The tastier fish are over there.”

“That’s pretty far. It’ll take a while just to row the boat there.”

“I’ll take care of everything! You won’t have to lift a finger!” he declared, already running toward the ship before I could object.

By the time I reached the Etty, Callisto was waiting on a small rowboat, oars in hand, grinning at me.

“Come on, brother. I’ll catch something delicious for you.”

At this rate, anyone watching might think it was my birthday with how eager he was to please me. Smiling despite myself, I nodded and stepped toward the boat.

Callisto set down the oars and stood, offering his hand to help me in. I hesitated briefly before taking it, and as my hand brushed his, I noticed how warm he felt. The heat seemed to spread through me, warming my neck, cheeks, and even my ears.

“Let’s set off,” Callisto said softly.

“…Alright.”

He began rowing, the boat gliding smoothly across the darkening water.

Night had fallen, and the moon’s golden light shimmered on the sea. It was breathtaking, but what caught my attention even more was Callisto’s golden eyes reflecting the same radiant glow.

I couldn’t tell which was more beautiful—the moonlight or his gaze.

As we drifted farther from the fleet, the boat rounded the island to a quiet, secluded area. Only the gentle sound of the oars breaking the water filled the silence. Even the cries of seabirds were absent.

“Sometimes I’d come here alone,” Callisto said suddenly. His voice was low, almost wistful, and I leaned in slightly to listen.

“Everyone on the fleet is great, but for some reason, this island made me feel lonelier than usual. I’d think about how much you’d love it here and wonder what it’d be like to have you with me.”

“…You did?”

“Yeah. And now that you’re here, it feels amazing. I’m glad we decided to stay tonight.”

His expression was so full of quiet joy that it tugged at something inside me. Before I realized it, I had risen to my feet, instinctively wanting to go to him, to hold him and run my fingers through his hair.

But just as I took a step forward, Callisto’s voice rang out, panicked.

“Brother, don’t stand up—it’s dangerous!”

The boat tilted sharply, and before I could regain my balance, I tumbled into the water with a loud splash.

The night sea was icy, and the cold seeped deep into my bones. I flailed, trying to keep my head above water, but it was no use—I didn’t know how to swim. Water filled my nose and mouth as I sank deeper.

“Calli…” I choked, just as darkness began to blur my vision.

“Hold on!”

Through the haze, I saw Callisto dive in after me. Strong arms wrapped around my waist, and I felt him pulling me to the surface. The moment I felt his touch, my fear ebbed, and my limbs went limp.

Using one arm to hold me, Callisto swam toward the shore. Once his feet found solid ground, he carried me out of the water and gently set me down.

I coughed violently, expelling the seawater from my lungs, while Callisto rubbed my back in soothing circles. Despite the bone-chilling cold, his touch was warm, and the sensation brought some comfort to my trembling body.

“Are you okay, brother? Can you stand?”

“I’m fine now… Sorry, did I scare you?”

“What are you apologizing for? Don’t say that. Let me check—are you hurt anywhere?”

Callisto held my face between his hands, inspecting me closely. Though I hadn’t been underwater for long, his worried expression made me feel guilty. I had ruined his plans for night fishing before they even began.

Still coughing a little, I tugged at his sleeve. “I’m fine, really. I just swallowed some water, but it’s gone now. Let’s go back and fish.”

“Are you serious? You’re soaked! We need to get back to the ship so you can change. Can you walk? Never mind—I’ll carry you.”

“Wait, no!” I protested, backing away. “I can walk just fine!”

The last thing I needed was the officers seeing me being carried like a child. Callisto looked reluctant but finally relented, though he didn’t hide the disappointment in his eyes.

“…Fine. But we still need to head back. You’re drenched, and it’s too cold to stay out here.”

Callisto glanced at his own soaked clothes, clearly realizing he was in no position to offer me his jacket. With a sigh, he ran a hand through his wet hair, looking genuinely conflicted.

“Don’t worry so much,” I said, lightly tugging at his arm. “Let’s sit here for a bit until we dry off. This island is uninhabited, so it’s safe, right?”

After a moment’s hesitation, Callisto nodded. “Alright. As long as we’re back by dawn, we’ll be fine.”

He settled beside me, but before long, he was up again, moving with purpose.

“Calli, what are you doing? Sit down,” I called after him.

“Just wait a second. I’ll make it warm,” he replied.

Gathering twigs and stones scattered along the beach, he skillfully started a fire. Before long, a small flame crackled to life, casting a comforting glow.

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