Veiled Echoes

C H A P T E R 20

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AIDEN

We didn't stop until we were away from the chaos and the whispers. Until it was just us.

Once we turned into the dim corner underneath the staircase, Hana finally released my hand. She leaned against the wall, her breath slightly uneven as her chest rose and fell beneath the rain-slicked dress.

Despite the whirl of emotions, I couldn't help but admire her.

She had walked through the rain with her hair stuck against her neck, and her lips had started to turn blue. Even after all that, she had managed to stand her ground, uttering words that would make Alex think twice before he dared to say anything derogatory about her ever again.

Then here she was, in front of me, allowing me to see the slight tremors of her hand and the gloss of her eyes. I waited until she could catch her breath again, the adrenaline that had her fired slowly dimming down as her eyes finally focused on me.

I dropped my bag, taking off my jacket before cautiously draping it around her shoulders. She willingly complied, placing her arms inside the sleeves and allowing me to zip up the jacket.

As pathetic as I was, I had to suppress the groan that nearly left my mouth upon seeing her in my jacket. And god, did she look good in it, the jacket reaching midway between her thighs.

I could kiss her right now. And from the look in her eyes, I knew she wouldn't stop me from doing so.

Yet I curled my hands into fists beside me, taming myself. There was so much I could show this beautiful girl, but until she was comfortable enough to initiate it herself, I had to grab hold of myself.

Hana cleared her throat. "I think I'm going to be the topic of discussion in that first-year group chat now." Then she hid her face behind her hands, groaning. "I'll need a PR manager by the end of this week."

Is that what she worried about?

I couldn't help the small quirk of my lips. She had just talked down to an imbecile who was double her height and size, and she worried about the first-years gossiping.

"I think they'll talk about how hot you were there," I said, stepping a little closer.

She peeked at me from between her fingers, her lips pursed into a little pout. "You think so?"

God, she was adorable.

I nodded and looked up thoughtfully before meeting her gaze again. "Perhaps they'll talk more about you calling me baby than anything else."

Hana scoffed, planting her hands on her hips. "Don't get cocky."

"No promises."

I stepped closer, gently tugging a strand of damp hair from her neck and letting it fall down her shoulder.

"Although," I started, gaze locking with hers, "if you call me that again, I might just kiss you against this wall."

She blinked, lips parting slightly. "Right here?"

I shrugged, my eyes flickering to her mouth for a moment before meeting hers. "Depends. Are we still playing along, or are we dangerously close to me losing my mind when you call me yours?"

Hana chuckled, swatting my chest. "As much as you like to flirt with me, there are things we have to talk about."

As if her words dragged me back to reality, I blinked and took a small step back.