Hold Me Tight (Completed) ✔️

Chapter 35

Eliza's pov

I waved at the figure standing across the road with a cute little grey and white puppy on its leash.

Yeah I was meeting up with Nate and Ash. Last time I promised him a walk with Ash and I don't mind either, the puppy is too cute to bail from meeting up.

I was wearing a tri-colour striped sweater and black skinny jeans. The climate has begin to be all summery and bright. But since it was early morning, it can be a little chilly, hence the sweater.

A simple not over-do look for spending time with a friend.

I can't believe how much I have changed since I came here. I have become more outgoing and social. Earlier, I never used to go anywhere alone. The old me always had Emily or Hannah tagged along.

I did not really like going out alone with anyone other than these two. I guess everything changed after I came here. To be precise, after I met up with Seokjin. Him being a professor and also my friend really boosted my confidence. That too in a good way.

Whenever we go out, he makes me do the talkings and he just stays by my side. That alone makes me feel self assured.

And also, why are my thoughts always intruded by him? Every time I think about something it naturally gets caught up to his name and spirals over there.

"Hey, Eliza." Nate spoke as I crossed the road and reached him.

"Hey, you can call me Ela." I smiled at him before crouching down to the small ball of energy whose trying to deposit all his strength on the plush toy.

"Hey, Ash. Aren't you the cutest bean I have ever seen?" I cooed at him, ruffling his fluffy hair and petting him.

We both strolled along with Ash through the wet grass. He was prancing from one side to the other. Nate informed me that he is still training him and is new to all these stroll around the park.

We walked along the trees that are now starting to be filled with green lushes of leaves and buds of soon to be blossomed flowers.

I can't wait for the spring to come. Winter in Canada is like a fairy tale fantasy. It is very enchanting and soulful. I like the cold weather, the snow, the wide spread blanket of soft white magical powder.

I was now seated on a cafe taking in all the blooming greenery. Ash was playing with the hem of my sweater's sleeve while Nate went to buy hot chocolate for an early morning drink.

This peaceful silence only made me more eager to see the spring. I know I am going to fall in love once I see those rainbow like spread of colourful flowers and life brimming streams and birds.

"So tell me, who are you assigned with for the research?" Nate spoke as he sat on the bench across the cafe he came from. I was cut off from my train of thoughts about the beauty of the city when he spoke. At first I didn't get it, then I realised he was talking about the supervisor assigned to me for our research.

"It is Mr. Jace Wesley." I announced befor sipping on the hot chocolate warming my freezing insides.

"Mr. Wesley?" He was surprised.

"Yeah, why?" I frowned at his reaction.

"Well, he is mine too." He smiled brightly before cupping his hands on the hot beverage.

"Wow that is great. I was wondering who all were my companions going to be." I felt relieved knowing at least I have got Nate with me. I was frustrated thinking of sitting with two strangers and a professor (who also happens to know of me and Seokjin) for the rest of my school year.

Yes, Mr. Wesley knows about us, he found out one day when Seokjin dropped me at the college since I was late. Fortunately he dropped it thinking it was a kind gesture but caught us again when we were in a restaurant having dinner.

He thought we were dating at first, because of our close conversations accompanied by non stop giggling and blushing (pointed out by Wesley, the guy and him only). We had to explain a lot to clear out the misunderstanding. And now he is also one among our small gang who knows about us.

I don't know why we are hiding it this much, when it is obvious that there is nothing going on between us. Why are we concealing when there is nothing to be afraid of? Or is it me telling this to convince myself is the real mistake?

"Ella?"

I was brought back to reality by the voice calling out my name. Wow, that was a really long thought process I just had.

"You kinda zoned out on me." Nate sounded concerned.

"Yeah, I tend to do that a lot." I chuckled embarassed and rubbed the back of my head mentally scolding myself for keeping him astray.

"Well, I was asking if you knew who the other student would be?"

"Oh I don't know. I was bummed that the list had given only the roll numbers of students instead of their names." I groaned frustrated at the fact of not knowing who the other person is.

"I know right. It is not like we are in a cult or something. They could have just given us the names." Nate spoke equally annoyed, earning a sincere nod from me agreeing with him.

We talked for a little longer and played with Ash after that at the park. We stopped after realising it has already been more than three hours since we arrived here.

He offered to drop me at my place which I clearly declined not wanting to create another situation for us to explain the whole rooming thing.

I was walking alone in the sidewalk to our home when my phone buzzed. I paused the the song playing on my 'Sad Walk Playlist' and checked the phone only to see a text message from Seokjin.

Seokjin
Where r u? U r not home.

Me
On my way back.

Seokjin
This early?
😳

Me
Meet up with a friend.

Seokjin
Who?
Hannah?

Me
Nate

Seokjin
Who is that GUY?

Me
My friend.

Seokjin
I haven't heard of him.

Me
NEW friend, mom.

Seokjin
Rude😤

Me
Hold your horses.
I will be there in 5.

I chuckled at our texts as I slipped my phone back to my jeans pocket. The conversations I have with him never fails to bring a smile onto my face. That man really got his finger wrapped around my heart and thoughts. And I am not complaining, because I have never been happier than this with my life.