The Time Weaver

Part 16 - It's Official!

Walking hand in hand with Eric through the bustling corridors of the university felt both exhilarating and surreal. Ever since we had officially become a couple, it seemed like the whole campus had taken notice. The sideways glances, the whispered conversations—there was an undeniable buzz surrounding us.

As we passed groups of students, I couldn't help but notice the amused smiles and playful nudges exchanged among our friends. Jess, always quick-witted and mischievous, flashed us a teasing grin as we approached.

"Well, well, well," she quipped, her voice dripping with mock surprise. "Look who's decided to make it official."

Eric squeezed my hand reassuringly, a lopsided grin on his face. "Guilty as charged."

Jess leaned in conspiratorially, her eyes twinkling. "It's about time, you two. We were starting to wonder if Eric would ever make a move."

I flushed slightly, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement. "Yeah, well, better late than never, right?"

Our other friends gathered around, offering their congratulations and playful jabs in equal measure. It felt surreal to be the center of attention, but amidst the teasing and laughter, there was a genuine warmth and happiness that I couldn't ignore.

As we settled into our usual spot in the student lounge, Eric draped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer. I leaned into his side, feeling a sense of contentment settle over me. This was where I wanted to be—wrapped in Eric's embrace, surrounded by friends who cared about us.

"So, when's the party?" Jake teased, waggling his eyebrows playfully.

Eric chuckled, his fingers tracing absent-minded patterns on my arm. "Maybe after finals. We'll see."

The conversation flowed effortlessly, laughter mingling with shared stories and inside jokes. Despite the initial teasing, I could sense the genuine happiness and support from our friends. It was comforting to know that we had their blessing and encouragement as we embarked on this new chapter together.

As the afternoon stretched into evening, Eric and I found ourselves walking across campus towards our respective dorms. The sun cast a golden hue over the buildings, lending a sense of tranquility to the bustling university grounds.

Eric stopped beneath a sprawling oak tree, its branches swaying gently in the breeze. He turned to face me, his eyes soft with affection. "Hazel..."

I looked up at him, heart skipping a beat at the earnestness in his gaze. "Yes?"

He took a deep breath, as if gathering his thoughts. "I just wanted to say... I'm really glad we're together, officially."

I smiled, reaching up to brush a strand of hair from his forehead. "Me too, Eric."

Leaning down, he pressed a tender kiss to my lips, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver down my spine. It was a simple gesture, yet it spoke volumes of the love and connection we shared.

As we parted, Eric rested his forehead against mine, his breath mingling with mine in the cool evening air. "I can't wait to see where this takes us, Hazel."

"Neither can I," I whispered, feeling a surge of excitement and anticipation for the future.

Hand in hand, we continued our walk back to the dorms, our hearts light and spirits soaring. With Eric by my side, I knew that whatever challenges or adventures awaited us, we would face them together, hand in hand, embracing the new chapter of our lives with open hearts and boundless optimism.