Hook: The Novel (English)

Chapter 25: Unconditionally

FORD'S P.O.V.

"Class dismissed," our professor announced, and the entire room seemed to exhale at once, a collective breath of relief as our shoulders slumped in exhaustion.

"That was quite intense," my blockmate muttered beside me, still scribbling a few notes.

I let out a soft chuckle. "Another achievement unlocked—surviving another hell class with our terror professor."

She burst out laughing. "That's indeed an achievement. She's so cruel."

We both shared a knowing look, the kind only fellow architecture students could understand. Between research papers, never-ending plates, surprise quizzes, and recitations, it felt like we were constantly being thrown into academic battle. Sometimes, I even wondered why I chose Architecture in the first place.

As I began packing up my things, shoving my pens and sketch pad into my bag, I suddenly felt my phone vibrate in the pocket of my pants. I instinctively reached for it, and the moment I saw Gadiel's name light up on the screen, a wide, involuntary smile stretched across my lips.

But the moment I saw his message, the smile on my face instantly vanished. My heart began to race, and my forehead creased with confusion.

From: Gadiel ♡♡♡
Ford, I'm sorry. I can't do this anymore.

What... What does that even mean?
What happened?
Why all of a sudden?

To: Gadiel ♡♡♡
What do you mean? I don't understand.

My chest tightened. Panic surged through me as emotions started to spiral. I could feel tears threatening to fall—and right here, in the middle of the classroom. How could he just drop something like that out of nowhere?

Does he want to give up on me?

Was everything we had... just temporary?

My mind was spiraling into a thousand different scenarios when another message came in.

From: Gadiel ♡♡♡
I can't take it anymore. I badly wanna see you. I'm here in front of your building. :(

WTF!?

My jaw literally dropped.

This guy—he has no idea how effortlessly he tosses my emotions around like a storm, leaving me completely unguarded. One second I'm near tears, and the next I'm blushing like a fool.

I bit my lip, torn between wanting to smack him and wanting to throw myself into his arms. A soft groan escaped me as I shook my head, trying to calm the rapid thump of my heart.

To: Gadiel ♡♡♡
Augh! I hate you! You scared me!

From: Gadiel ♡♡♡
Sorry, baby.

The moment I read that last word, baby, my cheeks flushed a deep red. My heart, which had just been in shambles, now fluttered with warmth.

Without wasting another second, I grabbed my things and ran out of the classroom, bolting straight toward the building entrance—eager, and undeniably excited to see him.

I didn't think twice. The moment he saw Gadiel standing there, arms already open, I ran straight into him. Gadiel caught me in a firm, secure embrace, wrapping me tightly like he'd been waiting all day just for this moment.

I let out a breathless laugh and smacked his back lightly.

"I hate you. You almost gave me a heart attack."

Gadiel chuckled, resting his chin briefly against on my shoulder.
"I'm sorry," he said, his voice soft. "I didn't mean to scare you."

I pulled back just slightly, though we still clung to each other. My eyes searched Gadiel's face, trying to make sense of why he'd shown up so suddenly.