thin ice // mitch marner

CHAPTER 24

I awoke to the blaring sound of my alarm. I groan, finally opening my eyes after the sound became too much, grabbing my phone. It was an incoming call from Mitch.

"Hello?" I mumble.

"Hey, Nat." he says. He sounds perfectly awake.

"What's up Mitch? It's two in the morning." I say, sitting up and trying to stay quiet as not to wake Anna.

"I know, I just have a question." he says.

"Okay..." I say, waiting for him to continue.

"I know we haven't talked about this much, but would you want to be my girlfriend? Like officially?" he asks.

Woah. Definitely a big question for 2:09am. "Woah." I say aloud as I try to think.

"I know, sorry. I just couldn't stop thinking about it." he apologizes.

"Um," I start. "But Auston—"

"Don't think about him, Nat. Just think about me." he says.

I pause, thinking about what he's saying. Finally I speak, "Yes. Yes of course." I say. I was definitely awake now.

"Okay." he says. It sounds like he's smiling too. "So, uh, is that it?"

"I believe you have to ask me formally." I giggle.

"Okay." he chuckles, too. "I don't have a game tonight. Do you want to hang out?" he asks.

"Sure. Where?"

"I don't know. I guess I'll figure that out." he says.

"Try not to pick somewhere that you'll be recognized a lot. You won't be left alone." I let him know.

"Yeah, good point." he says.

"I'm gonna go back to sleep. You should, too." I tell him.

"Okay, Nat. I'll see you later." he says, and I smile, putting down my phone and trying to get back to sleep.

——

Mitch: i got it

Me: shh im in class!

Me: but got what?

Mitch: i booked us a reservation

Me: where?

Mitch: restaurant downtown

Mitch: sorry im boring lol

Me: don't worry i like food :)

Mitch: we're sitting in a private area tho, dw i made sure

Me: okay np

Mitch: wear a nice dress :)

Me: will do!

Me: whatcha up to now?

Mitch: working out. i'm getting all nice and sweaty for our date :)

Me: nasssttyyy

Me: shower

Mitch: LOL of course

Me: ugh good

Mitch: thank you :)

Mitch: so i'll pick you up tonight? reservation's at 7, be ready for 6:30?

Me: got it

Me: see ya 😚

After class ended, I returned to my dorm, surprised to find Anna and Alex together on her bed. They break apart once I open the door.