Hugo’s POV
I am feeling extra happy today, and rightfully so. Just yesterday, I was hanging out with Eliana’s squad. They let me sit with them during lunch, which I think they did in order to erase the dark cloud that have been hovering above us ever since that one task that required us to do it by pair. That was quite a scene, with that Lucas guy being painfully obvious that he does not like me getting too friendly with Eliana, while the latter is being oblivious to that fact. But anyway, let bygones be bygones, we sat at one table during lunch and the Deere heiress actually talked to me. I would ask her questions, she would respond, then throw a question back to me at times. I felt Lucas’ heavy stares, but whatever. It is not like he is the one that I would pursue.
After lunch, as we were walking to our next class, I asked Eli if she would want to hang out after school. I nonchalantly told her that there was this store I
Eliana’s POVI bury my face on my soft pillow and let out a shriek as soon as I got myself lay into my bed. I cannot believe I just did that. Where did my shame go earlier? I cannot believe I have just brazenly borrowed Hugo’s cell so I could type my number on it, saved with my friends’ nickname on me. Why did the ground let me stand still, when they could have just devoured me in front of Hugo? I could have just said that I enjoyed hanging around with him and do the things I like the most, and leave. But no, my hand’s being itchy and the words “Can I borrow you phone for a second” begged me to death to finally breakthrough. I heaved a long sigh, a signal to slowly recover myself from what was happened. I sat on my bed and feel myself. Although a little part of me was panicking a little from what just happened, something inside me was unburdened, and that couldn’t be denied. Maybe it was
Eliana’s POV “Go, and try it, Hugo. It’s not bad as you think,” I say while handing him the ice cream sandwich that we’ve bought earlier. We walked earlier to buy something to eat while we sit in front of the lake. We just realized that there’s something missing right after my stomach betrayed me by eliciting a grumbling sound. For the second time, why didn’t the ground devour me? But then, he let out a delicious chuckle and said, “We better do something about it, El,” and then we headed and stumbled upon this ice cream parlor nearby, where we bought a different flavor and some ice cream sandwiches he’s refusing to eat. He wince a little. “Isn’t weird? And… it does not looked as enticing to my view as yours. It looks weird, so it’s probably tastes weird,” he said. Shuffling a little while he walk. “I mean, no offense, I respect your taste, but…,” I tilt my head at him and take a bite of my ice cream sandwich. Ugh, this is really heaven.
Hugo’s POVWeeks passed and our bond continued to grow. I wake up every day extra early so I could come to class earlier than her. Every single day, without missing a beat, I make sure that I would arrive first, waiting behind her chair. We have been to a couple of coffee shops, too, not because she loves coffee itself but because of the ambience. Every place I know where a good scenery exists, I make sure to tell her and ask her to come. Because she loves taking photos of them, and it brings her peace, too. I never failed to text her after each hang out, to let her know that I want to make sure she arrived at her room safe, even though I always drop her off at the foot of her dormitory building. Every step I take towards her, I do it carefully. I am always smiling. I always make sure that she is comfortable. I never once did anything that I know would make her feel turned off or simply turn away. That is why I do not know why she is now avoiding me. Altho
Eliana’s POVOn Sundays, I would usually be with Kat and Lucas. We could be outside café hopping if there is not much school works to do, or simply relaxing at Lucas’ place. I cannot remember how it started, but weekends usually are time for the three of us. Well, except when there is an emergency or there is a group work that one of us needed to attend to. I have given Hugo some of my weekends already, before I realized that he is getting too close. I have missed some of the hangouts with the other two for the past weeks, leaving them to bond by themselves. But now, I am officially back to being with them in every hangout. Being with Hugo was too fun, until it was too scary. Because another person entering my circle means that there would be another soul that I would be keeping my identity from. I cannot let that happen. Two is already too much to handle for me.Today, a Sunday, the three of us decided that it would be fu
Hugo’s POVSaying that I am frustrated is an understatement. First, she dropped down my invitation, saying that she is busy and already had her plan concrete, but how could she not extend the same courtesy to her friends when I heard Katelyn asked her to be with her in some places I do not care about. Second was when I went to her dorm to propose my invitation to come with me, again. But was actually halted when I heard Eliana’s voice, talking to someone on her phone, for which my instinct told me that’s her best friend, Katelyn. She emerged in the front door, well-dressed, while I am trying my best to peek at her behind the huge tree that was erected nearby. I secretly watch her back, walking her legs towards Lucas. That’s when I am now certain, she and that Lucas guy is now, ugh, dating. What the hell, right? After I spend my precious time bringing her to the places I knew she would love to go to, uninterestedly comb the internet for ef
It has been half an hour since Hugo and I arrived at the clinic. I hurt myself in the process of walking hurriedly so I would not have to walk for too long with him, but ended up riding on his back because of my own doings. How stupid of me. We missed the organization’s meeting, too. Faith already knew what happened and excused us for the day. Yeah, us. Because Hugo is still not leaving my side until now. I have already told him the moment that we got here that he must go, that I could take things from here and handle myself. But this one is really hard-headed.The nurse have already given my ankle the treatment that it needs. She said that it is not something that bad, that I must be just shocked from the impact. She put an ice pack on it and left me here in a bed to rest, saying I could stay until someone fetches me.Hugo is holding his phone at the moment, not using it, while letting his eyes travel around the room. He seemed to be
Eliana’s POV“There, tighten your grip on my arms, Eli, just a few steps and we’ll get there,” Lucas said as he accompany me from taking a step. I can feel the beads of sweat forming in my forehead as we take every step to get into my doorstep. I didn’t think that I will actually experience getting my ankle sprained before, not from any activities, but from trying to escape from someone. I am literally ashamed when even after all the ignoring and avoiding phase, still, he didn’t hesitate to get me and carry me on his back and take me to our university’s clinic.“I am okay here, Lu. I think I can manage walking by myself this time. Thanks for the ride and please, have a safe drive!” I told Lucas. I pull back my hand from holding him to fish the keys of my dorm out of my bag. When suddenly, I felt Lucas not moving from his spot, having no intention to leave--as I expected of course. I cease
Eliana’s POV “You should have just let me make the coffee,” I said almost boastfully. “Hey, I succeeded on the second try,” Hugo countered. “Yeah, you managed to make it a little less sweet than the first batch. And now you are suggesting we bake some cookies. I am afraid of what will happen in my kitchen, for real,” I said, amusement dancing in my eyes. I probably look like a child right now. “Okay, fine, no cookies. Maybe next time, though,” he gave up pushing the cookie idea. We have the cake that he brought anyway. As we were sipping our coffees and eating, he decided to start a conversation. I feel like he thinks that he cannot bore me with silence. I do not think that I would be comfortable with that, either. He is not Lucas. “So, how is your ankle?” he started. “Getting better. Thanks again for being a gentleman and a