My Hockey Alpha

Chapter 0448

Before I could reply, the very subject of our conversation made his presence known.

"Nina! Enzo!" Matt's voice echoed across the arena, filled with his characteristic exuberance. I glanced at Enzo, raising an eyebrow as we both turned to greet him. Matt, ever the athlete, was dressed in his usual campus attire-a sleeveless tee, showing off his well-defined arms, shorts, and worn-out sneakers. His hair, a mop of sleek blackness, bounced slightly as he jogged over to us with his hockey bag slung over his shoulder.

"Guess who just got his results back on his psych exam?" Matt announced proudly before I could even say hello. "And aced it?"

I clapped, feigning amazement. "Wow, Matt. You mean you actually studied this time?"

He winked, nudging me. "Just a little. But hey, can't wait for tonight! The party's going to be epic"

Enzo chuckled, glancing my way. "It sure will be."

Matt, ever the intuitive one, caught the undertone. "Everything okay, guys?"

I shot Enzo a look, silently urging him to spill the beans, but he just shook his head discreetly. "All good, man. Just end-of-semester stress."

Matt seemed to buy it, nodding sympathetically. "Yeah, tell me about it. Anyway, I need to head off to get cleaned up after that grueling practice, oh captain my captain." He paused, shooting Enzo a playful look. Enzo was always a rigorous team captain. "But I'll see you both tonight! Can't wait!"

As he jogged away, I turned to Enzo, exasperated. "Seriously? Right there was a perfect moment!"

But Enzo just shrugged, his signature mischievous smirk tugging at his lips. "This will make his reaction even better."

"You're impossible," I muttered, but there was no real heat behind my words. I understood Enzo's need for theatrics, his love for the grand gesture. Especially when it came to Matt.

We slowly made our way towards the parking lot, hand in hand, letting the campus atmosphere wash over us. The sky above was a brilliant shade of azure, dotted with fluffy clouds, the sun casting its golden hue on the old brick buildings, ivy-covered walls, and well- trodden pathways of the university. The scent of blooming flowers and freshly mown grass mingled in the air.

As we approached Enzo's motorcycle, he stopped and pulled me into a gentle embrace. Thank you, Nina," he whispered. "For understanding, for being there."

Thugged him tighter. "Always."

As we stood close, the warmth of Enzo's embrace enveloping me, a sudden chill crept up my spine.

Over his shoulder, a dark, shadowy figure dashed towards us. My heart raced, panic

overtaking reason.

"Enzo!" I gasped, reflexively pushing away from him and stepping back

His grip tightened momentarily, confusion evident in his face. But when he followed my gaze and saw nothing, his expression shifted to one of concern.

"Nina?" he questioned, eyes scanning the empty parking lot. "What happened?"

A deep sense of embarrassment washed over me as I realized it was just another episode. How many times had I been startled by these imaginary figures over the past few months?

"It was nothing," I whispered, avoiding his gaze. "Just thought I saw someone."

Enzo didn't buy it. Pulling me close once more, he planted a soft kiss on the top of my head. I'll always be here to protect you, you know that, right?"

I nodded silently, taking comfort in his words. But I knew it wasn't that simple.

"You should really see someone about this, Nina," he murmured, concern evident in his voice. "These episodes... they're happening more often. At first it was just at night, but now it's happening in broad daylight."

I pulled away slightly, meeting his worried eyes. "I've got it under control, Enzo. It's just stress, probably from finals."Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

He looked at me with a sad, almost pleading expression. But he knew me well enough to understand that pushing too hard would only make me retreat further. Instead, he grabbed the two motorcycle helmets out of his bag.

Handing one to me, he sighed.

"Let's go home."