Chapter 0469

The cold, sharp bite of the ice-rink's air faded as the sounds of the crowd grew deafening. Making my way down toward the rink, I felt the surge of warmth wrap around me long before I realized it was Enzo, embracing me tightly armidst the throng.

His uniform, still damp with sweat, clung to him but he seemed not to care as he squeezed me close.

"That was a hell of a way to make an announcement," I whispered into his ear, trying to keep the tremor out of my voice. "Could've warned me, you know."

He pulled back, locking those soft yet striking brown eyes onto mine. The stadium's lights caught the sheen of triumph and emotion in them, making them appear almost ethereal.

"I didn't plan it, Nina," he admitted, his lips curving into a sheepish grin. "It just... felt right in the moment."

I bit my lip, fighting off the surge of guilt and anxiety that welled up inside me. The entire school now knew of his departure, and here I was, potentially holding news that could alter his plans drastically.

strand of curly, sweat-soaked hair behind his ear. "But you know, your fans seem to think I'm some sort of walking encyclopedia. I got bombarded with

forth. "Sorry.

fell between us. "Is everything okay?" he asked when I didn't laugh, searching my

quickly. "Of course. Just... a lot

to buy my excuse, or perhaps he was too wrapped up in the whirlwind of his last big victory as a college hockey player to dig deeper. "How about we go out and celebrate?" he suggested, his voice full of hopeful enthusiasm. "One

distraction, even if

welcome one. The aged wooden beams overhead, complemented by rustic brick walls, gave the establishment an old-world charm. Crackly rock music music softly wafted through hidden speakers, punctuated by the clinking of

found a large booth near the back, our favorite weekend spot to sit and watch the drunk bar goers come and go all night. Enzo, noticing a shiver run through me as the fan hit us, draped his warm flannel over my shoulders before sliding into the

clearly recognizing our group. "The usual?" he asked with

nodded, tuming to me. "Want the

two less on the alcohol front. Nina and I are both

a grateful look, silently thanking her for

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