As Nick was about to depart the university, a voice from behind interrupted his exit. "Sir, are you not going to join us for farewell?" A girl who looked to be in her mid-twenties asked excitedly, her eyes locked onto his. He recognized her as one of his students and gave her a brief glance before deliberately trying to read her facial expression.
"Oh, sorry, I have things to do, so I might not make it on time," he declared politely, rushing out hurriedly. The girl's face fell, and she looked down, disappointment clear in her eyes.
Meanwhile, in another part of the university, a group of students were discussing Professor Nick's absence from the farewell. "We know that Professor Nick acts cold, but at least he shouldn't let go of his own class farewell!" one of the teachers exclaimed. The Head of Department intervened, "What's done is done. Let's focus on the farewell preparations."
After his encounter with the student, Nick left the university and headed to Arcadia to meet Aish. The bright morning sunlight made the atmosphere perfect for outdoor activities. He marked his entry on the gate and began searching for the security guard. Spotting him sitting on a chair near a tree, Nick approached him.
"Sir, can you call out for Aish and please don't let her know my name?" Nick requested. The security guard welcomed him with a polite smile and nodded. "There you go, this admirer of yours will call her right away. But sir, what's with the umbrella? The weather is all clear, isn't it?" he asked, looking up at the sky.
"No, you're right, it won't rain. The forecast says so," Nick replied, his eyes scanning the sky. The security guard nodded and made the call.
Aish was lounging on her bunk, engrossed in a book, when a girl from room 1 burst in, excitement radiating from her face. "Aish, someone's waiting for you!" she exclaimed. Aish's curiosity was piqued, and she got up calmly, smoothing out her clothes.
As she walked towards the entrance, she saw Nick standing calmly, his eyes fixed on her. "Hey...."Hey! How is it going, all good?" He spoke while trying to avoid eye contact with her, just for a moment there eyes met, but he hurriedly looked away.
"Hmmm.."
He pulled out an umbrella, from his left hand and offer it to her.
"It's just, yo.. you don't walk in rain…know that it's not good for health." he told her so politely, that it could melt away anyone's heart.
When no response was received from her nor did she extended her hand, He grip her hand and handed over the umbrella.
"I was not eyeing you, you know I was just passing by" He explained himself, so that he can get rid of her confuse expression.
"How is your studies going?"
"It's going well, had exam last week"
"Don't overdo things, I will be there for you, just reach me out if need any help, okay." Even he himself knows that, he had never talk to anyone this politely. When it's about her he had this prominent calm and loving side of him.
Not even once he dare to rise his voice as if she was to precious to him. He could to anything for her smile, he worries about her, care for her, and can't afford to lose her.
"Hmmm.. I will!"
"Soo, I will be leaving then…"
"Have a good day!"
As Nick tried to leave, Aish stood still, looking at him with an unreadable expression. He rubbed the back of his neck, staring blankly for a moment before waving her over. "Come here," he said, his voice gentle.
Aish's face lit up with understanding, and she waved him back. A faint smile played on Nick's lips as he realized the misunderstanding. "Silly girl, I'm asking you to come here," he said, walking towards her.
Aish's eyes widened, and she stood frozen, unsure of what to do. Nick's expression turned playful, and he pinched her ear, gently pushing her hair back. "Or is there a problem with your ears? We're going out for dinner. Put your umbrella away; I'll be waiting for you here. And no excuses, got it?"
Aish looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with amusement. Nick's heart skipped a beat as he sensed her response. "Silly girl, do you want me to raise my voice? I'm dead serious," he warned, trying to maintain a stern tone.
Aish looked down, and Nick gently tapped her head. "Forget it, I'll go alone," he said, turning to leave. But Aish's voice stopped him. "Give me five minutes, big bro," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
A subtle grin spread across Nick's face as he turned around. "Be quick," he said, already knowing she'd be fast. Aish rushed off, and Nick waited patiently, his eyes fixed on the door.
When Aish returned, she looked refreshed in her new outfit. "Big bro, we can leave now," she said, stammering slightly. Nick smiled and led the way, his eyes scanning the surroundings as they walked.
At the café, Nick held the door open for Aish and followed her in. They chose a cozy table by the window, and Nick ordered for them. Aish raised an eyebrow at the amount of desserts he'd ordered. "You don't like sweet, and this is too much," she said, looking at the waiter as he walked away.
Just then, Nick's phone rang, and Ales's name popped up on the screen. Nick's expression changed, and he cleared his throat. "It's Ales. She came to the country this morning. She might have something important to tell," he explained.
Aish nodded, and Nick answered the call. Ales's voice came through the phone, loud and frantic. Nick listened patiently, his expression calm. Aish watched him, fascinated by his patience. When Ales finally ran out of words, Nick spoke up. "Calm down, and listen. I'll definitely scold them for you. Take a deep breath and chill."
As he spoke, his eyes met Aish's, and he was struck by the sight of her smiling. It was a gentle, genuine smile, and it took his breath away. For a moment, the world seemed to stop. "Listen, Aish is sitting in front of me. Want to talk to her?" he said, his voice low and husky.