CHAPTER 97

**CHASE's POV**

I felt a little guilty. I shouldn’t have held his hand in public—I knew that. But for a moment, I forgot.

It was so natural, reaching for him, feeling his warmth against my skin. I didn’t think about where we were or who might see. I just wanted to hold him.

But then he pulled away.

I wasn’t mad at him. I understood. I always have.

Still, a part of me ached. I wanted to be able to do those things without thinking twice, without worrying. I wanted the world to know he was mine.

But yeah, not now.

The whole bus ride was quiet. Neither of us spoke much, but it wasn’t uncomfortable—just a silence filled with unspoken thoughts.

When we finally reached our stop, we got off the bus and quickly found a tricycle to take us to my grandmother’s house. The sun was high, and the warm breeze carried the familiar scent of home—earthy, fresh, and comforting.

My grandmother had no idea I was coming. I didn’t tell her. I wanted to surprise her.

Austin looked out at the passing scenery, his eyes filled with wonder. The wide fields stretched endlessly, the trees swayed gently with the wind, and the fresh air carried a scent so different from the city—clean, earthy, peaceful.

"This is refreshing," he commented, his voice filled with admiration.

I smiled. "You love it?"

"Yeah," he nodded, still gazing outside. "I feel so relaxed. Unlike living in the city. Now I understand why your grandma doesn't want to leave this place."

I chuckled. "Told you. It's her home, and I don’t think anything could ever replace it for her."

Austin leaned back against the seat, sighing contentedly. "I get it now."

Watching him like this—at ease, taking in everything—made me happy. I wanted to share this part of my life with him, and seeing him appreciate it meant more than I could say.

"You should come here often," I said, watching Austin as he took in the scenery.

He chuckled. "Yeah, I guess."

I just smiled.

After fifteen minutes, we finally arrived at my grandma’s house. The sight of it instantly brought a sense of warmth—nothing had changed. The wooden porch, the little garden she took care of, the familiar scent of home.

I paid the tricycle driver before we got off. Austin carried a few of the lighter bags while I took the heavier ones filled with groceries.

"Is your grandma home?" he asked, looking around.

"Yeah. I think she’s in the kitchen. Come in," I said, pushing the door open.

The house smelled like freshly brewed tea and something sweet—probably the homemade pastries she loved to bake. I smiled as I stepped inside, the nostalgia hitting me all at once.

"Grandma? I’m home!" I called out.

For a moment, there was silence. Then, I heard the sound of footsteps from the kitchen, followed by a familiar voice filled with surprise and excitement.

"Chase? Is that you?"

"Yes, it's me. Chase."

The moment she stepped out of the kitchen and saw me, her entire face lit up with joy. Her eyes crinkled at the corners, and she let out a soft gasp before opening her arms wide.

"Grandma!" I grinned, stepping forward and hugging her tightly. She smelled like flour and the faint scent of jasmine, just like always.

"Chase, son! I didn’t know you’d come home," she said, pulling back slightly to get a better look at me.

"I wanted to surprise you," I chuckled.

Her gaze then shifted to Austin, who was standing beside me with a small, polite smile. I could see the curiosity in her eyes.

"And who is this fine young man?" she asked, raising an eyebrow playfully.

"By the way, this is Austin. My friend," I said, gesturing toward him.

Austin smiled warmly. "Hi, Grandma. It's nice to see you."

Grandma studied him for a moment, then her face broke into a gentle smile. "Oh my, such a polite young man. It’s nice to meet you too, dear."

She reached out and patted his hand affectionately before turning back to me. "Well, don't just stand there. Come in, both of you! I was just about to make tea."

Austin and I exchanged a glance before following her inside. The house smelled of home—comforting, familiar. As I watched Grandma excitedly prepare snacks for us, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace.

"By the way, Grandma, we brought something for you. Austin bought them," I said, placing the bags on the table. "He thought you’d love it."

Grandma looked at the bags, then at Austin, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "Oh, you really didn’t have to, dear."

Austin chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just wanted to bring something for you. Chase told me you live alone, so I thought these might be useful."

She reached out and squeezed his hand. "That’s very sweet of you, Austin. Thank you."

As she started unpacking the groceries, her face lit up even more. "Oh my, fruits, vegetables, and even my favorite tea! You truly are a thoughtful boy."

Austin smiled, and I could tell he was pleased. I nudged him playfully. "Told you she'd love it."

Grandma chuckled. "Come on, sit down, both of you. I’ll make us some tea, and we can catch up."

Austin and I exchanged a glance before settling at the kitchen table. It felt… nice. Warm. Like this moment was meant to happen.

After Grandma made us tea, she carefully placed the cups on the table before taking a seat with us.

"Thank you, Grandma," Austin said with a warm smile.

"You're welcome, young man," she replied before turning to him with an amused glint in her eyes. "So, how's Chase?"

Austin chuckled, glancing at me before answering.

"Chase... he is such a good friend. Really caring and hardworking." He paused before adding, "A selfless kind of guy, also." Then, as if to make sure I caught the tease, he glanced at me with that smug smirk of his.

I chuckled. "Alright, that’s enough compliments. You’re making me sound way better than I actually am."

Grandma chuckled, sipping her tea. "But he’s right, Chase. You’ve always put others before yourself."

Austin leaned on the table, resting his chin on his palm. "See? Even your grandma agrees with me."

I huffed, shaking my head. "You guys are ganging up on me."

Austin laughed softly. "Hey, I’m just telling the truth."

Grandma reached out, patting my hand. "I’m just happy to see you with a good friend, son."

I glanced at Austin, who was now stirring his tea with a small, knowing smile. "Yeah," I murmured, a warmth settling in my chest. "Me too."

I gently squeezed Grandma’s hand, my eyes searching hers for any sign of exhaustion. "How are you, Grandma? Are you taking care of yourself? Do you take your maintenance?" My voice was soft, laced with concern.

She let out a warm chuckle, patting my hand in return. "Don’t worry about me, son. I am all right. I manage myself very well."

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