12.0 "I want to try to love you"
The university homepage was flooded with the confession and labeled them as the Café CC known as 'Cafeteria Campus Couple'. "Eloise, you are the luckiest girl in campus! To be able to date the god, Nikolai must be amazing!" said one of her course mates. She just smiled since she did not know how to respond. "What is your secret? How did you get Nikolai to like you?" another girl asked. "Me? I…I didn't do anything," replied Eloise. "She does not need to do anything. I mean, just look at her. Even I like her and I am a girl!" justified another girl. Then, it led to Eloise thinking - "Why did he do that?"
Right after her lecture ended, Eloise received a text from Nikolai - 'Let's meet up. Come to the music room'. "Is it Nikolai?" asked Katherine being a busybody. "You are awfully excited, aren't you? I thought you didn't like him?" asked Eloise who was doubting Katherine's stance. "I did. But I know you like him, so why not? He is your first love, so how can I not support?" replied Katherine. "Listen. I know about the promise. I am not saying you should break your promise but I want you to experience this feeling at least once. As your friend, I support your decision. I just want you to live life to the fullest so you have no regrets," added Katherine as she held both of Eloise's hand. "It's weird that you are being so serious," said Eloise trying to brighten up the atmosphere. "Well then, I should go since that jerk is waiting," said Eloise. "You mean 'boyfriend'?" teased Katherine and was pinched on the arm instead.
At the music room, Eloise could hear Nikolai playing the piano. She decided to wait for him to finish his piece before entering. As she looked at him play, she could not help but be mesmerized by him. "Aren't you going in?" asked Casey who saw Eloise standing by the door. "Casey? Um, I am waiting for him to finish playing," she replied. "He won't stop," he said as he opened the door. "Your girl is here," he said loudly. "Casey!" said Eloise who was flustered. Nikolai stopped playing and turned to look at her. "You came early. Have a seat. I will be done soon," said Nikolai with a calm voice. Eloise quietly took a seat and looked at Nikolai who continued to play. The lines of his fingers were moving so elegantly. His posture as he played was very gentle. The expression on his face was as if he was in his own world. Slowly but surely, Eloise was falling for him.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting," Nikolai said as he approached her after he finished playing. "Why did you call me here?" Eloise asked, trying to sound calm although she was clearly nervous when Nikolai sat in front of her. "We need to talk, don't you think?" he replied. Nikolai lifted her chin slightly in order to make eye contact with her since she would never do it on her own free will. "I asked you out, twice," he said. Her eyes began to tremble out of nervousness. "You…were just teasing me, right?" she replied. "I don't need to tease you," he responded. With a smirk on his face, Nikolai said "If you want to think that we are dating in exchange for keeping your little secret, be my guest. But, I intend to date you for real. No more 'pretend' couple." Eloise was at a loss for words after hearing him out. Part of her was happy but part of her was worried.
Nikolai then stood up and walked around as he spoke. "I know you see me as someone who is not serious. There are rumors saying that I am a playboy. I don't deny, I do not like long-term relationships. My belief is that no one will be able to give their heart to me genuinely. However, you are the first person who made me question my belief," said Nikolai. "Me? How?" she wondered in her mind. "I want to try to love you…" said Nikolai whose words made Eloise blush.