Femme Fatale

Chapter 27: Back to Basic

When I thought that Nene accepted Suho’s feelings for her, I almost gave up on her. Because Suho is resembles Poseidon a lot and his relationship with Nene isn’t that complicated since they’re both students, unlike mine to her. If not for the rumors going around that Suho dumped Nene after a week or he regretted dating Nene, I won’t make a move to find the truth about their status.

The fact that they haven’t seen each other after Suho’s confession explained the whole picture of what’s really going on between them. Nene rejected him, completely opposite of what the public seen on stage. I also confirmed it from Nene herself, she’s not Suho’s girlfriend.

I stayed in their residence on the first weekend because I don’t want to be alone in our dorm and of course I want to see and spend time with Nene. I had a conversation with her and she advised me to be confident about my feelings, the reason I decided to muster up my courage and profess.

I rather move on from a rejection than regret that she becomes someone else woman because I’m a coward. I don’t want to wait any longer so I prepared everything in just four days for my confession, either I make or break, I just want to get it done and over with.

A restaurant that have a large aquarium, a piano for my serenade, couple bracelets that had our initials engraved, and a dish that I made specially for her. If she rejected me, at least I did my best to convey my feelings for her, and luckily everything paid off, she accepted me as her man.

Never in my life I initiate to tell my feelings towards a girl and I was too nervous on my first time. I thought I messed it up because she cried after my serenade, didn’t expect that she’ll be emotional because she looks tough on the outside.

Eight months, the longest time that I’ve been single since I had my first relationship. Even if I dated 297 girls before, I can’t say that I’m an expert when it comes to Nene. She’s completely different from all the girls I loved before, and the fact that I’m her first boyfriend, dating her won’t be easy. Not to mention, we have to date secretly, she doesn’t want me to resigned on my job just because we’re in a relationship.

“You’re going too fast with her, why don’t you take it slow?” Poseidon listened to my whole story the moment I arrived at our dorm “She’s already yours, so what’s the rush??” stand up and walk towards his bed “Thanks for the bedtime story. I think I’m sleepy now.” yawning

“Hey, you’re going to sleep after everything I told you??!” following him to his bed “Aren’t you going to help me with the planning for secret dating???”

“That’s none of my business, do whatever you want to do, I don’t want to be part of your problem, that’s for you to solve.” laying himself down to bed

“I know I have to wait for her to graduate but I don’t know how long I can keep our relationship secret.” lying beside him

“Will you please get off from my bed?!” glaring at me “Continue your story tomorrow, for now let me sleep.”

“Oh alright, you don’t have to get mad at me.” get up “Geez, you’re scary!” walk to the bathroom “How to date secretly with the girl I love??”

Sunday comes and instead of going out to see my girlfriend, I went to a bookstore instead, hoping to find the answer of my problem in the books. I never read romance novels before but because I’m desperate to be a better man for Nene, I managed to finish reading a novel in a day.

Because I dragged Poseidon to accompany me at the library, I had to treat him for lunch and dinner. When the library got closed, we went to a diner for late dinner before we go back to our dorm.

“Shrimp Scampi for me.” Poseidon ordered at the counter “Let’s go the grocery store later, we don’t have anything for breakfast tomorrow.”

“Sure.” reading the borrowed book while standing beside him in the line “I’ll save a table for us.” closed the book for a while and look for a table “There’s still a lot people dining here at this hour.” walking towards a woman who’s dining alone at the corner “Excuse me, do you mind if I join you??”

“No, not at all.” woman shaking her head “Geez, you’re handsome, are you also having dinner alone??” keep on staring at my face

“Thank you … I’m with my friend, he’ll be here in a few minutes.” sit across her and save a spot for Poseidon

“Is your friend as handsome as you??” she stopped eating and want to have our conversation on-going instead

“No, he’s much better than I am.” trying not to get anxious because of her stares “I actually have a girlfriend.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry if keep staring at you, I wish my husband is as good looking as you.” continue eating her meal

“Ah you’re married, I don’t see a ring on your finger.” looking at her left hand and notice that not even a trace that she wears a ring can be seen

“I’m actually not proud with my marriage so I never put my wedding ring on, only my parents want me to marry that man.” having teary eyes

“Fixed marriage, huh?” sympathizing with the woman “Here comes my friend.” raise my hand when I saw Poseidon looking around

“Oh my god!” woman had her mouth open when she saw Poseidon walking towards us “Is he for real?? Your friend is extremely handsome!”

“I told you he’s better than I am.” I’m so used to this kind of reaction from girls whenever they see Poseidon “She let us share with her table.”

“Ah, thank you.” Poseidon put our meal on the table before he takes a sit “How come there’s a lot of people still having dinner at this hour??”

“I guess this diner is quite popular.” I replied as I separate my chopsticks “Ma’am are you alright?” noticed the woman completely stunned by Poseidon

“Y-Yes, sorry, please don’t call me ma’am that’s too formal, I’m Shin Minha.” keeps on smiling at us “I was having a bad day all day long but because of you two, I’m having a great evening … so handsome young men.”

Poseidon and I tried to eat comfortably because we’re too hungry to think that the woman is watching us. After having our meal, we went to the grocery store as planned and bought cereals, breads, jams, coffee and milk. Instant breakfast that we can eat without cooking in the morning.

The next day, after missing a day to be with Nene, I finally see her in class and I can’t stop myself from staring at her while I’m discussing the lesson in front of everyone. I hope she voluntarily stay after class but if she doesn’t then I’ll make her stay.

“Nene, let’s go!” her roommates calling her out from the classroom

“You girls go first; I’m going to Papa’s dorm to make him a soup.” Nene staying behind “I’ll go with Prof. Godeth.”

“Fine, you’re really a good daughter!” roommate A “Prof. Godeth, we’ll leave Nene to you.” roommate B “Don’t stay out too late, Nene.” roommate C

“Don’t worry I’ll send Nene at the dorm later; you girls have a good evening.” climbed up on the top row at the back

“Yes, Professor!” girls giggling as they left the room and continue chattering while walking at the hallway

“I thought you’re going to my place yesterday but you didn’t show up.” Nene tidying her table “What are we now really??”

“Are you mad because I didn’t show up yesterday?” stand closer to her and pat her head gently “Yeah, I miss you too, baby.”

“I didn’t miss you.” she looks away from me “What have you been up to yesterday??” turn her head to face me again

“Nothing in particular, thinking why you stepped back when I tried to kiss you last Saturday night.” trying to make her feel guilty

“Is that the reason why you didn’t see me yesterday? Because you’re mad at me??” looking apologetic towards me

“I’m not mad at you, I’m not that shallow.” smiling at her “Let’s go, you said you’re making soup for Justin, right?”

“Ah wait.” she grabbed my wrist where my bracelet is “If you want to kiss me now, I won’t step back.”

“Uh-huh.” lift her chin up with my other hand “Are you sure I can kiss you now??” closing the gap between our faces

“I’m not backing out, aren’t I?” she keeps on staring at my eyes “Isn’t it normal for my boyfriend to kiss me?” clenching her fists

“Hmm …” resting my forehead on hers “How can I kiss you if you’re obviously forcing yourself just to please me?”

“I-I’m not forcing myself.” holding onto my suit “It’s just that I’m new to this and I don’t know what to do, I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to, it’s me who should be apologizing to you because I’m being too fast.” pulled away “Let’s take our time, we’ll get there eventually.”

“Thank you for your understanding, I’ll do my best to be your girlfriend.” looking at me with her gentle eyes

“You only need to love me, that’s all I want from you.” caressing her face with my hands

“Ow!” noticed Hammond returned to the classroom and looking at us “I caught you two!”

“!!!” Nene hide her face in my coat immediately “This is so embarrassing!” slowly showing her face to Hammond “Wh-what are you doing here??!” yelling at Hammond who’s smiling widely at her “Stop smiling!”

“Since when did you two get together??” Hammond walking towards us “If I didn’t comeback for my coat, I’ll missed this big news.”

“Hey!” Nene run to Hammond and hook his head with her arm “You’re not telling anyone what you saw, understand?!!”

“Hey … are you going kill me?!” Hammond tapping Nene’s arm “Let go … do you think I’m crazy, why would I do that??!”

“I just want to make sure that you’re loyal!” Nene let go of Hammond’s head “If anyone know that I’m dating our professor you’re our main suspect!”

“That hurts!” Hammond rubbing his neck “I won’t do that to you!” sits on the chair “Seaof-hyung are you sure you want to be her boyfriend??!”

“There’s no doubt about it!” I replied “Nene is my cute baby.” patting Nene’s head

“You’re blind Seaof-hyung, what’s cute about Nene?? And what did you just call her … baby???” Hammond laughing “Oh, please, she’s not that …”

“You’re not done talking yet Hammond? Huh??!” Nene covered Hammond’s mouth with her hand “One more word from you and you won’t like what happens next.” threatening Hammond that seems to be effective that he stopped mumbling

“Fine.” Hammond put Nene’s hand down “Just tell me when did you guys get together?” looking at me and Nene

“Last Saturday …” Nene replied “We’re not even a week old yet, so I didn’t wrong you entirely.”

“Of course, Justin-samchon knows about it, but who else aside from me?? Hammond continue throwing question at Nene

“Don.” I said “He’s my best friend so I told him.” explaining to Nene when she turns her gaze to me

“Fair enough, we tell to our best friends our secret.” Nene shrugged “I still can’t believe that I’m dating my professor.”

“That’s why you two need to be careful.” Hammond stand up “Your secret is safe with me but what if others caught you two being affectionate?”

“Well I’m willing to resign if that’s what it takes but my baby won’t let me quit my job and conceal our relationship from everyone instead.” I said

“Nah-uh, I know that you can afford to lose the job that’s why it’s easy for you to quit but I don’t want you to sacrifice anything for me.” Nene said

“Nene do you realize that Seaof-hyung is the heir of Godeth group.” Hammond intervenes “He can quit being a professor and be a president of the company, I don’t think he’s sacrificing anything if he quits.”

“Actually, Hammond got a point, but I’m not sure with the president thing because my father is still managing our family business, quitting my current job isn’t much of a big deal for me.” shaking my head

“There must be a reason why you chose to be a professor.” Nene persuading me “Yeah, I know you’re an heir but why did you choose this job??”

“Because I want to enhance my public speaking skills for me to be a great leader and qualified as the successor of my family, honestly, I only dragged Don into this and had him quit his job as a marine engineer to be a professor, because I want someone to go together with me in my new path.”

“Oh, I thought you wanted to be a professor because you want to share your knowledge to us students, didn’t know your reason is too personal.”

“I only realized that reason recently when I become too attached with you guys.” I replied to Hammond “Aside from the fact that I’m having fun spending time with a lot of people who look up to me and treat me as their older brother, but I can give it up in exchange of loving freely.”

“See, you’re sacrificing something if you quit.” Nene sneers “Let’s continue what we have now and not change anything just for the sake of others.”

“Good luck, Seaof-hyung.” Hammond tap my shoulder “This girl doesn’t know anything how to be in a relationship.”

“What do you mean by that??!” Nene glares at Hammond again “Hey, where are you going?? We’re not done talking yet!” trying to stop him from walking

“I’m done, I wonder how your first relationship will last?” Hammond walks off from through the back door

“Am I that bad??” Nene turn to me and waiting for my answer “He just cursed our relationship.”

“Just let him be. I’ll do whatever you want me to do.” smiling at her as I follow her out from the classroom

I had to start from the basics to let Nene catch up to my pace. I need to teach her everything I learned from dating except for the part that we can’t do yet. I need to be understanding and patient to everything and anything that she wants to do because I love her.

“Hey, I thought you two are in love, why are you giving us Broccoli Soup for dinner??” Poseidon whining at the dish Nene served

“You’re being picky with your food again!” Nene replied to him “Why don’t you give it a taste first before you complain?!!”

“You think I don’t know what Broccoli taste?? You even made it as a soup?! Are you trying to poison me?!!” Poseidon getting worked up with Nene

“Have I wronged you Nene?” Justin also doesn’t want to try the soup that Nene made “Why are you giving me Broccoli, it’s disgusting.”

“Really? Papa, even you??” Nene losing her cool “Fine, if you guys don’t want to eat then I won’t cook a meal for you anymore, this will be the last time.”

“I’m eating it.” I’m not a fan of broccoli either and I completely agree with Justin but I don’t want to upset her “Wait … what??” I know it’s Broccoli Soup but the taste is different “I think I can have another bowl of this soup.” eating with gusto

“Hey, Seaof you don’t have to sacrifice your life just to please your girlfriend, stop playing pretend that it’s delicious!” Poseidon worried about me

“I can’t lose my cook so I’ll give it a try.” Justin taste the soup too and he even eat the big piece of broccoli without a fuss

“You guys, what’s happening to you??” Poseidon looking at me and Justin “Enough tricking me as if you really like its taste.”

“Your loss.” Nene smirk at Poseidon “I won’t let you have my dish ever again.”

“Alright, fine, I’ll give it a try!” Poseidon taste a bit of the soup “You must be kidding me.” take a spoonful “How can this be??” eating with gusto

“You shouldn’t judge the appearance of the food because of it’s color, you must try it first before you complain.” Nene smiling at her victory

“Are you going to cook dinner for us every night?” Poseidon almost done with his bowl of soup

“Hey, she’s not your cook, don’t tell her what to do.” scolding Poseidon for Nene “But I do appreciate it if I can eat your dish every dinner.” turning to Nene “I’m your boyfriend so I can make this request, right?”

“I’m her father so she won’t let me dine out every time, what are you going to make tomorrow night??” Justin even appealing to Nene to cook for us

“Let’s have Chinese Veg Noodle tomorrow, since it’s Tuesday I have a lot of time to prepare for dinner.” Nene agreed with enthusiasm

“As your professor I’m advising you to make a list for a week dinner meal, in order for me to know what I expect from you.” Poseidon said

“Not a bad idea.” Nene nodded “I can also buy at once all the ingredients I’m going to need to make the dishes, I don’t have to go to the market every time and think of what to make for every dinner, thank you Professor Nevaeh!”

“Don’t mention it, I’m happy to help my students.” Poseidon getting along with Nene

“If only that you two can be as peaceful as you are now.” looking at Nene and Poseidon

“Well I do like Don as my professor so I don’t have any problem with him if act like that.” Nene replied

“I also like Nene as my student because she listens to me and didn’t argue because she knows I’m always right.” Poseidon responded

“Did you two just said that you like each other in front of me??” teasing them

“Seaof, please don’t joke like that ever again, you’re giving me goosebumps!” Poseidon showing his arm to me “You’re scaring me!”

“You’re my boyfriend how can you joke like that?? Are you handing me over to your best friend?!” Nene getting back at me

“Hell no! You’re mine, I won’t hand you to anybody else even if it’s Don!” she really got me with her words

“Don’t worry she’s all yours I’m not interested with short-haired girls who also have short temper.” Poseidon sneers

“Hey, you think I’m interested to you?!” Nene annoyed with Poseidon’s statement “You’re really full of yourself!”

“Alright, children that’s enough!” Justin stopped their argument before they go for a meaningless debate again

“When are you two really go along with each other without arguing?” looking at Poseidon and Nene

After having dinner, I walk Nene back to the girls’ dormitory, it’s dark outside so we could hold hands while walking without anyone noticing. I changed into my casual attire and put a cap on my head to pretend like I’m one of the male students in the campus. So even if someone see us holding hands, he or she can’t recognize me easily with my disguise.

“You’re going to have dinner with us every night, right?” being reluctant to let go of Nene’s hand even if we already arrived at her dorm

“Yes, I’ll have Hammond to go with me tomorrow to buy the ingredients at the market that is good for a week.” Nene letting go of my hand

“Take a cab and not a bus, it’ll be easier for you guys to commute, are you sure you don’t want my car key?” willing to lend her my car despite her driving skills that could kill me “You know you can take my car if you want to.”

“Maybe next time, Hammond might mess up the interior of your car if I drive.” shaking her head “I’m going in.”

“Alright, go in.” still not letting go of her hand

“My hand.” walking further for me to let go “Good night, I’ll see you tomorrow.” waving her hands good bye to me

“She’s really cute.” waving my hand to her “If only I can get a good night kiss from her, but we’re long way to go for that.” sighs

“Who’s that man?” girl A told the other girl who’s walking with her “I don’t know, I can’t see his face.” girl B replied

“Time to go.” muttering to myself as I turn around and go on my way back to my dorm “I feel like I’m on a secret mission.”

If Nene will have dinner every night with us then we can spend time comfortably at my place. Everyone knows that Justin is Nene’s guardian so it’s normal for her to go to our dorm without creating any malicious rumors. But we can’t be too affectionate with each other because we’re not alone.

Glancing at each other every class, I think it’ll make do for us on weekdays. We still have weekends when we could go out together and be like other lovers who go for a date. She’s too innocent that I find her adorable every time I tried to make a move on her.

Though there’s this one weekend when she told me that she’s going somewhere with Justin that I didn’t get to see her for two days. It’s just two days but I missed her like crazy, I didn’t know that I love her so much to the point I’m almost being possessive with her.

Two days before my 27th birthday, it’s our first month being together. Time flew fast that I didn’t realized that she’s mine for a month now. Because December 10 falls on a Monday, I maybe a selfish boyfriend but I convinced her to file for a leave and go for a trip with me. I had a permission to take Nene out for three days from Justin, so went to Japan on Friday night after class.