Femme Fatale

Chapter 26: Unexpected Sincerity

Monday afternoon and I’m finally done with the debate, though I didn’t get the first place at least I got second, if only I didn’t talk too fast and made my speech clearer to everyone. I’m about to watch Hammond’s competition at the west side of the campus when I saw the marriage booth filled up with a lot of students. Definitely because there’s a lot of couples in the campus and of course because of the priests playing the role.

“We’re still on break, we’ll resume at one.” Poseidon said loudly when I entered their space that separates from the booth

“I’m just checking on you guys, what are you having for lunch?” notice that they’re still taking their lunch break

“Don is having fish and chips while I got fried chicken and mashed potato.” Seaof answered me “Have you had lunch already?”

“Yes, I had lunch with the other competitors.” showing my certificate “I won second place!” smiling widely

“Wow! That’s great, congratulations!!” Seaof congratulating me sincerely

“I win, you’ll tidy up the place later!” Poseidon said to Seaof “I told you the prime minister granddaughter will win the debate.”

“Hey did you made a bet on me?!” looking at the two while raising my eyebrows at them

“He did, I placed my bet on the first place.” Poseidon replied “She never lose a debate because she’s a great defender, even I can’t win to her ideals.”

“Thank you for believing on me Seaof.” bowing my head to Seaof slightly “I’ll help you with the cleaning later.” turn to Poseidon “Hmph!” walks off

“What?? I just stated the facts with her.” Poseidon said to Seaof

I already know that Poseidon annoys me most of the time but how could he bet on my rival instead of me??! Well yes, I also admit defeat on her because she’s really great in debating that even I almost sided on her during our conversation, but Poseidon is too much!

I went to the west side as planned and watched Hammond’s matches until finals, obviously he won first place. I guess people who are born to be talented in a specific area always comes first than those who are just hardworking.

“Is the match over??” Seaof catching his breath “I wanted to watch at least the final match but I’ve been busy with other activities.”

“Hammond is probably taking a bath now, he told me to wait here for him, he also wants to go to other booths and enjoy the foundation day.” I said

“I see, then I’ll just rest here for a while.” get my bag and used it as his head pillow before he lay down behind me “I’m no longer a student here but because I volunteered to assist the students with their booths I feel like I’m back to being one.”

“Were you also busy during foundation day when you were a student here?” staring at the field as I lay my back comfortably where Seaof is reclining

“Yes, because I can’t say no to anyone who ask for my assistance, so I’m quite a busybody.” returned my bag and use his hands instead as his pillow

“Figures, you’re a friend to all you know that, if you run as a student council president, I think you’ll win.” glance at him who’s also glancing at me

“Nene!” Hammond called out my name as he walks towards me “Who’s that? Oh, Seaof-hyung! Good thing you’re here, I want a pass to your booth.”

“Why? Who are you going to marry??” Seaof sits up “Do you have new girlfriend??”

“I don’t have a girlfriend, but I have a friend who’s a girl!” Hammond pointing at me

“Me???” looking at him in puzzled “Why are you going to marry me??!” noticed Seaof’s stunned expression too

“Because I got rejected and you also rejected Suho recently, I think we can do as a couple.” Hammond take my hand and stand me up from my seat

“You’re being unreasonable! I won’t give you a pass, besides I object your wedding with Nene, you can’t marry her even if it’s only a fake marriage.”

“Eh? Why?? I want to experience the marriage booth too; everyone’s been talking about it since morning.” Hammond whining at Seaof

“Now that you mention it, I think it sounds fun, but there’s a long queue in that booth, do you think we can make it before it closes?” I said to Hammond

“You agree to marry Hammond, just like that??!” Seaof looks upset at me but I want to make fun of him more to provoke him

“What’s wrong with that? We’re both single and besides it’s just a fake marriage.” trying not to laugh at his reaction

“I can’t give you a pass because it’s unfair for other students who fall in line and wait for their turn.” Seaof stand up and put his hands on his pocket

“Then we better hurry, my bride.” Hammond offering his arm to me “Let’s get married.”

“If you say so, my groom.” clinging onto his arm naturally then we walk down the stairs to get to the marriage booth “Hey, aren’t you going to treat me for dinner, your prize money is larger than mine, at least treat me a delicious meal tonight.” trying to ignore Seaof who’s following us behind

“We can spend more if we combine our prizes, so what do you say let’s go for a buffet tonight?” Hammond pleading me with his eyes

“Buffet?? I’ll ask Papa later, maybe we don’t need to spend our money after all.” smiling at him

“Great idea! He may treat us because we both won at the competition today.” we’re almost at the marriage booth when Seaof walked right past by us

“The line is still long, are you sure you want to go to this booth?” trying to change Hammond’s mind “We might not see other booths if we fall in line.”

“Sorry, but I really don’t want to marry you.” Hammond put his hand around my shoulder and turn me around “If I hurt your feelings, I’m sorry but you’re not my type, I only want to confirm my hypothesis.” looking back at the booth

“Who do you think you are?!!” pushed him away from me “You think I want to marry you, I only agreed because I don’t want you to get embarrass.”

“At least we’re both clear.” put his arm again on me and whisper “Listen Nene, I’m certain that Seaof-hyung likes you.”

“What kind of rubbish are you on again this time??!” looking blankly at him as he also notices the obvious thing

“It’s not nonsense, I’m telling you facts here!” dragging me to the bench nearby “Look, I thought it was nothing before and he’s being nice to you like he is to everyone else but as a man I’m telling you he has a thing for you, believe me I know, and I just confirmed it with his reaction earlier.”

“What about his reaction? I don’t see anything suspicious about it.” feigning innocence

“You heard it too, he said it loud and clear that he objects our wedding and I can’t marry you even if it’s just a fake one, Nene that’s jealousy!” Hammond said excitedly “Though Seaof-hyung isn’t too old for you because he’s still on his twenties, can he like you more than as his student??”

“Maybe he likes me as a friend, we’re also friends remember? And if not friends maybe he sees me as his younger sister, you know that he’s an only child like me, right? Don’t think too much, you might start a nonsense rumor that can affect his reputation and me.”

“I’m telling you, I’m always right with these things, then let me ask you one last thing, if ever I’m right and he confess to you, will you reject him too?”

“Maybe … maybe not. I already rejected three good men this year if I reject another one then I don’t think somebody else will have the courage to propose to me, rejecting Kim Suho really took a toll on me of I reject Seaof Godeth I don’t think I can face the rage of the public.”

“Oh my God! So, you’re saying you’re accepting his feelings if he confesses to you??!” covering his mouth with his hand from shocked

“You said one last, I already answered it so no more questions!” looking away from him “As to age he’ll turn 27 next month so he’s not that old.”

“I won’t judge you, if you think he’s the right one for you then I’ll support you, remember to tell me first when you two get into relationship, and I promise to keep your secret until the day I die.” taking an oath to me

“Geez, enough of this.” stands up “Are we going to see other booths or we’ll just talk here?”

“Let’s go to see other booths, I heard there’s booth led by the goddess of International Studies department, let’s see that first.” walking with me

I can deceive others but I can’t with Hammond because he’s too aware of my surrounding being the one who knows me better than anyone else. Others already told me about what they think of Seaof’s behavior towards me but I easily brushed them off with the reasoning I had with Hammond.

The long day ended and it feels like Friday when it’s only Monday. And going forward to the real Friday, when everyone’s excited to watch the new episode of the Future Wife show, I went to pick up Papa Justin from their dorm and baked Lemon Tarts while waiting for him to pack his things.

“I’ll leave six Lemon Tarts here for you two.” packing the other six to take away

Seaof walk in to the kitchen “Ah, Nene … I already asked Justin if I can go out with you tomorrow evening and he told me to ask you directly, so are free tomorrow evening for dinner??”

“It’s fine with me, you save me from cooking dinner at home, you don’t want to cook for Don too are you, so we’re going out for dinner?”

“Actually, it’s just you and me for tomorrow’s dinner, I need to tell you something.” looking at me sincerely as if he’s gonna cry if I declined his offer

“Oh, alright, just tell me the place and time.” nodding at him (Finally, this man has the guts to confess his feelings!)

“I’m going to pick you up at 5pm tomorrow, it might take an hour to go to the venue.” touching his forehead “It’s hard to find a place with such a view.”

“What kind of view have you found? You’re making me excited like we’re going for a field trip tomorrow.” smiling at him

“You’ll see when we get there.” taking one of the lemon tarts I made for him and Poseidon “It’s sweet and sour at the same time but it’s delicious.”

“It’s a healthy dessert so make sure that Don eat his share, he shouldn’t be picky with foods.” handing him honey “Add some honey if the lemon is too sour though I already boiled it with honey water earlier.”

“The taste is right for me; I’ll hand it to Don later if he complains about the taste of lemon.” eating the lemon on top of the tart “It’s not that sour.”

Saturday afternoon, I already know what’s about to come for me later but Papa Justin didn’t tell me the details to at least leave a bit of surprise. He said it’s no fun if I know everything beforehand and he doesn’t want Seaof’s effort to be spoiled by me.

I wear a semi-formal green dress as green is Seaof’s favorite color to please him and make it look like I have real feelings for him. He’s only confessing his feelings to me but even Papa Justin isn’t sure if Seaof’s thinking to marry me, so I have to work hard to make it happen and complete my mission.

“You look beautiful, Nene.” Seaof finally say a word after he open his car door for me

“I thought you don’t like it because you stayed quiet for a long time after you see me in this dress.” getting in at the passenger seat

“That’s because I’m stunned, I didn’t expect you to doll up for me.” closed the door and walk in front of the car to get in at the driver’s seat

“I just feel like I need to dress up because it’s you who’s inviting me for dinner.” putting on my seatbelt

“Well thank you for dressing up for me, I actually have spare clothes in case I went overboard with my suit.” putting his seatbelt on “I guess I don’t need to change, you’re really beautiful with that green dress.” glance at me before he step on the gas

“You’re flattering me too much, but you look different tonight, even your hairstyle, did you have a haircut??” looking at him thoroughly

“You’re making me blush if you look closely at me like that.” keeping his eyes on the road

“Sorry, it’s just that I see something new in you, so I’m curious.” sit back properly “Aren’t you telling me where we going?”

“It’s a place that you’ll like, and I’m also granting your wish tonight.” smiling a bit though he really looks nervous

“My wish?? Did I wish something from you?” I really forget what I told him

“You’ll remember once you see it, I figure you forget because we we’re busy when you made that wish.” patting my head

We arrived at the restaurant he reserved exclusively for us, that’s why aside from the staffs we’re the only customer dining in. The dining hall is underground and the reason for it is because to see what’s underwater, the walls are made of glass so it’s like a giant aquarium. There’s a piano on the stage and I finally remembered that I asked him to play piano for me while singing, though I only said it casually he took it seriously.

He left me at our table to watched him play the piano, and I didn’t expect that he really has a great singing voice that I almost fall in love with him for real. He’s so charming and romantic that make my eyes teary because I’m so touched with his performance, it somewhat makes me guilty that I’m plotting his assassination. It’s not his fault but his parents and the only way to get them is through him.

“I know it’s against my ethics as your professor but … I’m still a man who fall in love with the woman in front of me … you told me not to think of anything else and just tell to the one that I’m afraid to lose my true feelings, so I’m telling it now … Nene L. Puth, will you accept me as your boyfriend?”

“…” I couldn’t say a word so I just nodded at him in response, my guilt is eating me up because of his sincerity “Seaof.” hugging him tight as I can’t stop myself from crying and he’s patting my back to calm me down

“I didn’t expect such reaction from you.” wiping my tears with his handkerchief “Justin might misunderstand if he saw your eyes when I get you home.”

“Sorry, if I’m being emotional right now.” pulling myself together “I never had this kind of confession, geez, I’m being overdramatic.” sniffing

“As a proof that we’re together now, will you wear this for me?” handing me a box with two bracelets inside

“SG & NP.” looking at the engraved letters on the golden plate of the bracelet “It’s a customized golden bracelet for us.”

“Let me put it on you.” putting the bracelet on my wrist

“I think I can buy a car with this bracelet.” teasing him as I look my bracelet on my wrist “I’ll put it on you too.” putting the bracelet on him “Now we’re both wearing handcuff.” holding his hand and our fingers intertwine with each other naturally “I didn’t know you’re a romantic guy, Seaof.”

“Seaof … hmm … in America you don’t call your lover on their name.” holding my other hand

“Huh? Uhm … I don’t know what to call you aside from your name … I’m sorry I’m a novice in this kind of relationship.” smiling awkwardly

“You can call me oppa … but if you want it in Westernized there’s a lot of choices like honey, love, sweetheart, baby …” getting excited

“Baby … I think I’m alright with the last one.” I don’t know what to think right now but he’s being too cheesy

“Baby it is.” he’s also embarrassed with our call name “I also prepared one more thing for you.” he released my hands and raised his one hand

“Seaof … I mean baby … you already given me too much … I don’t know how would I repay you.” looking at the waiter walking towards us

“Repay me?? Why would you repay me? You only need to accept everything I give to you, you’re my woman now.” nodded at the waiter who serve a dish to us “I made this croissants myself, it’s nothing compared to all the meal you made for me but I hope you like it.” waiting for me to have a taste

“You’re making me cry again.” teary eyes “You’re the only one who baked something for me.” tasting his croissant “You’re a better baker than me.”

“You don’t have to flatter me, I know it’s just a bread, so we need dishes to complement its taste.” raise his hand again and the waiter serve the pasta

“Creamy pasta, huh, this really match the taste of your croissant.” eating the pasta along with the croissant “Mmm … it’s really a good combination!”

“Now you’re telling the truth, the chef adjusted the taste of this pasta for my croissant.” also eating the pasta and his croissant

“Wait, you ordered more than just this pasta?” noticed the chef is still busy in the kitchen and we’re the only one dining at the restaurant

“Of course, there’s also meat, soup, vegetable dishes coming right up … I cancelled the seafood dish because you don’t like it.”

“Do you know why I don’t like seafoods?” hearing small voices around us

“Because you’re allergic to seafoods??” staring at me blankly “Am I right??”

“They’re my friends.” pointing at the walls where fishes gathering to see me “See it’s not just an empty water wall now, there are more fishes than before, under the sea is fascinating, isn’t it?”

“Wow! Now the wall is really an aquarium!!” he completely looks amazed because of the fishes swimming around “I thought I failed to show you this view, this is the reason I chose this restaurant even if it’s quite far.”

“Thank you, for making this night magical for me.” I really appreciate everything he done for me tonight

“Don’t thank me, it should be me who’s thankful that you accepted me without hesitation, I thought you’re going to reject me because of some matters that only I worried about, thank you.” kiss the back of my hand

After having a sumptuous dinner and conversation about anything that comes to our mind, he drove me home as we discussed to keep our relationship secret to everyone. Well he’s still my professor and I’m his student after all, though he told me he’ll resigned on Monday, I stopped him.

“You want to date him secretly huh? Aren’t you having too much fun with your target??” Papa Justin waiting for me at the living room

“The closer he is to me the more chance I could convince him to marry me.” sits on the couch beside the sofa “I was lost in a moment back there; I didn’t expect that he’ll do such things to confess his feelings for me.”

“You were crying because of guilt not because you were touched by his efforts, I know you won’t change your mind about your revenge but I’m rooting for Seaof to make you forget about hate and remember to love instead.” tidying up the photos of a crime scene on the table

“It’s justice I’m seeking for.” taking one photo from the table “When are you going to tell me about this case??”

“Tomorrow, for now sleep, you just had a nice dinner, let’s stick with the romance for tonight, shall we?” took the photo from my hand

“Sheesh … you really enjoy to keep me hanging with something interesting, do you??!” frowning at him while watching him go to his bedroom “Romance … I told you I got in the moment and I’m too immense with my character as lady in love.” speaking loudly

“Save the lying for someone else, it’s not going to work on me.” he replied before closing his door

“You should give me some privacy don’t you think?? You always read my mind without permission!” shouting at him but he doesn’t reply at all “This mind link, I really hate it!!” stomping my feet as I go to my bedroom and get ready for bedtime

Sunday morning after we gone to church and I was preparing for our lunch, a news flash report on the TV made me stop for a while and watch. Halloween is over and it’s almost second week of November but a group of people is still spreading horror in Busan.

“Beheading people and burying their bodies in mud?!! Is this another cult??!” waiting for Papa Justin to answer my question

“Not cult but a group of lunatics who collect people’s head, they’re taking off their victims faces and using it as their masks … skulls for decoration … and I don’t like to say what they’re doing with the rest of the head, I still want to eat our lunch without vomiting.” He replied

“Was it like the group of eight I killed last month??” recalling the family of cannibals who haunted a town since they moved in

“Yes, but please let’s not talk about it right now, I’m getting an upset stomach because of what’s playing on your mind right now.” waving his hands at me telling me to stop thinking what I saw at the crime scene “Please think of anything else, like something happy!”

“Ah no not that one, can you erase my memory, papa??!” a scene that Poseidon accidentally kissed my lips suddenly popped up in my head “Why did I think of that as a happy thought?!! I must be out of my mind to be happy about it!”

“I didn’t see that coming, but I like that scene better, anyway now that you have thought about kiss, you should’ve let Seaof kiss you last night, why did you step back? I purposely didn’t interrupt that romantic moment of yours.” Papa Justin quickly changed the topic to tease me

“You exactly know why, stop pretending that you know nothing when you obviously know everything.” go back to the kitchen and continue cooking