Chapter 7.2

This was Jeff's first ever confession. Years before whenever he imagined confessing to a girl, the image was far from was it was now. He had imagined that he'd prepare a big event with balloons everywhere, maybe a cake, a chocolate fountain, no one invited, just him and her, whoever she was. He was going to bare out his heart, sing a song or two, waltz with her, and have the most amazing kiss ever.

Back to reality, he was in a seafood restaurant with melting ice creams in front of him and the girl he liked still contemplating on what to say to him. He felt like whatever Tina said could make him or break him.

What if she said no?

'Would I keep shamelessly pursuing her?'

If she said she wasn't ready for a relationship?

'Would I wait for her? I am ready, my mother is ready, even my grandmother is ready. Was there any "make her ready" potion online?'

What if she said she wasn't interested in office romance?

'Technically, it wouldn't be an office romance since they were only working together for a short period of time. They weren't really mixing business and pleasure.'

What if she said their statuses are too different?

'Then I would pass on the CEO position to Bob! He doesn't listen to me anyway. My mom is the big boss.'

What if she doesn't think we are compatible?

'Then we could date on trial. We would spend more time together outside of work. Get to know each other better. I bet she would find me the most compatible.'

A lot of what ifs went through his mind. The ultimate what if was,

What if she doesn't like me?

'…'

That was something he had no control over. He had no control over how she felt about him. He had no rebuttal for that. There was no plan. Maybe he could ask for a chance to prove himself likeable. Maybe he could pull his family into his pursuit. Maybe he could enlist Kyra as his informant. So many maybes but still no guarantee that she'd feel the same way he did or want to give a relationship with him a chance.

Why was life so hard?

When he thought all hope was lost, Tina finally spoke up.

Unfortunately, his heart that was about to burst deflated when he heard her request.

'How can she still have ice cream at a time like this?' he lamented to himself as he handed her the new cup.

She smiled and thanked him.

'Even if you want the world in your hand, I'll get it for you.' Just her smile made everything okay again.

When she spoke up again, his heart felt heavy with anticipation.

'First child… me too.'

'Parents still together… mine too.'

'one sibling… a sister… mechanic… she's going to be a tough nut to crack.'

'Strawberry… mom too. They're going to get along well.'

'Couch potato… me too.'

'Music… me too.'

'Foodie… granny would love her.'

'Purple and black… you're my favorite everything.'

'Cycling… me too.'

As he was taking notes of similarities and differences, he heard what Tina said next and his brain was stunned.

"You don't need to match your likes to mine. Just be you and I think I wouldn't like you any less."

'Uh! She likes me? Wait! What????'

"I guess what I am trying to say is Yes, I would do you the honor of being your first and last girlfriend. I will give you the chance to know me, and hopefully get to know that you aren't so bad."

She said yes. Jeff's brain slowed down for a bit. He couldn't hear himself thinking, most likely because he wasn't thinking at all.

After registering every detail of her speech, his eyes lit up.

She said yes!

Out of his excitement, he stood up suddenly, scaring Tina.

After getting awkward looks, he gently sat back down.

He looked firmly into her eyes and held on to her hands on the table.

"I will not disappoint you," he said reassuringly.

They smiled at each other lovingly.

Confirming their statuses, Jeff drove Tina back to work, even without much being said, the atmosphere was filled with love.

"Call me when you get home," Tina said as she prepared to alight.

He held her back, "can I see your phone for a bit?"

A bit confused, she still handed it over.

He took her phone, searched his name, and he wasn't surprised by his name in her phone.

'CEO Jeff.'

He smiled and changed it… 'BOYFRIEND'

She was stunned for a bit, but she beamed and took her phone back. She turned back to wave at him before heading into the company.

Back to the present time, Jeff still had his smile plastered on his face as he looked at the screen of his phone.

After a while, he pushed the dial button and GIRLFRIEND was plastered on his screen.