Chapter 20

Finally, the day arrived. By this time I had dressed neatly, in a suit like a young executive.

"Joseph," Julia called out to me.

"Yes?" I replied.

Julia looked at me for a long time.

"What's wrong?"

"It's just fine, you look really good in that suit."

"Thank you."

"By the way, I hope you do well in your thesis defense."

"You too." It's weird, but okay.

"Alright, I'll leave first."

"Be careful."

Alright, it's time, to turn on my laptop, prepare the external webcam I bought to make my video better, and of course, the microphone that looks like a podcaster.

That's right, this is an online thesis defense. Even though my campus is near the village, we are not behind in terms of technology.

Of course, I'm not the only one who does this, there are many who do it because most students study while working in the city.

"It looks like everything is safe. It's time to make some coffee, the caffeine in my body is almost empty."

It's time to brew coffee, I thought about what I said that night.

***

"After everything is done, I want to take you to a romantic dinner."

"Sure, where do you want to go?"

"It's still a secret, I'll tell you when it's over. Don't worry, it's still nearby."

"I can't wait."

"Me too."

***

"Ok!" *slap in the face* "Let's do this!"

Sitting down while waiting for my turn, I went back to reading the materials in my thick thesis book.

Almost half an hour passed and it finally came to my turn.

My lecturer greets me casually, but I'm too nervous. I tried to take a deep breath while thinking about the promise that I made to her.

My presentation begins. I start with the introduction of the problem, then reveal the background of the base of the title I made, then start explaining some theories from the book, then I start explaining the methods I will use.

Start to the hardest part. I explained the results of the data I had analyzed, several times I got interruptions by the data I revealed, but I managed to give answers that I felt were acceptable.

Finally, the conclusions. I explain the final results and what I think this data should do. I spent almost a total of an hour explaining in front of my lecturer, and even though I was sitting down, I was still sweating.

"Well Joseph, we, as your thesis defense lecturers, declare..."

I took a deep breath.

"You are eligible for graduation."

My whole body was shaking, my tears were coming out, and my feelings were mixed, for sure....

"I made it... Julia, I made it!"

I hope she makes it too.

***

(P. O.V Julia)

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Mia."

"Take it easy, you've done it before."

"I know, but now I'm like a new writer."

"Julia..."

"But I promised him I'd make it..."

"Oh my, you're making me nervous. That guy really made you back to your previous self. To be honest, I'm a bit jealous."

"Mia..."

"Julia... be a great writer. He and I will always support you."

"Thank you."

When we arrived at the building, we immediately got out of the car and headed to the floor where I would meet the top management to present my manuscript, to test whether it was fit for print or not.

I took a deep breath, then went straight into the room, and Mia waited outside.

Before starting, I closed my eyes in front of them. I didn't know what they would think of my actions, but right now I was thinking about the promise I made to Joseph.

He is the one who has always supported me, until now. I was so happy. This was the life I had always wanted. Despite the pain, I felt back then, his smile, made me want to move forward.

"Let's do this!"

My presentation begins, I start to explain the basics of the story, then the background of the main character and his problem, then I explain the parts of the problem he would face until finally arriving at the resolution of the story conflict.

I told everything in what I felt was quite a long time, even so, I felt satisfied with what I had said.

The top management was silent.

Was my explanation too boring?

The sound of small applause was heard from one person, then began to be followed by a second person, until finally all clapped, and stood in front of me.

"Welcome back, Miss J."

"Thank you!" I bowed to salute them.

I looked outside, I saw Mia also clapping, then her index finger seemed to be pointing at her phone, wait a minute, I guess she meant I should check my phone.

A message from Joseph. A congratulation from him and also a google maps link. The caption below, 12th floor, and dress nicely.

I went straight out to meet Mia.

"Mia..."

"Take it easy, I have your clothes ready in the car. Before you meet him, you should dress up first, even though you're already beautiful now, but I'm sure you'll be even more beautiful if we go to my regular salon."

***

The me who was currently sitting in a taxi while wearing a white tuxedo.

What the hell is this?! How ridiculous!

This tuxedo was given by that woman, she told me to wear it, for my date with Julia. Well, it's like there's no turning back.

I arrived in front of one of the biggest hotels in the city. I quickly entered, then went to the receptionist to ask what floor the restaurant was on.

Suddenly, an old man approached me.

"Oh, good thing you've arrived."

"Sorry, who are you?"

"I'm the head of the hotel, we have no time, our VIP guest will be here soon, we have prepared the equipment you want too."

He immediately pulled me.

"Wait a minute..."

"There's no time, don't worry, we've increased the fee too."

Finally, I was taken to the top floor and there is the restaurant which is the place that will be my date with Julia.

It is really crowded inside, I doubt I'll get a table.

"The piano is already there, if you need anything like a drink, just ask the waiter there."

"Uh... ok, what do you want me to play?" I seemed to be trying to follow his flow.

"Try a light song, like a classic love song. Oh, shit, I forgot to pick up our VIP guest in the next room, I'll leave the rest to you, I'm leaving first!"

Alright, I guess I can play a few songs until she comes. Before that, I'll send a message to her that I'm here.

Now in front of me was a large white piano, it really fit with the tuxedo I currently wore. I guess that man mistook me for a piano player because of this outfit.

I start to sit on the chair. It's been a long time since I've felt this sensation. The last time I played the piano and she taught me. I was just a guy who used to play his ukulele.

I suddenly remembered the last song I played for her.

*Playing the piano*

I think I'm starting to remember the melody.

*Start singing*

[Mmm, hmm, yeah. Mmm, hmm]

[Hiding from the rain and snow]

[Trying to forget, but I won't let go]

[Looking at a crowded street, Listening to my own heartbeat]

[So many people all around the world]

[Tell me, where do I find someone like you, girl?]

Yes, I can feel it again.

[Take me to your heart, take me to your soul]

[Give me your hand before I'm old]

[Show me what love is, haven't got a clue]

[Show me that wonders can be true]

Why does her reflection appear?

[They say nothing lasts forever]

[We're only here today]

[Love is now or never]

[Bring me far away]

I've already started a new one, please don't make me remember her again.

[Take me to your heart, take me to your soul]

[Give me your hand and hold me]

[Show me what love is, be my guiding star]

[It's easy, take me to your heart]

Suddenly someone approached me.

***

(P.O.V Julia)

"Are we there yet, Mia?

"Calm down, the hotel is just ahead."

We finally arrived in front of the hotel that matched the address Joseph had sent earlier.

There was a notification sound from my phone.

"He said he's at the restaurant above."

"Good, now you go."

"You're not coming?"

"Are you innocent or stupid, how could I interfere with your date, even though I want to, but I want you to be happy."

I hugged her.

"Thank you, Mia."

"There-there, now go ahead, I'm sure he's waiting for you."

"I'm leaving first, wish me luck."

"You don't need it, just give him my regards."

I walked with quick steps. Straight to the top floor, where Mia had previously said.

When I reach the floor, I see that it really crowded inside the restaurant. I looked around but didn't find Joseph.

Suddenly, I hear a piano playing.

From the intro, I seemed to recognize this song. Just because it's only played by the piano, it's a bit unclear, but I know because this is a classic romance song that was famous in its time.

Then I heard someone singing, the voice seemed familiar to me. Then I approached the direction of the voice.

"Joseph?"

I saw him playing the piano wearing a white tuxedo. The more I looked at him, the more I realized that....

He's so stunning!

I didn't know he could play the piano this well.

Wait a minute, maybe he's playing this piano for me.

Oh my god, he's such a romantic!

I want to sing with him, can I?

My body moved naturally towards him, then stood in front of the mic beside the piano.

*Takes a deep breath*

*starts singing*

[Standing on a mountain high, looking at the moon through a clear blue sky]

[I should go and see some friends, but they don't really comprehend]

I hope he can follow me

[Don't need too much talking without saying anything]

[All I need is someone who makes me wanna sing]

Please, sing with me. As I stare at him.

*Starts singing together*

[Take me to your heart, take me to your soul]

[Give me your hand before I'm old]

[Show me what love is, haven't got a clue]

[Show me that wonders can be true]

I can feel it, we are becoming one tone.

[They say nothing lasts forever]

[We're only here today]

[Love is now or never]

[Bring me far away]

This became our stage.

[Take me to your heart, take me to your soul]

[Give me your hand and hold me]

[Show me what love is, be my guiding star]

[It's easy, take me to your heart]

***

Finally, the song ends.

It took me a while to realize, why is she singing with me?

I don't know whether to ask her that or comment on the dress she's wearing now.

We looked like a king and queen on prom night.

But they applauded us endlessly. I guess our performance satisfied them.

Now, what to do now?

"Excuse me." came the voice of someone beside me.

"Yes?" I replied.

"Your performance was good, but I was assigned to play the piano, so..."

I stare at the man, the one who is wearing the same tuxedo as me.

What a weird.

Finally, the old man who met me earlier apologized to me, and we were rewarded with a free dinner for two.

At last, the original plan I had made is finally realized.

We sit at a table by the window, a table that is very difficult to book. Because apart from being able to enjoy delicious food, we were also treated to a beautiful view of the night city.

"How was the food?" I asked.

"It is really delicious, plus we just sang, so I'm hungry, which makes the food even more delicious."

"I'm glad you liked it."

"I didn't know you could play the piano."

"Long story, it's not just the piano, I can also play the ukulele."

"Really?"

"I'll show you next time."

The sound of firecrackers is heard. We both reflexively looked outside. Fireworks is happening right now.

"It's beautiful." She said.

I look up at her face, then take a tissue and wipe the side of her mouth where the sauce is left.

"You're just like a child."

" I am not! I am older than you!"

"I guess age doesn't matter."

"You consider me a baby?"

"It doesn't matter, because you are you, after all, what does it matter if you become my baby."

Her face turned red. How cute.

"I love you, Julia. "

"I love you too, Joseph."

We enjoy this night and it will be in our memories forever.

I hope it lasts forever too.