Chereads / My Love is Blue / Chapter 20 - 19.0 Promises & Love

Chapter 20 - 19.0 Promises & Love

When Hank came back to his senses, he sat them down. With his glare, Eloise was silent. Nikolai just held her hand to calm her down. Upon seeing this, Hank got riled up so he stood up in anger but he was in no position to say anything. He just remained silent as he breathed loudly like an ox with smoke gushing out of its nose.

"Hank~ Why are you acting like this? There's nothing wrong with them dating! You should be happy that the stubborn and cold Nikolai finally met someone who could move his frozen heart," said Jesse so as to break the silence. "Of all people, he had to date my Eloise!" said Hank, riled up. "My Eloise? Um, Hank, your reference is a little misleading," said Eloise who was surprised. "How are you not mine? I treat you like my own sister, my own daughter! I can't let you be with someone like him!" expressed Hank. "Don't forget I am your cousin," Nikolai dropped a bomb shocking Eloise. "Co-cousin?" she asked, unable to believe what she just heard. Nikolai nodded and replied "Hank and I are cousins. We used to hangout together in my house every weekend when we were young. Isn't that right?" Hank sat down with a thud as he said "That is the past. Anyway, I will not approve of this relationship." Jesse gave her two cents as she said "Hank, you have no say in this." Hank immediately retaliated and said "Of course I do! I took care of Eloise. I am her family!"

Eloise smiled upon seeing Hank's tantrum since she knew he cared for her. "Hank~ If you really care about me, you must know how I am feeling and what I have gone through. I thought long and hard about this. I think mum will also support my decision, so please don't be like this…" said Eloise who tried to be all cutesy and get Hank to soften up. It definitely worked because Hank cannot stay mad at Eloise, especially when she tries to butter up to him. "Nikolai Gunther, you better treat her well. If you do anything that makes her cry, I'll make you cry," warned Hank. His warning came off as funny instead of threatening which made everyone laugh. "Just worry about yourself," said Nikolai as a tease.

Over at the fashion department, Katherine was busy finalizing her outfit that she will be presenting during the fashion show. It was already past dinner time but she skipped dinner to save time and spend it on perfecting her outfit. Brandon happened to return to the building to pick up his wallet he left behind earlier today. Then, he saw light peeking out of the fashion studio so he went to have a look. He saw Katherine working alone. Brandon knocked on the door lightly but she did not respond. He decided to just go inside. She was so focused on her work she did not even realize that Brandon was there. "Are you not going home?" he asked which startled Katherine so much so dropped the cloth scissors. It would have been bad if it stabbed her own feet.

"So-sorry. I didn't mean to surprise you. I knocked but you didn't respond so I just came in," explained Brandon who was flustered to see her reaction. "Um, it's fine…" Katherine replied as she picked up the scissors. She was careless so she got a cut on her finger. "Hey, let me see that," said Brandon who saw her cut her finger. He used his handkerchief to wipe off her blood and blew on it. Katherine could feel her heart racing but she knew that her feelings were one-sided since she realized that Brandon likes Eloise instead of her. After Brandon applied the plaster on her cut, she pulled her finger away. "Thank you. You should go home. It's late," she said, trying to be as nonchalant as she can. "How about you?" he asked. "I'm gonna keep working. It's not like I have anything else to do," she replied with her back turned towards him.

At that moment, her stomach started growling. As much as Katherine was embarrassed, it was the first time Brandon laughed genuinely with her. "Let's go get something to eat first. How about that?" he suggested as he laughed. Just like that, Brandon and Katherine went to a nearby roadside stall to have supper. Brandon ordered chilli cheese tater tots, falafel and a meat pie - all of her favorites. "How did you know I like these?" she asked. "I've seen your Instagram before. You usually post photos of the food you eat," he replied. "Are you that free to go through my feed?" she asked, jokingly. "We are friends, aren't we?" he replied. Upon hearing the word 'friend', Katherine once again felt the pain of being in a one-sided love.

"So, have you told Eloise how you really feel?" asked Katherine who no longer wished to beat around the bush. "Was it obvious?" Brandon asked, slightly taken aback. "Well, you only had eye for her when we were together," she replied. "I was rejected," he replied with a small that hid his sadness. "But, I respect her decision. It seems that she has someone in her heart already. I just want her to be happy, even if that person is not me," Brandon added. His words were rather comforting for himself and also Katherine. She smiled and said "I guess I should wish you happiness then…" Her words sounded as if she was giving up on her feelings towards Brandon.

After eating a nice meal together, Brandon walked Katherine back to the faculty building. They did not talk much but it was enough for Katherine to be able to spend time together. She was resolute with her decision to move on and stop hurting herself by loving someone who will not be hers. Once they arrived at the entrance, there was a little bit of awkwardness surrounding them.

"Thank you for today, Brandon. You even paid for dinner," said Katherine with a smile. Brandon just looked at her without uttering a single word. "Well, you should head home. It's really getting late. I'll see you during the next fitting," she said, trying to end the conversation and part ways. As she walked away, Brandon suddenly called out to her. "Katherine… I know your feelings for me. I really appreciate it but I am not ready to reciprocate those feelings just yet. If, one day, my heart is ready, I will go to you. When that day comes, let me know your answer," he said before walking away. His words gave Katherine both pain and hope.