Mel sips the ice tea in front of her. I smile and get the card from my card.

“Are you a professional or something?” Mel, who still has puffy eyes, asks me after I hand her my “card”.

I smile, “something like that. I’m Ciel I am a relationship consultant and I’m going to help you in this mess. Even if I’m new in this town, I have handled tons of relationships before, mostly teenagers.”

She nods. She looks hesitant as she keeps on looking at me then back to my card.

“Do I have to pay because I really don’t have---“

I cut her off. “Since you are my first client her, you don’t need to. Although I might need your help with promoting what I do.”

She nods and smiles. It seems that she is just hesitant because of the money. She sips the ice tea again and starts her story.

“So, Bin and I have been together for less than a year. We planned our future together, where we’ll go to college and so on. He isn’t the mushy or clingy type but he is always there when I need him to. Well, not anymore…”

She bites her lip to stop herself from crying. She takes a deep breath. I slowly reach for her hand, making her feel that she is not alone.

One thing I learned from my previous consultations is that sometimes, people do not need someone to solve their problems. They just need someone who will listen to them.

Mel smiles and proceeds. “We’re young, you know? We’re curious so yeah we did some stuff and look where it got me.”

She looks down at her belly.

“When I found out, I was scared. I’m young, I’m not supposed to be a mom. There are a lot of things I need and want to do and being a mom will limit me from these.”

I shake my head. I don’t believe in that. My mom was able to pursue her dream even after having us three.

“Being a mom might delay you, but it will not stop you from reaching your dreams. Do not give up on what you want. Life has so much to offer you. There are even old people who were able to finish studying. Only you can limit yourself.”

Her face brightens up as if she’s just waiting for me to say it. She nods.

“So what do you want to do now?”

She pauses for a while. “I want to talk to him, ask him what he wants. If I’ll carry our baby or not.”

I frown, this is not the answer that I want. I mean, she’s the mother, she should decide what she wants and not just depend on him. Before I can say anything, she looks at me.

“What do you think I should do? If he says he doesn’t want the baby? Do you know how I can abort it?”

I shake my head immediately. “No, don’t do that!”

I guess my voice is louder than it should be as the people around us turn to me. I take a deep breath. I can’t believe what I’m hearing.

“Listen, the one who will decide is you. If he doesn’t want it, let him go. Your baby does not deserve to have a father like that. And besides, you’re about to kill a human being.”

I thought I can easily convince her like the first time, but I’m wrong. She shakes her head.

“I can’t leave him. We promised each other that we’ll get through whatever happens.”

I heard this line tons of times before and I still don’t understand it. Why would people settle for less? Why would they rather be with someone who will let them do terrible things, like this? Isn’t love supposed to make you a better human being and not the other way around?

“Have you ever been in love?”

Mel asks. I can see tears forming in her eyes. I just nod, I can’t let my clients know that I don’t have experience otherwise no one will consult with me anymore.

She nods and lightly smiles. “Then, you understand. Love is not just a mere attraction. Love is being committed to someone and believing in them no matter what happens. Love is staying even if things are difficult.”

I never thought of it that way. All my other consultations consist of convincing my clients to leave their toxic partners.

She holds my hand, catching me off guard. I guess, Mel is the consultant today and not me.

“But you are right. I need to convince him to take this baby. We should be matured and responsible enough for this. After giving birth to this wonderful human being, I will continue my studies and pursue my dream. Thank you, Ciel.”

Love sure is a complicated yet beautiful thing. It brings out various emotions inside us but by the end of the day, it makes sure that we learn to love one another unconditionally. Just like what Mel said, love is staying with your partner. It is being fully committed.

I sigh as I walk home. Can I do that? Can I still love someone even if he hurts me or when we start having different perspectives? Can I still stay when things are messy?

“Hi”

I turn around to see Simon, not in his jogging outfit which is weird. I can feel my cheeks burn just by seeing him.

“Are you on your way home?”

I just nod. Why do I always lose my voice in front of him? It’s embarrassing. He smiles.

“Let’s go together.”

Am I hearing right? This guy wants us to walk home together? He did not wait for me to respond and starts walking. I just smile and follow him.

I start to mentally check if I look good or if I smell nice. He turns to me.

“Oh, so you’re in high school.”

I nod, I don’t know why but I am nervous as hell. I never experienced anything like this and why do I feel like this whenever Simon is around.

“I just entered college. How’s everything? It must be hard to be in a new town.”

I hold my nape and smile, “Yeah. But I think I can manage.”

He smiles too. “You have a nice smile, Ciel.”

I stop walking. My heart is beating fast and everything around us somehow slows down. It’s like those in anime when the female lead finally realizes something important.

And I guess I did realize something. I like Simon, even if I barely know him. Is this love at first sight? Maybe. Do I want to date him? YES.