Chapter 52: Erica’s feelings
“Erica, can I ask you something? Please answer honestly.” Nika, after taking a sip of coffee, immediately got to the point. This is the primary purpose of this conversation.
“What is it?”
Erica snapped out of her train of thought and turned to Nika, waiting expectantly. As she listened to Nika speak, Erica sipped her coffee. She couldn’t guess what Nika wanted to ask. In fact, at that very moment, Erica had no interest in speculating.
“You have feelings for Ansel, right?”
Nika asked directly. The sudden question caused Erica to choke on her coffee. Seeing Erica coughing, Nika asked with concern:
“Erica, are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Just a little coffee went up my nose.” Erica said, forcefully blowing her nose to expel all the coffee. Nika took a tissue pack out of her bag and handed it to Erica.
“You can use it.”
“Thank you.” Erica said, appreciating Nika’s enthusiasm.
Erica took some time to clean her nose, and Nika was very patient to wait until Erica finished the job.
“I’m sorry for my abrupt question that made you choke on coffee.” Nika said apologetically:
“It’s alright.” Erica waved her hand, indicating that it was not a serious matter. It was all because Erica didn’t manage her emotions well. She hadn’t anticipated the type of question Nika would ask. Hence, the element of surprise was hard to avoid.
“Can you answer my question then?” Nika didn’t waste any more time and urged Erica.
Immediately, Erica looked at Nika with confusion. Nika seemed composed after unsettling Erica.
“Why are you asking that?” Erica stammered, trying to uncover Nika’s motive. But the main objective was to avoid having to answer, “Is there something going on?”
“Please answer my question truthfully.” Nika sternly cut off Erica’s words. “Do you like Ansel?”
Faced with the stern attitude of the other person, Erica suddenly felt at a loss for words, and internally, she became restless. But just a few seconds later, as Erica stared intently at Nika, who appeared more serious than ever, Erica continued to show her confusion on the outside, mixed with a bit of doubt. Honestly, when thinking about Nika’s question, Erica didn’t have an immediate answer. She was afraid of misunderstanding Nika’s intentions. Because of that, Erica needed some time to reflect. She wondered if she truly had special feelings for Ansel. So if there were any emotions, what would they be? Will it be a simple love between two friends or a romantic love between a man and a woman? Erica, uncertain about her final conclusion, decides to seek hints from Nika, her mind filled with confusion.
Erica admits, “Indeed, I have feelings for Ansel, if that’s what you wanted to know.” She accompanies her statement with an additional explanation, saying, “It’s because we are friends.”
“I’m not talking about the friendship between the two of you,” Nika immediately corrects. “I’m asking about your feelings for Ansel in terms of a girl’s feelings for a boy. Are you attracted to Ansel?”
Seeing Erica’s seemingly innocent confusion, Nika emphasizes more clearly: “To put it plainly, I mean, do you love Ansel?”
Erica blinked, completely taken aback by what Nika had just injected into her mind. Love Ansel? Is that even true? Never before had Erica thought about, let alone imagined, such a possibility. Truth be told, in the past few days of interacting with Ansel, Erica has felt incredibly comfortable and at ease. There was even a hint of joy in her experience. But from the start, Erica was determined to see Ansel only as a good friend. However, with the arrival of Desi, it triggered some emotions in Erica that she had never felt before. For example, sadness and pain in the heart Before Erica could figure out what those feelings meant, Nika clarified them for her.
Love? Erica internally screamed at this thought. It’s hard to believe. Erica and Ansel haven’t known each other for long. Time is only counted in days; it is less than a month. So how can it be so easy to fall in love so soon? Alas, Erica felt so vague. Apparently realizing the difficulty Erica was facing, Nika decided to help her.
“Listen, Erica,” Nika called for attention, pulling Erica out of her train of thought. “Do you feel unhappy, even uncomfortable, with the presence of Desi?”
Once again, surprise crossed Erica’s face. Seeing that, Nika knew he was heading in the right direction. He continued to speak.
“When you found out that Desi is Ansel’s girlfriend, did you feel disappointed, sad, and a little jealous?
Another question in the form of confirmation came from Nika, causing Erica to think. Erica had to admit that Nika was right. It was almost entirely accurate regarding what Erica had been feeling. Erica’s doubt started to creep in, questioning whether Nika possessed supernatural psychic abilities or if she was a highly skilled and versatile psychologist. Erica wasn’t sure which one it could be. But right now, Erica had a feeling that Nika was dangerous. She needs to be vigilant and on guard.
“What I just mentioned are all different forms of love,” Nika concluded. “If you don’t believe it, you can explore it on your own.”
Erica couldn’t shake off the lingering feeling of unease. She was uncertain about Nika’s intentions and the implications of their words. She decided to take Nika’s suggestion with caution and embark on her own journey of self-discovery to understand her feelings better.
Silence fell after Nika paused and lasted for several minutes. Erica remained faithfully silent as she looked directly at Nika.
Erica didn’t want to believe that she had romantic feelings for Ansel, but in the end, she had to admit it and accept it as the truth. Because she was not foolish. It’s true that Erica loves Ansel. Erica admitted it to herself. But then what? Will Erica go forward, conquering Ansel’s heart? That never happened. This is the definitive answer: Erica’s choice and decision Erica is aware that the circumstances, status, and conditions of herself and Ansel are not compatible. Erica found herself unfit to be with Ansel. It’s a pity that when Erica realized her feelings for Ansel, it was also the time when she had to let go of those feelings. Although it is heartbreaking, Erica believes it is the right thing for her to do.
A tense battle of wits took place, and it seemed like Erica understood what Nika wanted from her. Instead of admitting anything, Erica calmly spoke up:
“I know what love is,” Erica said faintly. “Thank you for the reminder. I believe I understand the significance of this conversation. So please rest assured. I know what I need to do for myself.”
Nika was quite surprised by Erica’s statement. He didn’t expect Erica to respond that way. What Nika wanted to hear was simply Erica’s admission or denial.
Feeling like there was nothing more to say, Erica wanted to leave and be alone. She needed her own space to sort out her emotions. Erica believed it was necessary. She didn’t like being in that situation or prolonging it. It was not only foolish but also caused Erica to lose a lot, including time, health, and even money. Erica was someone who always looked forward. Perhaps because of that, she was good at enduring and overcoming all kinds of difficulties, challenges, and even pain.
“I excuse myself to get back to work. Thank you for the coffee.”
After speaking, Erica gave Nika a grateful smile and swiftly turned away, leaving Nika somewhat stunned and unable to recover mentally. By the time Nika regained clarity, Erica had already walked quite a distance. Nika wanted to call out to Erica and continue the conversation, but hesitated, realizing that he didn’t have enough reason to do so.
As Erica gradually became more distant in sight, Nika unconsciously let out a sigh. The weariness on his face was evident.
In truth, Erica misunderstood Nika’s intention. Nika didn’t intend to ask Erica to stay away from or keep a distance from Ansel. He only wanted to confirm whether Erica had feelings for Ansel or not. However, Nika’s approach led Erica to have more profound thoughts. Anyway, Nika’s goal was achieved. He already knows the answer. Though Erica won’t admit it. But Erica’s decisive decision said it all. Erica’s decisive decision spoke volumes. And it must be admitted that Nika admired Erica’s resolute and decisive nature.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.
It is uncertain how Erica will face Ansel in the future. That is a matter between the two of them, and Nika feels that he has no involvement in it.
After obtaining confirmation from Erica, Nika finds this situation very intriguing and worth looking forward to in terms of further developments. The outcome can be left for later. For now, Nika needs to attend to another matter. With a resolute decision in mind, Nika takes a determined step forward, heading towards where he is needed.