Chapter 5

Three days after leaving the hospital, I sat in the campus coffee shop across from Brett, feeling like two little voices were battling in my head.

One voice said: He gave up an important game for you—what more proof of sincerity do you need?

The other voice countered: Kelly Thompson, you've only known him for a few months. Are you really going to hand over your heart completely? Too risky.

Brett seemed to sense my internal struggle and asked gently, "What's wrong? Having second thoughts about watching the game with me?"

"No, it's not that." I took a deep breath. "Brett, I do want to be with you, I really do. In that hospital moment, I felt your genuine feelings."

His eyes lit up.

"But," I continued, "I'm also scared. I've never been in a relationship before. I don't know how to... trust someone."

Brett reached out to hold my hand, but I gently pulled away. "So I want to suggest something—give us three months. Consider it a... trial period."

"Trial period?" He looked stunned. "Kelly, dating isn't a job interview."

I blushed but persisted, "I know it sounds weird, but that's just who I am. I need time to figure out if we're really compatible, to make sure you're... really serious about this."

Seeing Brett's slightly hurt expression, I quickly added, "It's not that I don't trust you. It's because this is too important to me. I don't want to give my heart away on impulse and then regret it."

Brett was quiet for a moment, then smiled. "Okay, I understand. So what do you want to evaluate? Are there specific standards I need to meet?"

I thought seriously. "Loyalty, reliability, compatible values, and... whether we can really go the distance."

After saying that last part, I felt a bit regretful. Did I sound too insecure?

But Brett didn't get angry. Instead, he took my hand. "Kelly, I understand your concerns. Three months it is. I'll prove it to you through my actions."

When he held my hand, I felt that familiar warmth. Maybe a trial period really was a good idea—I wouldn't have to completely reject these feelings, but I also wouldn't have to take too big a risk.

"Let's start tonight then," I said. "Don't you have that basketball team party? I want to go, to get to know your social circle."

Brett looked surprised. "Are you sure? You've always said you don't like those kinds of events."

"If we're going to try being together, I should make an effort to adapt to your world."

---

Standing outside the fraternity house, I began questioning the wisdom of this decision.

The music was deafening, the air thick with the smell of beer and perfume. I took a deep breath and told myself: Kelly, this is the first test of the trial period.

"Everyone, this is Kelly, my girlfriend!" Brett introduced me excitedly, his voice full of pride.

Teammate Jake walked over, already red-faced from drinking. "So you're the bookworm who's got our captain all distracted?"

"I study computer science," I replied politely, thinking: In their eyes, I'm just a nerd.

"Cool! What games do you play?" Jake continued trying to make conversation.

"I... don't really play games. I prefer programming."

Seeing his confused expression, I felt nervous. Maybe I should find a more relatable topic?

Brett noticed the awkward atmosphere and quickly said, "Kelly's programming skills are incredible. She can create really cool stuff."

Throughout the evening, I tried hard to fit in while observing Brett. I noticed how the cheerleaders greeted him with extra enthusiasm, and how naturally he responded to their hugs and cheek kisses. When a girl named Sarah complained about her boyfriend, Brett skillfully comforted her, even wiping away a tear from the corner of her eye.

"Brett's really good at taking care of people," Stephanie said beside me. "We used to go to him with all our problems. He's always so patient."

I just smiled, but inside I wondered: Does he "take care of" all girls this way?

When the cheerleaders discussed skincare products, I thought of chemical formulas. When they talked about the latest reality shows, I couldn't contribute at all. But Brett seemed able to chime in on all these topics, making the girls giggle.

"Your girlfriend is pretty... unique," I overheard Jake telling Brett. "She always seems to be observing us. Kind of intimidating."

My heart sank. I was just trying to understand this environment, but apparently it had the opposite effect.

"She just needs time to adjust. Kelly's actually really easy to get along with," Brett defended me.

Leaving the party, I felt dejected. "I was a complete failure, wasn't I? I couldn't fit in at all."

"No," Brett squeezed my hand, "my friends need time to get to know you. You need time to adjust too. This was just the first time—don't put so much pressure on yourself."

His understanding warmed my heart a little, but I couldn't help thinking: Are we really compatible? And those naturally intimate gestures with other girls—am I overthinking it?

Late that night, back in my dorm, I was about to wash up when I heard a knock at the door.

"Kelly? It's me." Brett's voice came through.

This late? I opened the door to find him holding his laptop, a mysterious smile on his face.

"I want to show you something." He walked into the room and opened his computer.

The screen displayed something I never expected: a red heart gently pulsing in the center, surrounded by flickering code fragments that eventually converged into a line: "For Kelly, who taught me that love can be logical too."

I was stunned. The animation was simple, but every detail showed thoughtfulness: the heart's curves were smooth, the color gradients gentle, even the code font was elegantly chosen.

"When did you learn to make this?" My voice trembled slightly.

"I spent a whole week learning animation. I know it's probably simple for you, but I wanted to tell you in a way you'd understand that I'm serious."

In that moment, I was truly moved. No expensive gift could compare to this simple animation, because I knew how much effort he'd put into it. Someone who never touched programming had learned something completely foreign just for me.

"Brett..." I took his hand voluntarily. "This is the most thoughtful gift I've ever received."

"Would you teach me more?" he asked. "I want to understand your world better."

Just in this tender moment, his phone suddenly lit up.

One message: Sarah.

Then another: Stephanie.

Then Emma.

Midnight, three girls messaging him consecutively. My heart instantly sank.

"Just some old friends, nothing important." Brett casually swiped away the notifications, his expression completely natural.

"Old friends?" I tried to stay calm. "Texting this late?"

"College kids stay up late. Sarah, Stephanie—they're just former classmates who send random stuff." His tone was casual, as if he saw nothing wrong with it.

I nodded on the surface, but inside I was churning. The three-month trial period was definitely the right call—I still had so much to learn about him.

"Brett," I looked into his eyes, "since we've decided to try this, I hope we can be completely honest with each other."

"Of course, I'm completely transparent with you." He looked sincere. "What's wrong? Is there something you're worried about?"

"Not for now." I answered, but mentally decided I needed to observe more carefully.

After Brett left, I stared at the pulsing heart on the computer screen, my emotions a complex mix. On one hand, his thoughtfulness truly moved me; on the other, those late-night messages brought me back to reality.

I pulled out my phone and made a simple note in my memo app about today's events, including his thoughtful gestures and the details that concerned me.

After finishing, I leaned back in my chair and sighed deeply.

Three months of trial period—not too long, not too short. Just enough time to see clearly whether he was really worth giving my heart to.

After all, Kelly Thompson wasn't the type of girl to be easily fooled by sweet words.