Part 3

The following Monday, the streets of New York City bustled with their usual energy. Selerity sat at her favorite corner table in the cozy coffee shop, her hands wrapped around a warm cup of coffee. Her eyes were focused on the door, anticipation bubbling inside her as she waited for Landon to arrive.

She had spent the entire weekend thinking about this—about what she wanted to ask him, and more importantly, why she needed to ask it. As someone who had never truly experienced the nuances of a genuine relationship, she felt like a puzzle missing critical pieces. The idea of learning what it really meant to be a girlfriend, not just for work but in a real, emotional sense, had been gnawing at her. She didn't want to keep playing a role; she wanted to live it.

When the door finally swung open and Landon walked in, Selerity felt a strange mixture of relief and nervousness. He spotted her almost immediately and made his way over, giving her that familiar, warm smile that had become a comforting sight in her life.

"Hey," he greeted her as he sat down, placing his own coffee on the table. "You sounded pretty urgent in your text. Everything okay?"

Selerity took a deep breath, deciding to dive right in. "Landon, there's something I need your help with. I need you to teach me how to be a proper girlfriend."

Landon's eyebrows shot up in surprise, his fingers halting midway to his coffee cup. "Teach you... how to be a girlfriend?" he repeated, clearly not expecting this request. "What do you mean?"

Selerity bit her lip, searching for the right words. "It's not as strange as it sounds, I promise," she began, her voice a little shaky. "The thing is... I've never really been in a real relationship before. Back in high school, I was always too shy, too afraid to put myself out there. I didn't date anyone. And now, working for the agency, all my experience with dating is... well, it's part of the job. It's all scripted, all about making the client happy. But it's not real."

Landon listened quietly, the initial shock on his face softening into understanding as she continued.

"I don't want that to be the only way I know how to be with someone," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want to know what it's like to be in a real relationship, where the feelings are genuine, where the connection isn't just part of some transaction. And I trust you, Landon. You've made me feel... different, like I don't have to pretend around you. That's why I'm asking for your help."

Landon leaned back in his chair, processing everything she had just said. The request was unconventional, to say the least, but he could see where she was coming from. He knew that Selerity's life had been shaped by the role she played in the agency, and that role had created a barrier between her and real, heartfelt connections.

"Selerity," he began slowly, choosing his words carefully, "I understand what you're asking, but being a girlfriend... it's not something I can teach you like it's a skill or a set of instructions. It's something you have to experience, something you have to feel."

Selerity nodded, her eyes serious. "I know that. But I need a starting point. I need to know what it's supposed to feel like, how I'm supposed to act when I'm not just playing a role. I don't want my job to be my only source of experience. I want to learn how a real relationship works, and I want to do that with someone I trust."

Landon looked into her eyes, seeing the vulnerability there, the genuine desire to understand something that had always eluded her. He couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility, knowing how important this was to her.

"Okay," he said finally, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I'll take you out on dates, like a real boyfriend would, and we'll see where it goes. I'll show you what it's like to be in a relationship, how a guy should treat a girl. But this isn't about teaching you to be a girlfriend; it's about letting you experience what it feels like to be in a relationship, to build something real."

Selerity's face lit up with relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Landon. I really appreciate this. I just... I want to be able to be myself with someone, without worrying about whether I'm doing it right."

"You don't have to thank me," Landon replied, his smile growing wider. "Let's just take it one step at a time. We'll figure it out together."

Sitting across from each other in the cozy coffee shop, the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, creating a comfortable ambiance. The hum of quiet conversations around them added to the intimate atmosphere as Selerity and Landon settled into their conversation.

Landon took a sip of his coffee, gathering his thoughts. "So, since we're doing this whole 'getting to know each other' thing, I guess I'll start. My name is Landon Johnson, I'm 25, and I work in IT for a data entry company. It's not the most exciting job, but it pays the bills." He shrugged, a small, self-deprecating smile playing on his lips. "I'm pretty much your average guy. I like playing video games, hanging out with friends, and watching action shows. I don't really have any exciting hobbies or anything like that. Most girls I've met think I'm a bit boring."

Selerity listened intently, her hands wrapped around her coffee cup, enjoying the warmth. "I don't think that sounds boring at all," she said sincerely. "I think it's nice that you enjoy simple things. It shows you appreciate the small joys in life."

Landon chuckled softly. "Maybe, but I've never really impressed anyone with my love for routine and simplicity."

Selerity smiled, appreciating his humility. "Well, I'm Selerity Fields, age 22, and you already know about my part-time job at the girlfriend rental agency." She paused, taking a sip of her coffee before continuing. "Even though I haven't dated outside of my work, I'd consider myself a hopeless romantic. I love reading romance novels, watching rom-coms, and listening to love songs. In my free time, I write poetry, paint, and practice yoga."

Landon looked at her with newfound admiration. "Wow, you've got me beat in the hobbies department. It sounds like you have a lot of creative outlets."

Selerity laughed lightly, the sound bringing a warmth to the conversation. "Yeah, I guess I do. It's kind of funny, though—it almost feels like we're a real couple now, doesn't it?"

Landon grinned, feeling the ease between them. "It sure does. You know, since we're on the subject, I think I should tell you more about my ex. You've heard about her before, but there's a bit more to the story."

Selerity's curiosity piqued as she leaned forward slightly. "Did you two break up recently?"

Landon looked down at his coffee, stirring it absentmindedly. "Yeah, about a week before we met, actually. It was a tough break-up, but meeting you helped me more than you probably realize."

Selerity's expression softened with concern. "I'm sorry to hear that. But... how was I able to help?"

Landon sighed, his thoughts drifting back to the painful memories. "We were together for about a year, but honestly, we were never close. We didn't even kiss—not once. The whole relationship felt...distant. She was more interested in the things I could buy her than in me. Toward the end, she got mean, and I started to suspect she was seeing someone else, but I didn't want to believe it."

He paused, taking a moment before continuing. "Then, one day, I got a call from some guy telling me to stay away from his girlfriend. That's how I found out she'd been cheating on me. It was pretty humiliating."

Selerity's heart ached for him. "That's terrible, Landon. I'm really sorry you had to go through that."

Landon looked up, meeting her gaze with a soft smile. "Thanks, but I'm okay now. It hurt, but spending time with you has given me a lot of hope. You're easy to talk to, and I feel like you actually understand me. I haven't felt that in a long time."

Selerity felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words, feeling genuinely touched. "I'm glad I could help, even if it was unintentional. You deserve someone who appreciates you for who you are, not just for what you can give them."

Landon nodded, feeling a sense of closure as he shared his story with her. "Yeah, and maybe...just maybe, I'll find that person someday."

They both sat quietly for a moment, the bustling sounds of the coffee shop fading into the background as they enjoyed the comfortable silence between them. For the first time in a long while, Landon felt a sense of peace about his past, and a sense of anticipation about the future—especially now that Selerity was a part of it.

"Thanks for listening," Landon said softly, breaking the silence. "I'm really looking forward to whatever comes next for us, even if it's just learning together as friends."

Selerity smiled, a hopeful glint in her eyes. "Me too, Landon. Me too."

After they finished their coffee, Landon and Selerity gathered their things and walked out of the cozy café, the cool evening air brushing against their faces. The city lights were starting to flicker on, casting a warm glow on the streets as they walked together toward the bus stop.

Before they parted ways, Landon turned to Selerity with a curious smile. "So, where do you want to meet up next?"

Selerity tilted her head in thought for a moment, then her face lit up. "How about we go to the ramen shop? I've been craving some good ramen lately."

Landon chuckled, amused by her suggestion. "You really love food, don't you?"

She nodded enthusiastically. "Definitely! My family owns a restaurant, so food has always been a big part of my life."

Landon's smile widened. "A ramen shop it is then. Let's meet there this Saturday for lunch."

"Sounds perfect," Selerity agreed, a spark of excitement in her eyes.

With their next meet-up planned, they said their goodbyes and went their separate ways, each feeling a bit lighter and more connected than before.

Throughout the week, Landon and Selerity stayed in touch. They texted each other regularly, talking about their work and school life, sharing little anecdotes, and learning more about each other. Landon found himself looking forward to their conversations, enjoying the easy flow of their chats. Selerity, on the other hand, appreciated how genuine and kind Landon was, making her feel at ease.

By the time Friday rolled around, their friendship had deepened, though both still felt the subtle thrill of something more just beneath the surface.

That evening, as Landon was wrapping up his work for the week, his phone rang. It was Selerity. He answered with a smile, leaning back in his chair. "Hey, Selerity. How's it going?"

"Pretty good," she replied, her voice cheerful. "Just wanted to check in and see how your day was."

Landon sighed playfully. "Oh, you know, the usual. Work can be pretty boring, but it pays the bills, so I can't complain too much."

Selerity laughed on the other end of the line. "I guess that's true. At least it's something stable. So, are we still on for ramen tomorrow?"

"Absolutely," Landon answered, his voice filled with enthusiasm. He could almost picture the delicious bowls of ramen waiting for them. "I've been looking forward to it all week."

"Me too," Selerity said, sounding just as excited. "I'll see you at noon?"

"Noon it is," Landon confirmed, feeling a bit like a kid waiting for Christmas morning. "I can't wait."

They exchanged a few more words before hanging up, and as Landon put his phone down, he couldn't help but smile. The prospect of seeing Selerity again filled him with a warm sense of anticipation, and he found himself counting down the hours until their lunch date.

Selerity, on the other hand, felt a growing fondness for Landon. Their interactions were easy, comfortable, and increasingly enjoyable. She was looking forward to their lunch, not just for the ramen, but for the companionship as well. The weekend was just around the corner, and with it, another step in their journey of getting to know each other.

The next day at noon, Landon and Selerity met at the ramen shop, the inviting aroma of broth and spices filling the air as they walked in. They found a cozy booth near the window and settled in, exchanging easy smiles as they looked over the menu.

They decided on their orders—pork ramen for Selerity and beef ramen for Landon, accompanied by a round of beer to toast the end of a long week. When the server brought their drinks, they clinked their glasses together.

"To another meal we can enjoy together," Landon said, his voice warm with sincerity.

"Cheers!" Selerity replied, taking a sip of her beer and smiling over the rim of her glass.

After a moment of comfortable silence, Landon set his drink down and asked, "So, how did you first discover ramen?"

Selerity's eyes lit up as she recalled the memory. "There was this little ramen shop near my university. My friends and I used to go there all the time after class. I fell in love with ramen during those years, but I had to stop going once money got tight. It's one of those simple pleasures I really miss."

Landon nodded, understanding the sentiment. "I discovered ramen in a more predictable way—I watched a lot of anime growing up, and it's in almost every show. Eventually, I decided I had to try it for myself."

Selerity's expression brightened with excitement. "Wait, you like anime too?" she asked, a little surprised. "I'm obsessed with romantic comedies like Toradora."

Landon grinned, pleased by their shared interest. "I love Toradora! That show is such a classic. I tend to lean towards more sentimental anime, though—stuff like Kanon and Air."

Selerity clapped her hands together in delight. "Those are beautiful shows! I love how emotional and deep they are."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly from there, the bond between them growing stronger with each shared interest. They laughed together, talked about their favorite anime moments, and even debated over the best characters.

As their ramen arrived, they dug in, the rich flavors warming them from the inside out. Between bites, they started asking more personal questions, their connection deepening with each new piece of information.

"My birthday's March 12th," Selerity said, twirling noodles around her chopsticks. "I'm a Pisces."

Landon chuckled, setting down his spoon. "September 3rd for me. That makes me a Virgo. Looks like we've got the whole Earth-Water element thing going on."

Selerity laughed, a soft blush creeping into her cheeks. "I guess we do. I like you, Landon."

He smiled back at her, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. "I like you too, Selerity."

Their laughter filled the small booth, the world outside the window fading away as they became more absorbed in their conversation. Landon found himself relaxing in a way he hadn't in a long time.

"I really appreciate how open and honest we can be with each other," Landon admitted after a pause. "Some of my friends think I'm weird or too nerdy because I like anime and video games. It's nice to talk to someone who gets it."

Selerity nodded, her eyes soft with understanding. "I know what you mean. I've had similar experiences with my friends, but I've learned to embrace who I am. I refuse to let anyone make me feel bad for what I enjoy."

They continued talking about their favorite pastimes, the conversation flowing as naturally as it had since they met.

When the bill arrived, Landon settled it, and they walked out into the afternoon sun, both feeling pleasantly full and content. They headed towards the bus stop together, the easy rapport between them continuing as they waited for the next bus to arrive.

As they stood there, Landon turned to Selerity, a thoughtful expression on his face. "So," he began, "do you feel like you have a better idea of what it means to be in a relationship now?"

Selerity looked up at him, a gentle smile spreading across her face. "I think so," she said softly. "I'm really grateful to be spending this time with you. You're showing me a side of relationships that I've never experienced before. It feels... real."

Landon returned her smile, feeling a connection with her that was deeper than anything he'd expected when they first met. "I'm glad to hear that," he said. "I'm really enjoying this too."

The bus pulled up, and they both got on, sitting side by side as they continued talking about their lives, their likes and dislikes, and the simple joys of getting to know each other. The city passed by outside the window, but for Landon and Selerity, the only thing that mattered was the conversation between them, a budding friendship—and maybe something more—growing with every word.

As the bus gently rumbled along, the city passing by in a blur of lights and shadows, Landon and Selerity continued to chat, their conversation filled with an easy familiarity that had grown between them. The afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on their faces.

Landon turned to Selerity with a playful smile. "So, is there anything else you want to do next week? Anywhere you want to go?"

Selerity thought for a moment, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "Actually, there's a new arcade that just opened up nearby. I've been dying to check it out. How about we go there and see who's the better gamer?" She flashed him a challenging grin.

Landon chuckled, feeling a surge of competitive spirit. "You're on. I'll warn you, though, I'm pretty good at these things."

"We'll see about that," Selerity teased, her smile widening.

The bus soon pulled up to Landon's stop, and as he gathered his things, he glanced back at Selerity. "I'll see you next week, then. Prepare to be beaten."

Selerity laughed, giving him a mock-salute. "Bring it on, Landon."

With a final wave, Landon stepped off the bus, the cool breeze greeting him as he made his way down the familiar streets toward his apartment. The afternoon had been unexpectedly perfect, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for their upcoming arcade duel.

Just as he was nearing his apartment building, his phone buzzed in his pocket. Pulling it out, he saw his mother on the screen. A sense of unease crept over him as he answered the call.

"Hi, Mom," he greeted, trying to keep his voice casual.

"Landon, dear!" His mother's voice was warm but held a note of curiosity. "I ran into your friend Scott today at the grocery store. He mentioned that you've got a new girlfriend? Why didn't you tell me?"

Landon felt a jolt of shock climb his spine, his heart skipping a beat. He hadn't expected word to reach his parents so soon, if at all. "Uh, yeah, about that..."

"Why haven't you brought her over to meet us yet?" his mother continued, oblivious to his discomfort. "You know how important it is to your father and me that we get to know the girl you're seeing. Especially after that last one."

Landon's mind raced, trying to come up with a plausible excuse. "She's... um, really busy with her classes this week, Mom. She's got a lot on her plate right now."

His mother hummed thoughtfully. "A college girl, huh? Well, I hope she's studying for something meaningful. What's her major?"

Landon swallowed, suddenly realizing he didn't actually know what Selerity was studying. "She's, uh, still deciding," he mumbled, feeling a pang of guilt for the half-truth.

His mother sighed, but there was no mistaking the curiosity in her voice. "Alright, but I want you to bring her over as soon as she's free. We don't want another situation like last time."

"I'll talk to her about it," Landon promised, his voice heavy with resignation.

"Good," his mother said, her tone softening. "I'm looking forward to meeting her. And Landon... make sure she's a good one, okay?"

"Yeah, Mom. I will," he replied, trying to mask his worry. After a brief goodbye, he hung up and stood there for a moment, staring at his phone.

A deep sigh escaped his lips as he leaned against the side of the building. The situation had become more complicated than he'd anticipated. It had been one thing for Selerity to meet his friends—awkward but manageable. But introducing her to his parents? That was a whole new level of pressure, one he wasn't sure how to navigate.

Landon realized he'd been so caught up in enjoying his time with Selerity that he hadn't taken the opportunity to set the record straight. Now, with his parents expecting to meet her, he was trapped in a situation he wasn't prepared for.

He ran a hand through his hair, his mind spinning with anxiety. How would Selerity react to this? Would she even agree to meet his parents? The thought of her having to pretend even more weighed heavily on him, and the guilt gnawed at his conscience.

Landon knew he had to tell Selerity about his mother's call, but he had no idea how to bring it up without making everything even more awkward. For now, all he could do was hope that she would understand—and maybe, just maybe, agree to help him out one more time.