12: Design a Darling part 2

“What agreement?” Ashmille asked him.

“I mean, isn’t it ironic? Our thesis topics are Build a Boyfriend and Design a Darling. Both tackle having the right romantic relationship and the right partner. But who guessed that we’re a perfect match that doesn’t need to build or design each other to fit each other’s personality, preferences, and values? Isn’t it funny how this has been made convenient for us?”

“It is, to the point that I don’t know how to react to the result.”

“I understand. But this is a good opportunity for us to try these proposed solutions together. Here’s the agreement:

1. This experiment is solely for academic purposes only. If other people witness us or rumors spread, let’s clear our names by telling them that we’re teaming up for our thesis project, just as we always do, which is true. And that there’s nothing more to it.

2. The pretend romantic relationship, uh, no… It is better to call it a Prototype Relationship. This romantic relationship prototype of ours will start as soon as we can and will end after our thesis defense, which is in five months.

3. Both should agree about the time, date, and activities for the dates. We are free to suggest, but both should consent.

4. We can set our own boundaries as pretend girlfriend and boyfriend to respect each other’s restrictions.

5. We can document our experiences while dating and use this information as original data for our individual research projects.

6. As for the emotional aspect of this experiment. We’re human beings with emotions. If either of us develops romantic feelings but the other one does not, we should commit to respecting each other’s feelings and be honest about any changes or issues. However, if both parties feel the same way, then it should be communicated for further discussion.”

“You seem invested in this idea of yours.”

“I am. Any questions or clarifications?”

“I have. I am not confident that people won’t gossip about us when they see us lovey-dovey in the school corridors. I never wanted to be attacked by the girls who are infatuated with you.”

“Public display of affection can be limited when we’re inside the school to avoid unsolicited attention from others. We can do it outside or at least outside a 1-kilometer radius of the school’s premises.”

“Wha-?” She became self-conscious. “It doesn’t have to be PDA. Simple interactions like walking side-by-side could already spread false rumors.”

“I encourage us to handle it professionally as researchers when we’re alone. But if you’re with me, leave it to me. I’ll deal with it, okay?”

Ashmille sighed. “I’d rather shorten it to three months.”

“It’s not that bad. Months have passed by more quickly than ever because we’re too absorbed with our studies to count the passing of time.”

“Five months is too long. The last two months could be spent studying the data we gathered from the 3-month prototype relationship.”

“Deal”

“I agree with the third. Who’s going to plan the dates? I’ll get it straight; I don’t know a thing about it.”

“I can and I will. Then I will ask for your consent if you’re okay with it. If not, specific changes will be made until both approve.”

“Regarding the boundaries, I’ll give you the list when I get home.”

“Sure, no problem. I’ll do the same.”

“Are we supposed to cite each other and put credits? Or should we keep it anonymous not to strike misconceptions about us?”

“A compelling notion,” He creased his forehead. “I haven’t thought of that.”

“We can talk it through together with the boundaries list.”

“Right,” he nodded.

“About the last.”

“Yup?”

“Are you sure you’re alright doing this?”

“Yes, why not?”

“As you indicated, this experiment might involve feelings. You’re right about that. And you don’t mind it?”

“I do, but the thought of how this experiment might turn out is exhilarating. Doing research studies is more fun than ever. Going through all this will be worth it.”

“Sounds like you. You’re optimistic about pretty much everything.”

She’s amazed by how he’s so into it, while she’s not.

“I’m getting fired up.”

“Sure, you do.”

***

The two had agreed to meet every Friday for their research. Last Friday was when Drino proposed to Ashmille an agreement. It is now Sunday night.

Ashmille listed her boundaries like this:

FAKE PROTOTYPE DATING BOUNDARIES LIST by Ashmille Feder (DISCLAIMER: THIS IS FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY!)

1. No body touching except arms, hands, and shoulders (only if necessary).

2. No disturbing topics.

3. Sharing of personal/in-depth information is optional.

4. Dating curfew: 6:00 PM

5. Dating locations must be within a 10 KM radius of the school.

6. All shared data and experiences from this study must be consulted with each other first before putting them into our own thesis.

7. We keep our identities anonymous in the study to avoid unwanted misconceptions about us.

Drino texted her:

Sorry, just got the internet back. I’ll open the e-meeting in a minute.

After a minute, the two meet on screen for an online meeting tonight. She has been waiting for him for more than 2 hours beyond their agreed time.

He opened his camera. “Wifi’s been bad since morning. Glad they fixed it so we could meet tonight.”

She started sharing her screen with Drino for an online presentation.

“There. Am I audible? Can you see my shared screen?” She asked and opened her camera.

“Everything’s fine,” he confirmed. “Wow, it’s not obvious that you weren’t prepared for this.” He’s amazed by her efforts.

Ashmille drank half a glass of water and put it back on her study table. She cleared her throat. “To start, here are my boundaries for our prototype dating.”

“Bring it on.”

She pressed a key to show the next slide.

“First, body touching is prohibited except for arms, hands, and shoulders. Since we’re not an official couple, it is only reasonable to limit skinship or physical contact. Accidental or no-ill-intent touching of arms, hands, and shoulders is okay, like a handshake, pat, and an arm around the shoulder. Is this clear?”

“As clear as my eyes. In short, no PDA. Question.”

“Yes?”

“Do I seem like a pervert to you?” he asked seriously.

“H-Huh?” she stuttered. She didn’t expect that question from him.

He looked serious when he asked that, which made Ashmille conscious. She wasn’t sure if he was joking or not.

“We’ve been working together several times. Does it seem like you’re uncomfortable with my presence when I’m with you physically?”

“No offense, Alejandrino. But to answer your question, no, I’m not uncomfortable when we work together online or face-to-face.”

“Oh, I thought I did.”

“I included this in the list because this is now a prototype dating where we’re supposed to act like a real couple. And from what I research, physical intimacy is relevant in relationships.”

“Now that you mentioned physical intimacy for couples, how do we prove our study and app have matched perfectly or almost a perfect couple, which is us, if we refrain from doing physical contact as pretend couples?”

Ashmille wasn’t able to answer immediately. No answer came into her head. She felt her brain turn its back on her.

“Nah, never mind, I was just poking fun at you,” he smirked. “Of course, I won’t force you to anything you don’t want to. I put the part that I respect your restrictions.”

“Yes… It’s in number 4. We can set our own boundaries as pretend girlfriend and boyfriend to respect each other’s restrictions.”

“Please proceed.”

“Second, no disturbing topics. We are free to talk about anything during the dates, but if one opens a disturbing topic, one can refuse to talk about it.”

“I think I’m getting that. But what specific disturbing topics do you avoid?”

“Erotic topics.”

“Erotic as in?” he frowned for clarification. “Oh, I get it. Sure, sure.”