Hi readers,

Welcome to chapter five. If you read my one-shot short story about Eric & Susan. You'll realize that their first kiss is happening somewhere else. I actually like their first kiss to be this way. So, let's keep it this way.

THE PROMISE

Eric has been missing for a week. I believe he must be around the city. I just don't know his whereabouts. I don't expect to care about his disappearance, but one week is too long to realize that I actually like his company better than the friends I make in Dauntless—even if it means my friends, who have been growing up for 15 years in the same faction. Eric's recent arrival has made a significance change in my life.

I can talk about other things that are not typical Dauntless teenagers would talk about with him—not about throwing our bet on illegal fist fight nor about a lustful affair between friends, or mundane things that makes me sick to the core. I can talk about my emotions and my value with him, which is something that helps me to grow as a person.

I wonder if it is because what I said or did to him the last time we saw each other. I would want to believe Eric is a mature person, he should not feel any hurt when any girl rejected him in some kind of way. He could have always gotten a better girl than me—slender, prettier. But the thought of Eric being with another girl brings a flame to my chest. However, I do not want to make our friendship awkward. I liked the way things are and I am sure he did too. I ruined it.

It is Saturday night, and I decide to go back to my circle of friends—Margo, Damian, Myers… and whoever join us for a night of dancing, kissing and getting high. We are at the club. As usual, I play the role of the caretaker of my drunk female friends. I make sure that no one touches them in appropriate places, whilst watching for my own ass not to get slapped by some pervy guy. I have a soda on my hand. I hate alcoholic drink.

When my eyes scan across the room to watch Margo dancing with some stranger, I am fixated at the bar. I see Eric in his Dauntless clothes—although he doesn't seem like dressing like his usual self. He is covering his sleeveless top with a long black coat, he changes his black washed up jeans with a darker gray pants and a pair of black leather shoes. His hair is sleek and neat and he removes some of the face piercing he has. He looks very tidy so I am coming over to make sure that it is him.

"Eric." I call his name and he turns around.

"Suz." He reckons.

A smile grows on my face, while he maintains a serious look at me. "Where have you been?"

He doesn't respond immediately. He takes a gulp of his gin and tonic before he answers me. "I was not in Dauntless."

"Where were you? It's weird without you around." I am aware that I am placing my hand on top of his. He is looking at how my fingers intertwining with his and I can tell he feel sick. "Was it something I say?" I move my face closer. "I am sorry. I was playing with you."

A skeptical smile grows on his face. "You were playing before. So, how serious are you this time?"

"Serious about what?" I ask back.

"Don't pretend like you don't know what I'm talking about." He tucks his thumb under my chin and lifts it. I shake my head off and I can see clear frustration on his face.

"What is it, Susan? I'm getting tired of guessing." He says.

"I don't want you to guess." I say. "I want you to feel it." Quickly, I press my hand behind his head, pulling him in and leaning in for a kiss. It is a quick one. His soft lips are pressed against mine with gentle pressure. His eyes are looking straight at me, searching for validation if this is real or just a stupid dream.

I can feel his hand reaching my back. He is pulling me closer and tighter. Our body touches. I am wearing a black crop top that reveals my torso, I can really feel his hand pressing against my skin. It feels warm. But the kiss is warmer and softer.

His lips brushes against mine. I can taste my own cherry lip glaze as he keeps on kissing me deeper. My heartbeat is getting faster, the air I breathe becomes hotter. I lead his hand downwards to my bottom. He grabs a handful of my butt cheek and squeezes it.

I laugh cheekily. "I like that."

I cannot wait for the other first time to happen. But I know, I must wait. I cannot trust him that easy. I remember the time when my Dauntless friends are crying over some guys who have taken their virginity card. I do not want to be like them. My first time needs to happen out of love, not desperation and not lust.

"Eric." I say.

"Yes."

"If you're serious about me. You're going to have to wait."

A faint smile grows on his face. "I know that." He leans in and kiss me one more time—it feels so comforting. I've never felt something like this before. I've never felt more at ease when I am with him. I know I am stealing the attention from my friends. From the corner of my eyes—they are all watching me liplocking with the most intimidating Dauntless soldier.

Eric is a six foot tall, and I am only five foot five inch. I bet this is going to be spectacle for anyone that watches.

I wake up fresh in the morning. I am more energized. Although Eric is not sleeping by my side but I can still taste his kiss in my mouth. So tender and warm. The thought of last night makes me giggle.

I get up from my bed. I wash my face and brush my teeth before I head to my morning run. I see my dad and Eric chats in the living room. They both stare at me. Eric with his soft gaze, while my dad has a curious look on his face.

"Susan, would you come here?" he calls me.

Eric hasn't moved his gaze away from me, until I sit down next to him. He looks fresh in his black sweatsuit and jogger pants. "Good morning Eric." I say, trying to be discreet in front of my dad.

"Good morning, Suz."

"Okay, you too, lovebirds." My dad clears his throat. "Eric told me about things between you and him. I'm okay with it. I'm glad that actually Eric comes to me and express his interest in you, Susan. You know what Dauntless boys are like."

I whisper to Eric. "He is from Erudite."

Eric nods. "That explains our instant connection, I suppose, Sir."

"Yeah, I agree with values that Dauntless stand for, except their sexual liberation. Honestly, I am dead worried about you, Susan, I really do. I'm glad that you befriend this soldier that I trust."

I roll my eyes. I wish he can stop with condescending me for being female.

"I just have one request." My dad says.

"Yes, Sir?"

"Please use protection. Susan is going to be in choosing ceremony next year. As her father, I don't want any trouble."

Eric smiles, quite nervously. "Of course, Sir." Then he turns to me. "I'm not going to do things that Susan is not comfortable of doing yet. We will just try to get to know each other better, right?"

-Oh, it is a cue for me to answer. "Yes." I answer shortly, while gazing at my untied shoe lace.

Dad smiles. I can see a sense of relief in his face, and Eric's.

"Okay, you two. I won't stop you if you want to carry on your day. Morning run, perhaps? You two seem ready."

"Ah, yes." I stand up from my seat.

"Thank you, Sir." Eric says.

Dad grins. "My name is still Darius. Forget the formality, Pal."

Eric and I walk out from my quarter. As soon as we exit the front door, I pin his body down to the wall. He doesn't feel as heavy and strong as I would think. Or, maybe he's just acting weak for me. I drive my lips to his and kiss him hard.

"Eric." I call his name.

"Yes."

"What you did earlier and what you said to my father… that was hot." I answer before I jump again to kiss him, deep.

We are just busy making out in a hidden corner of stairs in my building. We forget that we want to go for a run.