Well, so I went ahead, bought the jewelry set of matching earrings and necklace, went to her birthday party, got a bit tipsy, and then pulled her to the side for a few minutes to talk to her before I left (I had to go to work super early the following day). She was a bit wasted already during that time so I wasn't really sure that was a good idea.

And I 'fessed up to her. I remember her smiling widely and giving me a big, big tight hug. 

The following night, she texted me, saying that she remembered every word that I said, and that she said that she liked me too. We immediately met up, and then spent the night just walking around town chatting.

BUT...

Given our differences as far as future immediate plans were concerned, she asked me if we could take it slow and test the waters so to say. It was going to be inevitable that we would be apart in a few weeks, with me flying back home soon and start working again, while she hasn't decided what to do next after graduation. Sure, we were still tight, but taking it to the next level scared the out of her.

Of course I was a bit deflated, but yeah, had to face the reality. Two things though, we were of different nationalities and different religions, so that's a bit iffy already. I really didn't care about it that much, but probably our parents and relatives will. I was going home soon and start a new job, while she wasn't sure what to do yet after she graduates.

But right now, I am determined to make the most of whatever time we have left with each other, and yeah, taking it nice and slow. I've been helping her a lot with her final thesis, and probably just continue doing that. She's honestly scared about defending, so I'm also exerting a lot of effort to cheer her up and build her confidence. Basically, I'm just doing what I can to make her feel happy as much as I can with whatever she has in her life right now.

/keeping my fingers crossed