8. Don't Expect Anything

Clarissa had just finished showering and changing. She wanted to charge her cell phone. When she took it out of the bag, there were several incoming calls from Adimasta. What was up with that guy calling? Was there anything important?

Clarissa sent a chat because she had to fill in her cell phone energy. She asked why Adimasta was busy looking for her. Adimasta's reply came quickly. He asked if his workbook had been taken by Clarissa. Clarissa didn't feel it, but she'd check first.

The phone was put back down and Clarissa opened her bag. The book was in the bag. It was tucked into the book Clarissa had borrowed. Clarissa was curious, what were the contents of Adimasta's book. She sat down at her table and began to flip through the pages of the book.

Clarissa smiled. Neat, organized, systematic. Yes, it was Adimasta. A good boy, friendly, and intelligent. Unfortunately, in Clarissa's eyes, Adimasta looked like an indecisive and weak guy. It was the reason why Clarissa never had a crush on him, even though some of their friends had a crush on the slanted boy.

The note was in the book showing what Adimasta was like. But Clarissa felt so boring with this boy's style. No excitement, no fun challenges, and adventures. Flat. The notes stopped until the last page Adimasta wrote. Today.

"Totally organized. Like a slick shelf, beautiful. Adi, Adi ..." Clarissa closed the book. She placed it on the table, but it slipped, the book fell.

Clarissa bent down to pick it up. She turned, right in the middle of the open book. Clarissa's eyes bulged, her mouth agape. She couldn't believe what she read there.

Clarissa's name was written nicely on it. Unique shape with fairly large size. And underneath were three words that made Clarissa even more unable to blink.

'CLARISSA -- I love you'

"What is this?!" Clarissa was still staring at the book.

Just then, her cell phone was ringing. Adimasta contacted. Clarissa quickly received Adimasta's call.

"Clay, do you have my book?" asked Adimasta.

Clarissa thought about what she wanted to talk about to the boy. It seemed she wanted to smack the boy. But, no way. Not this way. She would meet Adimasta the next day and talk to him.

"Clay?!" Adi called again because Clarissa was just silent.

"Yes, it is here." Flat, Clarissa answered.

"Oh, okay. Please, bring it tomorrow. It's important to me." Adimasta ensured that the book would return to him.

"Yeah, what am I also keeping your books for?" Clarissa said.

"Hee ... hee ... Well, thanks, Clay." Adimasta was relieved. It was a relief that the book was in Clarissa. Relieved, Clarissa didn't say anything about the contents of the book which also contained Adimasta's outpouring for the girl.

Honestly, from the moment he realized that the book was in Clarissa's hands, Adimasta felt inconvenient. He was worried that Clarissa would know what he wrote there. It seemed Clarissa didn't see. The girl didn't really care. What was she doing with someone's book anyway? That's what Adimasta had in mind. So, he tried to calm himself down.

Clarissa hung up the phone. Her nosy hands were getting worse. She turned back the sheets at the book. Her eyes widened again, it turned out that there were several sheets that also inscribed how Adimasta felt for Clarissa.

'You are so beautiful today. Nice to see you here, Clay.'

'Wish you look at me. Coz I have a heart for you.'

Clarissa stared at the writing. When did this guy start to like her? Why was he so neatly stored up feelings that Clarissa couldn't find out? And, some time ago, when Clarissa asked him to pretend to be her boyfriend, why did he refuse?

"Tomorrow I'll take care of this." This time Clarissa closed the book and put it in her bag. Don't be left behind tomorrow.

*****

"Clay, where is my book?" As soon as he entered the class, Adimasta immediately asked Clarissa for his book note.

Clarissa, who was engrossed in seeing posts on social media, lifted her face. She had already made plans on how she would return the book. Calmly, Clarissa rummaged through her bag.

"Nothing. Missed it." Clarissa looked back at Adimasta.

"Clay, seriously?" asked Adimasta. Now Adimasta is getting restless.

"It's just a book note. Just write it down on paper, in a note on a laptop, cellphone, whatever." Remaining calm, Clarissa fiddled with her eyebrows.

Adimasta's heart beats faster. He had a feeling Clarissa was doing it on a purpose. And it was very possible that she has found Adimasta's heart in that book.

"Good morning all!" The lecturer entered the class and greeted the students.

"Morning, Ma'am." Answers were heard from several students.

"Clay ..." Adimasta was still making sure the book was with Clarissa.

"Lecture is starting, Adi Cakra." Clarissa glared slightly at Adimasta.

The boy was forced to move, looking for a seat. But throughout the lecture, Adimasta was not calm. Even though he was expressionless, his heart was churning. Finally, when the lecture was over, he returned to come close to Clarissa.

"Find me in the back garden, ten minutes." Clarissa looked at Adimasta, then she grabbed her bag, stood up, and left the classroom.

Adimasta was very sure this time, Clarissa knew his secret. And she didn't seem to like it. Adimasta swallowed his saliva. He didn't know what Clarissa would say. Adimasta had to face her. Maybe it was the right time for Clarissa to know what he felt for that quirky girl.

In the back garden, Clarissa sat on a park bench. He waited for Adimasta with a grumpy face. Adimasta approached, sitting across from Clarissa.

"Where's my book?" As usual, Adimasta flatly said.

Clarissa wordlessly took out Adimasta's book from her bag. Clarissa reached out to give the book.

"Don't expect anything from me, Adi." A cold look emerged from Clarissa's eyes.

"I do love you," Adimasta said calmly, the words that came out one by one, Adimasta's trademark spoke. He couldn't run, it was better he confessed.

"You're not my type. I won't look at you." Clarissa folded her arms. A cold gaze still pierced Adimasta.

Was this the feeling to face this haughty girl? It was not a new thing, that Clarissa is known to be the most arrogant young woman in dealing with a man who likes her. It was very uncomfortable.

"I never set my heart to like you. I can't deny my feelings." Adimasta remained calm.

Clarissa was quite surprised. This very calm guy, actually had guts?

"I will assume what I saw in the book was never existed. And you, I say it again, don't expect anything. I will never accept you." Clarissa stood up. "Throw away your feelings. Or move on to another girl who is more match for you."

"I won't do it."

Clarissa turned her head at Adimasta's words. This dude challenged her?

"Don't let you regret it. Because I will prove to you, the man I'm after has more qualities than you. Much more than you." Clarissa leaned slightly closer to Adimasta.

"I'll be patiently waiting, Clay. If you need anything I'm here for you." No expression. But Adimasta's words made Clarissa even more annoyed.

"Huuhhh! Ridiculous!!" With those words, Clarissa left Adimasta.

Adimasta looked at Clarissa who kept walking away without looking back. Adimasta stroked his thick black hair. He wouldn't give up. He loved Clarissa, he wanted her to live well. And he would be by her side, helping Clarissa to find a life full of love. It was Adimasta's determination.