-Until when am I just a shadow waiting for you to stare at me longer-
***
Raisa knocked on the door softly while greeting until Mrs. Alisa's voice told her to come in. Then she stepped inside where on the dark brown sofa that still looked brand new, Atha's figure without glasses—since two days ago it was smiling at her. Raisa is invited to sit beside Atha.
"So I'll just go straight to the point, okay, so you won't be late for class," said Mrs. Alisa, smiling a smile that could still make the eyes of men out there mesmerized because of her youthful face even though she was already thirty. Unfortunately, Mrs. Alisa doesn't have a partner, maybe because she's still single.
"I chose the two of you to participate in the debate at the National High School. Atha has agreed and I hope you also agree, Raisa. Mrs. Jasmine as a language teacher also recommends you. You should show your talent. Yes, besides you can participate in the Physics and Biology Olympia
-If I get closer to you, that means I'm getting closer to the wound—the karmic punishment that has been cursing me-***Yuda smiled triumphantly when Raisa finally agreed to his invitation to watch him play basketball. Yuda was indifferent to the sad feelings that hit Atha when she thwarted the man alone in the library."Sorry, Tha, we'll discuss it tomorrow. I'll line you tonight," regretted Raisa. The race was only two days away, they should have practiced harder but because Yuda was always waiting for him he couldn't concentrate. Moreover, Yuda often limits their time, like today. It's only been fifteen minutes since Raisa and Atha have been practicing, Yuda immediately ends it by inviting Raisa to encourage him to play basketball."You want to eat first?"Raisa shook her head, her face looked irritated which made Yuda want to make fun of her even more, pinching Raisa's nose until a small snort came out of the curly-haired girl's pink lips
-Am I wrong to want clarity on our relationship? Our feelings may be different, I'm serious and you're joking-***"Sorry, it's too late for you to come home," Atha regretted in Raisa's yard.They had just finished a discussion at Mrs. Alisa's house, when the clock showed half past seven Atha was about to take Raisa home so it wouldn't be too late but the weather was impartial. It rained for over an hour. Therefore, it was only after eight o'clock that they finally went home.Raisa says it's okay. He immediately entered when he had confirmed that Atha had disappeared from his sight. When he stepped into the living room, a tall man was staring at him intensely, on the sofa next to him there was Fairuz who seemed to be standing up to him."Just got home, eh?" Raisa nodded, shook her hand and was about to rush to her room without greeting Yuda first."Eh, you guys mad?" said Fairuz stopping his steps. Yuda chuckled as he approached Raisa.
-Jealous is a sign of love, angry is a sign of love-***The five men in high school uniforms laughed heartily on their motorbikes. Soon the clock will show eight o'clock but the students who don't know the time look relaxed. The flyover was bustling with passing vehicles but the noise didn't make the five men's voices dim."Try again, one more time." Rijal got off his motorbike, smoothed his tie like an MC."Your song is very good, right guys?"Everyone nodded, except for Yuda who was busy releasing his cigarette smoke."Jealousy means love.""Jreng ... jreng ..." Alif laughed seeing his friend accompanying him humming."Angry is a sign, dear ..." Alif finished his short song, turned to Yuda near him, flashing a grinning smile."What?" Yuda chuckled as his four friends shook their heads simultaneously."How's Yu, are you jealous, don't you see Raisa's deck walking with Atha?"Everyone was waiting for Yuda'
-If I cry it means I'm weak but I can never pretend when my heart hurts-***Raisa stopped a taxi and then went inside without forgetting to mention her home address first. The thing he wanted to do when he got home was to refresh his mind and body with a shower. Raisa ignores Yuda's choice. He didn't choose to go home with either one. Both Juda and Atha.When the bell rang, Raisa immediately said goodbye to Atha's offer to take her home. He chose to exit from the side gate instead of the main gate, unbeknownst to Yuda who was waiting for him in the parking lot. Raisa first sent a message to Bela as a notification that she didn't go home with Bela."It's here, Dick." The driver's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He thanked him while taking out the money as a fare then immediately got down and entered his yard.Raisa walked languidly while looking down into the house without realizing Atha was still standing beside her motorbike. The man follo
-I selfishly want you as my shelter, don't go and stay by my side—***Atha chose not to disturb Raisa, who was struggling with her thoughts. Soon they will be called up to the stage in season two. Their friends cheered in the audience. Everyone was there except Juda."Raisa, we've been called. Come on!"Raisa blinked when Atha whispered something. Instantly Raisa rose to occupy their group's podium. He had to be able to focus his mind."Are you ready?" All participants answered simultaneously.Raisa exhaled, calmed down and tried to fend off her thoughts about Yuda. The man avoided him. Even at school when Raisa asked her classmates for support, Yuda seemed indifferent and didn't pay attention. Likewise, when they passed, Yuda didn't even glance at him."It's okay, right?""Yes."The first session had passed, where each participant expressed his opinion on the same topic. Where Raisa's group was chosen as pro.
-I hope that fate will continue to unite us like this without a break without a distance-***Raisa POVI deftly descended the stairs when Mother's voice from below called out, telling me that Yuda and the others were waiting. Yes, today is Sunday and we are planning a vacation to Lombok.Yuda looked so charming in his black t-shirt, sitting on the sofa in the living room with my best friend and also his friend. After yesterday where I looked crybaby and childish, Yuda's attitude automatically changed. He was so caring and kind to me. I don't know, hopefully it's a good sign for our relationship.Ah, speaking of relationships it seems like I was expecting too much if I became special to him. Oh, don't remind me about being his impromptu girlfriend earlier in the month, it's almost another month now. I think he forgot too but somehow I feel comfortable and have no intention of demanding anything. The female issue yesterday that had made my mood chan
Forgiving the past is my way to always be happy with you. Hope you're not just a part of the past that will be a memory-***Raisa POVI took a breath of fresh air, staring at Karen's brown irises. All these mistakes must be made up for immediately, I will do whatever it takes but I don't want to lie again, like I used to."Karen, I don't want us to be like we used to be. I'm sorry that I pretended to accept your feelings and became your temporary boyfriend while I didn't have any feelings, more than friends," I said.Karen was still waiting for the next sentence I would say to her, in response."And because of that mistake I got the karma according to your wishes," I continued, smiling sadly. Karen's eyebrows shot up, I don't know if she was happy to hear that."I've never forgotten that and I always hope that one day I'll see you again, I'm sorry. You can be my best friend again." Again, I sighed."If you ask if you're still
-I want to hold your hand but the cavities in your fingers refuse. I give up as long as you're happy-***Author POVRaisa feels guilty. Bela led him up the steps of the villa. Kinta was about to knock on the door but suddenly the maroon door opened showing Rio's face."Come on, he's already inside," Rio said telling them to come in. Raisa immediately broke through, calling Yuda's name.The man seemed to be playing the guitar. Raisa stopped her steps when she saw Yuda on the sofa, Ridho who was sitting opposite chose to get up, pulling Bela up. Rio did the same thing, taking Kinta out while Alif had already entered the kitchen with Arifah. Raisa tried to call Yuda but there was no answer, her fingers were still patiently playing the strings. Raisa chose to sit opposite him, listening to the melodious rhythm that he only knew this time that Yuda was good at playing the guitar."Yu, I want to talk," said Raisa when Yuda stopped his game.
-If the twilight stays orange even when it's cloudy,if the moon is still dim even in the darkthen you're still my curved rainbowafter the rain on my veranda that I always hug-***Atha had just arrived at Raisa's house and was chatting with other friends, she was so worried when she heard the news of Raisa's loss. His mind was racing. Atha would rather not be with Raisa because the woman chose Yuda than she had to lose Raisa forever because of the kidnapper's evil deeds. For him, being able to see Raisa smiling even though he wasn't the reason behind the laughter that broke out on the girl's pink lips but he was grateful at least that he could still breathe the same air under the same sky. Atha is determined with her decision to continue studying abroad, at least that's the way Ampus let the two of them be together without having to endure a wound in the chest due to jealousy. Atha is sure she will find a piece of a warm heart, who knows w
-I'm not asking you to sacrifice, I just want you to be honest with your feelings. Can?-RAISA blinked to get used to her dim vision with the room light lit by yellow neon lights. Raisa's body was tied to a chair, exactly the same as what happened to her two weeks ago by Arkan et al. But the situation now is much different and very dangerous considering the abductors are international mafia."Are you awake?" A hoarse voice entered his ears along with the ticking of shoes followed by Doli's men. Raisa looked up at Doli's fierce face, still the same as before when they met. If only his hands were not tied Raisa wanted to destroy the sly smile on Doli's fierce face, as if mocking her weak.Doli told his men to put Raisa's front seat three steps away and then he sat on it. Raisa stared intently when Doli cupped her face face to face."The first rule is don't glare at me," said Doli, opening the cellphone screen."Two choices for you to be free. First,
-Because I was hurt I wanted to share the pain with you but in the end your sincere feelings made me really fall into regret-***Raisa spills all her feelings on the hamster. The innocent doll had received countless hammer blows nonstop as her head popped out of the hole randomly. It's not a gift that he wants to collect when the points are full but his way of releasing all the worries, sorrows and sorrows that can't be channeled through tears.Warning: Especially for children.For the first time Raisa doesn't regret being a citizen who disobeys the rules, it's not a criminal offense anyway. The supervising officer had wanted to reprimand Raisa but Bela and Arifah immediately took over by negotiating, they even bought a lot of special coins for him to play all kinds of rides."Make you!" Raisa put all her strength into lifting the hammer and then knocked on the hamster's head, as if the cute animal was someone she hated so much.How not to
-If erasing feelings is the same as erasing ink on a blackboard then my feelings are like being written with permanent marker ink but can never be erased-One week later …Yuda was transfixed when the figure of a woman who had adorned his heart for several years, felt lost for her departure now stood in front of him. Still the same small lips with round black eyes smiling at him."Yu, I'm not lying. I'm Angel, Yu, I'm sorry I just met you. I miss you, Yu." Angel held Yuda's hand. "You don't miss me?" Yuda gasped, deep down he missed Angel so much that for years the feeling had lodged in his heart. But somehow now it feels different. The warmth when their hands touched was not the same as it used to be. His hatred of betrayal still lingers."Sorry, Ngel, I'm just here to make sure it's you who's been chatting with me all this time or not." Angel's smile faded."What do you mean, Yu. You still love me, right, Yu? I know you're Yu, you can't mo
-If I could choose I want to sleep and have sweet dreams because my real life right now is the worst nightmare of the whole day, it's you-***Raisa looked in the mirror while cursing herself for being a crybaby so that her eye bags were so black even though they had been sprinkled with powder, they still didn't cover the dark marks from crying all night. He intended not to go to school, but a message from Bela last night informed him that the first and second hours of the try out meant that he had to attend. Raisa's problem of not studying is not so burdensome because the cross questions and the material is also a test of what they have learned. He was a little sure he could answer it easily.Not to mention the exact reason what he would say to Fairus later when he was suddenly absent. Finding him home in a sad state yesterday afternoon Fairus was almost angry, especially if he knew that he was crying because of Yuda, maybe his brother would immediately teach Y
"To be loved or to love? Anyone wants both. And I'm not lucky enough to just love."(The End, Secrets and Lies)***"Wow, you!" Fairuz threw a punch at Yuda's face who wasn't ready for a surprise attack. Fairuz pulled back Yuda's collar."I've warned you to stay away from my sister if you want your life to be safe."Yuda raised his hand when Ridho was about to approach. No one should interfere, this is his own business and he will sort it out."You make him cry, it means you're ready to—""Bang, okay, let's talk okay," said Rio, unable to bear to see Yuda's battered face. The man could have fought back but Yuda chose not to return every punch he received, letting Fairuz take all his emotions out on him."From now on you stay away from my sister!" Fairuz again punched Yuda in the face until he fell down and then left Yuda's big house."You're all right, right?" Ridho approached, helping Yuda up. The corner of Yuda's
-When someone is hurt, he prefers to cry than talk-***At four o'clock Raisa arrived at her house, she immediately got out of the car and went inside to her room on the second floor. Rio also turned his car to take Kinta home. Yes, Raisa did not go home together in a car with Yuda. The incident this morning made Raisa choose distance from the man without feelings.Raisa still clearly remembers how Yuda left her alone when she opened her eyes, only emptiness stretched out. With sluggish steps, he returned to the Villa and immediately packed up his things to fly to Jakarta. His friend scolded Yuda for the sadness Raisa received but Yuda chose to ignore it, accepting all the insults without rebuttal. Everyone has returned to Jakarta but a piece of Raisa's heart is left in Lombok. A piece of heart that is hurt for the irresponsibility of Yuda who has grown the seeds of love in his heart."Sister, are you asleep? Mother just cooked your favorite food. Come on
-I want to hold your hand but the cavities in your fingers refuse. I give up as long as you're happy-***Author POVRaisa feels guilty. Bela led him up the steps of the villa. Kinta was about to knock on the door but suddenly the maroon door opened showing Rio's face."Come on, he's already inside," Rio said telling them to come in. Raisa immediately broke through, calling Yuda's name.The man seemed to be playing the guitar. Raisa stopped her steps when she saw Yuda on the sofa, Ridho who was sitting opposite chose to get up, pulling Bela up. Rio did the same thing, taking Kinta out while Alif had already entered the kitchen with Arifah. Raisa tried to call Yuda but there was no answer, her fingers were still patiently playing the strings. Raisa chose to sit opposite him, listening to the melodious rhythm that he only knew this time that Yuda was good at playing the guitar."Yu, I want to talk," said Raisa when Yuda stopped his game.
Forgiving the past is my way to always be happy with you. Hope you're not just a part of the past that will be a memory-***Raisa POVI took a breath of fresh air, staring at Karen's brown irises. All these mistakes must be made up for immediately, I will do whatever it takes but I don't want to lie again, like I used to."Karen, I don't want us to be like we used to be. I'm sorry that I pretended to accept your feelings and became your temporary boyfriend while I didn't have any feelings, more than friends," I said.Karen was still waiting for the next sentence I would say to her, in response."And because of that mistake I got the karma according to your wishes," I continued, smiling sadly. Karen's eyebrows shot up, I don't know if she was happy to hear that."I've never forgotten that and I always hope that one day I'll see you again, I'm sorry. You can be my best friend again." Again, I sighed."If you ask if you're still