TYBA 5

Rainwater seems to be trying hard. Whether to unite water and soil or perhaps to unite you and me.

Home.

The rain, which shows no signs of stopping, has forced my friends to stay over at my house, without exception, Devano. It's not that I don't want them to stay, but because I feel embarrassed about Devano spending the night at my place. There's a feeling I can't quite put into words.

I hurriedly clean my bedroom. A time when both of them will be using my room. While I'll sleep in Mom's room. Icha, and of course, with Mom sharing a room.

For Icha, this isn't the first time she's stayed over at our house. Usually, she sleeps in my room, and we both enjoy the night when Icha stays over. We discuss many things, from crushes, exes, and anything related to that. I find the conversations enjoyable and exciting, especially since I've never been in a relationship, not even once.

While cleaning earlier, I realized that I hadn't hidden the gift from Devano. Maybe he's noticed it by now. He might have seen his gift, which was prominently displayed on my study desk.

The desk is brown with a varnished finish made of teak wood. There's also a chair I've been using since elementary school. On this desk, there's a stack of my favorite books. I like horror novels and a bit of romance. That's why I collect novels by authors I like, such as Bang Rey.

"Ah... darn. Devano probably knows all about it now," I mutter to myself, feeling annoyed.

Mom opens her bedroom door while Icha and I are inside her room. Then she hands me a small plastic bag containing something she bought from our neighbor's store. It's an electric mosquito repellent, rectangular and light blue in color.

"Din, give this to them."

"What is this, Mom?"

"Electric mosquito repellent, in case there are many mosquitoes there."

"Oh... okay, Mom."

I take the plastic bag and walk towards my room. I could have asked Icha to do it, but I'm also curious. Has the handsome and sweet guy already gone to sleep, what's he doing, and is he comfortable in my room? All these thoughts fill my mind.

"Van, open the door." I'm in front of his room.

"Yeah, just a moment," Devano says from inside my room.

"Hey, Din. How about it? Do you want to sleep here too?"

"No way. Are you crazy? You can't just say things like that," I'm a bit annoyed by his comment.

He just chuckles at my response.

"Here... just take it!!!" I hand him the package, slightly irritated by what he just said.

"I'm just kidding. Come in, Din."

I haven't said anything yet. Devano has already taken the package with his right hand. Then he pulls me into the room with his left hand. I surrender, and we both enter the room, sitting on the bed.

I look around the room. It has a minimalist classic theme, about three by four meters in size with a bed that's only big enough for two people. The walls are painted gray. There are some family photos, including me and Mom.

My eyes fixate on a pair of small statues of Mickey and Minnie Mouse that have changed positions. That means he's noticed that I've displayed the gift he gave me. Could he have misunderstood my intentions?

"Where's Ghandi?"

"He's in there."

"He said he's been wanting to go to the bathroom for a while. That kid takes a long time in there," Devano explains further.

Devano points to the small bathroom, barely one by two meters in size, which can only be called a toilet. It's inside the bedroom. The room is very enclosed, with ventilation leading directly outside the house. If there were any noises in the bedroom while I was in the bathroom, those noises wouldn't be heard clearly.

"Din, actually, it's been a while. I wanted to tell you."

"Yeah, what is it, Van?" I ask him.

"Since the first time we met in class. Six months ago, Din. On the first day I moved from Jakarta to Malang. I started liking you.

I fall silent for a moment, and my body stiffens slightly. Maybe I find it strange. It's the first time a guy has confessed to me. And it's not just any guy but the dream guy, my prince charming. Plus, it's happening right in front of my eyes.

Devano continues his speech.

"At first, we used to fight a lot, then we became close friends. Then it became like this. And I began to realize that I actually like you."

His handsome face, fair complexion, sharp nose, and thick eyebrows are now very clear in front of me. He's in my room. Ah, the beauty of the scene that God has created. But this closeness is making my heart race. Could it be that I really like this mischievous guy?

"I love you, Din. Will you be my girlfriend?"

His eyes widen as he holds both of my hands. I see the seriousness in his gaze. The way he looks at me makes my feelings instantly crumble uncontrollably. But I still try to focus and think for a moment, even though it's difficult.

"Hmm...?" I haven't finished my answer.

"Din, you don't have to answer right now, it's okay. I'll wait until you're ready to answer," Devano reassures me.

"I'll answer you tomorrow, Van, for sure. Thanks for understanding."

From the corner of Malang city, I see the beauty of the night perfectly. Rain accompanies us and carries thousands of hopes from the earth. But the only thing I hope for now is to have you.

School, 06:35 AM.

Zidduya is a school with three buildings where students receive their education. One main building is where students are gathered. There are only ten classes inside. There's also an indoor field in the middle that can be seen from all sides of the classes. Usually, the boys often play futsal here.

The other two buildings are support buildings. The first building is for the school's operations, like the teachers' offices, meeting rooms, parent-teacher meeting rooms, information rooms, and the financial department are also there. Meanwhile, the second building houses the foundation's office, both digital and physical library facilities, a teacher's cafeteria, and a large-sized theater room.

I walk along the corridor of the second building. I pass by the theater room on my way to the library. Today it's Ms. Asih's class. Whenever there's a lesson, the Indonesian Language teacher always asks for it to be held in the library for easier reference. She says it's more effective and efficient.

Zidduya's library has an advanced system. The door can only be opened using a smartphone app integrated with the school's network. Only the school staff and students who are registered have access. When the app is opened, you enter your username and password on your phone. Select the library entrance feature and click to open. The door will automatically open.

The library's physical book collection has thousands of items. From various genres, authors, and publication years. The physical room itself is quite luxurious. There's a special area with advanced computers. There's a collection of books on 30 storage shelves. There's an information section, a place for storing belongings or lockers, and tables and chairs that can accommodate 200 visitors. There's even a publishing room here.

What's most astonishing is that all the books here can be accessed through a smartphone. The Zidduya library app can be downloaded from the play store. Reading the book you want is as easy as opening your phone. All physical books are available in digital form. Many high-achieving students have also published their works here.

"Hold on, Din..." someone says behind me. I turn my head to see who it is.

***