WARNING! MATURE CONTENT!
This chapter contains several adult scenes and strong language. Reader discretion is advised. Thank you.
FULL FLASHBACK [DEWI, RYUJI, AVRA]
•••••••••••••••••
Florentia, May 7 (one year before senior high school graduation)
Tak!
"Why are your grades still dropping? Mom thinks you've been too lazy lately, huh?"
Several sheets of exam results were slammed onto the desk of a woman dressed elegantly like a career lady. The woman in her early 30s looked at her eldest daughter sitting across from her with a flat, unreadable expression.
"Dewi, you hear what Mom said, right?" she asked again when she got no response.
The girl called Dewi only gave a short hum.
"I heard you, Mom. Besides, this is already the best in my grade. And I've been too busy with all the classes you forced me to attend, so I barely had time to study, hmm."
Mira let out a soft sigh. There it was again—always an answer from her daughter.
The classes she meant were modeling and beauty courses, all prepared so that one day Dewi would follow her path as a model or designer.
"You know… I do all this for you, sweetheart. Aren't you proud when people see you as famous like Mom? A model or designer like me? Come on, there will be a competition in August, so—"
Kriiet!
The chair scraped harshly as Dewi pushed it back. The 17-year-old girl sighed loudly and shook her head hard.
"Nope, Mom. Enough, okay! I don't want it anymore! Do you even think about the consequences for me? Do you know how long I've been doing all of this? Since I was a kid! I already said I don't want to be a designer like you or a businesswoman like Dad!"
Drap! Drap!
"Dewi? Dewi, come back here! Mom isn't done talking—"
Brak!
The door slammed shut as Dewi stormed out of the office.
"Tch… that girl… sigh… God, who did she take after?"
Mira clicked her tongue in frustration and immediately dialed her husband's assistant.
"Hello, ma'am?"
"Satya, find Dewi and make sure she goes to her classes! No excuses, understand?"click!
Mira gripped her phone tightly. She always told herself that everything she did was for Dewi's future.
Drrtt…
She glanced at her phone alarm—3:30 PM. Time to pick up her youngest daughter from language class.
"Ahh…Merry must be waiting. Well, I'll pick up my sweet little one first," she said, her tone turning cheerful.
Her irritation faded instantly just thinking about her youngest. Merry was so obedient, always happy to attend every class arranged for her.
Unlike Dewi.
Meanwhile, somewhere else…
Dewi POV
Kling!
I stepped quickly into the restaurant and headed straight to the back.
Tap… tap…
"Oh, Dewi? You're here. Looking for Avra?"
I nodded politely when I passed Uncle Qwenteen. My mood was really bad, so I didn't say anything. Luckily, the person I was looking for appeared soon after from behind his large figure.
"Looking for me?"
"Let's go to Caterfall now," I said without warning, immediately grabbing Avra's arm.
"Eh… wait—"
I clicked my tongue and looked at her again. The braided girl glanced hesitantly at Uncle Qwenteen.
"Dad, is it okay? But my work—"
I suddenly remembered that Avra usually worked part-time in Bara Restaurant every afternoon on weekends. The restaurant belonged to Uncle Qwenteen, who was also her foster father.
"I'm sorry," I said quietly, lowering my head and letting go of her arm.
A hand then patted my shoulder, making me look up.
Uncle Qwenteen was smiling warmly at me and Avra.
"Go have fun, kids," he said kindly, gently patting Avra's head. "You've helped enough today. Thank you, Avra. Have fun with Dewi."
Avra's face turned slightly red as she nodded.
My chest felt warm watching it.
Avra excused herself to change clothes, and I waited outside the restaurant.
Tap… tap…
"Young miss, you're here."
I flinched and turned around.
Satya, Daddy's assistant, was walking toward me. His flat gaze made me sigh as I crossed my arms and turned my face away.
"Miss—"
"If you came here to take me to tutoring, I swear I'll run far away and never come back!"
My voice was cold.
I know it sounds childish, but I'm just so tired. Why doesn't Mom ever understand? And Dad is always busy with business, huh.
I stayed silent for a while, until Avra came out and lightly tapped my shoulder.
"Hey…"
I just nodded, then looked back at Satya.
"I want to go to Caterfall with Avra today. I really don't want tutoring. Don't try to force me!"
He seemed to think for a moment, then nodded.
"Very well, Miss. I will take you there and keep you safe."
My face darkened.
I almost protested the last sentence, but stopped when he continued.
"I must ensure your safety. And I will also inform Mrs. Mira that you attended your class today."
I glanced at Avra, she looked back at me. We both understood.
"Alright," I finally said.
Sometime later, the car stopped at Caterfall.
The sound of rushing water immediately calmed me down. I stepped out quickly and walked into our little basecamp.
Plop.
I dropped myself onto the sofa. Avra went to the kitchen and came back with snacks and cold drinks.
"You fought with your mom again, huh?" she asked.
I nodded.
"Seriously… Mom is too much. She doesn't care how I feel. Even when I'm sick, I still have to attend classes."
Avra chuckled softly, sipping her cola.
"We should probably switch lives, Wi. If I were you, I'd happily do everything your mom wants."
I clicked my tongue.
Of course she would.
Avra always had big ambitions in modeling—almost like an obsession.
"Imagine walking on a runway, cameras flashing on you. Especially in Vegas… I'd leave everything behind if I could. Be famous, meet handsome men, uhh…"
Yeah. Exactly. That's Avra.
I get her though.
To support her dream, we often came to Caterfall. I'd share my notes and everything I learned from classes with her.
"Wi, we're practicing today too, right?" she asked excitedly.
"Of course. Guess what I brought today?tara~"
"Th-this is heels? Right?"
Yep.
Black high heels. Around 14 cm.
"We'll practice walking in these for the next few days. I'm not even good at it either, so we'll learn together."
We spent the rest of the day practicing modeling, laughing and talking in our little basecamp.
Dewi POV END
"Are my daughter doing fine?"
"Yes, sir. Miss Dewi is with Miss Avra at Caterfall. Do you want to speak directly?"
"No. That's enough. Make sure she stays safe and returns home. I'll go home early and talk to Mira."
"Yes, Master."
click!The call ended.
The man in black clothing exhaled slowly.
Satya understood more than most people how exhausted the young miss really was.
As an assistant—and head of the family's security—he would make sure this fragile family remained intact.
---
Two weeks later…
Tak… tak…
The sound of heels echoed through the school hallway. A grown woman—Mira—walked slightly hurriedly, searching for the principal's office.
"Mrs. Mira, this way."
A teacher who passed by gave her directions, and she nodded, following along. Soon, they arrived at the room.
After knocking and being allowed in, Mira stepped inside—and froze when she saw her eldest daughter sitting alone on a single sofa, messy and bruised.
"Mrs. Mira, please have a seat—"
Drap… drap…
PLAK!
A slap landed instantly as Mira rushed toward Dewi. The action shocked everyone in the room. Dewi stayed silent, then slowly lifted her head, looking at her mother with a flat gaze.
"Did I send you to school just to fight, huh?! Look at yourself! My God, Dewi—tomorrow night is your father's birthday celebration! Don't you forget you're supposed to perform a song, huh?! What will your father's colleagues think when they see you like this—tch…"
Mira snapped, her face red with anger before turning to the principal.
"Mr. Rama, I apologize for my daughter's behavior. Do you want to suspend her? Fine. I'll take her home and lock her up. I'll make sure she regrets everything."
Mr. Rama shook his head slowly. "Please listen to me first, earlier it was—"
Scrrk!
"Come on, Dewi! We're going home! You're really embarrassing me!"
Without waiting for explanation, Mira grabbed Dewi's arm and dragged her out.
"Mrs. Mira, stop!"
Even the principal's shout didn't stop her.
Dewi stayed silent, not resisting as she was pulled to the parking lot.
"Get in!" Mira snapped as she opened the car door.
Dewi chose to sit in the back seat. Mira sighed. Just as she was about to close the door, hurried footsteps approached.
She turned—principal, Mrs. Rumi, and a female student wearing glasses stood there, messy and shaken.
"Please don't leave yet, Mrs. Mira!"
Rumi grabbed her arm. "Mrs. Rumi? What is it? Didn't Mr. Rama already suspend Dewi?" Mira asked confused, then noticed the girl beside her, eyes trembling with tears.
"Mrs. Mira… you are misunderstanding…"
"D-Dewi… she… she helped me… I was locked in the sports storage room since yesterday… hiks…"
JDER!
Mira froze like struck by lightning.
"W-what?!" Her heartbeat sped up.
"According to Rayna's testimony, she was held by several third-year students, a jealousy case. She was beaten and locked in the storage room. This morning, Dewi found her. She saw them forcing Rayna to drink dirty water. They fought."
The principal paused. Mrs. Rumi continued, "Ma'am, Dewi wasn't causing trouble. She was helping Rayna."
"When Rayna fainted, she kept murmuring Dewi's name and the storage room. We went there—and two were unconscious, one still fighting Dewi."
Mira's chest sank deeper with every word. She turned to the car. Dewi was still inside, looking away. And somehow… that silence hurt more than the slap.
Grep!
"A-aunty… don't punish Dewi… I-I'm sorry… and thank you…"
Mira didn't know what to say anymore. She only gave a slow nod to the trembling girl holding her hands.
*****
Ting! Nong!
Clek!
The door was opened by Merry after the bell rang several times. Standing in front of the door was a beautiful teenage girl with reddish hair tied up in a bun, her warm brown eyes gentle.
"Merry~"
The greeting sounded very friendly. The little girl named Merry smiled and nodded, inviting her inside.
"Big sis Dewi hasn't come out of her room since yesterday. Is it okay if you gets rejected again?" the little girl asked guiltily. Yesterday afternoon, when Avra came by, Dewi refused to meet anyone.
"Ah, I see…" Avra murmured sadly. In her hands, she was tightly holding a small bag containing Dewi's study notes. She had come to visit her friend and return the notes.
Tap… tap…
From the second floor, hurried footsteps in heels could be heard coming down.
"Merry darling, Mommy has to go to the boutique for a while. You're okay staying here alone and keeping your sister company—oh my goodness, Avra, you're here? You must be visiting Dewi, right? Unfortunately, I just went to her room earlier and it's a no, she won't open the door at all, hmm."
Mira sighed tiredly and walked toward the living room sofa where Merry was sitting with one of Dewi's friends.
"Auntie, I'm sorry. I… didn't go to school yesterday and I didn't know about Dewi's incident, uhh…" Avra said while lowering her head, feeling guilty.
Mira shook her head and gently patted the girl's shoulder.
"It's also my fault," she said softly as she noticed Merry had already excused herself upstairs to her room.
"Dewi was actually defending a junior who was being bullied, but auntie immediately got angry and slapped her at that time."
Avra widened her eyes in shock and quickly turned toward her.
"Ah… uhh, auntie, don't you remember I was also helped by Dewi when I first transferred here in middle school? I was bullied because I was an orphan and…" Avra paused, recalling those memories from years ago when they first entered high school. She had struggled to fit in after moving from Jianju and was often mocked.
"Dewi was the one who always defended me, even beat up some of them, hehe…" she chuckled softly, clearly admiring her friend's bravery.
Mira smiled and nodded.
"If you hadn't explained back then, Dewi would've gotten an even longer punishment from me," she said quietly, remembering how she often locked Dewi up for a whole day without food or drink.
They continued talking for quite a while, covering many topics.
"Oh, you can play piano? That's great! I actually asked Dewi to take piano lessons, but she keeps skipping them, hmm," Mira said in response to Avra.
Avra nodded enthusiastically. Not only that, she even opened her small bag and placed several of Dewi's notes on the table.
"Look, uhh, Dewi even taught me about the modeling world. If only I could join modeling classes like her, but I don't want to burden my father," she said softly.
Mira paused and gently patted the girl's head. She then glanced at the clock—3 PM.
"Hey, would you like to replace Dewi tonight? Since you can play piano, I want you to accompany Merry when she sings, okay?" she asked excitedly.
Avra's eyes widened slightly. Inside, she hesitated, but her mouth quickly agreed.
"I-if auntie allows it… I can."
Mira chuckled in relief. Her initial plan for her husband's birthday surprise was for Dewi to sing, but now Avra could replace her—and she could even play music too.
"I'll show you the song Merry will sing later. Maybe before the event starts, you can do a vocal test together? Oh right, it's makeover time! Let's go to auntie's boutique now. There's still enough time before the party at 8 PM."
Without hesitation, Mira grabbed Avra's hand and brought her to her boutique. The husband's birthday celebration would be held in their backyard, which had been transformed into a beautiful decorated venue.
*****
Clap… clap…
All guests gave a standing ovation after the musical performance by Avra and Merry. Everyone looked impressed and satisfied.
Not far from there stood Andri, with Satya beside him. He wasn't unhappy that the event went smoothly, but the sudden change puzzled him. And more importantly—since he came back earlier, where was Dewi?
Tap… tap…
Mira, wearing a stylish green long dress, walked calmly toward him while holding Merry's hand.
"Daddy!"
Merry ran toward him happily, and Andri quickly picked her up.
"Daddy, how was my performance?" the little girl asked shyly.
"It was wonderful, sweetheart. Daddy really liked it, thank you so much, Merry," Andri said sincerely. His gaze then shifted to his wife, who only smiled quietly.
"Where is Dewi? I haven't seen her since I got home."
Before Mira could answer, Merry spoke first, making Andri's expression turn cold.
"Big sis Dewi has been locking herself in her room since yesterday afternoon, Daddy. Her face looks hurt—bruises everywhere!" she reported innocently.
"What do you mean by this, Mira?!" Andri's voice turned sharp.
Before anything else could be said, footsteps approached.
"Hello, bro!"
It was Albert. A tall man around Andri's age with dark bluish-black hair greeted them with a wide smile. On both sides, he held his daughter Medina's hand and his wife's fingers.
Andri and Mira both turned toward them.
"Oh right, where is Dewi, hm? Medina just went to her room, but she wasn't there. I personally want to thank your eldest daughter, Andri," Albert said, smiling warmly.
"Yes, I also want to thank Dewi deeply. Because of her help, my niece was able to receive proper treatment," Titi added sincerely.
"Niece?" Mira asked in confusion, then realized something. "Wait… Rayna… she's your niece?" she asked in shock.
Albert nodded.
"Yes, she's Medina's cousin. Rayna's mother is Titi's younger sister. I truly admire her, and I also feel sorry—because of helping Rayna who was bullied, Dewi also got injured."
Andri paused for a moment, then smiled calmly.
"Of course, my daughter is incredibly amazing," he said proudly, making Albert and Titi smile in relief.
They didn't notice it, but Mira quietly glanced at her husband—at the way Andri held Merry tightly. His arm muscles were tense, showing he was suppressing his emotions.
And perhaps… after this, they would end up arguing because of their daughter.
---
Dewi POV
I stared brightly down below, where Avra was playing the piano and Merry was singing cheerfully. Their performance was impressive—so much that I even clapped while still watching them from above.
(Tears slid down)
For some reason, my tears suddenly fell. Seeing them surrounded by all those admiring faces… I could even see Mom holding Merry's hand, guiding her toward Daddy.
Yeah… Dad was there too, hmm… how many weeks has it been since I last saw him come home?
When I turned around and was about to wipe my tears, suddenly a grey handkerchief was handed to me.
Huh?
I lifted my head—and saw a pair of bright red eyes looking at me.
"Don't wipe it with your hands. It'll get more irritated."
That voice… a little hoarse, like a boy going through puberty. If anyone else saw him, they might think it was Ryuji—but it wasn't.
"Thanks… Topan."
I took the handkerchief and tried to smile at him, but his next words immediately erased it.
"Tch… you're already grown but still a crybaby, hmm."
Ugh. Seriously.
I clicked my tongue in annoyance and intentionally blew my nose loudly into his handkerchief just to annoy him.
Snort!
"Hah! You're just a kid too, shorty! It's like you've never cried before, huh?!" I said, wiping my face.
I expected a disgusted reaction from him, but the 12-year-old boy—slightly shorter than me—only stared at me blankly.
Getting even more irritated, I decided to leave since I wasn't getting any reaction from him at all. I stomped my feet loudly down the stairs, annoyed.
Drap… drap…
"Hmph, just wait, kid! What's with you anyway, showing up uninvited and acting all smug, tch…"
I walked toward my room—and froze when I saw Daddy standing inside, holding a plate of cake.
"Dad…" I muttered softly, stunned at the doorway.
He turned and smiled at me.
"Where's my gift, hm?"
Drap… drap…
THUD!
I couldn't hold my tears anymore and ran toward him, crashing into his arms tightly.
"H-happy b-birthday, Dad…" I said, my voice trembling as I tried to hold back my sobs, but his gentle hand on my hair made me break down completely.
"My dear… why didn't you greet me when I came home, hm? I even checked your room earlier but you weren't there. Are you mad at me?"
I shook my head hard.
Not at all.
Even though I often felt lonely because Dad was always busy with work, I understood… it was all for me… for Merry… for Mom too.
I pulled back slightly and looked up into his amber-brown eyes.
"Sorry, Dad… do you want a gift? Tell me. I'll do my best," I said, trying to convince him with guilt in my voice.
Dad stayed silent for a moment, then released the hug and reached for a large slice of chocolate cake on my bedside table. Hmm… I'm sure that was the cake Mom made earlier today.
"Sweetheart, you promised you'd sing at my birthday, right? How about we make a wish first and sing together?"
My eyes widened.
Right… I did practice a song for Dad's birthday.
"Hehe, without music? Alright, let's make a wish first, Dad!"
Cheerfully, I lit the small candle on the cake. Dad closed his eyes with a soft smile, and I also silently made a wish for him.
Then we blew the candle together.
I took a deep breath, preparing to sing.
"Tuhan tolonglah sampaikan sejuta sayangku untuknya. (a quiet plea—asking God to carry all the love I could never say out loud)
Ku terus berjanji takkan khianati pintanya.(a promise I held onto, even when it felt too heavy for me)
Ayah dengarlah betapa sesungguhnya ku mencintaimu. (a confession from the deepest part of my heart—how much I truly love my father)
Kan ku buktikan ku mampu penuhi semua maumu..." (and a desperate vow… to become everything you've ever wished me to be)
[excerpt from the Indonesian song "Yang Terbaik Bagimu"]
Dewi POV END
The atmosphere in the room was warm.
Dewi's soft singing together with her father echoed like a beautiful melody, even without music.
Unbeknownst to them, a silhouette of a woman had been standing quietly near the open door for a long time. She froze for a moment, then smiled softly and walked away.
She chose to let the father and daughter have their moment alone.
*****
Avra POV
A week had passed since that night event. Today was the weekend—normally I would spend it working part-time at Father's restaurant. But today felt different.
Since I got home from school earlier, Father immediately told me to get ready and go somewhere.
I had just tied my hair up. I looked at my reflection in the mirror again. The makeover from that day still lingered in my mind.
Flashback, Seine Boutique
"See? I told you, right? You look so beautiful with your hair down, dear. Look at how your reddish hair shines under the light… so pretty!"
I was shocked seeing my reflection in the large mirror.
The maroon butterfly-sleeve knee-length dress I was wearing was Aunt Mira's masterpiece. I could hardly believe that this was me—just a more polished, dressed-up version.
My long shoulder-length hair was left flowing, decorated with a ribbon and bead accessories along it.
"Aunt Mira, I love this dress!" I said honestly.
Dewi is really lucky to have a mother who is a designer—she must always be surrounded by beautiful dresses.
Aunt Mira smiled and nodded.
"Actually, this dress was meant for Dewi to wear at the event that night. Too bad it got canceled… hmm, but I'm glad it fits you perfectly too. So, this dress now belongs to Avra. Do you accept it?"
My eyes widened in disbelief.
A dress this beautiful… for me? Of course I nodded immediately, happily accepting it.
"Thank you so much, Aunt Mira!"
Flashback off
Thinking about it again made me smile brightly. I turned toward my wardrobe where I carefully hung the dress she gave me.
Knock!
"Dear, are you ready?"
I startled at Father's voice from outside the door.
"Yes, Dad. I'm coming out."
I stood up from my dressing table, grabbed my sling bag, and walked toward the door.
Clek!
Father was standing there, smiling at me. He looked neat and slightly formal.
"Dad, where are we going? And what about work at the restaurant?" I asked nervously as I followed him toward the car parked in the yard.
"We're going to Seine Boutique. Mrs. Mira wants to meet you personally," he said while opening the car door for me.
I frowned slightly. After fastening my seatbelt, I turned to him again.
"Aunt Mira? Why?"
My foster father only smiled without answering, then started the engine.
I stopped asking and just looked out the window. The trip to Aunt Mira's boutique would take around 30 minutes.
Skip… some time later…
We finally arrived at Seine Boutique and were guided by a staff member to Aunt Mira's private room.
"Qwenteen, you're finally here… come in. I thought you wouldn't come," Aunt Mira greeted warmly as we entered and sat on the sofa.
"Mira, I should be the one thanking you. Honestly, I feel guilty for not knowing my daughter's dream," Father said.
I froze.
Wait… what is this? Dream?
I turned to Aunt Mira with a curious expression. She looked elegant as always—short bob hair, stylish outfit, and a warm, confident tone that always made people admire her. Especially since she was one of the most famous designers in Florentia.
"Avra, this might feel sudden for you. But after talking a lot with Dewi and learning about your dream of becoming a famous model, I think you can replace Dewi in attending all the classes she used to take. What do you think?"
My eyes widened in disbelief.
"I've already arranged everything. If you agree, you can start the lessons this Monday. You don't need to worry about anything—I'll cover everything. You just focus on learning and training to achieve your dream."
My chest tightened.
I couldn't believe this day had come. A day where someone truly reached out to me.
Beside Father Qwenteen and his late wife Davischa, who had lovingly taken care of me and other orphanage children, I had never asked for anything more than to study and work hard to make them proud.
"But…"
I hesitated and looked at Father.
If I join all these lessons… what about the restaurant?
"Haha, you're thinking about the restaurant, aren't you?" Father chuckled softly. "I already told you from the beginning, Avra only needs to focus on studying and chasing her dreams. I never wanted you to work, dear."
Tears slipped down my cheeks.
Dad… thank you...
His gentle pat on my head always calmed me.
To my mother up there who always watches over me… this time, please see me. I will continue your path, hehe.
"Alright, Auntie. I'll do it," I said, nodding confidently.
Avra POV END
Before they parted ways, Avra had already left the room earlier at Qwenteen's request. The large man let out a long breath.
"I'm actually a little afraid… when I found out Avra's dream is the same as what Davischa once pursued," Qwenteen said quietly.
Mira, sitting across from him, nodded in understanding.
"Don't worry. We're here to support them, aren't we? Avra… and my daughter, Dewi. Honestly, the difference between them makes me wonder… hmm, what if Dewi had more ambition like your daughter?"
Qwenteen shook his head, chuckling.
"Don't say that, Mira. I actually admire Dewi's strength and boldness. It's like seeing your late mother again, isn't it? Haha."
They both laughed softly together.
"Ah, Mama… when I think about it, I still can't believe how much she spoiled Dewi when she was small. But well… what matters now is making sure all our children have a good future."
●●●●
Florentia, December 7 (two months before graduation)
Since winning the beauty contest back in August, Avra started getting a lot of modeling offers. A beginner who had just stepped into this world was already being taken seriously—especially with that last name of hers. People in the city couldn't help but remember the glory of her late mother, who once dominated the same industry.
"Good. Prepare everything for later. Oh yeah, since this is the first photoshoot with a male partner, make sure everything goes smoothly without a single mistake!Understood?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
Mira smiled and nodded after ending the call, checking the preparations again for a winter-themed photoshoot she was about to do again after two years of not releasing any new work.
"I'm sure this one won't lose to the previous ones," she said confidently.
She had just finished the final stitch of her design and stared at it in admiration.
"Hahh… if only Dewi would wear this, hmm," she muttered softly, a little regretful.
"Anyway… I should meet Ratna first."
She looked at the mirror, fixing her slightly messy appearance, then added a bit of lip gloss. After that, she grabbed her coat and headed to Bara Restaurant.
Some time later...
"I actually kind of regret that this photoshoot isn't with Dewi as Ryuji's partner, Mira. I even had to convince him so many times just to accept it."
Ratna sighed heavily and leaned back on her chair.
"I know, Sist. I already tried to persuade Dewi too, but… you know how stubborn she is. Honestly, she's been locking herself in her room more often lately."
Mira let out a long breath after putting her chopsticks down and taking a sip of her drink.
Ratna frowned. "Really? Is something wrong with her? Is she sick maybe? Or… she's just getting more closed off because she's growing up? Ahh, I miss her."
Mira shook her head.
"Maybe she's just busy studying. Graduation is coming soon, right?"
They kept talking through lunch.
Somewhere else...
The person they were talking about had actually escaped to Caterfall—a hidden base-like place in a tropical forest far from the city center.
Dewi sat quietly, leaning into the sofa, searching for comfort. Even the sound of a motorcycle stopping and footsteps approaching didn't reach her mind.
"Hahh…"
Grep!
"Why are you sighing like that, hm? Tired?"
An arm suddenly wrapped around her shoulders from behind. Warm breath brushed her neck, making her flinch and turn around.
"Ryuji? Since when did you get here?" she asked, frowning.
Ctak!
A light tap hit her forehead.
"Ouch—hey… why—"
"You…" Ryuji sighed. "Why are you ignoring my calls and messages, hm? Still mad about that thing?"
He moved beside her and sat down, staring at her deeply.
"Wait—why are your cheeks so thin now?!"
Cup! He suddenly kissed her cheek.
"R-Ryuji!!"
Dewi turned red and hit him lightly, embarrassed.
"I told you I'm still mad at you! You canceled our amusement park plan so suddenly!" She pouted and turned away.
Ryuji chuckled and pinched her cheeks gently.
"So cute…"
"Hey! Don't just—R-Ryuji…"
Grep!
Dewi froze when he suddenly pushed her back onto the sofa. Ryuji hovered above her, eyes locked on hers.
"I'm sorry, love."
His voice turned softer, and Dewi slowly melted, nodding without thinking.
"I'll keep my promise. After you graduate, we'll go to Jianju, okay?"
Her heartbeat went wild as Ryuji cupped her face.
"M-move…"
He leaned closer.
"Don't you miss me, hm?"
And then—
Their lips met.
"Mmnh…"
The kiss deepened, turning heavier, more intense.
"Missed you… so much…"
Ryuji's lips even trailed down to Dewi's chin, savoring the traces of their shared saliva.
"Dewi… look at me, love…"
The two met each other's gaze again, then soon after, they attacked each other's lips with equal intensity. Their breaths grew ragged, eyes closing—like they were savoring a moment that belonged only to the two of them.
Tap..Tap...
"Sorry, Wi… I just got here… y-you're not… mad?"
Avra stopped at the door.
She saw them. Kissing.
Her body froze.
Then she slowly stepped back… and left.
Outside, she leaned against the wall, breathing hard.
"W-what is this…? Why… does it hurt…?"
She pressed her chest tightly, confused by a feeling she couldn't name.
●●●●●
Jianju Amusement Park, March 27 (Post-graduation)
"Dewi! Hey, over here!!!"
Drap... drap...
Quick footsteps rushed toward Dewi and Ryuji, who had just stepped out of the airport arrival gate.
A woman almost the same height as Dewi, with shoulder-length bluish-black hair, ran forward as the wind swept through it, her eyes bright with excitement as she spotted her best friend.
Grep!
They hugged tightly, like two sisters who had been separated for a long time.
"I can't believe you actually kept your promise, huh? I was already ready to drag you all the way to Jianju if you didn't show up next Monday, haha."
"You're so annoying, haha." Dewi playfully nudged her friend's head—something she had always done since they were kids.
They walked hand in hand out of the airport, completely ignoring the lovers they left behind.
"Hmm, I guess they forgot about us, right?" A tall man, nearly the same height as Ryuji, sighed as he glanced at his friend.
Ryuji gave a short nod in agreement.
"Let them be, Jose. Dewi and Medina barely get to see each other after graduating middle school anyway, right?" he replied, pulling a luggage trolley filled with their belongings.
"Let's go. I parked the car not far from here." Jose nodded and led the way to the parking area where his SUV was parked.
The two walked together, chatting along the way.
Today, as promised to Dewi, Ryuji was taking her to Jianju District—more precisely, to the largest amusement park newly built just a year ago. Due to college, modeling offers, and various commitments, he had postponed that promise from last year until now, just over a week after Dewi's graduation.
"What were you guys even talking about? You're taking forever, huh..." Medina frowned as she watched Jose get into the driver's seat.
Ryuji, sitting in the passenger seat, shook his head in disbelief and glanced back briefly at Dewi and Medina.
"Hm? Nothing, babe. I was just helping Ryuji put the luggage in the trunk." Jose replied calmly to his fiancée, making Medina simply go "oh."
The engine started, and soon the car left the airport, cutting through the asphalt road.
The atmosphere in Jianju District immediately felt different once they were outside the airport.
Cold.
Not just the temperature… but the atmosphere.
The sky above looked pale, covered in low, heavy clouds. The sunlight felt trapped behind them, leaving only faint reflections on rows of tall white and gray buildings.
The city was neat. Too neat.
Buildings stood rigid with sharp lines, no unnecessary decoration. Wide roads were filled with orderly traffic, almost silent. People in thick coats walked quickly through them.
"Uhh, it's really cold here..." Dewi said, rubbing her arms while looking outside the window.
"Yeah, it's always like this, right? Besides, winter just ended not long ago," Medina replied.
Ryuji turned around and frowned, his eyes landing on Dewi's bare hands.
"Where are the gloves I bought you yesterday, hm?"
Dewi blinked, then let out an awkward laugh.
"Hehe… sorry, I think I left them on my desk."
Ryuji sighed and gestured for her to give him her hands.
"Give me your hands."
Like a docile animal, Dewi obediently extended both hands.
Grep!
"Ck… they're freezing. Are you okay?" Ryuji said worriedly as he cupped her hands with his much larger ones, trying to warm them.
Then he gently blew warm air onto them.
Kiss!
"Better?" he asked, looking at her again. His red eyes were filled with concern as he pressed soft kisses onto her hands.
Dewi's heart pounded wildly. Her cheeks turned bright red.
"Ehem… Josee~ I'm cold too, you know. I want that too."
Medina teased loudly, snapping her best friend out of her frozen state, even poking Dewi's cheek.
Gyutt...
"Hey! Medina!!!"
Laughter erupted inside the SUV.
"Hehe, you're like a statue, you know?"
Dewi just pouted and looked forward again, where a large restaurant sign appeared.
Karella's Ocean
Medina's family seafood restaurant. They arrived after about fifteen minutes from the airport.
"Alright, let's rest first. There's still plenty of time to have fun tonight, right?"
Medina's words were agreed upon by everyone after Jose parked the SUV slightly deeper inside the spacious yard.
The large two-story building was divided into sections. The ground floor was filled with rows of wooden tables and chairs, a cashier counter, and aquarium-like displays showcasing fresh seafood so customers could choose directly what they wanted.
Inside, the warm aroma of spices filled the air. It was already lunchtime, so the restaurant was quite busy. Several staff members greeted them politely as they passed.
Drap... drap...
Quick footsteps approached them. A young man around their age came forward.
"Ah, Mr. Jose, Miss Medina, welcome back… Sir, some of your loyal customers have been waiting for your special menu."
Jose looked slightly surprised but nodded.
"Babe, I need to take care of things in the kitchen. Is it okay if I leave you to meet mother upstairs, hm?"
Medina nodded with a smile. They split up—Jose following the staff to the kitchen, while the others headed toward a private elevator near the cashier.
Ting!
The elevator doors closed.
"He even works in the kitchen on his day off? Must be tiring having a chef fiancé," Dewi said, leaning on Medina's shoulder.
Medina shook her head with a small smile. She didn't mind—being a chef was Jose's dream since childhood. Besides, she wasn't really good in the kitchen anyway.
Her only worry was that Jose might overwork himself, especially with his college activities too.
"I'm just worried he'll get too tired… and I'm planning to study in Florentia with you, right? Jose will probably move there too to accompany me," Medina said softly, lowering her head.
Dewi and Ryuji exchanged a look—silent understanding passing between them.
They both nodded.
Dewi tightened her arm around her friend a little more.
---
Night, 11:45 PM
When night fell… Jianju changed.
Blue lights lit up along the streets, reflecting off the glass walls of towering buildings. That cold glow made the city look beautiful—almost like another world, calm and perfect. And in the center of the city stood a massive amusement park, contrasting sharply with its surroundings—the only place trying to bring color into a city that usually lived in shades of gray.
Jianju Amusement Park stood proudly with its towering Ferris wheel landmark, slowly turning as if sweeping across the night sky. Behind it, a vast open sea stretched endlessly—the faint sound of waves blending with the glittering amusement park lights that sparkled like scattered stars.
The four of them walked through the crowd of people who were lost in the night's happiness. Laughter, the sound of ride machines, and music from every corner of the park blended into a lively chaos.
After enjoying many rides, time slowly grew late. And from earlier, Ryuji had been unusually quiet. This made Dewi secretly observe him, curiosity slowly rising.
When Medina and Jose excused themselves to the restroom, Dewi found a chance to ask.
"Ryu—"
Grep!
"Let's go," Ryuji cut her off briefly, firmly holding Dewi's fingers.
"You said you wanted to ride the Ferris wheel, hm? Medina and Jose can catch up. The line isn't as long as before."
Before Dewi could continue her words, she was already pulled into the queue lane. The giant wheel kept turning above them, carrying one cabin after another upward—toward a view that could only be seen from the top.
(Elsewhere — Medina and Jose)
The couple had actually returned earlier from the restroom. They chose to sit on a bench not far from the Ferris wheel where Dewi and Ryuji had just entered.
"Is it okay to leave them alone?" Medina asked worriedly, knowing her best friend had a fear of heights.
Jose turned to her and smiled. His fiancée's eyes kept watching one of the cabins that Dewi and Ryuji had entered.
"Don't worry. Ryuji is with her, right? Besides, the change of day is coming soon—and that's when he plans to propose, just like he told us before."
He said this while tightening their handhold.
Medina paused for a moment, then let out a soft laugh. Jose was right. Before coming here, Ryuji had said he would propose exactly at the change of date, which also happened to be Dewi's birthday.
"That will definitely become the most beautiful gift for Dewi, hehe."
She said lightly, relieved, then leaned her head on Jose's arm.
"Wanna get some hot chocolate? Let's go!"
Medina nodded happily. The two stood up, heading off to get warm drinks while waiting for their friends.
(Back to Dewi and Ryuji)
The Ferris wheel cabin was quite spacious, able to fit 4–5 people, but now it was just the two of them.
Since they entered, Dewi couldn't stop smiling in awe, looking out the window beside her seat, while Ryuji sat across from her, his eyes never leaving her.
"You're happy?"
Dewi immediately nodded enthusiastically and smiled at him.
"Thank you for keeping your promise, hehe."
Thump!
That smile—so pure, so warm—struck Ryuji's heart hard, making it race wildly.
Ryuji knew he wasn't a perfect boyfriend who could always be there for Dewi. But seeing that bright happiness in the girl who had stolen his heart since childhood… he would do anything to fulfill her wishes.
Drrtt…
His phone vibrated softly. He checked it and saw the reminder he had set.
It was already past midnight. The day had changed—and today was special. March 28. Her birthday.
Ryuji put his phone aside and reached into his coat pocket, taking something he had prepared for a long time.
His eyes never left Dewi, even as she turned her attention to the window where fireworks were blooming across the sky.
"Isn't it a bit strange? Medina said since it officially opened last year, there are always fireworks every 28th night," Dewi said cheerfully.
When she turned back toward Ryuji, her eyes widened.
"R-Ryuji..."
"Happy 18th birthday, love. This is my gift for you."
Ryuji smiled—handsome and calm. His red eyes seemed to lock Dewi in place as he slowly moved closer.
Dewi reached out and took a small purple box.
She didn't want to guess, but her heart already dropped the moment she opened it.
"Is… this a ring?"
Tears of happiness fell as she lifted the amethyst ring inside.
Cup!
Ryuji placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, then helped slide the ring onto her finger before kissing it softly.
Perfect, he thought.
"Maybe not now. There are still many things I need to prepare for our future. I promise, a few years from now, I'll bring you to live with me."
He paused, meeting her eyes.
"Until then… you can wait for me, right, Dewi?"
He whispered softly before leaning in and kissing her lips.
"Mmhh… Ryu…"
The kiss deepened.
His large hand held the back of her head, pulling her closer.
Ring…
"R-Ryu… phone—ahh—"
Ryuji ignored it, pressing his lips more firmly against his lover's chin, forcing her to stay focused on the kiss he was giving her, without caring about anything else.
His phone kept ringing repeatedly until it finally stopped. A new message notification appeared on the screen.
---
Moments later…
The Ferris wheel continued rotating at its highest point, fireworks lighting up the sky.
One by one, the cabins descended until theirs finally stopped and opened.
They walked out hand in hand. Dewi leaned against his arm, while Ryuji occasionally kissed her head affectionately.
"Wasn't the ring too expensive? Don't waste your money, Ryu," Dewi said, blushing while admiring the amethyst ring.
Ryuji only chuckled and shook his head. Even if his savings were gone for her, he didn't care.
"Wanna get something to drink?" he asked.
Dewi nodded.
She looked around as if searching for someone after letting go of his hand.
"Where are Medina and Jose? Did they already go home?" she asked.
Ryuji shook his head.
"No way, love. Jose just messaged me, he said—"
His fingers quickly scrolled through his phone. Missed calls. Spam messages. From one contact name.
His brows furrowed slightly.
"I'm hungry, Ryu~"
"Alright, love." He nodded.
"We'll find a place to eat nearby—"
Drap… drap…
Footsteps rushed toward them before he could finish.
Grep!
Someone suddenly jumped and hugged his neck tightly.
"Ryu~ why didn't you answer my calls and messages, hm? I almost froze to death waiting at the entrance!"
Dewi's eyes widened in shock as she saw a girl with long black-reddish hair hugging her boyfriend.
"Avra..."
She whispered flatly.
••••••
"Ryu, come pick me up now! I'm at the entrance. Don't tell me you forgot we have an ad shoot together? So mean—going out with Dewi and not inviting me!" (Message sent by Avra)
TO BE CONTINUED…