Bimo

With hurried steps, Laras ran to the cafeteria a little because she wanted to meet someone. Someone who said that he knew where Randi was now.

"Sorry I'm a little late. You've been waiting long?" Laras asked a man with a set shirt attached to his body. Bimo, one of Randi's friends in the organization he joins.

"No, I just arrived too. So, what do you want to ask?"

Laras slightly neutralized her ragged breath from running earlier. She was also wringing her own hands because she was suddenly hit by nervousness. Laras does have a panic attack, she will feel uncomfortable, afraid, and worried at the same time. This prompts her to perform reflex actions such as squeezing her hands with her own nails or biting the inside of her cheeks until they bleed.

"You're the one who's chatting, you're the one who's nervous. Don't worry, I'm not interested in snatching you from Randi." Bimo spoke casually. He leaned his back against the back of the chair, sipping his iced orange calmly while his eyes were still on Laras.

"Sorry, but I don't know where to start." Laras spoke honestly. Because her brain was stuck, she couldn't think of finding the right alibi.

"You just want to ask where Randi is right? Why should you be confused?"

Laras didn't answer. She looked down, looking at her white shoes which were close to Bimo's black shoes. Laras knows, Bimo is the type of guy who is indifferent and a little curt towards women. However, Laras did not expect that it would be difficult for him to talk to Bimo.

"Yes, I want to ask about Randi. You know that I'm his girlfriend, but Randi left without saying goodbye to me. I want to find him, but I don't know where. That's why I asked you." Laras dared to look Bimo in the eye. There was no warm glare from the two male eyes, only a lazy glare he gave.

"He left at once moved to Jojga, to his grandmother's house."

Suddenly Lara's eyes bulged. "Seriously?! How do you know?"

"I'm the one who takes care of Randi's transfer file, yes, I automatically know." Laras nodded. "Do you want to follow Randi?" Laras nodded doubtfully.

"Why follow?"

"Yes, it's okay, I just want to meet him, why did he leave without saying goodbye and why did he change campuses." Bimo nodded without asking further.

"I'm not Randi's close friend, I just helped him yesterday because the others were busy. Even though I don't know him close, it doesn't mean I don't know why he moved so suddenly."

"You know what?" Bimo shook his head. "I don't know for sure, but I know there's something between the two of you."

Laras did not give any response. She just looked down as she continued to squeeze her own hand. Until a piece of paper containing a row of letters and numbers was thrust in front of her. "What is this?"

"Randi's grandmother's address. She's there, I assure you."

Laras didn't say anything, she just looked at the piece of paper blankly. Various assumptions, both negative and positive, began to appear in her head. Laras started to think about what happened when she was desperate to go after Randi. Will the man throw her out or will she accept it well?

But it seems the first option makes more sense.

"If you want to catch up, I suggest you think carefully." Bimo stood up, he gulped down his drink.

"Bimo, thank you." Laras said sincerely while smiling faintly. "You're welcome."

***

Laras and Nindy's courses have ended. It was late afternoon, until dusk was already visible in the sky. Nindy is still busy with her cellphone, she is chatting via chat with her mother. Asking about the father's condition, is it still getting worse or better. While beside her, Laras looked up at the sky. On the faculty park bench, she could see a hint of orange in the sky.

Her mind was still racing. Considering what steps she should take next. There's no way she would accept a ridiculous arranged marriage with Panji. What will his life be like? The second option is to go to Jojga. Meet Randi, discuss everything nicely and hope that the man will come back.

Laras has also thought carefully, if it doesn't matter if Randi is reluctant to marry her. As long as the man was by her side, always, Laras' life would be fine.

The question is, does Randi want it?

Laras is afraid that if he goes there, Randi will reject her. Shouted and kicked Laras out of the man's life. But, isn't this all a risk? Because after all, Randi is the main culprit here. If only that night Randi wasn't careless, this probably wouldn't have happened. If only Randi wasn't a loser and was willing to take responsibility for her own actions, perhaps Laras wouldn't be forced to accept this ridiculous matchmaking.

So, it's not Laras' fault, is it?

"Hey?! Come on, go home! Why are you daydreaming." Nindy was already standing, carrying a large tote bag.

"Nin, I want to follow Randi. What do you think?" Laras asked quietly. Making Nindy refrain from getting up and sitting next to Laras again.

"Where are you going, Ras? We don't even know where Randi is going."

Laras did not answer for a long time, one sentence managed to make Nindy pensive. "Jogja."

"Randi is in Yogyakarta?" Laras nodded. Her eyes were fixed on the wide open library door.

"How do you know?"

"Bimo."

"That stupid Bimo?" Laras nodded again.

Nindy was silent before exhaling slowly. "I really don't know exactly how you feel right now. All I know is, this is definitely not going to be easy for you. You must always feel alone even though I'm here." Nindy held one of Laras' hands. "Ras, whatever your decision, I will support. I will always be behind you, help you as much as I can. You don't have to feel alone anymore, because, I promise I will always be there for you."

Laras smiled. "Thanks."

"So, if you have made up your mind to follow Randi to Jogja, I will accompany you."

"Serious?!!" Laras eyes bulged, not believing Nindy's words.

"Yes."

Laras gave Nindy a tight hug. Hugs as a form of affection for this woman. "Thank you very much, Nin. Sorry for always bothering you."

"No, don't say sorry. It's my duty to help my friend."

Their hug lasted longer than usual. A warm hug for both of them. Until, Laras cell phone vibrated once. Sign that there is an incoming message there.

"Your cellphone is ringing, isn't it?"

"Yeah, hold on."

One short sentence, but it was able to make Laras weak until he dropped her head on Nindy's shoulder. "Why?"

[Tonight is a dress fitting for the fiancé. Go with Panji, don't argue.]