A Warm Hug

Laras could only sit limply in the seat beside the steering wheel. After the incident of her struggling like someone who was about to be kidnapped, suddenly her energy seemed to have been sucked out. Her body was limp, not because of the amount of energy she expended to struggle from Panji's arms. But because of Panji who suddenly kissed her.

Yes, kiss her right on the lips.

Imagine how surprised Laras was.

Especially after Laras was silent, Panji even carried her to meet Riri. The man said that he wanted to take Laras home because she was not feeling well. Fortunately, the woman in the gray robe agreed quickly. Otherwise, Laras can't imagine what will happen next. Maybe Rizka will catch her, start chattering for a long time until her mouth is foaming.

While Panji was alone, he was busy wrestling with his thoughts. He never thought he could be so brave to carry Laras and then put him in this car. Even so did not expect it, Panji thought that he was dreaming. He was still asleep in the car, right in the restaurant parking lot. But when he pinched his own hand, it hurt. That means he's not dreaming.

"Where are we going?" Laras asked because she was tired of seeing the outside view. How not to get bored, Panji keeps driving his car around a housing complex. Over and over again, until Laras felt dizzy. Luckily she wasn't sick anymore, for some reason. Maybe the shock caused by Panji's treatment.

"Um, where are you going?"

"Going home, I'm dizzy."

"Okay."

Quickly, Panji drove his car to divide the streets of Jakarta which are a bit congested today. It only took about seven minutes until they arrived at the gate of Yuni's house.

Laras immediately went down, she was about to open the gate before Panji grabbed her arm. "Wait a minute." The man looked deeply at Laras.

"What?" Laras asked without daring to look Panji in the eye.

"You must be angry, right? May I come in and explain everything so there is no misunderstanding between us?"

"No need, I already know enough. You better go home, I want to rest." Laras is still trying to open the gate which is damn hard to open.

Panji smiled slightly seeing Laras struggling. "Let me open it. As long as you give me an answer."

"What answer?"

"You want to be my wife? Marry me? Laras, I know you are disappointed, angry and even want to kill me maybe. But, Ras, for God's sake. I love you as you are. As Laras, not Ghina or anyone else. And the problem with your current situation, I accept, Ras. I proposed to you, that means I am ready with all the risks that I have to accept, including your future child and Randi. One more thing, I see, you still need the help of other people on your side. Therefore, please allow me to be that person. The person who is always by your side no matter what the circumstances. The person you always hug when you are scared. The person you always ask for help every day." For God's sake, Laras almost had tears in her eyes when she heard Panji's soft words. You could say if the man was expressing love, right?

So, Laras only has two choices. Accept or decline.

"Laras, you must be surprised, huh? Sorry, I also didn't expect to be this bold with you. Maybe I have a little time left. So sorry again if I'm presumptuous. I'll give you a week to think. After that, I will come to you for an answer."

"How come? So fast! I don't want to, ah. This is a big decision, Panji. Even though there is no hope for me to ask Randi to be responsible, it also doesn't mean I can accept you. Don't be like this, I don't like it." Laras answered firmly. Because to be honest, she already has a crush on Panji. But when it comes to marriage, the timeframe is too soon to make a big decision.

"I know, sorry for that. But, Ras, I also have my reasons why I only gave you one week."

"What's the reason? Your time is up? What does it mean?"

Beginning with a long sigh, Panji ventured to hold Laras' shoulders. Squeeze a little gently, to get the girl's attention. "I have to take care of my grandfather's family-owned central company, in America."

"What do you mean? You're leaving? Then, why are you marrying me if you just leave it like that?!" Laras jerked Panji's hand.

"No. In fact, if I can marry you, I can get rid of that charge."

"Huh?" Laras was confused. Panji always said it half-heartedly. So not infrequently make Laras immediately angry.

"It's a bit long story, can I just come in? While sitting down the story, so you don't get tired."

"Tsk! There's no need for mode, just tell me. If it's too long, can it be shortened, right?"

Panji smiled wryly. It seemed that the classic trick he had planned had failed.

"So this is it. After I managed to control myself, my grandfather ordered the central company to be taken care of with me. Why is there America and why should I not just My dad? Because the relationship between the two is complicated, Ras. Grandpa loves me much more rather than his own son. So if I marry you, I can use that as an excuse to stay here."

Laras tried to understand the situation. "So you're just using me as an excuse not to want to hold the central company?"

"Jesus, Laras. That's not what I meant. When it comes to loving you, it's been a long time. That's just a solid excuse for now."

"When did you start to love me?"

"Hyh?" Even though it felt like the topic of their conversation had drifted off a bit. "You ask when I started loving you?" Panji confirmed once again.

"Yes, when? Was I still with Randi?"

"Obviously before that. Laras, when I saw you with a face like Ghina, I immediately fell in love. Although at first I also thought that you were just an outlet, but in the end I realized that I really love you. With you as Laras, isn't it? Gina."

"You do love me, but I don't love you. Isn't it in a marriage that both must love each other?"

"That's true. It's only a matter of time I think. I'm pretty sure you'll fall in love with me."

Laras squealed to hear it. "Ugh, so confident." She sneered.

Panji was happy, finally Laras didn't act cold anymore. "Can I hug you?"

"Huh?"

"To fill the energy because next week we can't meet first."

"Why is it so?" Laras eyebrows dipped.

"Because I have a job out of town. So, may I?" asked Panji as he spread his arms.

Without answering, Laras slid into Panji's arms. She rested her head on the man's chest while listening to her heartbeat which sounded like a beautiful melody this afternoon.