18

"Lam, I forgot to give this to you." Genta tugged at the collar of my uniform.

Lala snorted. But he doesn't talk much. The past few days, he had permission. Because he has tonsillitis.

"What?" I asked.

Genta took out some package books. And I know if it's my package books. Yesterday I stayed when Ricky was there. My broken package book.

I grabbed the package books. Genta smiled as he ruffled my curls which were now growing.

"Ricky gave it to me. I think he likes you, Lam."

I ignore Genta's little words. I researched my package book. I still remember many of my package books were damaged and dirty because they were trampled on at that time. However, this textbook contains several new ones. I'm sure who just bought this from the bookstore. I opened the contents of the package book. There was a piece of lined paper there.

Is that from Ricky? I open the paper. It was true. Ricky's name was there. And I just found out. Suppose Ricky's writing is excellent. It beats my writing.

'Sorry, the others I can't fix. So, I replaced it with a new one. I hope you're not angry anymore. Enthusiasm to learn, let's be a smart kid!'

That's all Ricky wrote. He didn't write anything else. Does he feel guilty? And now he's stopped bugging me? But why? Any guilt here? In my heart...

@@@

The school bell rings. Tomorrow, it's time for us to hold a school class meeting. Although I don't know, an invitation from Pelita Mulya High School will be welcomed or not by Harapan Bangsa High School. But what is clear is that Sekar and I will work even harder tomorrow—taking care of this and that and things that make us dizzy.

"Let's go home together, let's go!"

"No, La. You're still sick, go home with Genta first. I'll take the file in the student council room first, have a meeting for a while."

"You are very busy, Lam. I miss you." Lala whined. Actually, yes, we haven't been out for a long time.

"The day after tomorrow, we go out together." I offered. Lala immediately hugged me. Genta wanted to come along, but Lala immediately stopped him.

After we parted, I rushed to the student council room. I don't want to be late. If not, Aldi and Mila will shout and get angry. Anger is their obligatory job—nothing else.

It took an hour to complete the meeting. The contents of which are none other than the division of tasks tomorrow. And the most challenging jobs are permanently assigned to me, even Sekar. Isn't there a male student council in this place? Of course, there is. But, unfortunately, none of them want to be a 'babu.'

"You're going home by angkot, Lam?"

I nodded. Meanwhile, at the gate, Sekar's father had arrived. She was invited. I know it's too late. Spare your favorite child. Even at school, she was bullied.

"Me first, yes!" she said. I waved my hand in return. Then saw her disappear.

I have to cross the street to get to the bus stop. Otherwise, I will lose my last angkot. Or even my last bus at the moment.

However, my steps suddenly stopped when I saw a group of boys who had filled the bus stop. This bunch of high school bad boys. Moreover, seeing the figure wearing casual clothes. A T-shirt wrapped in a jeans jacket, ripped jeans here and there, and his favorite gray sneakers.

Those brown eyes caught me. However, I wanted to avoid it. He immediately stood up, throwing away the cigarette butt he had just taken a sip. Honestly, I'm scared. Especially now, I'm alone.

"Just got home?" he asked. I hugged my bag. I nodded timidly. Meanwhile, he is still in his relaxed style. He lowered his head, so our eyes met.

"I'm taking you home."

"Do not have to."

"I've been here waiting for you for a long time. I'll take you home." he chuckles again.

"Is it because of me?" I finally asked. I've wanted to ask for a long time, but I've always been afraid to ask. Eventually, he turned around and then looked at me again.

"You hit Aldi. Was it because of me?" I asked again.

He just kept quiet didn't answer my question. But I know the answer is behind those brown eyes.

"Why?"

"Let's go home. It's getting late," he said, trying to change the subject. But, I do not accept. I just wanted an explanation. For what he did.

"I asked why?!" I asked in a high-pitched voice until Ricky's group across the street turned their heads towards us.

Ricky took a deep breath. Then he stepped closer to me. Spontaneously, I backed off. And that was enough to make him stop walking. He smirked, then smiled wryly. As if he was disappointed with my attitude.

"I don't like it the most if my property is disturbed by another guy. What's more, getting hurt."

The cold and sharp answer he spoke so loudly. I looked into his eyes, and there was a flash of anger there. I don't know what to do now. But, my heart seemed to know what I should do. I grabbed his hand stupidly. There's a wound there. That means he's hurt too. But he didn't feel it.

"I don't want you to get sick. Because of me." For some reason, the word just came out of my mouth. I can see his brown eyes, which were angry before, are now sad again. It looks so warm looking at my face.

"I miss this kind of Nilam," he said with that smile. The smile I just knew.

Honestly, my body froze. When his big hand caught my face. And stroked my cheek gently. I do not know when. But why, I feel familiar with this touch. I feel tight, with this comfortable feeling.