PROMISE

"Ara…"

The softness of the voice dispelled my bad thoughts.

"Hmm, yes. B-but I don't understand why you're offering this to me?" I asked him in amazement.

Cloud then explained something to me for consideration. So quickly, I had to make a decision. Like it or not, I considered the offer.

"Trust me. Only you can do it, Ara. Help me," he said with a look of hope on his face.

I also thought about the offer that Cloud made me. Tonight I feel like I've been through so hard. There is something that attracts me to accept the offer. However, on the other hand, a feeling of worry surrounds this heart.

Tomorrow…

The next day, I constantly weighed the pros and cons of Cloud's offer for the future. I tried to pray for guidance from morning, afternoon, evening, and night.

A few days later, it was as if there was a strong magnet that pulled me to accept his offer. I tried to tell Mom and Dad this when Cloud was out fishing with Adit.

"Have you thought about it, Ara?" mother asked me.

"Yes, mom. My heart is very interested in his offer."

"Okay, let me talk to Son Cloud later," said my father.

"I'm sorry, Ara, Dad. Ara wants to make her family happy. There's no other intention," I said, trying to pinpoint the real reason why I was interested in Cloud's offer.

Not long after, Cloud came with Adit. I immediately approached and spoke to him if his father wanted to discuss his offer. I thought he would be surprised, but instead, he was happy to hear this news.

"Thank you, Ara. I'll talk to your mom and dad now," Cloud said happily.

And it turns out Cloud opened the conversation. He looked serious when he talked to my mom and dad. His body gestures imply a seriousness in his heart to take care of me if mom and dad agree to this.

Honestly, something makes me tempted to decide to take a sabbatical at campus finally. Even though my decision made my father and mother sad, Cloud continued to show his goodwill. As a result, my father and mother approved my departure to work with Cloud.

On-campus…

Time seemed to pass so fast. I have now made up my mind to take a sabbatical. As a strategy, take a step back to take steps forward. I hope that this decision I made is right.

"This is where you study?"

Cloud accompanied me to campus today. His clothes are all white, like when they first met, making people on campus look at him. Whether it's weird or what, I don't care. My focus today is to finish administrative leave.

"Hmm, yes. My campus isn't that big, but I like it," I replied, turning to look at him.

"What are you studying here?" he asked again.

"I took the city plan," I answered.

Cloud was silent for a moment while his college friends showed me their gazes. They were seen whispering. I wonder what they are talking about.

"I think your work will be by what you study," he said again with a small smile.

"I don't understand, Cloud. I've only been here for a year. There's still a lot to learn."

We continued walking towards the campus administration room.

"You're being too modest, Ara. I'm sure you can do whatever you want."

His words are so encouraging to my soul. I blushed so much that I looked away from his eyes.

What is this feeling? Why do I feel happy being treated by him?

Cloud chuckled at my behaviour. He then told me that the administration room he was going to was in sight. I immediately headed for the room while Cloud waited outside.

Today, I finished the administration for two semesters left. I hope that after this I will find happiness soon. Indeed, we must sacrifice something to get something bigger. Hopefully, Cloud keeps his promise and clears all my bad prejudice against him.

A few days later…

It doesn't feel like it's been a week Cloud has lived at my house. Now Cloud will return to his original place with me. After saying goodbye and making a promise to my father and mother, my parents finally let go of my departure with Cloud. I saw Cloud giving a guarantee to dad. I don't know what it is, but I think what it gives is of great value, just like a dowry.

Cloud didn't ask me to bring anything. He just took me to the place where we first met. It's weird, but I agree. Maybe he wanted to reminisce for a moment.

We walked through the woods and bushes. Arriving at the shore, we boarded a canoe towards the middle of the sea. Cloud rowed his canoe until it was about twenty meters from the shore.

"Ara."

"Yes?"

"May I hold your hand?" he asked, which made me blush.

"Hm, okay," I replied shyly, taking his outstretched hand.

Cloud stood in front of me then held both my hands. We face each other. We are quite close. My heart skips a beat when I'm so close to him.

Above sea level, we like a romantic scene. Luckily none of the villagers saw. If so, shame on me.

"Trust me. I made a vow in front of your father and mother. And I have established myself in good faith. So no matter what happens soon, hold on to my hand and don't let it slip away."

I saw the serious look on his face along with the rain. Like when we first met, a black fog came along with strong winds. My brow furrowed. I was afraid of what would happen. But Cloud reassured me. He smiled at me, pulling me into his arms.

"Close your eyes, Ara."

I can only obey, again I can only do what he says.

His body felt so warm. I could hear his heartbeat very clearly. His rub on my head seemed to ease my fear.

Before long, I felt like I was floating with him, so light. I didn't dare open my eyes because I was worried that I would float in the air, which made my phobia of heights recur. I surrender, leave all this matter to the Almighty. I hold Cloud's hand tightly while my left-hand hugs him.

…

"Clouds?!"

"Ara."

I felt like my body fell, not long from the moment I closed my eyes.

"Cloud, we're falling!"

My words sounded so frantic, I was scared.

"Ara, we are fine."

Cloud calms my heart. However, I felt his embrace fading away.

"Can I open my eyes?" I asked worriedly.

"Open it," he answered slowly.

Feeling anxious, I slowly opened my eyes. I vaguely saw a large tree not far from me.

"Ara, can you wake up? Your body is heavy."

Hah?! What?!

I even ignored Cloud's existence which turned out to be me.

"What are you doing, Cloud?!" I asked as I got up from his body.

"I didn't do anything, Ara. You've been on top of me all this time."

The answer immediately woke me up. Cloud can't do anything bad after making a vow to mom and dad. Isn't that what a man holds of his words?