The Reason

The towering twenty-story building of the Dome Rangers Association stood as the tallest structure within the Jakarta Dome complex. 

On the tenth floor, the "Frontline Operations" division buzzed with activity. 

Inside a conference room, Tommy sat surrounded by three dome rangers and four test officers, the tension palpable.

"Today's anomaly with the mid-tier monster during the cadet physical exam is concerning," one of the officers reported, his voice steady but troubled.

"Yesterday's sweep for mid-tier and high-tier monsters showed no procedural errors, therefore the emergence of the crimson-fanged wolf seems to be a pure anomaly."

Another officer leaned forward, pointing to a screen. "There was also interference with the drone feed. For a few seconds, the signal was scrambled. When the image returned, Song Hae In had already downed the monster."

The room fell silent as everyone absorbed the implications. "So, we conclude that cadet Song Hae In, with cadet Rangga's help, managed to defeat the wolf," another ranger summarized.

Tommy couldn't shake the unease gnawing at him. "He was there again, just like when I found him in Dome Sintang."

The others exchanged glances, sensing Tommy's growing suspicion. His mind churned with questions about Rangga's true identity and abilities.

Later that evening, the fifth floor of Rafflesia Apartments was quiet. Rangga and Sita finished their conversation, and she prepared to leave. 

"Thanks for everything," Rangga said, smiling as he walked her to the door.

"Take care, Rangga," she replied, stepping into the hallway.

As she exited apartment 501, Song Hae In appeared at the door of apartment 502. 

The moment seemed to stretch indefinitely. Rangga stood at his door, Sita paused in the corridor, and Hae In, about to enter her apartment, glanced between them.

Rangga and Hae In's eyes locked, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Sita nodded politely to Hae In before heading down the hallway.

No words were exchanged as Hae In entered her apartment, and Rangga closed his door. 

He leaned against it, his thoughts swirling. Knowing that his new neighbor, in the only other apartment on this floor, was Song Hae In, made his heart pound. 

They would be living just a few steps apart throughout their training.

Back in his apartment, Rangga couldn't shake the feeling of unease. 

He moved to the window, looking out at the cityscape, his reflection merging with the lights outside. 

Inside her apartment, Hae In sat on her bed, lost in thought. The day's events played over and over in her mind. 

The mystery of Rangga's presence, his actions, and the way he had let her take credit for defeating the monster gnawed at her.

As the night deepened, both cadets found themselves caught in a web of unanswered questions and growing suspicions. 

In the days that followed, Rangga began to settle into his new life at the Dome Rangers training facility. 

His routine started to take shape, grounding him in the unfamiliar environment.

Mornings began with a rigorous workout. Rangga would push himself through various exercises, feeling his body adapt and strengthen. 

The fresh air and the rhythmic beat of his running shoes on the pavement became a comforting start to his day.

After his workout, Rangga would spend hours studying everything he could about life as a Dome Ranger. 

Manuals, videos, and simulation programs became his daily companions. 

He was determined to excel, to understand the intricacies and responsibilities that came with the title.

Afternoons were often spent exploring the Dome Jakarta complex. 

The massive structure was a city in itself, complete with parks, cafes, gyms, and shopping centers. 

Rangga took his time walking through the winding pathways, getting to know every corner of his new home.

Sita was busy handling Rangga's administrative preparations as a cadet, ensuring all paperwork and formalities were in order. 

They hadn't met in person since that first evening, but they kept in touch through frequent text messages. 

Her updates and occasional words of encouragement were a comforting presence.

However, the real anomaly in Rangga's new routine was Song Hae In. They seemed to cross paths everywhere. 

In the hallway outside their apartments, at the local café where Rangga would grab his morning coffee, at the gym where they both trained, and even in the supermarket down the street.

Every encounter was the same. They would spot each other, and for a moment, their eyes would lock. 

Rangga would nod in acknowledgment, a silent greeting. Hae In, however, maintained a distance. 

She would meet his gaze briefly before looking away, her expression guarded.

One morning, as Rangga jogged through the park, he spotted Hae In ahead of him, stretching by the side of the path. 

He hesitated, considering whether to keep his distance or approach her. Just as he decided to keep jogging, Hae In turned around and saw him.

To his surprise, she straightened up and took a deep breath, as if steeling herself for something. As Rangga approached, she called out to him. "Hey, can we talk?"

Rangga slowed to a stop, not sure what was happening but still replied. "Yeah… sure, what's up?"

Hae In seemed to gather her thoughts, her expression serious and intense. 

"You suppressed the monster by slicing all the tendons. How did you do it? How did you know where to hit the monster during the test? And why did you let me take the credit?"

Rangga was caught off guard by her directness. His mind raced, trying to find a way to deflect the questions. 

He glanced around, stalling for time as he tried to come up with a plausible explanation. 

Sora's voice buzzed in his earpiece, offering a lifeline. "Tell her you heard about it from someone who encountered the monster before."

Taking a deep breath, Rangga looked back at Hae In. "I guess I was just lucky. I once met someone who told me stories about these monsters, including their weaknesses."

Hae In's eyes narrowed, scrutinizing his answer but staying silent.

"And as for why I let you take the credit," Rangga continued, choosing his words carefully, "you were the one who first engaged the monster. 

I was just helping out. It only seemed fair that you got the recognition."

Hae In's expression softened slightly, but confusion still clouded her eyes. "Why would you do something like that for me?"

Rangga shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "It just seemed like the right thing to do."

Hae In stared at him for a moment, her mind racing with thoughts. She couldn't understand why Rangga, someone she barely knew, would act so selflessly.

 There was something about him that didn't add up, and it intrigued her.

As they resumed their jog, Hae In's thoughts lingered on Rangga. Despite his evasive answers, there was a sincerity in his eyes that she couldn't ignore. 

Unbeknownst to her, this was the beginning of a budding interest in him, a curiosity that would soon blossom into something more.

Rangga, on the other hand, felt relieved but also wary. He knew he had managed to dodge the questions for now, but he also sensed that Hae In wasn't entirely convinced. 

As they jogged side by side, he silently vowed to be more careful in the future.

Their morning jog continued in silence, but the encounter had left a mark on both of them.

That afternoon, as the sun reached its zenith and bathed the Jakarta Dome in a golden glow, Rangga received an unexpected message on his phone. 

The device vibrated softly, its screen lighting up with a notification from the administration office of the Dome Rangers Association. 

He read the message with growing curiosity and unease:

"Cadet Rangga, you are requested to report to Chief Frontliner Tommy's office at 14:00. - Admin Office"

Rangga's mind raced with questions. Why was he being summoned? What did Tommy want to discuss?

Sora's offering some possible explanations. "Maybe it's because you haven't contacted him, sir," Sora suggested. 

"Or there's the possibility to discuss something about your recent activities that he wants to address."

Rangga frowned, still feeling unsettled. He glanced at the clock on the wall—it was just past noon. 

He had some time to prepare, but the mystery of the summons gnawed at him.

With a sigh, he stood up and headed to his room. The apartment was bathed in soft, natural light, highlighting the sleek, modern design of his living space. 

Rangga moved with purpose, selecting a clean uniform and making sure he looked presentable. 

He couldn't shake the feeling that this meeting was important, and he wanted to make a good impression.

As he dressed, his thoughts wandered back to his earlier encounter with Hae In. 

Her intense gaze, the probing questions—everything about that conversation had felt significant. And now this summons from Tommy added another layer of complexity to his already tangled emotions.

By the time he was ready to leave, it was nearing 13:30. Rangga took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever lay ahead. 

He left his apartment and made his way through the corridors of the Rafflesia, his steps echoing softly in the quiet halls.

The elevator ride to the ground floor was swift, the doors opening with a soft chime. Rangga exited and walked briskly across the complex, heading towards the towering headquarters of the Dome Rangers Association. 

The building loomed ahead, its twenty stories gleaming in the midday sun.

As he entered the lobby, the cool air conditioning was a welcome relief from the outside heat. 

Rangga approached the reception desk, where a polite attendant directed him to Tommy's office on the tenth floor.

The elevator ride-up felt interminable, each floor passing with a soft beep. 

When the doors finally opened, Rangga stepped into the bustling environment of the Frontline Operations division. 

The atmosphere was charged with energy, rangers, and administrative staff moving with purpose.

Rangga navigated the maze of corridors, his heart pounding a little faster with each step. He finally arrived at Tommy's office, a door marked with a simple plaque bearing the chief's name. 

Taking a moment to steady his nerves, Rangga knocked firmly.

"Come in," Tommy's voice called from within.

Rangga opened the door and stepped inside, the room spacious yet functional, filled with maps, mission reports, and a large desk where Tommy sat. The chief looked up, his expression unreadable.

"Rangga, thank you for coming," Tommy said, gesturing for him to take a seat.

Rangga sat down, his curiosity and apprehension mounting. "You wanted to see me, sir?"

Tommy nodded, leaning back in his chair. "Yes, there are a few things we need to discuss."

–end chapter–