Chapter 1 - Meeting in the School Library

The smell of old books mixed with the smell of paper and glue greeted Aruna when she entered the school library. The warm morning sunlight came in through the large glass window, shining on the neatly lined bookshelves. Aruna breathed a sigh of relief, feeling peaceful and calm amidst the hustle and bustle of school life.

This cheerful and active girl always finds peace among the bookshelves. He likes the quiet atmosphere of the library, where he can be immersed in the world of stories and forget for a moment the busyness of everyday life.

Today Aruna intends to look for a new book to read. He walked down the halls of the library, his eyes roaming over the titles of interesting books. Suddenly, he saw a book that caught his attention.

The book is entitled "The History of South Korea" and has a dark blue cover with a picture of the majestic Gyeongbokgung palace. Aruna is curious about the history of her favorite country and wants to know more about its culture and traditions.

He took the book and walked to a nearby table to sit down. As he opened the book, he saw a man sitting across from him. The man seemed focused on reading a math book, with furrowed brows and a pencil in his hand.

Aruna felt a little awkward sitting in front of other people who were studying, but she didn't want to move. He decided to stay there and started reading his book.

The man occasionally glanced at Aruna, and Aruna also glanced at him. She noticed that the man had a handsome face with intelligent eyes and neat black hair. Aruna felt attracted to the man, but she didn't dare talk to him.

Suddenly the man closed his book and looked at Aruna. "May I ask?" he asked in a soft voice.

Aruna gasped and her heart beat fast. "Of course." he answered nervously.

"Do you know where the books about South Korean history are kept?" asked the man.

Aruna smiled. "I just saw it on the history shelf, right next to the books about Japan." he answered.

The man smiled and thanked him. He then got up from his chair and walked towards the history shelf. Aruna watched him secretly, feeling happy that she could help him.

A few moments later, the man returned with a South Korean history book in his hand. He sat back in front of Aruna again and opened his book. Aruna was curious to see what he was doing, so she leaned forward slightly.

The man started reading a book seriously, and Aruna watched him carefully. He saw how she marked important words and made notes in the margins of the book. Aruna was impressed by the man's perseverance and intelligence.

Suddenly the man looked at Aruna and smiled. "Thanks again for your help." he said.

Aruna blushed. "You're welcome." he answered.

The man then introduced himself. "My name is Bima." he said.

Aruna smiled. "My name is Aruna." he answered.

Bima and Aruna started chatting about the book they were reading. They discover they have a lot in common, such as their love of books and South Korean culture.

As time goes by, their conversations flow more and they feel more comfortable with each other. They laughed together, swapped stories, and argued about various things.

Aruna never expected to meet someone as interesting as Bima in the library. He feels happy and happy when he spends time with her.

The school bell rang, indicating it was time to go home. Aruna and Bima exchanged telephone numbers and promised to meet again at the library tomorrow.

***

As Aruna walked home, she couldn't stop thinking about Bima. He felt like he had found a special new friend, and he couldn't wait to see her again.

Aruna walked home with a big smile on her face. His meeting with Bima in the library made him feel happy and enthusiastic. He couldn't wait to see her again tomorrow.

Arriving home, Aruna went straight to her room and sat in front of her study table. He opened a South Korean history book and started reading it excitedly. He wanted to know more about his beloved country and he knew Bima would be happy to help him.

Aruna read it late at night and she only fell asleep when she was really tired. He dreamed about Bima and he woke up feeling happy in the morning.

The next day Aruna woke up earlier than usual and got ready to go to school. He felt nervous and happy when he thought about Bima. He wanted to know what they would talk about today.

Arriving at school, Aruna immediately headed to the library. He saw Bima sitting in the same place as yesterday and he smiled broadly when he saw him.

Bima smiled broadly when he saw Aruna. "Hi!" he greeted.

"Hi!" Aruna answered. "How are you today?"

"Just fine." Bima answered. "How about you?"

"I'm fine too." answered Aruna. "I'm glad to see you again today."

Bima and Aruna started chatting about the book they were reading. Aruna talked about what she learned about South Korean history, while Bima talked about what he learned about mathematics.

They were both very interested in what they were learning, and they chatted continuously for hours. They didn't realize that time had passed so quickly.

The school bell rang again, signaling that it was time for lunch. Aruna and Bima decided to go to the canteen together.

During lunch, Aruna and Bima continued to chat about various things. They talk about music, movies and their hobbies. They realize that they have a lot in common, and they feel closer to each other.

Aruna and Bima sat in the school cafeteria while enjoying lunch together. The atmosphere was lively and full of laughter from the students. However, Aruna and Bima only focused on each other, immersed in their interesting conversation.

Today, they talk about their favorite movies. Aruna babbled excitedly about the Japanese animated film she had just watched, while Bima talked about a classic film he found in the library. They argue about their favorite genres, favorite actors, and favorite scenes they like.

Their laughter broke the silence of the cafeteria and attracted the attention of several students around them. Aruna's friends, namely Rara and Dimas glanced at them with amused smiles. They already knew about Aruna and Bima's friendship and they were very happy to see them so happy together.

On the other hand, Bima's friends, Anton and Budi, looked a little suspicious. They weren't used to seeing Bima so enthusiastic about someone. Usually Bima prefers to spend his time alone with his books.

Aruna and Bima didn't realize the stares they received from their friends. They were lost in their own worlds, enjoying the time they spent together.

After lunch, Aruna and Bima returned to the library. They sat in the same place as before and opened their respective books again.

However, they cannot focus on reading. Their minds were still focused on their conversation in the cafeteria. They kept glancing at each other and smiling.

Finally Aruna couldn't stand it any longer. He closed his book and looked at Bima. "Can I ask something?" he asked hesitantly.

Bima looked at him with a caring gaze. "Of course." he answered. "What do you want to ask?"

Aruna took a deep breath. "How do you rate me?" he asked in a small voice.

Bima was silent for a moment, trying to find the right words. "I... I'm not sure how to explain it." he answered nervously.

Aruna felt disappointed. She thought Bima didn't like her.

"I... I enjoy spending time with you," continued Bima. "You make my life feel much… different than before."

Aruna smiled. "I love spending time with you too," he answered. "I feel... so comfortable when I'm with you."

Bima and Aruna looked at each other and they both knew that they had feelings that were more than just friendship.

However, they dare not say it. They are afraid to take risks and ruin their beautiful friendship.

The school bell rang again, indicating it was time to go home.

As Aruna walked home, she couldn't stop thinking about Bima. He knew that he was in love with her and he wanted to know if Bima felt the same way as him.

He decided to wait and see what would happen. He knew time would answer all his questions.

****

Aruna walked home with light footsteps. A big smile adorned his face and his heart was filled with happiness. His conversation with Bima in the library made him believe that he was not alone. Bima also has the same feelings for him.

But Aruna was also worried. He knew their relationship wouldn't be easy. Because he already knew that Bima actually came from a rich and respectable family, while Aruna came from a simple family. He was afraid that Bima would not be accepted by his family because of his relationship with him.

Apart from that, Aruna was also worried about Bima's friends. They don't like Aruna because of her cheerful and active nature, while they prefer quiet and bookish people like Bima.

Aruna knew she had to be brave enough to face all the obstacles that existed. He wants to continue being with Bima and he believes their love can overcome all obstacles.

****

The next day Aruna returned to the library to meet Bima. He looked for her in the same place as usual and he soon found her sitting at her favorite table.

Aruna approached him with a big smile on her face. "Hi!" he said.

Bima lifted his head from his book and smiled. "Hi." he answered. "How are you?"

"Just fine!" Aruna answered. "I'm glad to see you again."

Bima and Aruna started chatting about their plans for the weekend. They want to go to the amusement park together, and they can't wait to do it.

"How about next weekend, we both go to the amusement park." Bima said with joy showing on his face, "after all, I don't have anything to do this weekend."

"That sounds really fun, okay I agree." Aruna answered

However, their happiness was disturbed by the arrival of Anton and Budi, who were Bima's close friends.

Anton and Budi looked at Aruna with suspicious eyes. "What are you doing here?" asked Anton in a harsh tone.

Aruna was silent for a moment, not sure what to answer. "I... I'm waiting for Bima." he answered nervously.

Budi sneered. "Since when did Bima hang out with someone like you?" he asked mockingly.

Aruna felt angry and annoyed. He wanted to defend himself, but he knew that it would be useless.

Bima saw that Aruna was in trouble. He stood up and looked at Anton and Budi with a sharp gaze. "Enough!" he snapped. "Aruna is my friend and I won't let you two insult her

Anton and Budi were surprised by Bima's courage. They had never seen him angry like that.

"Okay, okay," said Anton in a condescending tone. "We go."

Anton and Budi left Bima and Aruna. Aruna looked at Bima gratefully. "Thank You." he whispered.

Bima smiled. "Does not matter." he answered. "I won't let anyone hurt you."

Aruna and Bima looked at each other, they both knew their relationship was getting stronger. They had overcome the first hurdle together, and they were confident that they would be able to overcome all the obstacles to come.