A New Day

That day, Hana returned home from the café feeling tired but satisfied. She enjoyed her job, but one thing kept lingering in her mind Alexei's request for her to move in with him. She knew how caring Alexei was, always present with extraordinary attention. But on the other hand, Hana felt the need to maintain a healthy distance in their relationship.

When she arrived at Dewi's apartment, her friend greeted her with a warm smile.

"Hey, how was work today?" Dewi asked while preparing tea in the kitchen.

"Exhausting, but good," Hana replied, taking off her shoes. "But there's something that's been bothering me."

"Oh, don't tell me it's about Alexei again," Dewi looked at her with interest.

Hana simply nodded slowly. "He asked me again to move in with him."

"Have you seriously thought about it?" Dewi asked, handing Hana a cup of warm tea.

"Yes, but I'm confused. I want to keep this relationship healthy, but he makes everything feel so easy and comfortable."

"If you ask me, moving in together is a big decision. But if you feel this is the right step, I'll support you," Dewi patted Hana's shoulder gently. "What matters is that you remain true to yourself."

That night, Hana couldn't sleep. She kept thinking about Alexei's offer. Her mind wrestled between maintaining boundaries and following her heart. Yet on the other hand, she felt so comfortable with Alexei. She couldn't deny that every time she was with him, all her problems seemed to disappear.

The next day, after work, Alexei picked Hana up in front of the café as usual. This time, instead of heading straight to the villa, they stopped by a small restaurant by the beach.

"How was your day?" Alexei asked, pouring a glass of water for Hana.

"Good, but tiring," Hana answered with a faint smile.

They enjoyed dinner in a relaxed atmosphere.

After finishing their meal, they walked along the beach, letting the cool night breeze brush against their faces.

"Alexei," Hana began softly.

"Yes?" Alexei turned, looking at her attentively.

"I've thought about your offer," Hana continued. "I agree to move in with you, but I have conditions."

Alexei raised an eyebrow, a slight smile playing on his lips. "What kind of conditions?"

"I still want to work and have my own space," Hana explained. "I need that freedom to remain myself."

Alexei was silent for a moment, then nodded.

"Deal. I just want you to be happy, Hana. And if this makes you comfortable, I'll support you."

Hana smiled in relief at Alexei's response. They continued their walk along the beach, now feeling lighter.

Two days later, Hana officially moved into Alexei's villa. She brought her simple belongings, just a few suitcases and boxes containing clothes and personal items. Dewi helped her pack and delivered her things to the villa.

"Wow, this place is amazing," Dewi said in awe as they entered the spacious and luxurious villa.

"Thanks for helping me," Hana said sincerely, hugging Dewi tightly.

"Anytime, girl," Dewi replied cheerfully. "I'm happy to see you happy. But remember, if anything happens, I'll always be here for you."

After Dewi left, Hana started arranging her things in the room Alexei had prepared for her. She felt like she was in a different world this place was so comfortable, so peaceful, and far from the problems she had faced in Jakarta.

That night, Alexei invited Hana to dinner on the villa's balcony. He prepared everything himself delicious dishes, softly glowing candles, and classical music playing in the background.

"Wow, you're really overdoing it," Hana joked, sitting in the chair he had prepared for her.

"Just celebrating our new beginning," Alexei said as he poured wine into their glasses.

They dined in a warm atmosphere. Occasionally, Alexei cracked jokes that made Hana laugh heartily.

"You know," Hana said, looking at the starry night sky, "I feel like I'm living in a dream world."

Alexei took Hana's hand, holding it tightly.

"And I promise to make this world even more beautiful for you."

Hana smiled happily. That night, for the first time, she felt that maybe, just maybe, she had made the right decision.