"Where are you dining?"
That was it. Just two words in my WA chat. Two normal words listed in any Indonesian dictionary, yet they stirred something uncontrollably inside me. I melted instantly, like ice cream splattered on hot asphalt at noon. What an unromantic analogy.
"Bogor."
I replied, trying to sound cool.
He read it. Typing. Then stopped. What's he going to say? Why am I like this over a simple message that doesn't even need a reply? We were fine the last time we met. No strange sparks—or was I just denying it? Maybe it was my subconscious taking over this entire feeling.
Rini had just finished her shower, now casually combing her hair without even checking if it was neat. She glanced at me, raising her chin like she was trying to figure out what had me so off-balance.
"I'm in Bogor too."
Another message. I instinctively tossed my phone onto the bed. Did he mean to meet up?
"Why, Nis?"
I gave Rini a sheepish grin. No clue how to explain.
Drrt...Drrt...Drrt...
Arga's name lit up on the screen.
"Rin, he's calling," I said in panic, pacing as I stared at the phone I'd just thrown.
"Well, pick up then." Rini went back to tying her shoulder-length hair.
"I can't."
"Did you just teleport from the Stone Age?" she quipped.
"No! I'm serious, Rin."
"And I'm not? You freak out over a call, now you can't even answer? Girl, you're losing it." She pointed an accusing finger at me.
"You don't get it. He's the one and only."
"Why didn't you say so? I get it. You want me to answer it for you?" she teased, already standing.
"No! Let it ring out." We both stood side by side by my bed, eyes locked on the still-vibrating phone.
When it finally stopped, we sighed in relief like synchronized swimmers.
"Where are you going?" Rini asked as I bolted toward the door.
"Bathroom," I replied, slipping out, then coming right back in.
Rini just shook her head. "You're officially unwell."
"Just trying not to lie," I muttered as I unlocked the screen.
Sorry, Ga. Was in the bathroom. What's up?
When's your event done? he asked.
Tomorrow evening.
Let's meet. Near your hotel. Momo Milk, 8 p.m.
Hey. I didn't say yes yet T_T
See ya.
"That guy..." I mumbled.
"What? What'd he say?" Rini's eyes sparkled. One thing I loved about her—she always knew how to sympathize. Like fine china wrapped in granite. Fragile and firm at once.
"Come with me, Rin. Tomorrow night. Momo Milk."
"I'm in. Even if I had dinner with Trump, I'd cancel for this mystery man of yours."
"Yeah, right." I tossed a pillow at her.
The next night.
"Which one? Is he already here?" Rini asked as soon as we stepped in.
I scanned the place. Arga knew I liked tables by the wall. There he was.
I pointed toward him.
"He looks familiar," said Rini. We walked closer. Just before reaching the table, she blurted something she shouldn't have. "So, it's Arga?"
I stomped on her foot.
"What?" Arga was confused but curious.
"Uhh," Rini stammered. "Didn't expect it'd be you. You two looked like strangers when we first met at FX."
"Oh. Right. We're just friends."
I hated that word between us, Ga.
"Have a seat," Arga gestured.
"You came with Rini?"
"Sorry, I can sit elsewhere if I'm intruding."
"No, it's fine. It's even better this way, right, Nis?"
"Sure," I mumbled.
"Someone's cranky," Rini said out loud.
"Let her be. That's how Nisa gets when she's sulking."
"You're so patient," Rini admired him.
"Better than her giving me the silent treatment for years." Arga grinned.
"Dear God, bless me with a friend like this. Just one," Rini sighed.
I sneered. "You'll regret that once you get one like him."
"Haha." Arga laughed, clearly enjoying my sarcasm.
Back at the hotel...
"I wasn't your company tonight—you were mine!" Rini grumbled, shutting the door.
"Huh?"
"Seriously. He talked more to me than you. You were cold, snappy, stony. I don't know what mountain of a mistake he made, but girl, you were icy. Still, that meeting...ugh, never mind." She collapsed onto her bed. I'd been lying down since earlier.
"Nis," Rini looked at me seriously. "I get it now. Why he's your one and only."
"What do you mean?"
"He's good-looking, rich, romantic..."
He wasn't always that way, Rin.
"So, you're finally judging someone besides Tio objectively?" I teased.
"Please. Tio is unbeatable. I'm head over heels for him."
"What's Tio got over Arga?" My inner woman couldn't help comparing.
"Well, for one, Tio's not someone you're into. We've got different markets. Ha!"
"Hearts are for sale?"
"To the right buyer. Or throw in a discount for a quick deal."
This girl's logic...
"Oh, by the way. That whole meet-up? It was just to give you a gift. That's what felt off. Where's the gift?"
"In my bag. Too lazy to get it."
"I'll grab it!" Rini jumped like a child.
She tossed my sling bag onto the bed. "Here, Princess. Open it, I beg of you."
"Haha." I took out the small box Arga had given me. It was just the size of my phone—a maroon box with a glittery silver bow. I hadn't looked closely before. It wasn't Arga's style at all. I could tell it was special to him. Maybe even to me.
Rini moved over, hugging a pillow. "Open it, Nis!"
"Hold on," I said, loosening the bow and slowly opening the box.
Rini looked puzzled by the contents. I, however, knew exactly what it was.
"What the heck? Just paper? Really? A signature? Does he think he's famous?" Rini was fuming.
"That's my signature, Rin."
She stopped and examined it more carefully. "Oh, you're right... So what is this? You guys have the weirdest way of communicating. Who's the killer?"
"Haha." I laughed. "Relax. This is a Wishing Card. A birthday gift I gave Arga on his 21st."
"What do you think Arga once wrote on that wishing card? 🤔 Drop your guess in the comments! Don't forget to vote if you can't wait for the next chapter 💌"