In the morning, Rayendra was having breakfast with Rayina at the dining table, both absorbed in their phones. “I’m going out for a bit. I need to go to the minimarket to buy some cooking ingredients. Finish your breakfast, okay?” “Yes,” they both replied without looking up from their phones. Suddenly, Aunt Witri video-called them. “Why are you video-calling this early?” “Hello, Rayendra, Rayina! Happy Birthday!” “Aunt, how are you? We miss you! How’s everything?” Instead of responding to her greeting, they both bombarded Aunt Witri with questions about her condition, since she had been in the hospital for almost a week. “I’m feeling better! I should be able to go home soon.” “Thank

On their way to school, Rayina didn’t say much. This was the first time she was going to school with the brother they had always kept secret from everyone. Rayina was already prepared for what would happen when her classmates found out about their blood relation. Andrean, speeding through the traffic, didn’t give Rayina a chance to talk to him. Before she could ask anything, they were almost at the school gate. The roar of the motorbike drew everyone’s attention. Students turned to look, whispering about the pair of students behind the blacked-out helmets. When they reached the parking lot, Andrean parked the bike at the far end. As they got off, Eriko and Nasrul, standing by the lobby door, were watching them. When Andrean took off his helmet, Eriko was taken aback. “Hey, is that Rayendra? Ray! Come on!” Andrean casually walked toward the two guys. His stride was firm and rough, his footsteps sounding very different from Rayen

Rayendra slowly started to get used to the stares from people at school after the previous incident. That morning, he hurriedly parked his motorbike and walked with his head down down the corridor. The curious glances from other students made him uncomfortable until Eriko and Nasrul came, making him feel at ease.Nasrul joked, “Ray, take us to your house, come on. Let’s hang out.”“Admit it, you just want to meet Rayina, right?” Eriko teased, laughing.“Where’s Zahra and Amel? Haven’t seen them around.”Soon enough, the two girls came running from the direction of the school gate. They seemed to be in a rush, which made Amelia’s hijab tilt. Still catching her breath, Amelia immediately brought up the hot topic she had to share. “Guys, do you know?”“What?” they answered in unison.“Wait, let me catch my breath,” Amelia said, inhaling deeply.Nasrul seemed impatient. “What is it? Stop making us wait.”“Our c

The café was filled with soft conversations, the clinking of utensils, and the quiet flow of jazz music in the background. The rich aroma of coffee mixed with the scent of cinnamon, creating a warm atmosphere on the chilly night. At one corner, a round table with four chairs was occupied by figures who seemed serious.Rayina sat silently, staring out the window, while Zahra, Nasrul, and Eriko were gathered around her. Zahra was busy playing with the straw in her glass, Nasrul was looking at his cup of coffee with a blank expression, and Eriko was leaning back in his chair, fiddling with his motorcycle keys.“Rayina, why did you invite us to gather so late?” Zahra finally broke the silence.Rayina sighed, rubbing her temple before looking at her friends. “I want to tell you something. About Rayendra.”“Rayendra?” Nasrul asked, furrowing his brows. “What’s wrong? Is he okay?” Eriko chimed in. “Yeah, he was acting strange the other day when the incid

DRRT DRRT. “Hm, what is it, Ko?” “Nasrul, Yan, Nasrul!” Instantly, Andrean’s eyes shot open, hearing the explanation from Eriko. He jumped out of bed, his mind confused about what to do first. “I’m going over there!” Andrean rushed out of his room, grabbing the motorbike keys from his back pocket, still wearing the pants he had on since the night before. Unbeknownst to him, Witri was sitting in the living room, sipping her coffee. “Rayendra? Where are you going? I thought you were already heading to school.” Andrean didn’t respond because it wasn’t a question for him. But Witri’s voice grew closer. Suddenly, she tapped him on the shoulder while he was busy tying his shoes. “Rayendra? Answer me, where are you going?” Andrean turned to face her, giving a look that Witri found foreign. Rayendra’s soft eyes were gone, replaced by a small,