Today, there’s an AIK lecture at two in the afternoon. That’s no problem for Arsenio—in fact, he enjoys learning about Islamic thought even though he isn’t Muslim. When his friends perform the Dhuhr prayer, he usually waits on the classroom terrace, enjoying the cool Yogya breeze. The professor understands as well; for the practical portion, Arsenio receives a different assignment suited to his religion. Campus life has taught him about tolerance and how people can be different while still working toward the same goal.
This morning, the fairly large classroom is quiet, the projector displaying a PowerPoint slide. Everyone in the class is paying close attention. Arsenio stands upright at the front of the room, holding a presentation clicker.
The young man stands with a straight posture, casually holding the presentation clicker in both hands, yet his eyes convey extraordinary conviction. He doesn’t look nervous. Instead, he looks as if he belongs exactly where he is—at the center of everyone’s attention, giving voice to his thoughts.
“Good morning, Professor and everyone,” he greets them, his articulation clear and pleasant to hear. “Let me introduce myself. I’m Arsenio. Today, I’ll be presenting an in-depth analysis of the application of Research Methodology in the study of International Relations.”
His index finger presses the small button on the device in his hand. The slide changes, revealing a neat and systematic framework of thought.
“Methodology is often regarded as nothing more than a writing technique or a set of technical procedures. In truth, however, it is the way we view the world. It is the logical bridge connecting curiosity to truth. In this assignment, I’ve tried to unravel the thread connecting theory and practice by applying a positivist approach.”
He takes a step forward, moving closer to the screen as if inviting everyone to delve deeper into his discussion.
“I chose to examine the relationship between a country’s economic growth and the orientation of its foreign policy. By using quantitative methods and valid secondary data, we can see patterns that might remain invisible if viewed solely through a qualitative lens. Data is a neutral language, yet it can shout loudly enough to prove a hypothesis.”
The classroom grows even quieter. His classmates listen intently, captivated by the beautiful progression of Arsenio’s reasoning. He isn’t merely reading the slides; he explains the meaning behind every number and graph.
“Of course, every approach has its own strengths and weaknesses. Data limitations often become walls blocking our way, but that is precisely where a researcher’s attention to detail is put to the test. We are expected not merely to record history, but to become critical and visionary analysts. Mastering methodology is not only about completing an assignment; it is lasting preparation for when we eventually enter the real world.”
Arsenio pauses to take a deep breath, then concludes his presentation with a warm, faint smile.
“That concludes the thoughts I wanted to share. I realize there are still many shortcomings, but I hope this can serve as useful material for discussion. Thank you for your attention.”
He bows respectfully, and at that very moment, a roar of applause erupts, shattering the silence.
The room settles down again when the professor in charge takes over the discussion. His gaze is filled with appreciation.
“That was very polished and well organized, Arsenio. Your structure of thought was neat, and your reasoning flowed well too. Still, allow me to ask you something. In the case study you’ve presented, how do you distinguish the characteristics of the positivist approach from interpretivism? Why are you so confident in choosing the former?”
Arsenio nods politely, ready to answer without the slightest hesitation.
“All right, Professor. If I were to use an analogy, positivism is like a microscope that tries to measure, quantify, and objectively prove something, much like the exact sciences. It believes there is a single truth that can be proven with data. Interpretivism, on the other hand, is more like a painting attempting to understand the meaning, perspective, and subjective background of every event. In the context of my research, which is based on economic data and statistics, positivism is the most relevant tool for obtaining a concrete answer, Professor.”
The answer comes smoothly, effortlessly intelligent. One of the students in the back row can’t hold back his admiration.
“Wow, that explanation was incredible, Sen! No wonder your assignments always get such high grades. Your brain and the way you talk are already on a diplomat’s level!”
Soft laughter and approving nods echo throughout the classroom. Arsenio merely smiles modestly and returns to his seat with calm steps, leaving a deep impression on everyone who heard him.
12:00 p.m.
Break time arrives, as if signaling a change in atmosphere. In an instant, the classroom that had been filled with intellectual discussion begins to empty. One by one, his classmates move together like a river flowing toward the same destination. Most of them are Muslim, and now their steps are carrying them toward the house of God—the magnificent campus mosque or the small prayer rooms scattered throughout every corner of the buildings.
Arsenio simply stands motionless near the exit, a faint smile etched across his face. He doesn’t join them, but his heart is filled with deep respect. Seeing his friends willingly and sincerely leave behind all their busy activities to worship is a sight that always manages to calm his soul.
He doesn’t feel like an outsider, nor does he feel marginalized. In fact, this is one of the strongest reasons he chose to set foot at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta. He didn’t come looking for similarities, but to experience diversity. He wanted to learn from differences, immerse himself in a different culture, and create experiences he could never have gained anywhere else. To him, living in an environment steeped in the values of faith is life’s most valuable lesson.
With an easy stride, he decides to walk away from the crowd. Arsenio isn’t the type to sit around aimlessly, letting time pass without meaning. His analytical mind is accustomed to staying occupied, always wanting to be filled and set in motion. Today, he is headed for the central library, where thousands of pieces of knowledge await exploration and deeper study.
But it seems fate is playing a game.
As he crosses the broad courtyard directly facing the campus mosque, his steps suddenly come to a stop. For a moment, the world seems to slow down. His eyes catch sight of a single figure among the sea of people walking toward their place of prostration.
There, mingling with the others, is a girl whose face he only came to know a few days ago.
Adiba.
The girl looks deeply focused, walking calmly with her friends, ready to perform the Dhuhr prayer. The midday sunlight falls across her face, giving her an aura of serenity that is difficult to describe. Arsenio is transfixed. There is something different about seeing her here, in this context.
He realizes how beautiful the difference is that God is painting. On one side is him, following his own path of faith, and on the other is Adiba, with the beauty of her devotion. And somehow, this accidental meeting of their eyes—or perhaps it is only Arsenio watching her from a distance—makes his heartbeat fall into a slightly different rhythm than usual.
He isn’t disturbed by it. Instead, he feels... at peace. As if the girl’s presence is one of the most beautiful reasons he chose to be here.
Without realizing it, time seems to stop for a moment, allowing Adiba’s image to imprint itself briefly on his mind. But Arsenio quickly regains his focus, takes a deep breath, and continues along the campus corridor. His destination is now the central library building, a place that to him is like an ocean of knowledge that never runs dry.
His plan is simple yet worthwhile: he wants to browse the bookshelves and find references he needs to study further in preparation for his afternoon lecture. Once his soul has been satisfied with reading, he plans to stop by the cafeteria to replenish the energy he has spent since morning.
His steps come to a halt right in front of the modern main entrance to the library. There, unexpectedly, he crosses paths with a familiar figure.
Jessica.
She is a classmate of his, though they are in different majors. Like him, Jessica is also a fellow believer he often meets at various campus activities. The woman’s face immediately breaks into a warm smile when she notices Arsenio.
“Hey, Nio! What brings you all the way here? Aren’t you going straight to the cafeteria?” she greets him cheerfully, her eyes lighting up at the young man before her.
Arsenio returns her smile politely, his posture still upright but relaxed.
“I’m stopping by for a little while first. There are still a few references I need to read and understand more deeply. Once I’m done, I’ll join you there to get something to eat,” he replies, gentle but firm.
Jessica nods a few times, seeming to understand exactly what her fellow believer is like. He is known for being highly disciplined and hungry for knowledge.
“Oh, I see. Okay. Actually, there are a few things I’d like to discuss with you if you have some free time later. But we can talk about it another time,” Jessica says, slowing her steps slightly.
“Of course. We’ll find the right time later. I’m going in now, Jess.”
Arsenio gives a slight nod as a sign of respect, then walks through the automatic doors, which stand wide open.
Behind him, Jessica remains rooted to the spot, watching the broad back that is steadily disappearing into the building. An unconscious, faint smile appears on her face as she gazes at the figure who has been known from the beginning for his natural good looks and captivating presence. But she doesn’t let her thoughts drift for long. She soon turns and continues toward her own destination, leaving Arsenio to disappear into a world of books and knowledge.