Arshaka hadn't been close to his father since his mother died. Arshaka had still been in elementary school at the time. Even so, he continued to obey him because his father had raised him on his own.
And now he faced a difficult choice: Naira, the woman who would become his girlfriend, or Arsen Baskara, his father.
Arshaka returned carrying a packet of rice.
“Nai, eat.”
Without waiting for Naira's answer, Arshaka opened the packet and immediately fed her a mouthful.
“I can eat by myself, Shaka.” She reached for the spoon, but Arshaka wouldn't let her have it.
“Let me. I'm being needy.”
“Hahaha... Which one of us is sick again?” Naira said.
“You are, but I'm the needy one.”
Arshaka's hand continued faithfully feeding rice into Naira's mouth.
“Shaka.”
Naira's gaze was deep and intense. Arshaka met it.
“What are you going to ask me?”
“See? I knew it. Hahaha.”
“I can read minds.”
“Wait... Seriously?”
The ringing of Arshaka's phone cut their conversation short. The name “stress assistant” appeared on the screen.
Arshaka handed the packet to Naira. “Finish it. I need to take this call.”
He went outside, hoping no one would hear the conversation.
“What?!”
Arshaka answered without a greeting or any opening.
“Sir... Sir...” the assistant said in a panic.
“What happened?”
“He's unconscious.”
Everything went black.
Arshaka's body froze.
“Come pick me up.*”
The call ended, and Arshaka went back inside.
“Nai, come with me, okay?” Arshaka asked. His face was panicked, almost pleading.
“Where? Is something wrong?”
“My dad, Nai.”
“What happened?”
Arshaka fell silent for a moment.
“He's in critical condition.” Arshaka took one of Naira's hands. “I won't be at peace leaving you here alone.”
“There are plenty of other friends here. I'll be fine.”
“No. You're coming with me.”
The sigh that escaped her felt heavy. Naira just felt bad about leaving the others.
“What if you get worse? This place is far from everything.”
Naira's eyes grew glassy. “I... I feel bad leaving the others.”
“Think about yourself first, Nai,” Arshaka growled. “Pack your clothes. I'll wait.”
Without waiting for an answer, Arshaka stood and walked out.
“Shaka. Please respect me.”
He stopped.
“I want to go with you. You're the only one who makes me feel safe. But this place isn't just the two of us—there are other people here too. Remember, we're doing our community service program. I'm staying here. I'm fine. I'll be okay. Your dad needs you more.” Naira said.
“Okay.”
The answer was incredibly brief. Without looking back or saying goodbye, Arshaka left Naira alone.
After she finished the food, Naira saw the medicine on the table. She took it, then lay down on the chair.
Meanwhile, Arshaka was packing his things. He also tried to contact the community service team leader.
There were only three days left. But what else could he do? The circumstances made it impossible. All Arshaka could think about was Naira. He was afraid Ken hadn't really left yet.
Three hours passed.
The car coming to pick up Arshaka had arrived. Agus, the driver, helped him load his things.
“Shaka, be careful,” Teo said.
“Hey, thanks. Sorry, I'm heading back first.”
“No problem. I hope your dad gets better soon.”
Arshaka gave him a thumbs-up.
“Wait here for a second, Agus,” Arshaka said.
Then he ran as fast as he could toward Naira's guesthouse. He went inside, still breathing hard. His gaze softened when he saw that Naira had fallen asleep.
“Get well soon, Nai. I love you,” Arshaka said as he kissed Naira's forehead.
Arshaka's brows drew together. Naira's forehead was burning, and her body was trembling. He quickly lifted her into his arms and carried her to the car.
“I'm taking Naira with me. She has a high fever,” Arshaka said before leaving.
“Stop!”