Yoyi’s face flushed red. Shame and anger mixed together. But then he remembered why he had come to that place. Yoyi clenched his fists, his gaze sharpening as he looked ahead. This was only the beginning. He wouldn’t give up. In his heart, he vowed to prove to all of them that he could become a real man.
The days that followed were hard for Yoyi. Mockery, jeers, and physical pain became part of his routine. Whenever he fumbled during martial-arts training or fell behind during runs, the slur “fag” could always be heard. But every insult only became fuel, strengthening his resolve. He wouldn’t let them break his spirit. Yoyi would keep fighting—for Jo, and for himself.
“Be patient and stay strong, Satrio,” said the trainer, patting Yoyi on the shoulder. “You’ll reach your goal.”
Yoyi turned, his eyes meeting the gentle yet sharp gaze of Mr. Roni, his trainer.
“The pain is only at the beginning,” Mr. Roni said in a hoarse voice. “Little by little, you’ll get used to it. Once you’re used to it, you’ll get addicted. Once you’re addicted, you’ll fall in love with the process. You’ll forget why you started, because all you’ll know is that you want to keep growing.”
Yoyi smiled and slowly nodded. The words were so simple, yet they held extraordinary power that seeped into his heart. At that moment, Yoyi resolved to become Mr. Roni’s best student—not only for himself, but also to prove that he could become a real man.
Months passed, and Yoyi slowly transformed into Satrio. His once-thin body was now solid, his muscles perfectly defined. His way of speaking had become firm, no longer soft and affected like before. The slur “fag” was rarely heard now, replaced by calls of, “Satrio!”
Satrio learned many things at the training facility, more than just martial arts. He learned to control his emotions, how to speak, how to process fear, and how to face challenges. He no longer went looking for Jo, because he was completely focused on himself.
One day, after training ended, his phone rang. Yanti. That name appeared on his phone’s screen.
“Yo, where you at?” Yanti asked.
“At headquarters. Why?” Satrio replied.
“Come back, will you? Let’s hang out. You haven’t been back in forever,” Yanti coaxed.
“Some other time, when I’ve graduated,” Satrio refused.
“Ugh, you’re always like that! We all miss you, you know,” Yanti said. “Maria misses you too. She wants to tell you something.”
“I have an exam tomorrow,” Satrio replied, turning him down firmly.
“God, you’re so full of yourself!” Yanti grumbled, sounding a little annoyed.
“I’ll come home to the rental place later,” Satrio said before ending the call.
Satrio knew his friends had changed. Yanti, Amira, Maria, and Malika were now busy with their jobs as construction workers. They only performed on Saturdays and Sundays, not every night anymore. Satrio was incredibly proud of that change, and he didn’t want to waste this golden opportunity.
One night, after finishing his exam, Satrio returned to the rental place. He decided to surprise his friends. Satrio walked to the intersection he used to visit so often, where the clacking of a hand clacker could be heard in the distance. Satrio smiled. He didn’t feel disgusted by the place; instead, he felt nostalgic.
Under the streetlights, he saw his friends. Yanti was singing, Amira was accompanying her with a hand clacker, and Maria and Malika were dancing cheerfully. They looked happy, and Satrio felt moved. He didn’t want to disturb them. He only wanted to watch from a distance.
When Satrio turned around, Yanti called out to him. “Yo… hey, Yo… Satrio!”
Satrio turned back, then smiled as his friends ran over to him.
“Oh my God, Yoyi, you look so damn handsome now,” Malika said as she felt Satrio’s arm muscles, clearly visible beneath the tight T-shirt he was wearing.
“You’re amazing, Yo.” Amira punched Satrio lightly on the arm.
“What am I amazing at? I haven’t become anything yet,” Satrio said.
“You’ve become a real man. Even the way you talk is different now,” Malika replied. “You’ve really changed.” Malika smiled proudly and gave him a thumbs-up.
“Someone who manages to turn their life around, someone brave enough to be themselves—that’s the best thing there is. Nothing is better than that,” Yanti said.
“Why did you suddenly turn into Yanto?” Amira burst out laughing when Yanti’s voice changed into Yanto’s.
“Come on, let’s go back to the rental place,” Yanto said as he took off his wig.
“I don’t have much time,” Satrio said, his voice hurried. “After I graduate, I’ll come home to the rental place.”
Yanto sighed, disappointment plain in his eyes. “Aw…” He put the wig back on, though it sat slightly crooked. “Help me out, Mir,” Yanto said, nudging Amira’s arm as she stood beside him.
Amira stayed silent, not yet having a chance to respond. Seeing that, Satrio immediately took over. “Let me help,” Satrio said as he reached for Yanto’s wig and fixed it. His movements were gentle and attentive. “There, you’re pretty again,” he continued with a smile.
“Careful, you might fall in love with Yanti,” Yanto teased, giving Satrio a flirtatious wink.
Satrio only chuckled. But when Maria started talking about Jo, the smile faded from his face. His expression turned serious, his gaze drifting far away.
“Yo, are you still looking for Jo?” Maria asked.
Satrio slowly shook his head. “If she really is my destined partner, we’ll be brought together,” he said, trying to sound confident.
“Have you given up?” Amira asked, her voice sounding sad. She knew how much Jo meant to Satrio.
“No. I’ll keep looking for her,” Satrio replied, his voice full of determination this time. “She’s my greatest motivation. She’s everything to me. How could I possibly forget her?”
“Be patient, Yo. I’m sure you and Jo will meet someday.” Yanti encouraged him, trying to give Satrio strength.
“What if she already has a partner?” Malika asked, staring intently at Satrio. The question hung in the air, making the atmosphere fall silent.
Satrio swallowed. His face went pale for a moment, but he quickly regained control. “I won’t bother her. I’ll only thank her for being the hero of my life.”
“You really are a real man,” Yanto said sincerely. Everyone looked at Satrio with deep admiration.
Satrio let out a long sigh. He smiled faintly, the light returning to his eyes, as though he had just rediscovered what kept him going. He glanced at the watch on his wrist. It was almost midnight. Time to say goodbye.
“I have to go home,” he said, his voice returning to a firmer tone. “I need to be ready to train first thing in the morning.”
“Aw, and we just got to see you.” Maria pouted.
“After I graduate, I promise I’ll make more time for all of you.” Satrio made the promise.
Amira nodded understandingly. “Yeah, Yo. We know you’re fighting hard. We’ll support you from here.”
“Take care, Yo,” Malika said.
Yanti only smiled, pride shining in her eyes.
Satrio returned their smiles. He patted Yanti on the shoulder, gave Amira a brief hug, and waved to Maria and Malika. “See you later,” he said, then turned and walked away.
Satrio stopped, looked back, and smiled. Then he said, “Goodbye, Yoyi. Welcome, Satrio.”