Irsyad, who was drinking his juice, choked when he heard Rosela's last sentence.
"Honey, are you okay? Did Mom say something wrong?"
"I'm fine, Auntie. But... Revina and I are just friends, Auntie."
"Mom supports you one hundred percent if you want to be more than just friends with Vina."
"Auntie, I know Revina is still waiting for Alan. She still loves Alan so much."
"One day, Vina will get tired of waiting for that good-for-nothing man. Well, Mom hopes you and Vina will fall for each other."
Irsyad felt as if he'd won the lottery. He'd just gotten the green light from Revina's mother, who he hoped would one day become his mother-in-law.
"Ahem, what are you two talking about? You look so serious. Come on, you're talking about me, right?" Revina, now changed into different clothes, headed toward the living room.
"You are so full of yourself! Mom and Irsyad weren't talking about you. Just ask Irsyad."
"Oh, sure, Mom. You could just be teaming up with Irsyad."
"Vina... You always assume the worst."
"Whatever."
"Irsyad's going to be put off by you."
"Oh, no, Auntie."
"See, Mom? Irsyad's perfectly fine with it."
"All right, all right, my child. Don't make a big deal out of it, okay? Oh, right, how about Irsyad stays for dinner?"
"Oh, no, Auntie. I'll just say goodbye and head home. I don't want to stay until it gets too late."
"Yeah, Mom, don't keep Irsyad here too long, or people will think you're kidnapping someone else's child."
"Vina! Um, are you really going home now, Irsyad?"
"Yes, Auntie."
"All right, we'll have dinner another time. Come by often! Vina doesn't have anyone to hang out with."
"What are you talking about, Mom?"
"I'm sure, Auntie... Well, I'd better get going. Um, Rev, I'm heading home. See you tomorrow on campus."
"Okay."
Irsyad had managed to make Revina forget about Alan for a while. Who knew what would happen next? Could Irsyad replace Alan in Revina's life? One thing was certain: someday, fate would have its say.
Almost an entire semester had passed, but there was still no word from Alan. Revina had even started getting used to life without Alan around. Maybe it was because Irsyad was by her side now. On top of that, Revina's mother had welcomed Irsyad warmly. That made it easier for Irsyad to get closer to Revina.
"Hey, Rev!"
"Irsyad?"
"What are you doing here by yourself? Don't you have class?"
"My class doesn't start for another hour."
"Oh, I see. Well, instead of sitting here alone, I'll keep you company."
"Whatever you want. Don't you have class?"
"I just finished."
"So you don't have any more classes after this?"
"Nope."
"I guess that's what happens when you're in your senior semesters. You're not as busy with this class and that anymore."
"But just so you know, taking classes is still better than stressing over a thesis, Rev."
"Hehe, that's true. Oh, how far along are you with your thesis? How's it coming?"
"Revina, you're asking like you're my thesis adviser, even though my actual adviser isn't nearly that attentive."
"Oh, Irsyad. I just want to know."
"Okay, okay. I'm only on chapter three, and even that still needs a lot of revisions."
"Is writing a thesis really that complicated?"
"Hmm, how should I put it? It really depends on the person. It depends on whether the person writing the thesis makes it complicated for themselves or finds a way to enjoy the whole process. It really depends on the individual. As for me, I just take it easy. It'll get done eventually."
"You take it so easy that even as a senior student, you're still crazy about student organizations, still an activist, and constantly running from one meeting to another. How is your thesis ever going to get done?"
"Rev, experience still comes first. It's important, Rev."
"I know that too, Irsyad. But sometimes our priorities change."
"Don't worry. My thesis will get done. I can still manage my time. Besides, it wouldn't look good to just abandon my organizational activities."
"Okay, okay, I believe you. This activist guy really is reliable. Sometimes I wonder how twenty-four hours a day can possibly be enough for someone like you."
"You're exaggerating. I'm not that busy. Look, I can still keep you company here, can't I?"
"Hmm, I guess activists really are different from homebodies like me. Hehe. Oh, speaking of which, can you help me with something?"
"What do you need help with, Rev? Just tell me. I'll do my best to help you."
"I need help finding a thesis topic and title."
"You want to start writing this semester?"
"It's not like I have to. I just want to prepare. That way, when it's time to submit my proposal, I'll already have a title for the thesis I want to write."
"Oh, I see. It's good to prepare this early. Turns out you're way more ambitious than I am, Rev! Haha."
"So? Do you have any suggestions?"
"Hmm, let me think."
"Irsyad? I thought you said you were going to help me."
"Okay, okay. Here's my suggestion: choose a topic related to the field you want to focus on. That way, everything will be more in sync and easier."
"I see. But... I'm still confused. Hehe."
"You mean you're confused about which field you want to focus on?"
Revina simply nodded.
"Oh my God, Rev. You should've decided what you wanted to focus on ages ago."
"I did decide, but then a few days later, I started changing my mind again."
"Hmm, Rev, that means you haven't really decided yet. You need to be sure."
"But I still don't really know what I want. Um, what field are you focusing on?"
"I'm more into catalysts."
"Catalysts? Then what should I choose?"
"Why are you asking me? Ask yourself what you really want! There are still plenty of options—you could choose clean technology, functional food, petroleum, catalysts like me, or another field. Think about what you enjoy and what interests you, what makes you excited to learn, sparks your curiosity, and makes you feel comfortable. That can help you decide. It'll make working on your thesis easier too, right?"
"Okay, Ir. I'll think about it some more. Thanks for the suggestions."
"Sure... But don't take too long! Once you've settled on a field, tell me, and I'll help recommend a topic and title that suit you."
"Okay, got it, Professor!"
It was becoming increasingly clear that Revina and Irsyad were growing close. Yet they didn't realize that somewhere far away, a heart was desperately waiting for them to meet again.