But their growing closeness did not escape the notice of others. People began whispering. Some doubted the simple-looking young man who came every day, while others warned Senja to be careful. “For all we know, he could be someone without a steady income—or even a bad person,” some of them said.
Senja heard it all, but she paid no attention. Her heart told her that the young man named Dirgantara was not a bad person. Sincerity and courtesy shone through in everything he said and did. Yet those doubts slowly began to seep into her heart as well. She started wondering: Who was he, really? Why did he always arrive exactly on time every afternoon? Why, despite wearing simple clothes, did he keep himself so impeccably neat? Why did he have such a wise gaze, as though he were accustomed to leading many people?
One afternoon, after all the customers had gone home, Senja gathered her courage and asked, “I’m sorry... may I know who you really are? Not because I want to pry into your life, but... so I know who I’m speaking with every day.”
Dirgantara fell silent for a moment. He looked into Senja’s eyes, which appeared anxious yet sincere. Slowly, he smiled gently. “The right time will come, Senja. When it does, I’ll tell you everything without hiding a thing. Until then, believe this one thing: I have no ill intentions toward you.”
Senja gazed intently at him. In his eyes, she saw a profound honesty. She slowly nodded. “All right. I believe you.”