Chapter 3: Melt
While on the way to the movie, it was mostly silent. Now and then, she glanced at Ardilo as driving. Just like when they started, Ardilo's smile never subsided. Taera thinks, is this guy smiling or why?
"You rarely go out with boys, don't you?" Ardilo asked suddenly, shocking Taera.
"It's not uncommon either," Taera replied.
Ardilo nodded his head. "Are there any plans to enter SEB later?" Ardilo asked suddenly.
Taera thought for a moment, "I don't know yet," Taera replied.
Yes, I will see who will be chosen as the chairman of SEB. If you are the chosen one, I'll register, Taera thought.
"Have you been in organization?" asked Ardilo again.
"Hmm, I've never been in any organization," Taera replied.
"In senior high school? Or junior high school?"
"Same, never really," Taera then smiled wryly.
Ardilo just smiled. He tries to understand the possible reasons why Taera never joined the organization.
Soon they arrived at the mall. Ardilo and Taera then got off. They were the last to arrive. Either because the car was running slowly or Ardilo was the one who deliberately slowed down the car. Even when he got to the mall, Ardilo slowed down his walk.
"Do you like to go to the bookstore?" Ardilo asked when Taera focused on his handphone because Stefa had already chatted with her many times.
"Ah... pardon?" asked Taera.
"Do you like to go to the bookstore?" Ardilo repeated.
"Yes, I do. How about you?"
"So do I. I usually come here once a week. Let's come here together sometime," said Ardilo.
Taera was stunned for a moment, "Ha? Ah, yes."
Taera was still confused. Ardilo is very easy to get along with people.
While they are walking, Ardilo talks with Taera. Taera only responds as necessary. She's still not used to it. Perhaps for the extroverted Ardilo, chatting with new people is familiar and fun.
"It's taking a long time. The film is almost starting," Yuna protested to Ardilo, who had just arrived in front of the movies.
Ardilo just smiled sweetly and then received a ticket.
"Sorry," said Taera, then received a ticket from Alex without seeing the title of the film.
"It's not your fault, Taera. Ardilo will slow down his driving," said Yuna, then walked into the movies.
Alex and Hano giggled.
"Don't look it up. Taera will feel uncomfortable," Hano whispered to Ardilo.
"Yes, thanks," whispered Ardilo.
They then entered the movies. Alex sat next to Yuna. Then, there were Stefa, Hano, Ardilo, and Taera. Next to her was an empty seat. As soon as the film started, she realized that they were watching a horror film. Taera is most afraid of watching horror movies. Stefa should have told them that Taera was afraid to watch horror films, but because she was too excited to watch it with Hano, Stefa forgot about it.
Throughout the film, Taera covered her eyes. Originally she wanted to leave, but she was uncomfortable with Alex buying her a ticket. A moment later, Ardilo realized that Taera was scared.
"Are you scared?" whispered Ardilo.
Ardilo's deep voice made Taera even more goosebumps. Taera then just nodded.
"Come out," said Ardilo.
"But it's not good with the others," said Taera.
This time it was Ardilo who got goosebumps. Taera's voice is very melodious and soft.
"It's okay. Come on," said Ardilo. He then took Taera's hand and asked her out while others were just ignorant. Still fun watching.
"I don't feel good with Alex. he's been expensive buying tickets for us," Taera said as soon as she left the cinema.
"It's okay. I will replace it later. You haven't eaten yet, right?" Ardilo asked, changing the conversation.
"Not yet," replied Taera. Her hand was being held by Ardilo.
"Let's eat," said Ardilo.
Taera nodded. She's hungry. The black forest she ate earlier did not make her full.
They then look for restaurants around the movies. After finding a suitable restaurant, they immediately decided on a menu and ordered food. Now they both sat on the restaurant balcony.
"Why didn't you say that you were afraid to watch horror films?" asked Ardilo after their meal arrived.
"I haven't spoken yet. But, they already bought the ticket. What can I do?" Taera replied.
Ardilo then chuckled.
"Why?" Taera asked in surprise.
"It's okay. You're a funny person," said Ardilo, then continued eating.
Taera's face turned red. Then she ate. Meanwhile, Ardilo just smiled. After they finished eating, they returned to the movies to meet Alex, Yuna, Stefa, and Hano.
"That's great for both of you," protested Alex.
"You guys are enjoying watching. We come to eat," Ardilo replied casually.
"Sorry, bro. To be honest, I'm afraid to watch horror movies," Taera said uncomfortably.
"It's okay, Tae. This is Ardilo's fault," said Alex.
Yuna and Stefa laughed.
"How could it be the fault of Ardilo?" Taera asked, confused.
"He's always wrong, Tae. Don't think about it," Hano said.
"Hey!" said Ardilo.
"Stop it! Let's eat. I'm hungry," Yuna whined to Alex.
"Are you hungry too, Stef?" asked Hano.
"The girl hasn't eaten when asked whether she is hungry or not," said Ardilo, don't want to lose. He wants to reply to Hano's mockery.
"Hey ... I asked her too," Hano said.
"Already done. Let's eat, bro," said Stefa.
"Okay, let's separate. I want to eat with Yuna. Let Hano and Stefa. Ardilo and Taera go home. So Taera doesn't get back," said Alex.
"Is it okay? I'll go home first?" asked Taera.
"It's okay," Hano said.
"Okay, I'll go back first. Thanks for watching," Taera said goodbye.
"Be careful, Taera," said Yuna.
"Yes," said Taera, then walked first.
"Eh... don't leave Ardilo behind," said Stefa, reminding Taera.
"Oh yeah, I forgot about him," said Taera, "Come on, bro."
Ardilo then said goodbye to them and followed Taera.
"Ardilo already tries to get along, but Taera forgot about it," said Hano and then chuckled.
***
This time Taera drove the car. Ardilo was the one who wanted to take the car, but Taera was not comfortable.
"What genre do you like?" Ardilo asked on the way home.
"I like fantasy genre books, bro. Sometimes I also read comics," Taera replied.
"Oh yeah? What comic?" asked Ardilo again.
"Manga comic," Taera replied.
Taera felt like she was in an interview. A few moments later, they arrived in front of Ardilo's boarding house. The boarding is luxurious. It seems that those living here are rich students.
"Thank you," said Taera.
"How come you said thank you? It should be me," said Ardilo.
"Right when I left, the one who drove, kept inviting me to leave the movies because I was hungry, and paid for the ticket to Alex later," Taera explained.
Ardilo smiled and took off his seat belt, "Just relax with me."
"Thank you very much."
Ardilo smiled again, "Oh yes, can I ask for your ID chat?" Ardilo handed him his handphone.
"Sure," Taera typed her chat ID.
"Thanks. Add back, please," said Ardilo.
Taera took out her handphone, "Done."
"Okay. Thanks, Taera. Come on for another day. Be careful on the road," said Ardilo, then got out of Taera's car and waved his hand.
Taera nodded and then went home, "Ardilo's smile made me melt."
***
"Where are you from, Taera? It's not like getting home at this time?" asked Hyona, who was enjoying snacking while watching TV. There is also Sella who is currently studying. Also, Sonia, who is seriously typing her thesis draft in front of her laptop. They are Taera's boarding housemates.
"After being invited by Stefa to walk," Taera then sat next to Hyona and joined in the snack.
"Don't bring anything?" asked Sella, whose eyes were still focused on the slide she was reading.
"Nope. I am being treated," replied Taera.
Suddenly Taera's handphone vibrates. There is a chat from Ardilo.
Ardilo: Tae, have you reached the boarding house?
Taera went straight into the room. While others were amazed.
"Oh, what's wrong?" asked Hyona confused.
"You know. I feel dizzy, the thesis draft is not finished yet. I have to meet my lecturer tomorrow," said Sonia and then went to the kitchen to get a drink.
Taera who was in the room suddenly became excited to get a chat with Ardilo.
Taera: Already bro
Ardilo: Alright, when you've finished working on your job, hurry and sleep. Don't stay up late. Thank you for today :)
Taera: Sure. You're welcome :)
"Oh My God, this chat using emoticons can make me melt, huh?" Taera said.
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