Arka lowered his backpack slowly as his feet touched the Yogyakarta sidewalk. The afternoon air felt different—warmer, calmer, yet somehow heavy on his chest. “Jogja hasn’t changed,” he murmured quietly, watching the crowd. “Always busy… but somehow still lonely.”

His phone vibrated. Arka stared at the screen for a few seconds before tapping the call icon. “Arka?” His mother’s voice sounded relieved on the other end. “Yeah, Ma. I’ve arrived,” he replied briefly. “You’re okay, right?” Arka exhaled slowly. “I just need some time. Don’t worry.”

“Your father knows you’re in Jogja,” she continued cautiously.  Arka paused. “Good. At least… I don’t have to hear his scolding right now.” The call ended, and Arka continued walking aimlessly. Unconsciously, his steps led him to a place bustling with bargaining voices and the aroma of food.

“Ngasem Market?” he chuckled softly. “Since when did I become a tourist?” His eyes lit up at the rows of snacks. “Wedang ronde… cenil… hot bakpia,” he muttered one by one.

“Sir, try this. Still warm,” said a vendor with a friendly smile.  Arka nodded. “Okay, Miss. One, please.”

A few minutes later, his hands were full of plastic bags. “Whoa… that’s too much,” he muttered to himself, laughing softly—a laugh that felt foreign after the heavy days he had endured.

He paused for a moment, staring at the street as evening lights began to glow. The smile slowly faded. “Enough running, Arka,” he whispered quietly. “Grandpa must be waiting.”

Arka turned and walked toward the small house that held memories—and perhaps, the beginning of something new.

The Yogyakarta sky dimmed as Arka stood in front of the small cream-colored house, its paint peeling in places. The iron gate was the same—slightly rusty, slightly crooked, yet sturdy. Like its owner.

He hesitated for a moment before pushing the gate. Creeeak. “Assalamualaikum…” His voice was nearly drowned out by the chirping crickets.

The wooden door opened slowly. An elderly man stood in the doorway, wearing a worn shirt and checkered sarong. His hair was completely white, yet his eyes remained sharp.

“You’re late,” the old man said flatly.

Arka swallowed. “Sorry, Grandpa.”

Grandpa looked at him for a long moment, as if reading the entire story on his grandson’s face. “Come in. Don’t just stand there like a stranger.” Arka stepped inside. The scent of old wood and warm tea greeted him. The house was simple but alive—filled with a comforting kind of silence.

“Did you run away from home?” Grandpa asked while pouring tea into two cups. Arka sat slowly. “I just… wasn’t ready to face Father.” Grandpa snorted lightly. “That man has always been talkative. Since he was young.”

Arka chuckled faintly for the first time that day. “How’s your heart?” Grandpa asked suddenly, without looking at him. Arka fell silent. His hands clenched on his knees. “Broken.”

Grandpa nodded slowly, as if he had expected it. “Then you came to the right place.” He handed over a cup of tea. “In this house, one may break. But no one may lie to themselves.”

Arka accepted the cup. Its warmth spread through his chest. “Thank you, Grandpa,” he said hoarsely. Grandpa stood, patting Arka’s shoulder briefly. “Tomorrow, help me clean the yard. A broken heart isn’t an excuse to be lazy.”

Arka smiled faintly. “Yes, Grandpa.”

In that small house, for the first time in a long while, Arka felt—he was not alone.

🚌

Morning light slipped through the wooden window cracks, landing on Arka’s face. He woke slowly, momentarily forgetting where he was—until the crowing of roosters and the distant call to prayer reminded him.

“Jogja…” he murmured softly.

Arka sat on the edge of his simple bed, staring at the slightly yellowed ceiling. His sleep had been short, yet somehow lighter than the previous nights. Outside, the sound of a broom brushing against the earth could be heard.

Arka got up and stepped onto the terrace. His grandfather was already in the small yard, sweeping dry leaves with slow, deliberate movements.

“Morning, Grandpa,” Arka greeted. “You’re up,” Grandpa replied without turning. “I thought a broken heart would make people sleep in.” Arka smiled faintly. “Not that bad.”

Grandpa paused, glancing at his grandson. “Those who have too much noise in their heads need to learn silence.” Arka smiled softly. For the first time, the words didn’t feel judgmental. He took a deep breath. The morning air filled his chest with a strange sense of relief.

Maybe Jogja wasn’t just a place to run away. Maybe it was a place to start over. After breakfast, Grandpa asked Arka to deliver vegetables to a small shop at the end of the alley. “Take a walk while you’re at it,” he said briefly. “Your mind needs some air.”

Arka agreed. He walked through narrow alleys lined with old houses and creeping vines. The morning air was still fresh, the smell of wet earth mingling with the aroma of coffee from partially open doors.

He stopped in front of the shop and turned—and the collision was inevitable.

“Ah—sorry!” The vegetable bag slipped from his hands, a few tomatoes rolling onto the street. “Sorry, sorry… I didn’t see,” said a girl, crouching to pick up the tomatoes. Arka crouched as well. “I should be the one apologizing.”

She looked up. Her hair tied in a low ponytail, her face simple, with a faint smile that felt warm. “It’s okay. The tomatoes are fine,” she said lightly. “Good thing it’s not eggs.” She chuckled. “If it were eggs, that would have been an impromptu breakfast.”

They both stood up, exchanging the vegetable bags. “Are you new here?” she asked, glancing at him briefly. “Can you tell?” Arka shrugged. “I live with my grandfather. The small house at the end of the alley.” “Oh,” she nodded. “I often pass by there.”

A moment of silence followed. Not awkward, just… calm. “I’m Aruna,”

she finally said. “And you?”

“Arka.”

“Nice to meet you, Arka.” She walked away first but paused after a few steps.

“Oh, if you want cheap breakfast, Bu Sari’s shop is to the left. Better than the one in front.” Arka laughed softly. “Thanks for the tip.” Aruna nodded briefly and continued down the alley, leaving behind something Arka couldn’t explain. He stood for a few seconds, staring at her retreating figure.

“Strange,” he murmured. “I came here to escape… but instead, I found someone.” He continued walking, unaware that a small smile still lingered on his face.

🚌

That night, the Yogyakarta air felt warm even as the evening breeze softened. Arka sat on the veranda of his grandfather’s small house, both hands wrapped around the steaming cup of tea he had just poured.

Beside him, Grandpa sat quietly, watching the dark sky sprinkled with stars. Crickets chirped, and occasionally a cat wandered nearby, adding to the peaceful silence. “Hot tea always makes people calmer,” Grandpa said, sipping his cup.

Arka nodded, staring at the steaming surface. “Yes, Grandpa. Today feels… different, somehow.” Grandpa smiled faintly. “That’s because you’re starting to feel, not just run away from problems. The right path isn’t always easy, but it brings relief to the heart.”

Arka looked at him, slightly surprised. “I… never thought about it that way. I was just running.”

“Everyone runs, son. The difference is some run forever, and some stop when they reach the right place.” Grandpa patted Arka’s shoulder lightly. “Looks like you’ve arrived.”

Arka smiled faintly, looking at the simple house with warmth.

“You know, Grandpa… I’ve never felt a home this comfortable.”

“Because home isn’t just about walls and roofs, Arka. Home is where the heart can breathe,” Grandpa replied. “When the heart feels comfortable, the mind follows.”

They sat together, silent, enjoying the night and the aroma of the tea. No words were forced, no stories exaggerated—just warmth slowly sinking into Arka’s chest. And for the first time in a long while, he felt… at peace.

That afternoon, Arka decided to take a leisurely walk to Yogyakarta’s town square. The air was still warm, but the shadows of trees stretched along the sidewalk. He enjoyed walking aimlessly until a soft voice called out:

“Arka?”

He turned to see Aruna standing a few steps ahead. Her hair slightly loose from the wind, her brown eyes meeting his with a curious yet faintly familiar smile. “You… come here often?” Aruna started the conversation. “Actually, it’s my first time. But… I like this place,” Arka replied, slightly nervous, noticing his heartbeat had quickened.

Aruna smiled, leaning slightly toward him. “Me too. I like places that are calm yet lively. It helps clear the mind.”

They walked side by side, their steps naturally in sync. Arka lifted the bag of vegetables tucked under his arm. “These are from my grandfather’s house,” he explained. “I help around the house, so sometimes I have to shop.”

“Wow… you’re really diligent, huh?” Aruna looked at him admiringly, but in a lighthearted way. “Totally different from the first impression when we collided before.” Arka chuckled. “Yeah… I was just walking by then, causing chaos. But… glad to see you again.”

Aruna paused, gazing into his eyes. “Me too. It feels… not awkward, like strangers.” Arka smiled faintly. A warmth suddenly spread through his chest, something different from their first encounter—more comfortable, more… real.

“In that case,” Aruna said, pointing at a small coffee shop nearby, “want to sit for a bit? My treat.” Arka nodded. “I can’t refuse.”

They entered the café and sat across from each other. The soft afternoon light streamed through the window, yet at that small table, time seemed to pause—just Arka, Aruna, and the gentle flow of conversation.

And for the first time in a long while, Arka felt… comfortable without pretending.

That morning, the sun had just pierced through the cracks of his grandfather’s small house window. Arka yawned widely and got out of bed. A routine that once felt boring now felt… different. “You’re up too, son,” his grandfather’s voice came from the yard.

Arka nodded and picked up a broom to help sweep the yard, while his grandfather busied himself watering the plants. “Look at these leaves, Arka. If we clean up now, later in the afternoon we can just relax,” his grandfather advised with a faint smile.

Arka only nodded, but inside, he felt… comfortable. This simple routine brought a calm he had longed for. Not long after, Arka decided to walk to the market to buy some small necessities. And as if by fate, he ran into Aruna again, this time in a more relaxed mood.

“Hi, Arka!” Aruna greeted, carrying a small shopping bag. Her smile was wider than when they had met previously. “Hi, Aruna. Shopping too?” Arka replied with a light grin.

“Yes, my mom asked me to get some ingredients. And you?”

“Just buying vegetables for my grandfather. He likes it when I help a little.”

Aruna looked at him, paused for a moment, and then smiled. “You’re a good kid… diligent and thoughtful. Your grandfather is lucky to have a grandson like you.” Arka blushed. “Heh, not really… just helping a bit.”

They walked side by side, sometimes Aruna pointing at something in a store, sometimes Arka teasing lightly. No heavy words, just light jokes and laughter that began to feel familiar. “In that case, should I help you carry the vegetables?” Aruna offered half-jokingly.

Arka looked at her with bright eyes. “Sure… but be careful, there’s a lot of vegetables.”

Along the way home, they walked side by side, laughing as the vegetable bags nearly fell several times. Arka felt something warm begin to grow—an emotion that was not just attraction, but a comfort he thought had disappeared after heartbreak.

When they reached home, his grandfather watched them from the veranda, smiling faintly. “Looks like… you’re not alone today, huh?” Arka just smiled, glancing at Aruna briefly before going inside. For the first time, he felt that his life in Jogja could be more than just an escape—it could be a new beginning.

That afternoon, as Arka and Aruna sat on a bench by the river, the sound of flowing water and the sunset’s glow made Arka pause for a moment. “You know,” Aruna began softly, “I haven’t always lived in Jogja. I used to move around a lot because of my parents’ jobs.”

Arka looked at her, curious but calm. “Oh… so Jogja is like a new home for you?” Aruna nodded. “Yes. I moved here a few years ago. At first, it didn’t feel right, but over time I started to feel comfortable. People are friendly, the food is good… and the atmosphere is calm.”

Arka smiled faintly. “So you’ve felt… like you had nowhere to call home?” Aruna looked down briefly, then gave a small, bitter smile. “Sometimes, yes. But I learned that home isn’t just a physical place. Home is where your heart feels safe. And I… am just beginning to find it here.”

Arka nodded slowly. He could sense Aruna’s emotions—a hint of loneliness, but also a hidden strength. “I understand… It feels the same for me. I used to always run from problems, but now I’m learning to stand on my own.”

A flash of memory came uninvited. He remembered the chaotic days—lies from the one he loved, sharp words from his father, and nights spent alone in his room, staring at the ceiling, holding back tears. Back then, it felt like the world had collapsed around him, and he had nowhere to lean on.

Arka swallowed, staring at the cup of tea still in his hands. He realized that before, he always ran—even from himself. Aruna turned and looked at him attentively. “Arka… are you okay?”

Arka gave a faint smile, gently closing the memory. “Yeah… just remembered the past for a moment. But… I’m learning not to run anymore.” Aruna smiled softly. “I’m glad to hear that. Sometimes the past only comes to make us stronger.”

Arka looked at Aruna, warmth spreading in his chest. “Maybe… because I’m not alone this time.”

The flash had passed, leaving something important: the awareness that old wounds didn’t have to hold him back. With Aruna by his side and his grandfather’s patient guidance, Arka began to feel that his life in Jogja was not just an escape—it was a chance to heal.

Aruna looked at him, her brown eyes warm. “So… we’re both learning to find our own place, huh?” Arka smiled, slightly moved. “Yes. And… I’m glad I get to walk this path with you.”

Aruna smiled faintly, looking at Arka for a moment before turning away with a small laugh. “Be careful, don’t fall in love too quickly. I can make a mess of things.” Arka chuckled. “Then I’ll be careful… but I don’t think I mind too much.”

🚌

By the next morning, Arka had gotten used to his grandfather treating him like a helper at the house in Jakarta. That day, he was asked to buy some ingredients for breakfast. He carried bags full of vegetables and eggs when he ran into Aruna in a narrow alley.

“Careful, Arka!” Aruna called out, laughing as she watched his shopping nearly fall.

“Eh, it’s fine… I got this!” Arka tried to sound confident, but one of the bags tore slightly, and several eggs rolled onto the street. “Oh no! The eggs!” Aruna exclaimed, crouching to help. “You really can’t carry groceries alone, huh?”

Arka blushed, crouching to pick up the eggs. “I… I usually don’t carry this much at once. This is an experiment.” Aruna laughed loudly. “The experiment failed, Arka. If I didn’t help, all the eggs would’ve broken!”

They both crouched on the street, trying to save the eggs. When one almost fell again, Aruna instinctively tapped Arka’s shoulder. “Be careful! Don’t stress the eggs out!” Arka chuckled, looking at her. “Thanks, Professor Aruna. I’ve learned a lot today.”

They laughed together, and for the first time in a long while, Arka felt light—free from past pain, free from pressure. Only laughter flowed naturally. “If this keeps up, I’ll make you practice carrying groceries every day,” Aruna teased, lifting the remaining bag.

Arka looked at her with bright eyes. “I… may I? But don’t let me stress you out again.”

“If you stress me out, I’ll…” Aruna paused, smiling mischievously.

“I’ll just laugh again, like now.”

And in that narrow alley, with eggs nearly destroyed and laughter filling the air, their chemistry felt real—warm, funny, and intimate in a way words could hardly explain.

That afternoon, Arka and Aruna went to the traditional market together. Arka wanted to buy some ingredients for his grandfather, while Aruna focused on picking spices and vegetables for her mother.

As Arka reached for a rack, he accidentally grabbed the same vegetable Aruna was holding. “Hey, that… that’s my vegetable!” Aruna exclaimed, half-joking but sounding slightly annoyed.

Arka looked at her, slightly startled. “Yours? I didn’t know… I just took the same one.” Aruna leaned forward, raising an eyebrow. “You always take things without asking, huh? I need this to cook later!” Arka shrugged, trying to stay casual. “I didn’t mean to, Aruna. Besides, we can just buy two.”

“But it’s not the same! I only have this much money,” Aruna replied, showing her thin wallet. “You don’t think about others, huh?” Arka smiled awkwardly, but felt a little amused inside. “Wow, you’re serious, huh? I just wanted to help, not cause trouble.”

Aruna exhaled, but a small smile appeared at the corner of her lips. “Careful, Arka. I’ll get really mad if you keep taking things without asking.” Arka chuckled softly. “Okay, I promise I’ll ask first. But… your anger is kind of cute too.”

Aruna looked at him, slightly blushing. “Ah, don’t… don’t make me embarrassed in front of everyone!”

They finally laughed together, breaking the tension. The small conflict brought them closer, and although it initially caused a little awkwardness, Arka felt something warm growing every time they teased each other in a funny, personal way.

After the market and the little “fun conflict” over vegetables, Arka and Aruna sat on the veranda of his grandfather’s small house. The sun began to set, leaving a warm orange glow. Arka looked at Aruna, arranging the vegetables on the table, and something in his chest felt different.

Why do I… feel like this? Arka thought.

He realized that every time Aruna laughed, his heart warmed. Every time he saw the way she looked at him—warm but curious—he felt comfortable, more than he had with anyone since his heartbreak.

Arka took a slow breath. “So… what is this feeling?” he murmured to himself.

He remembered flashes of his past—the wounds that once made him afraid to love again. But now, with Aruna, the feeling wasn’t scary—it was… calming. A desire to be close, to protect, but also to learn more about each other.

Arka realized something: it wasn’t just Aruna’s kindness or smile that made his heart race. It was the feeling of wanting to always be there for her, even in small things—helping, joking, or just quietly watching her.

He turned to see Aruna gazing at the sunset. Unconsciously, Arka smiled faintly, feeling warmth in his chest.

“If this is… a feeling, maybe I’ve already fallen,” he thought quietly, not daring to say it out loud. But it was enough for him to realize one thing: for the first time in a long while, his heart wanted to open again.

That night, Arka slept with a different kind of peace—a peace he knew came from Aruna, and from the fact that his life in Jogja was starting to feel… alive again.

That Saturday afternoon, the Jogja sky was clear, bathed in soft sunlight, making the streets lively yet comfortable. Arka and Aruna walked side by side along Malioboro, glancing at the shops, inhaling the aroma of coffee from small cafes, and occasionally stopping to look at street food stalls. “Look at that, Arka! That traditional ice cream is famous here,” Aruna said, pointing at a colorful ice cream vendor.

Arka smiled. “I’m curious. Have you tried it before?”

“Yeah… it’s really good. You have to try it too.” Aruna tasted her ice cream first, then handed her spoon to Arka. He took it, and they shared bites back and forth. When a drop of ice cream fell on Aruna’s chin, Arka quickly wiped it off with his finger.

“Hey! Be careful, don’t make me look silly in front of people!” Aruna laughed, slightly embarrassed. “Silly? I’m just… trying to save you,” Arka replied with a wide grin.

They continued walking, passing street musicians playing acoustic music. Aruna stopped briefly, closing her eyes, savoring the guitar’s melody. Arka watched her from the side, feeling a warm flutter at her faint smile.

“Do you often relax like this?” Arka asked.

“Rarely. I’m usually busy with college or work. But if someone invites me out, I like to join… especially if they’re fun,” Aruna replied, glancing at him. Arka smiled faintly. “I’m glad I get to have fun with you.”

They sat for a while on a small park bench along the street, enjoying the sunset that had begun to descend. Arka pulled out his small camera and tried to take pictures of Aruna laughing at a stray cat. “Careful, don’t make me look ugly in the photo!” Aruna teased, though her eyes shone.

“You won’t look ugly,” Arka said softly. “You always… look beautiful.” Aruna looked down briefly, then glanced back at Arka. There was a calmness and warmth that felt so close between them.

As the sun began to set, they walked home, their hands nearly touching several times, laughing lightly, realizing that today wasn’t just an ordinary outing. It was a moment when the distance between them slowly faded, and Arka began to notice just how comfortable and warm it felt to be near Aruna.

🚌

That night, Jogja felt peaceful. Streetlights reflected on the wet sidewalks after the afternoon rain, and the air carried the familiar scent of damp earth. Arka and Aruna walked together down a narrow alley toward Aruna’s favorite coffee shop.

“This is my favorite café,” Aruna said with a smile. “I usually come here when I want to be alone… but tonight, you’re coming with me.” Arka turned, slightly blushing. “I’m happy to come. The place… is cozy.”

They sat on a wooden bench in the corner of the café, dim yellow lights casting a soft glow. Guitar music from the corner added warmth to the atmosphere. “Hey, you don’t usually talk much, do you?” Aruna looked at him, half-teasing.

Arka shrugged. “I… only open up to people I trust. And with you… I feel like I can share a little.” Aruna smiled warmly, leaning slightly toward him. “Be careful, if you start talking to me, I might get nosy all the time.”

Arka chuckled. “It’s fine. I’d actually enjoy it if you were nosy.”

They sat quietly for a moment, sipping their warm coffee, exchanging gentle glances. A sense of comfort flowed between them—not needing words, just being together was enough.

When Aruna looked out the window, Arka followed her gaze, watching the lights reflecting on the wet street. Unconsciously, his hand brushed against hers. He paused for a moment, then slowly held it.

Aruna looked at him, slightly surprised but smiling. “Arka…”

“Sorry… if I’m being too bold,” he whispered, his smile gentle and warm. Aruna held his hand back, wordlessly, her small smile saying it all.

In that little café, under the dim lights and the aroma of warm coffee, they felt… comfortable. Slowly, Arka realized tonight wasn’t just a casual hangout. It was a moment when his heart was starting to truly open to Aruna.

🚌

Later, while Arka was helping his grandfather at home, Aruna came by with some ingredients for cooking. They smiled and joked as usual, but suddenly the conversation shifted to something more personal.

“Arka… can I ask you something?” Aruna’s voice sounded hesitant. “Sure,” Arka replied, a bit tense but calm. “Why do you always seem… closed off about your past? I know there’s something heavy there, but you rarely talk about it. I just… want to understand you better.”

Arka swallowed, feeling a slight warmth on his face. “I… don’t know where to start, Aruna. It’s all too complicated, and I’m afraid if I tell you, I’ll… be a burden.”

Aruna sighed softly, her expression showing a hint of disappointment but still gentle. “Arka… I wouldn’t feel burdened. I just want to be by your side, if you let me.”

Arka looked into Aruna’s eyes, his heart racing. He wanted to open up, but his old fears haunted him. “I… was hurt deeply before, Aruna. The love I gave was destroyed, the trust I built was taken away… I don’t want to be hurt again, and I don’t want to hurt someone who cares about me.”

Aruna sat closer, gently patting his hand. “I understand… but you can’t keep running from your feelings. If you want me here, you have to trust me. I won’t leave, Arka. But I also can’t keep waiting if you always shut me out.”

Arka lowered his gaze, his heart pounding. Aruna’s words hit him softly—not forcing, but enough to make him realize: he had to choose between shutting himself off or starting to trust again.

“I… I want to try,” Arka finally said softly, his voice a little hoarse. “I want to… trust you, Aruna.” Aruna smiled gently, her eyes shining. “That’s enough, Arka. We’ll take it slowly.”

They sat in silence for a while, just looking at each other, enjoying a quiet that wasn’t awkward but warm. That small, emotional conversation made them realize—closeness wasn’t just about laughter and outings, but also about having the courage to open up and trust one another.

A few days after that heartfelt talk, Arka and Aruna decided to take a stroll around the Kota Lama area of Jogja. The atmosphere was warm and relaxed—they laughed at old buildings, sampled street snacks, and joked lightly.

But when they sat on the steps in front of an old café to rest, Aruna suddenly remembered something. “Arka… I need to tell you something,” she said, looking down, her voice slightly trembling.

Arka looked at her, concerned. “What is it? Don’t worry, you can tell me anything.”

Aruna took a deep breath. “There’s… someone from my past who just returned to Jogja. He used to be close to me, and now he’s getting close to some of my friends. I’m scared… I don’t want this to cause misunderstandings or fights between us.”

Arka swallowed hard. His heart raced with sudden jealousy and fear of loss, but he restrained himself. “I… understand, Aruna. But… you mean, he might interfere with us?” Aruna shook her head. “Not like that. I’m just… worried that you might feel uncomfortable, or that I might make a wrong move. I don’t want our trust to be ruined because of the past.”

Arka looked at her for a long moment, holding back a small surge of anger—not at Aruna, but at the fear of losing her. He took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “I can’t promise I won’t be jealous, Aruna… but I promise I’ll try to trust you. I’m just… scared of losing you.”

Aruna lowered her gaze, her eyes glistening. “Arka… I’m scared too. But if we don’t face this together, I’ll never be at peace.” Arka held her hand, firm yet gentle. “We’ll face it together. I’m not going anywhere.”

They sat in silence, gazing at each other. Their hearts raced, yet warmth grew between them—the feeling that this first daunting challenge wasn’t meant to separate them, but to test how strong their trust truly was.

And as the evening darkened, they knew one thing: if they could face this fear together, their closeness could become even deeper than before.