That night was supposed to be a night of celebration.

The modest house of Neyya’s family was decorated with soft yellow lights. The scent of jasmine and roses filled the space, as if trying to calm something unseen—something about to change.

Neyya stood in the kitchen, calmly arranging glass cups. Her hands were steady, her face ordinary. No excitement, no exaggerated smile.

“Hey, don’t you feel anything at all?” Miysa’s voice slipped in from behind as she bit into a cookie.

Neyya shrugged.

“It’s my sister’s engagement, not mine.”

Miysa chuckled softly. “But usually a younger sister would be a bit overexcited. You… look like you’re going to silat class.”

Neyya gave a thin smile.

“Silat is more fun.”

And that was true.

Neyya was not an ordinary girl. On the outside, she was soft—wearing a long hijab, loose cardigan, palazzo pants covering her steps. But inside? Firm. Strict. Disciplined.

She was a religious teacher. But she also knew how to defend herself.

Footsteps from outside began to be heard.

“They’re here!” someone from the family shouted.

The atmosphere shifted instantly. Everyone moved quickly. Neyya took a slow breath and stepped into the living room.

And at that moment—

fate began to move.

Outside the house, several cars stopped.

One of them… dark, tinted, engine still running.

A man sat inside. Black hoodie, half his face hidden in shadows.

Zack Bahar.

A name never spoken… but feared.

The leader of one of the most violent street racing gangs in the city. Illegal races, dirty money, underground dealings—his world.

Women?

He didn’t touch them.

Not because he was kind. But because… he had an allergy.

He hated touch. Hated closeness. Hated the smell of too-strong perfume.

His world was only motorcycles… and the night.

“Boss… they’re all inside,” said Baharuddin from outside the window.

Zack stayed silent. His sharp eyes looked at the house.

“Go,” Zack ordered shortly.

Baharuddin understood. He would act as the ‘representative’. The fake groom-to-be for Mieya.

A game.

A lie.

Zack only wanted to watch… from a distance.

The engagement ceremony went smoothly.

Mieya sat gracefully in the center, smiling sweetly. Everyone praised her—beautiful, polite, perfect.

Neyya stood at the side. Not standing out. Not trying to steal attention.

And that… caught Zack’s attention.

From outside the half-open window, Zack watched.

He saw everyone.

But his eyes… stopped on one figure.

Neyya.

The way she stood. The way she didn’t try to be anyone else. The way she didn’t look at men.

It was strange.

Zack narrowed his eyes.

“Who is that…” he whispered.

Inside the house—

Neyya felt something.

As if someone was watching.

She turned toward the window.

Empty.

The night wind gently moved the curtains.

“Why?” Miysa suddenly appeared beside her.

“I feel like someone is watching…”

Miysa frowned. “You’re starting to sound like you’re in a horror story.”

Neyya stayed silent.

But that feeling… didn’t go away.

Outside—

Zack leaned back in his seat, a small smile forming.

“Interesting…”

It had been a long time since he felt something like this.

Not desire.

Not attraction.

But… curiosity.

And that was far more dangerous.

The ceremony ended.

Guests slowly began to leave.

Baharuddin returned to the car.

“Done, boss.”

Zack didn’t respond immediately.

“That girl earlier… Mieya’s sister?”

“Yeah. Her name is Neyya.”

Zack repeated slowly.

“Neyya…”

The name felt strange on his tongue.

Calm.

But sharp.

“Boss want me to investigate?” Baharuddin asked.

Zack looked at the house again.

The lights were still on.

Neyya’s silhouette could be seen inside, still cleaning without stopping.

Not tired.

Not complaining.

Not caring about the outside world.

Zack exhaled slowly.

“No need…”

Pause.

“…yet.”

The engine started.

But before he left—

his eyes caught one more thing.

Neyya stopped.

And this time…

Neyya looked directly toward the window.

As if…

she knew.

In Neyya’s heart, a whisper appeared.

“There’s something wrong…”

And that night—

two completely different worlds

finally… touched.

Without them realizing—

this was not an ordinary meeting.

This was the beginning…

of destruction.

Or perhaps… salvation.

End episode 1

Dawn was… peaceful.

But for Neyya, something felt off.

She stood on her prayer mat, whispering her final supplication. Her lips moved softly, but her mind… was restless.

Last night’s feeling.

Still there.

Like a shadow that refused to leave.

She rose, folding the prayer mat neatly. A slow breath escaped her.

“Maybe it’s just in my head…” she murmured.

But her heart disagreed.

Morning at the religious school went on as usual.

Children sat cross-legged, reciting in uneven rhythms. Neyya walked between them, correcting tajwid, occasionally reminding them gently.

“Stretch that letter… don’t cut it short.”

One boy grinned.

“Ustazah Neyya is strict today…”

The class giggled.

Neyya raised an eyebrow.

“Strict? Want me to be actually strict?”

Silence.

She gave a faint smile.

This was her world. Clear. Clean. Controlled.

Very different… from the world outside.

In another corner of the city—

The roar of motorcycle engines echoed.

Rough. Wild. Free.

Zack Bahar stood in the middle of an abandoned warehouse, surrounded by his men. Black leather jacket, arms crossed, expression unreadable.

“Tonight’s route clear?” his voice was low.

“Clear, boss. Police already ‘settled.’”

Zack nodded slowly.

Everyone lowered their heads in respect.

He wasn’t just a leader.

He was… the law.

But today—his focus slipped.

A name circled in his mind.

Neyya.

“Boss?”

Zack snapped out of it.

“Yeah?”

“Tonight’s race… you joining?”

Usually, Zack never missed it.

But this time—

“No.”

Silence fell.

That was… unusual.

Evening.

Cafe De’ Lalate slowly filled with customers.

Miysa worked the counter, fingers moving quickly across the register. Neyya stayed behind, arranging cups and preparing drinks.

“Hey… you look different today,” Miysa commented.

“What’s different?”

“You’re quieter than usual.”

Neyya gave a faint smile.

“Just tired.”

Miysa didn’t buy it.

“You? Even when you’re tired, your mouth still runs.”

Neyya chuckled softly.

But her eyes… kept drifting to the door.

As if waiting.

Or… guarding.

The café door chimed.

A man walked in.

Cap low, dark hoodie.

His steps were calm, but his presence… heavy.

Zack Bahar.

He wasn’t supposed to be there.

His world didn’t belong in places like this.

But he came anyway.

For one reason.

Neyya.

Miysa noticed him first.

“Welcome—” her sentence paused briefly.

“Uhh… what would you like to order?”

Zack didn’t look at her for long.

“Americano.”

Short.

Cold.

Miysa keyed it in, slightly unsettled by his vibe.

“Take a seat, we’ll bring it over.”

Zack nodded and sat in the farthest corner.

Strategic.

Slightly shadowed.

From there… he could see Neyya.

Without being seen.

Behind the counter—

Neyya held a cup.

Her hand stopped.

That feeling… came back.

Stronger.

Slowly, she lifted her head.

Her eyes searched.

And—

stopped.

That corner.

The man in the dark hoodie.

His face unclear, but—

Neyya knew.

It was him.

Her heartbeat shifted.

Not fear.

But… alertness.

“Miysa,” Neyya called softly.

“Hm?”

“That customer at the end… you handle him.”

“Why?”

“Just… you handle.”

Miysa frowned.

“You okay?”

Neyya stayed silent.

Her eyes still locked on him.

“I’m fine.”

But that was a lie.

Zack noticed.

He saw the change in her.

The distance.

The avoidance.

And that… made him smile faintly.

“Strong instincts…” he whispered.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

Miysa brought the drink.

“Americano.”

Zack nodded.

“Thank you.”

His tone… slightly softer this time.

Miysa raised an eyebrow.

Oh, so he can speak nicely.

Minutes passed.

Neyya didn’t come near.

Zack stood.

His steps slow, deliberate, approaching the counter.

Each step… carried weight.

Miysa got busy with other customers.

So—

Neyya had no choice.

She stepped forward.

They stood face to face.

Close.

For the first time.

Zack leaned slightly.

The scent…

Clean.

No strong perfume.

Nothing that irritated his senses.

That… was strange.

“Why are you avoiding me?”

Straight.

No introduction.

Neyya paused for a second.

Too direct.

She lifted her chin.

“Why should I get close to you?”

Sharp.

Zack smiled.

Not a normal smile.

The smile of a man who found a challenge.

“Because you noticed me.”

Neyya didn’t move.

“I notice many things. Doesn’t mean I like them.”

Silence.

Tension formed between them.

Subtle… but powerful.

Zack stepped closer.

Reflexively—

Neyya stepped back.

Her hands ready.

Defensive stance.

Zack noticed.

And… he stopped.

His gaze shifted slightly.

“You know how to fight?”

Neyya didn’t answer.

But her eyes said enough.

For the first time—

Zack Bahar felt something unfamiliar.

Not hatred.

Not allergy.

Not boredom.

But—

interest.

He turned, grabbed his drink.

Before leaving—

he spoke without looking back:

“Neyya…”

Neyya froze.

“…I’ll be back.”

The door chimed.

He was gone.

Miysa rushed over.

“Hey—who was that?!”

Neyya stayed silent.

Her eyes still on the door.

Her heart… racing.

“Trouble,” she whispered.

Outside—

Zack stood beside his motorcycle.

Helmet on.

Engine roaring to life.

A faint smile formed.

“Game on.” 🔥

That night, Neyya’s house returned to silence.

The celebration had long ended. No guests remained—only fading flowers and unwashed plates left behind. But within that quiet… something was shifting.

Mieya sat in the living room, admiring the ring on her finger.

A smile.

Faint… but meaningful.

“Perfect…” she whispered.

From the kitchen, Neyya stepped out, drying her hands.

“Mak is calling you. She wants to discuss the dowry.”

Mieya nodded without looking.

“Hmm… in a bit.”

Neyya noticed something.

The way her sister smiled… was different.

“You okay?”

Mieya finally looked up.

A sweet smile. Too sweet.

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

Neyya paused.

“I don’t know… you just seem different.”

Mieya chuckled softly.

“You’re overthinking.”

She stood and walked toward Neyya.

Her hand gently rested on her sister’s shoulder.

“I’m happy, Neyya. That’s all.”

Neyya nodded slowly.

But deep inside—

something felt wrong.

Elsewhere—

The roar of a motorcycle tore through the night.

Zack Bahar sped down an empty highway. Streetlights streaked past like fragments of time slipping away.

He stopped in a quiet area.

An abandoned warehouse.

The place where he grew up.

The place where he fell… and rose into something people feared.

He removed his helmet.

Leaning against his bike, he took a deep breath.

In his mind—

Neyya.

The way she looked at him.

Not afraid.

Not submissive.

Not trying to impress.

And strangest of all—

when he got close… he didn’t feel suffocated.

Zack clenched his fist.

“Why…”

That wasn’t a simple question.

It was… a disturbance.

“Boss.”

Baharuddin’s voice came from behind.

Zack didn’t turn.

“What?”

“We’ve got a situation. A new group entered our territory.”

Zack let out a quiet laugh.

“It’s only a problem… if I don’t know who they are.”

He finally turned.

Sharp eyes.

“Who?”

“His name is Rayqal. Used to be one of us.”

Zack went silent.

The air grew heavy.

“He’s still alive?”

“Yes, boss.”

Pause.

“And he’s looking for trouble.”

Zack smiled.

This time—

dark.

“Good.”

The next day—

Cafe De’ Lalate.

Everything seemed normal.

Except Neyya.

She was quieter.

More cautious.

Her eyes frequently drifted to the door.

Miysa noticed.

“Okay… you definitely have something going on.”

Neyya sighed.

“The guy from yesterday…”

“Ha! I knew it!”

Miysa leaned in.

“Who is he? Your ex?”

“Not funny.”

“Then?”

Neyya hesitated.

“He’s… strange.”

Miysa raised an eyebrow.

“All men are strange.”

“No. This one… is different.”

The café door chimed.

And as if fate insisted—

he came again.

Zack Bahar.

Today, no hoodie.

Dark hair. Clear face.

Neat.

But his aura… unchanged.

Dangerous.

Miysa froze.

“Okay… not strange. He’s a problem.”

Neyya took a slow breath.

“You handle the counter. I’ll stay in the back.”

“Hey—”

But Neyya was already gone.

Zack noticed.

And this time—

he didn’t sit in the corner.

He walked straight to the counter.

“Where is she?”

Miysa blinked.

“Who?”

Zack gave a faint smile.

“The one from yesterday.”

Miysa hesitated.

Her instincts said—don’t play around.

“She’s busy.”

Zack leaned slightly forward.

“Call her.”

That tone—

wasn’t a request.

It was an order.

From the back—

Neyya clenched her fists.

She heard everything.

And she knew—

she couldn’t run forever.

She stepped forward.

Calm.

But ready.

Their eyes met.

Again.

Closer.

Clearer.

“You’re looking for me?”

Zack smiled faintly.

“Finally.”

Neyya crossed her arms.

“What do you want?”

Direct.

No wasted time.

Zack liked that.

“I want to know you.”

Neyya let out a small, cynical laugh.

“I don’t even know you.”

“Zack.”

For the first time—

he said his own name.

Neyya paused.

The name… carried weight.

“Okay, Zack. I’m not interested.”

Straight.

Firm.

Zack stepped closer.

And this time—

Neyya didn’t step back.

Their eyes locked.

Steel against steel.

“Your sister’s fiancé.”

The words dropped… slowly.

But heavy enough to stop time.

Neyya froze.

What?

Zack watched her reaction.

And he knew—

he had just dropped a bomb.

“What did you say?” her voice was low.

Dangerous.

Zack leaned slightly closer.

“The one engaged to Mieya…”

Pause.

“…is me.”

Silence.

The café noise faded into nothing.

Neyya shook her head slowly.

“Liar.”

“No.”

“The one who came that day—”

“My man.”

Zack’s reply was calm.

As if it were nothing.

Neyya’s eyes shifted.

Anger rising.

“You’re playing with my family?”

Zack didn’t answer immediately.

He just looked at her.

Deep.

As if trying to read her.

“Why?” Neyya asked.

Not weak.

But serious.

Zack paused.

Then—

“At first… it was just business.”

He stopped.

His gaze never left her.

“But now…”

Pause.

“…it’s not anymore.”

Neyya knew.

This wasn’t a simple game.

This was—

danger.

And from afar—

someone was watching.

Mieya.

Her face calm.

But her eyes…

dark.

“Zack…” she whispered.

A sharp smile appeared.

“Interesting.” 🔥