Chapter 2 — 30-Day Contract

The final bell finally rang.

I felt like a prisoner who just got released.

My bag was already slung over my shoulder, and I walked fast toward the gate. I just wanted to disappear from school before someone—

My bag strap was pulled.

“Rin, don’t go home yet!”

I turned around with the most impatient face I’ve ever made.

“ANTOOO… what now?!”

Anto looked restless—not his usual fake-cool self.

“Come with me for a bit. It’s important.”

“No.”

“You have to. I swear it’ll only take a moment.”

Without waiting for my consent, he dragged me back into the school building, now nearly empty. The halls were quiet, half the lights already off, and only the evening sunlight peeked through the windows.

“Anto, if this is a prank—I’ll curse your life forever.”

“Relax, it’s not a prank… well, maybe a little.”

“You’re making me even more suspicious.”

He stopped in front of class 10-B. The room was completely empty. He opened the door slowly.

I covered my face instantly.

“Oh God… you guys are serious…”

---

📌 The Empty Classroom

It really was empty. No teacher, no other students.

The desks were neatly arranged. Warm golden sunlight spilled through the windows.

And at the front of the class sat Tey, Kane, Juke, and Tian—like a thesis defense committee.

On the teacher’s desk was a thick stack of papers.

Tey patted it proudly.

“Welcome, Rina. Please, have a seat.”

“I’m going home.”

“Nope,” Kane said. “You have to sign first.”

“I DON’T. WANT. ANYTHING. ANYMORE.”

Anto rubbed his neck, visibly uncomfortable.

“Rin… please. If you run away, the rumors will get worse. I don’t want you to become a bigger target.”

I looked at him.

Tired.

So, so tired.

“Just look at the contract,” Tey said, handing me the first page.

---

📌 The 30-Day Contract

Kane read the clauses like a fake lawyer.

> Article 1

Rina Hermawan and Anto Subagja are declared “temporarily dating” for 30 days, starting today.

> Article 2

This relationship must not be exposed as the result of a bet.

> Article 3

Documentation (photos, chats, videos, status updates) will be managed by the Head Admin: Tey.

Anto quickly turned to him.

“Tey, don’t tell me—”

“Oh yeah,” Tey said casually. “I’ll be holding your Instagram account for a while. For daily updates.”

“WHAT?!” Anto and I shouted in unison.

“This is for story aesthetics,” Juke said proudly.

I held my head.

“What kind of school is this… a drama production house?”

> Article 4 — Mandatory Moments

Every week, the couple must complete a required activity:

– Week 1: Hold hands in the hallway

– Week 2: Eat together in the cafeteria

– Week 3: Couple photo

– Week 4: Anto must walk Rina home at least once

– Bonus moments to be decided spontaneously by the committee

I stared at the page.

For a long time.

“I’m going home,” I said flatly. “Right now.”

“Sure,” Tey said. “Just sign first.”

“Where’s the pen.”

My voice sounded resigned—not agreeing, just surrendering.

Anto looked at me anxiously.

“Rin… if you don’t want to, I—”

I didn’t let him finish.

I signed the last page without reading anything else.

“There. I’m leaving.”

His friends cheered like football supporters.

Anto exhaled in relief.

“Thanks, Rin…”

I glared.

“DON’T you dare say thanks. This is ALL YOUR FAULT!”

He nodded quickly.

“Right… my fault… all my fault…”

I stormed out of the classroom.

---

📌 That Night — Harsh Realization

At home, after sitting down and opening the rest of the pages…

I froze.

“WHAT IS THIS?!”

> Additional Clause A:

The committee may add romantic moments anytime without notice.

> Additional Clause B:

Rina and Anto must respond to committee messages within 5 minutes.

I buried my face in a pillow.

“What did I even sign?! WHY didn’t I read it first?!”

One month.

A whole month of stupidity.

And I realized…

My real problems had just begun.

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