Chapter 2 — Getting to Know Each Other

“Aldi!”

My name echoed from different corners of the basketball court.

Not just mine, actually. Steven’s and Kevin’s names were called just as often. I never really knew when girls from other classes—even underclassmen—started memorizing our names one by one.

I also didn’t know why they always gathered whenever we practiced after school.

Was it distracting?

Maybe.

But more than that… it was tiring.

I had been watched since I was a kid. I learned not to pay too much attention to it. Sometimes I nodded or offered a small smile. The problem was, every time I did, they only got louder.

For some reason.

“Hey, Di. Mall this week?” Kevin asked, taking a long drink from his water bottle.

“Yeah, let’s go,” Steven added.

“Sure,” I replied casually, still dribbling the ball.

The mall felt warm that afternoon. Probably because sunlight poured in through the large glass windows. I sat back with a can of soda, watching people pass by.

“There,” Steven whispered, pointing. “Underclassmen.”

I looked over. Two girls were standing not far from us. I recognized them. They were often by the court. Quiet. Not screaming. Not trying to get attention.

Different from the others.

The two girls talked softly to each other, then walked toward us.

“Hi, good morning, Kak Aldi, Kak Steven, Kak Kevin.”

Kevin, who was drinking, immediately choked.

“Careful there,” Steven said casually.

I was a little surprised. “How do you know our names?”

“They get called out all the time at practice,” one of them replied with a small smile.

Steven, as usual, jumped in easily. “Hi there. You’re sweet.”

I just smiled faintly. Steven was always good at that. I wasn’t.

“Do you guys watch practice too?” Kevin asked.

Both of them shook their heads.

“We’re just walking around,” one of them said.

I realized something then—I didn’t even know their names.

“What are your names?” I asked, without much thought.

“Mira,” said the girl standing slightly behind, her voice soft.

“Ani,” the other added.

I nodded. At least now I had names to match their faces.

“Why don’t you watch?” Steven asked again.

“Too much crowd,” Ani answered quickly.

“Oh.” Steven nodded. “You could buy tickets online.”

They both just smiled.

“Um, Kak,” Ani hesitated, “can we get your IG?”

“And maybe your phone number,” Mira added, almost whispering.

We exchanged contacts. Quickly. Simply.

No promises. No long small talk.

After that, they said goodbye and walked away.

I watched their backs for a moment.

For some reason, it felt different from usual.

Steven watched the two girls disappear into the crowd, then leaned closer to me.

“So,” he said casually, “which one?”

I frowned. “Which one what?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Don’t pretend. The quiet one or the talkative one?”

“I wasn’t picking,” I replied. “They just asked for our contacts.”

Kevin snorted. “That’s what everyone says before they start replying too fast.”

I opened my phone instinctively, then stopped myself.

No new messages.

“Relax,” I said. “It’s not that deep.”

Steven laughed. “You always say that.”

We sat there for a while, the noise of the mall filling the space between us. People passed by, carrying shopping bags, laughing, talking about things that probably mattered more than basketball practice.

I glanced at my phone again. Still nothing.

It was strange. Usually, I felt relieved when things ended quickly. No expectations. No follow-ups. No reasons to stay longer than necessary.

But this time, the silence felt… noticeable.

“Let’s go,” Kevin said, standing up. “I’m hungry again.”

As we walked toward the exit, I found myself looking around—not searching for anyone in particular, I told myself. Just out of habit.

Still, I noticed how quiet the mall felt once we left the seating area.

Outside, the afternoon air was heavy and warm. The sun was already leaning west, casting long shadows across the pavement.

Steven stretched his arms. “Same time next week?”

“Yeah,” Kevin said. “Unless someone here suddenly has plans.”

They both looked at me.

“I don’t,” I said quickly.

They laughed.