Part Four

That night, Jogja was quiet, with only the chirping of crickets and the occasional sound of vehicles from the main street. Arka and Aruna sat on the porch of his grandfather’s small house, accompanied by dim light and the aroma of freshly brewed tea.

“Tonight… it’s so peaceful,” Aruna whispered, gazing at the dark sky sprinkled with stars. Arka turned to look at her, her face soft in the glow of the lamp. “Yeah… it feels like I can finally breathe after the past few days. After everything that happened…” His voice was a little hoarse.

Aruna lowered her head, realizing Arka was referring to their recent emotional challenges. “I… still get scared sometimes, Arka. Afraid of taking the wrong step or misunderstanding things again.”

Arka gently held her hand. “I’m scared too. But I don’t want to close myself off from you anymore. I… I don’t want to lose you, Aruna.” Aruna looked into his eyes, her heart racing. “Arka…”

He took a deep breath, lowered his gaze slightly, then looked back at her seriously. “I… I may not have said this properly before. But I realize… My feelings for you are different. I’m not just comfortable with you… I… I like you, Aruna.”

Aruna’s cheeks flushed, but her eyes shone. “Arka… I… I don’t want to admit it too quickly, but… I feel the same way.” They looked at each other in silence for a few seconds. The world seemed to stop on that porch—there was only them, the soft lamp light, and the warmth of their intertwined hands.

Arka slowly hugged Aruna from the side, and she rested her head on his shoulder, smiling faintly. “So… we learn together, okay? Slowly,” she whispered. “Yes,” Arka replied, breathing a sigh of relief. “Slowly… but I won’t let go again.”

Under the dark, warm Jogja sky, with the tea still steaming on the table, they sat together—quiet, close, and slowly realizing that this night was more than just an ordinary evening. It was the night their hearts truly began to connect.

🚌

That Saturday, Jogja was bright, with a gentle breeze in the air. Arka and Aruna decided to visit a small park near the town square, just to sit, talk, and enjoy the afternoon. Aruna brought a small snack—sandwiches and her favorite drink—while Arka carried his small camera, ready to capture their silly moments.

“If I fall into that pond, you have to capture it with your camera, okay?” Aruna teased, walking along the edge of the ornamental pond. Arka looked at her half in disbelief, half laughing. “What are you talking about… I’m worried you’ll actually fall.”

“Oh, scared? Don’t exaggerate, Arka,” Aruna chuckled, pretending to lose her balance. Arka instinctively grabbed her hand to stop her from falling. “See? I told you… no falling incidents in front of the camera.”

Aruna smiled shyly, still playful. “Ha… that’s why I need to be careful when you’re around.” After laughing, they sat on a park bench and unpacked Aruna’s small snack. Arka tried to bite a sandwich that was too big, and Aruna laughed.

“You… have no manners when eating, do you?” she teased. “I said this sandwich is for two bites, not one giant bite!” Arka blushed, but responded mock-seriously. “It’s a strategy… to enjoy the sandwich longer… and you.”

Aruna stared at him, paused, then tried to hold back a laugh. “You… cheesy, but funny too.” After that, Arka pulled out his camera, trying to take a picture of Aruna laughing at him. But suddenly, she covered her face with her hands, pretending to be angry.

“Hey, don’t hide! I want to capture this rare moment!” Arka shouted, chasing her. They ran around the park laughing, eventually sitting down exhausted, their hands brushing together again. They looked at each other, shy yet comfortable smiles on their faces.

“Arka… this… is fun,” Aruna whispered. “Yeah… I feel the same,” Arka replied, eyes shining, heart warm.

That playful, awkward, and warm moment made Arka realize one thing: every second spent with Aruna felt… special. And he began to understand that he wanted to be closer—not just as a friend.

🚌

That morning, sunlight streamed through the window of Arka’s grandfather’s house. Arka woke earlier than usual, watching Aruna still asleep beside him. A faint smile appeared on his face as he saw her slightly messy hair and peaceful breathing.

“Wake up, Aruna… or do you want me to have breakfast alone?” Arka teased, gently pulling the blanket. Aruna opened her eyes, yawned, then smiled lazily. “Huh… you never stay still, do you? But… if it’s breakfast together, I’ll join.”

They sat in the small kitchen; Arka prepared toast and hot tea while Aruna helped cut fruit. The clinking of cups, aroma of tea, and their soft laughter filled the house. No drama, no tension—just simple closeness that felt sweet.

In the afternoon, they went to the traditional market together, helping each other pick vegetables, while Arka teased Aruna about the excessive amount she was buying. “Aruna… are you seriously carrying all this alone?” Arka asked, looking at her nearly overloaded bags.

“Well… who told me to choose all the good stuff?” Aruna replied with a mischievous smile. Arka chuckled, taking some bags to lighten her load. “Then I’ll help choose too, so the whole burden isn’t on you.”

Aruna looked at him with shining eyes. “Careful… you’re going to make me like you even more.”

They laughed together, walking home, occasionally debating lightly over who was better at picking vegetables. Once home, Arka’s grandfather smiled at his now-cheerful grandson and Aruna, who looked comfortable around the house.

That night, they sat on the porch, sipping warm tea and looking at the Jogja sky. Aruna leaned against Arka’s shoulder, and he hugged her from the side. “Arka… I’m glad we can finally be like this,” Aruna said softly.

“Me too,” Arka replied, looking at her face. “After everything… life feels lighter with you here.” They sat quietly, enjoying the night, the warmth of their hands, and the peaceful silence. Their everyday life was no longer just routine—it was made up of small, sweet, funny, and loving moments that slowly built the foundation of a relationship that felt like home for both their hearts.

🚌

Jogja was bright, but Arka felt a little tense. Aruna had brought him to her favorite small café, but when they arrived, Arka saw a man sitting in the corner. Black, neatly combed hair, a familiar face, and a slight smile as he looked at Aruna made Arka’s heart race.

“Sahrul…” Aruna whispered softly, her voice almost inaudible. Arka swallowed, trying to stay calm. “W-who is he?”

Aruna lowered her gaze for a moment, steadying her breath. “He… is an old friend. We used to be close… but that was a long time ago, Arka. I don’t have feelings for him anymore.” Sahrul stood slowly, looking at Aruna, then at Arka. “Hi… you must be Arka, right? I’ve heard a lot about you from Aruna,” he greeted warmly, though curiosity laced his voice.

Arka stared at Sahrul, trying to hide the sudden surge of jealousy. “Yes… I’m Arka. Nice to meet you.” His voice was tense, but he tried to remain polite. Sahrul smiled, then looked at Aruna again. “Nuna… I don’t know what you’re like now… but I’m glad we could meet again. I was too foolish to lose you back then.”

Aruna exhaled, looking at Arka. “Arka… I promise, he’s just the past. I’m with you now.” Arka looked into her eyes, searching for sincerity, and finally nodded slightly. “I trust you… but I won’t pretend I don’t feel jealous, Sahrul.” His voice was firm but calm.

Sahrul looked at Arka, giving a faint smile. “I understand… and I won’t interfere. I just wanted to say hi, so nothing is left unresolved.”

Arka took a deep breath, calming himself. He looked at Aruna, who held his hand gently. “I… am ready to face this, as long as we’re together.” Aruna smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. “Me too, Arka. I don’t want my past to tear us apart.”

That night, Arka sat on his grandfather’s porch, gazing at the softly glowing streetlights of Jogja. His hands held a warm cup of tea, but his heart felt heavy. Why do I feel like this? he wondered, lowering his gaze. I know Sahrul is just the past. I trust Aruna… but why does it feel like my chest is on fire?

He remembered Sahrul’s smile, the way he looked at Aruna, and the sweet words he had spoken a few hours ago. Jealousy surged suddenly, mixed with the fear of losing her. “Arka… don’t overthink,” he muttered to himself. “He doesn’t have anything anymore. Aruna is here, with me. I have to trust her.”

But the feeling lingered. He looked up at the night sky, wondering if he was strong enough not to let Aruna’s past affect their relationship. Am I patient enough? Am I trusting enough?

Taking a deep breath, Arka tried to calm himself. He remembered all the moments they shared—the laughter at the market, hanging out in the park, quiet evenings drinking tea with his grandfather. All of it strengthened his heart. Aruna had chosen him, and he needed to prove that he could be someone she could trust and rely on.

Finally, Arka exhaled deeply. “I have to… I won’t lose her just because of fear and unnecessary jealousy.”

With that resolve, he gazed at the Jogja lights, letting the warmth of the tea and the night air sink in. Tomorrow, he knew, he would have to show Aruna—not just with words, but with actions—that his trust was unwavering, and his heart was ready to face anything with her.

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