(Not) The Substitute

Eps 23 - PDKT???

After meeting with Dr. Claire, Arfan invites Elnaz on the road while shopping for Arfan's house needs have not returned to duty.

As Dr. advice. Claire, the two of them walked hand in hand. Although it does not cause romantic feelings at all because joining hands like this they have often done since they were children. But there is no harm in trying.

Currently both are shopping for ingredients in the kitchen, Elnaz and Arfan alike can cook so the two decided to cook and do not have to order food. In addition, Elnaz refused the existence of a housekeeper because he could clean his own house and they could be more efficient money, because now Arfan had to finance his college as well.

"Actually I'm worried about you, Dek. If now you do not have any activities so it could take care of the house, well if for example later already in college?" Arfan said while choosing some kitchen spices.

"And the lecture was only a few hours, brother" replied Elnaz and he himself chose some snacks for his and Arfan.

After shopping a lot, both of them rushed home because they were tired.

Arriving at home, Arfan and Elnaz arrange their goods.

After that, they also relax in the living room while watching tv accompanied by nuts and fresh drinks.

Arfan and Elnaz sit side by side on the sofa, unlike Elnaz who focuses on tv. Arfan even continued to glance at Elnaz, thinking how they started PDKT.

Arfan stretched his hand behind Elnaz, creeping and about to circle his hand on the shoulder of Elnaz but Arfan felt awkward.

"Why do I feel this way?" inner Arfan wonder.

"Haha, the movie is funny huh, sister" exclaimed Elnaz and Arfan just nodded and muttered "Sir Arfan why?" elnaz asked because Arfan looked confused.

"Sir, when are we PDKT?" asked Arfan who immediately made Elnaz glare in surprise.

"PDD?" peeking Elnaz and Arfan nodded.

"Remember what Dr. Claire?" Elnaz nodded his head in understanding.

"Continue?" ask Elnaz again.

"Yes we have to start PDKT, right?" Arfan asked back and heard that even Elnaz felt strange.

"So much Arfan alone" replied Elnaz immediately and he rushed to his room.

It was late in the afternoon, and Elnaz went to take another bath because the coming months were over.

When Elnaz came out of the bathroom with wet hair, that's when Arfan entered the room and saw Elnaz who looked so fresh after the bath arrived just cause a strange feeling in Arfan's heart. This is not the first time and it has become common for Arfan to see Elnaz without a hijab or in a new state of bathing. But this is the first time Arfan has felt anything unusual. Even that made Arfan feel nervous himself.

"Sholat with ya, brother. El has been able to pray" said Elnaz disperse Arfan daydreams.

"He'eh" replied Arfan and he rushed to take a bath.

...... ...

Romantic dinner...

Like it's a very easy idea to do. Arfan already has plans to bring Elnaz a romantic dinner tonight, but it's common in movie movies if lovers have a romantic dinner then both of them wear nice and formal clothes.

"Why open El's closet, brother?Find what?" asked Elnaz who caught his brother breaking into his closet.

"Gaun, you didn't bring a nice dress, Dek?" asked Arfan and Elnaz immediately shook his head.

"What's the dress for?" ask Elnaz.

"Candlelight dinner" replied Arfan with a smile.... Shy shy?

While Elnaz grimaced to hear Arfan's statement.

"Tonight? El just finished brushing his teeth, tired all day, cleaning the house. So now El is sleepy" said Elnaz and he crawled up to the bed.

Arfan can only be gaping, like his Elnaz will not fight like himself for their marriage or just because Elnaz is still a teenager and has not really understood the meaning of a marriage?

Whatever the answer, Arfan doesn't matter. He will continue to fight for this marriage because now Arfan is convinced, as Dr. Claire, actually she and Elnaz need each other.

"Yes, tomorrow night then. Brother brush your teeth first" said Arfan and still her smile.

...... ...

Good night kiss and good morning...

It was also a very easy thing to do, Arfan always kissed Elnaz and vice versa. But first, before Elnaz turned 13. After that, Arfan usually will only kiss his sister's chubby and soft cheeks.

"Why?" elnaz asked because Arfan kept looking at him. The room lights have been turned off, but the dim light from the sleeping lights is enough to make the lighting quite clear there. Arfan lay sideways, facing Elnaz who slept on his back by putting both his hands on his stomach.

"Say Dr. Claire, maybe we can give a kiss good night before going to bed" said Arfan and immediately Elnaz laughed, making Arfan surprised and confused when he was nervous thinking about PDKT with his wife.

"Not when El was little, Arfan always gave a good-night kiss after Arfan recited a fairy tale?" asked Elnaz and Arfan nodded slowly.

"But now the story is different, El. We're doing this for.... As Dr. Claire said, so that our feelings change, especially our mindsets who continue to feel we are brothers when we have become husband and wife" said Arfan.

Elnaz was silent, and he looked at Arfan with a deep gaze. Suddenly he felt nervous, like dealing with a stranger.

"Aren't you serious about changing our feelings?" elnaz asked softly and Arfan nodded.

"Anyway we're married, honey"

"Why doesn't Arfan let everything go? no need to follow Dr. Claire. Maybe as time goes on, our feelings can change on their own" Elnaz said very seriously.

"If that's what you want, it doesn't matter. We do not need to follow Dr. Claire and do not need to meet with her again" said Arfan, following the will of Elnaz but Elnaz himself felt unsure of his decision.

Arfan also slept on his back, closed his eyes and folded his hands over his stomach.

Elnaz looked at Arfan who was still closing his eyes, maybe his wish was right, maybe Dr. Claire was right.

Elnaz didn't know, still didn't know where to go. However, he did not like his consultation with Dr. Claire, Elnaz feels it's a little forced. If he continues to be with Arfan like this, maybe their feelings will really change by themselves.