I'm with you, Mr. Teacher

Why Did You Choose to Be a Teacher?

"Since his sister died, music is no longer something that appeals to Sandalwood."

Jaka's words continued to ring. The connection between music and death makes Jati inexhaustible. It was hard to concentrate when teaching. Especially during the last hour in the sandalwood class.

In the eyes of Teak, Sandalwood is great. He can be ordinary throughout the teaching and learning process, after clearly showing a sense of care this morning. Or is it just the Teak?

Teak must be able to find the right moment to be able to chat longer with Sandalwood. Therefore, after teaching earlier he deliberately rushed back to the teacher's room to pick up a backpack and was now waiting for Sandalwood in the parking lot.

Teak who had been leaning on the canopy pole of the parking lot, immediately stood upright after seeing Cendana walking towards him. Sandalwood's steps swallowed witnessing that, realizing Jati as if was deliberately waiting for her, and now was preparing to welcome her.

"Today you're busy, aren't you?" ask Jati after Cendana arrived in front of her, ignoring the homecoming students who could have eavesdropped on their chatter.

Sandalwood tucked hair behind the ear, then shook his head.

"Can I go to the bookstore? I need some companion books for teaching materials."

Sandalwood looks worried.

"I ask for help as your teacher, so you can't refuse." A small laugh slid from the mouth of the Teak, making Sandalwood could not help but laugh, because the childish behavior of the teacher charming in front of him.

"We're riding an angkot, yeah. His bike lived here first."

Cendana nodded.

***

There are many magical things that are caused by the little things in this world. What is felt by Teak now. Sitting in conjunction with Cendana in angkot is very effective in neutralizing the heat of Semarang City this afternoon. I don't know through what process. Thinking from any point of view, it seems like the answer will not be found.

Although sure his heart has been stolen, so far Jati still does not dare to think about where this closeness he is trying to establish boils down. It was indeed a selfish impression, but he should not forget his status as a teacher. Teak has gone through a long process before joining Nusa Bangsa High School.

In the second Jati introduced herself in front of the class that time, Cendana began to rearrange her feelings. Dating with her own teacher was not on her agenda at all. Just imagine it never. But, doesn't love always find the safest place to grow? Then, who should blame if the feelings of Sandalwood now choose Teak as its habitat? In what way did Sandalwood kill the turmoil that paralyzed the sides of his refusal?

A few minutes later, Jati and Cendana were already in a bookstore located in a shopping center. Teak follows the steps of Sandalwood which directly leads to the shelves of novels. From the main door until arriving at the third floor, Jati's desire to hold Cendana's hand was so strong. However, the girl's appearance in her gray-white uniform made Jati think twice. Time and again he confirmed inwardly their status as teachers and disciples.

"Like to read novels?"

"Not really, sir. But good for free time fillers. Than to bengong ngapain?" Sandalwood replied without looking. Both eyes were busy observing the titles of books neatly displayed on the shelf in front of him.

"What book are you looking for again?" ask Jati again after they passed two aisles and Cendana has not touched a single book.

"My Real Boy, by a writer from Makassar. New release, anyway. I'm also not sure I'm here." Cendana observes the lines of books more thoroughly, has not given up on finding the target book.

"My real teacher, is there, isn't there?" seloroh Jati who was greeted with a light laugh from Cendana.

"Well, here it is." Sandalwood grabbed a blue book that showed a pair of men's legs in torn jeans at the knee for his cover illustration.

"Whose book, anyway?" Out of curiosity, Jati took another one from the same shelf. "Ansar Siri?"

"This is his debut novel, it's natural that his name is still foreign to be listed on the cover of the book."

"Do you think you know much?"

"He was actively writing on the authorship platform, and it just so happened that his works fit my reading tastes."

"Oh that's it." Teak mangosteen while still looking at the book in his hand. "Gue fell in love with your poem, but not necessarily the same lo. The tagline is fun as well, "praise Jati, then switch to reading the blurb on the back. "So your reading taste kayak gini teen romance story?"

"That's it, sir. It's safer to choose age-appropriate readings."

"Well, that means as old as I don't fit anymore, dong, read this." Jati laughed crisply while returning the book she was holding to its original place.

"Eh, who said you're old?" Sandalwoods hastily refuted.

"But, you always call me "Sir" outside of school hours."

Sandalwood suddenly misbehaved.

"Udah, don't salting that. Her beauty is diminished, you know."

Sandalwood is not only wrong now, but also loses the ability to speak. Lucky around him many books that can be used as an escape, rather than having to serve teak temptations that have the potential to make both knees fragile.

"Here, the book I'm holding."

Sandalwood did not resist as Jati took over the book in her hands.

"Later to pay in one with me, yes."

"I mean paid?" The owner of the mole near the lips hurriedly clarified.

"Eh, no, sir."

"It's okay, really. Count your thanks because you want to help me."

"There's no need, sir. Seriously."

"Come, ah." Teak grabbed Sandalwood's wrist and led him to the textbook zone. It was her turn to look for books.

Although it looks relaxed, Sandana's breath is a little stinged in the teak like that. Teak grips are warm, making Sandalwood want to feel it longer. But the guy took it off when he started seriously picking books.

Jati is confused about which book to choose, because in fact she does not really need. His collection of books is more than enough. It's just his wits in order to go alone with Sandalwood.

"Why did you choose to be a teacher?"

Jati was happy, because Cendana started the initiative to start a chat. The question is too heavy for a measure of pleasantries. He seemed to throw a look in an indeterminate direction, letting a pause hang for a moment before answering.

"So the teacher was fun. The proof, can meet students as beautiful as you." The more here Jati more happy to tease Cendana. The girl's wrong behavior is similar to opium for him. He really enjoyed his cheeks met red, which he thought was effective in increasing the level of beauty.

Reflex sandalwood punching slowly Teak arm. "Father is, yes. People ask seriously, too."

"I'm serious too, Dana."

"Ah, tell me you're happy to be teased by Susi's mother."

"Jealous, huh?"

"Ih, Mr. piquancy."

Both destroyed.

Although it was broken together like this, and just now his heart was warmed because Teak beheaded his name so familiar, Cendana felt something strange. Teak attitude chose to avoid giving the reason as a teacher, making Sandalwood feel the distance slowly stretched back between them. Teak is like saving something that has not been shared with him.

***

Kenanga who had been waiting, immediately stood up as soon as she saw Jati pedaling her bicycle entering the yard.

"Where are you from?"

"Then to the bookstore. There's teaching materials to buy." Teak spoke while walking after lowering his bike kickstand.

Seeing Kenanga's annoyed gaze, Jati was sure, something was wrong today. But, what? That sweet black guy was trying to remember.

"Are you really forgetting, or just pretending?" Kenanga didn't mean to, but her voice rose an octave.

"meaning?" Teak cringing.

"Today you have a training. After teaching you should go straight to the studio, not even to the bookstore and have it deactivated." Kenanga spoke quickly, making Jati wonder. It's not usually that the girl is emotional like this.

"Astagfirefull!" Teak tepuk jidat. "Sorry, I completely forgot." The teak did not lie, it forgot. Hapenya was not deliberately turned off, but the battery power runs out.

Kenanga took a deep breath, seemingly trying to calm herself down.

"I hope this is the first and last."

"good. I promise."

"You're still seriously fighting for your dreams, right?"

Teak nodded. "Surely."

Kenanga took a deep breath once again.

"Have you eaten?" Due to accidentally seeing the parcel on the table, Teak reflexively shook his head in order not to disappoint the girl who seemed to be upset in front of him. Though from the bookstore earlier, he and Cendana stopped by eating meatballs before returning home.

"Well, I brought food." Kenanga ganged towards the package that Jati had already seen. "Eat first just rest." Although still a bit thin, Kenanga can not bear to not pay attention.

"Ready!" Jati demonstrated a respectful position while smiling sweetly.

Just this time Kenanga's response was mediocre. "Udah, ah. I'll go back first." The girl went straight to her car parked outside the fence. His attitude astonished Jati. What the hell is it? It was impossible just because he had forgotten the training schedule once, the girl's meek demeanor instantly disappeared.

Instead of finding the cause of Kenanga's change of attitude, Jati realized something else. It has been so acute that the Sandalwood virus infects all of his brain cells. He even forgot the training schedule—one of the most important things—because he was with the girl. Teak returned his own smiles remembering his special disciple.

***