LAST GREETINGS

Episode 3

The first semester he went through with satisfactory value. Holiday time will be filled with busy work without any leave permit as he did when in the exam period because he needs time to focus on facing the test.

His friendship with Mega went well. Always go home together after school. Sometimes they take the time to stop by the park to just sit together and share stories. Everything is going as usual. Mike has absolutely no more feelings for Mega - he's like a movie sister to Mike, always there when Mike needs his help. College work is sometimes done together.

But Mike doesn't know how Mega feels about him. At all he has not seen any signs that Mega harbors a liking for him. Mega was always good at hiding her feelings - like that time when she should have been disappointed when Mike had promised to take her home but because Mike was in such a hurry that Mike left her home alone with an angkot. He didn't show it to Mike.

And today they promise to meet in the park where they often spend time together relieving all their tiredness with college assignments.

"Mike, can I ask you something ?" Mega breaks the silence. Mike stuttered his face for a moment, and stared mutely at Mega's face before answering her. Mega is not like this usually. No need to wait for Mike's approval when asking.

They always sit facing each other when visiting the park. Unlike other visitors who sometimes sit next to each other to make it easier when they want to lean their head on the shoulder of their lover.

"Yes can. What's up ? You don't have to ask for my consent if you want to ask."

"Do you like to choose who you want to be your life partner for ?" Mega's question surprised Mike. Mike nodded in confusion. Mega realized that.

"What kind of woman do you mean your dream girl is ?" Mega asked again, just bluntly the question. Not much pleasantries. Mega is always like that - not long-winded.

Mike was silent for a moment. At first confused, why did Mega ask like that ? Is the hunch right that Mega has a liking for him ?

"I just want to know about the type of woman you like, what would you choose to be your life partner ? " Submit Mega again after Mega realized that Mike was confused by the question. Right, Mike is getting confused by Mega's question. Mike hasn't thought about it at all.

"I don't know. I mean, for now I haven't thought about it. I still want to focus first on my lecture," Mike replied, trying so that the answer did not offend Mega. Mike was already completely convinced that Mega harbored a taste for him with his question.

"Oh, so. I understand that Mike. I'm the same - I haven't thought about it yet" Mega responded quickly to Mike's answer.

"Then why are you asking like that ?" This time it was Mike who asked Mega to ascertain what reason Mega asked her like that.

"Yes, I just want to know. If only God would allow me to continue with you, I hope that what you dream of in the girl who will accompany you has been found in me" answered Mega honestly.

Mike was struck by lightning. What Mike thought before was right, Mega did hope to be his life companion later. Mike was nervous. Silence mute. Can't speak anymore. He was really surprised to hear Mega's very honest answer to say everything.

Then what should I do ? Do I have to expect the same thing as Mega ? Ahh, this is really not the right time for me to think about this, her inner self.

"Why do you mind if I wish I was the girl who would meet all your criteria and be your life partner ?" Mega asked suddenly, stopping Mike's anger. He stutters. Don't know what to say.

"I don't know Mega. I don't think now is the right time to talk about this. I think it's too soon" he said rather quickly. But Mike's tone was relaxed so as not to offend Mega.

" You know, you've been considered like my own sister. You've been with me for a semester, always there when I need your help, always understand me, so I don't think I deserve it if I have more feelings for you. I just want you to be my sister. Being my best friend. Nothing more than that, Mega," Mike stared at him. His mind's fucked up. Mike hopes his answer doesn't hurt Mega's feelings. Mike really thinks of her like his own sister. That'sthat's all.

Mega is silent in front of Mike. His gaze was sharp, but there was no aura of disappointment on Mega's face. Mega is good at hiding his feelings but once when he wants to express them, he is always outspoken. No pleasantries.

"I understand. I understand that Mike. I'm just saying if God wants, what can I do ? Isn't that so ? I also consider you like my own brother. You're kind, attentive, always there when I need you, always making sure I get home safely to my hostel, I appreciate that. I don't want this relationship to continue and I will be your companion. I'm sorry if I make you uncomfortable with me" replied Mega calmly. He is really good at hiding his heart.

"Yes, I hope you understand Mega. I don't want our good relationship to break down because we have feelings of mutual love between us. I want us to stay friends, be friends. You're like my sister and I'm like your brother" Mike replied casually, trying to explain to Mega that he really wasn't offended.

They're silent again. Mike holds his bottle, pretending to play it so as not to look nervous due to the questions Mega jerks earlier. Hopefully, Mega really understands and is not disappointed.

They spent the night sharing stories without thinking about the criteria for a future girl before Mike drove her home.

*****

Mike threw his body in bed. His right hand was placed on his forehead. Mike can no longer remember that his bad habit was banned by his mother, he said if he put his hands on his forehead.

His mind wandered very far - at Mega's truly puzzling questions. But he can be sure, his feeling is right that Mega harbors a taste with him. Mike tried to digest every word he asked especially on the word criterion.

Does love have to have criteria?

For Mike, the girl he will make a companion is a person who sincerely loves and loves him, appreciates and respects his mother, accepts all the shortcomings of his life, and wants to fight together with him. That'sthat's all. Others will be added in the journey of domestic life later. Mike immediately recalled Laura, the girl who had shown it all to him. But only Mike knows about Laura. He didn't tell anyone.

Mike then grumbled to himself and then turned his body to grab a bolster pillow and hugged him tightly.

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