My Love Is Stupid's

Chapter 22's

Fara piled up the pictures, then put them back in a brown envelope. He will return it at the graduation ceremony.

The next day, Fara woke up at 05:30, took a shower, then cooked rice. Today is graduation day at the beach. Since Fara only needs to go in the afternoon to gather at school, she uses her morning time to pack other items that are still sitting in the living room.

The sound of paper being thrown stopped Fara's activities. He looked at the front page. It was the morning newspaper. Fara took the newspaper and brought it home. He read the headlines at a glance, then read other news. In the middle courtyard, his gaze stopped. Julien bardeux, a renowned jeweler, will hold a two-day exhibition. Today and tomorrow. He wondered if Niko was reading this news. At the very least, Niko could attend this jewelry exhibition.

At about 14:30, Fara arrived at school. As usual, buses are parked in the school area. This time the teachers freed the students to sit on any bus. Fara sees Niko and Erika entering the first bus. He decided to enter the last bus.

As usual, he occupied the back seat. Two hours later, the bus arrived at the beach. The school has rented a meeting hall to be the center of the farewell event.

Inside the building there is live music, buffet food, and floor. Fara sees Erika pulling Niko to the dance floor. Fara chose to grab some food and sat in the corner.

That night, Niko and Erika are chosen as the best couple from their school. Fara clapped as they were presented with a pair of crowns. (They do fit each other), Fara admitted inwardly.

Slowly his steps towards exiting the building. Some other students prepare a bonfire on the beach. Fara walked along the beach and then stopped. His eyes looked at the vastness of the ocean. Maybe that's the distance between her and Niko. Without feeling her tears flowing.

I don't know how long Fara stared at the ocean with tears. Suddenly someone's voice resuscitated him.

"Mara...."

Fara tried to wipe away her tears. He turned around and saw Niko in front of him. "You okay?" ask Niko. "We're about to start the bonfire."

Fara gulps. "I'll be there in a minute" he said slowly.

Niko looked at Fara with a little worry. A moment ago, when Erika took him out to look at the preparation of the bonfire, she saw the shadow of someone not far from there and approached her. For some reason, in Niko's heart knew it must be Fara. Fara has never joined any of her other friends. Always alone. That was why, Niko approached him to take him to the bonfire event. If her estimation was not wrong, she seemed to see Fara crying.

"I'm fine," Fara replied reassuring Niko.

"You should have joined the others" suggested Niko. “The farewell party should be celebrated together."

Fara nodded, "you're right."

"Let's go," Niko asked as she turned around.

Fara looked at Niko's back again. I don't know how many times. Unknowingly his voice called out to Niko.

Niko turned around again, "yes?"

"Have you read the paper today?" ask Fara slowly. "There was a two-day jewelry exhibition. Today and tomorrow."

Niko sighed. "I know."

(Oh, he already knows), Fara said inwardly. "You don't want to attend?" ask Fara again.

"No," Niko replied after a while.

Fara looked into Niko's eyes which looked sad when answering her question. For some reason, her feelings say Niko lied to her this time. Fara clasped her hands tightly. Niko did not know that her sad gaze had made Fara's heart break. "Niko. here you look." Erika approached Niko and pulled on her arm. His sharp gaze fell on Fara. He snorted softly, "Let's go. The bonfire has begun."