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Chapter 2 The first shopping at the Mall.

We gathered at the dinner table for dinner. My first dinner at my grandfather's house after returning from Germany.

The atmosphere was so calm and warm as we talked and shared stories. Most of the questions that were thrown at me were just about my life in a country of people. I'm trying to answer as I see fit. I don't want to change the mood by asking another question.

"German would be a lot of fun, Kara. To the extent that my niece this one very rarely holds her phone."

I smiled stiffly. I could feel my mother's gaze to strengthen me. It was only my mother who understood and did not pressure me.

"Sometimes I miss my niece, but she's very busy and I end up calling Jessi. Thank goodness she's not as busy as her sister despite studying in the country."

The people closest to you are toxic to you.

That's what mom told me. I am the real nest of snakes. They're makota. Other than children and spouses, others were enemies to be dropped. So was my family, my uncles and aunts. They were too busy offering their sons in all sorts of ways.

I smiled wryly. This is one of the reasons why I feel at home in a country of people. They asked just to be proud. Showing who is better.

"I'm sorry Auntie. I was too busy prioritizing my education to forget my family. I have to work hard so that I can maintain my scholarship," I said as decently as possible.

"Ah yes, right too. Kara went to college with a scholarship. It's okay baby, I'm very proud because Kara is very smart and can go to college with Kara's own efforts, not because of the interference of others."

I held back my smile as my mother in a calm voice passed over to Aunt who was about to speak again. My mother did look meek and gentle, but she was at least happy to see her daughter being bullied and trying to be cornered.

Auntie did not answer again. I put on a smile because my mother slapped him and his daughter, Jessi.

"So Kara, what about Juna?"

Oh, I just remembered that King's sister was called by the little name Juna.

"We're getting to know each other Cake" I replied. Grandfather nodded in satisfaction. I smile at the smile.

What else do I have to answer? If we say we have known each other for a long time, everything can be urgent. I also have to make sure again and convince myself.

***

When I woke up in the morning, I was in my room. I was dragged to the bathroom to clean up.

"Juna will be here in 15 minutes" Mother said.

I shrivel. "But Mom, it's too early."

"Your head! It's almost ten."

I looked at the wall clock and was surprised because it was so late in my eyes. Damn, maybe because I'm exhausted to this kind of absurdity.

"Everything is below. Watch your attitude later." Mom cupped my face. "Hold on, baby, just for a minute."

There is a lot of meaning in my words. My chest was turbulent wanting to ask Mom everything. Spilling all my feelings. But I look tired and not okay. So all I swallowed again round and round and nodded to please his heart.

"I understand" answered me and Mother kissed my forehead.

I immediately went downstairs after attaching the sling bag on my right shoulder. I saw Aunt Risa and Aunt Ana in the living room chatting. I say hello as a courtesy even if it's just a subtle innuendo that I receive.

I saw Brother King chatting together with grandfather in the front seat.

"Grandfather's granddaughter just woke up after the sun was overhead" Grandpa said with a smile.

"Over now, Cake. But Kara continued the thesis in the room," I answered a lie.

Grandpa grunting makes me pout. I looked at King's brother. She smiled at me and stood up. We told Grandpa to leave immediately.

"I'm sorry for interrupting your script time" King said as we were on our way.

"I've guessed," replied Brother King smiling amusedly. "I understand why you're doing that."

I nodded and smiled with satisfaction. "Where are we going?" my many.

At first glance Brother Raja looks confused by my question. "I've been thinking about this but I don't know a suitable place for you. What you like and don't like. A place you visit often. Hobby or whatever."

I hid an amused smile because of his words. I put my finger on my chin while thinking. "Old people are always in a hurry," I said getting a nod of agreement from King Brother.

"Hm.alright. Don't go anywhere. How about we play Ask Me Anything? Ask everything you want to know and I'll answer you the other way around. To get to know each other."

I saw the corner of King's lips raised next to. "Are you sure?"

He underestimated me. I grunt. The car suddenly stopped and I only realized when we arrived at the edge of a lake. I blinked.

"Is this a coincidence or is Brother planning?" I asked to look out the window.

"Continue Rain. Do you want to come down and play there?"

I looked at him who gave me a choice. Without answering, I opened the car door and felt the fresh air. The king caught up with me and we sat down on the grass by the lake.

"Why did you choose to study in Germany?"

I'm speechless. It was the seventh question that Brother King asked after the previous six questions just about what I like and what I hate.

"To be here will only make me like Sister Sania" I replied slowly as I looked at the few little grasshoppers jumping around in the grass.

There was silence for a few seconds before King cleared his throat and changed to the next question. "Rain, this is the question I wanted to ask from a long time ago," he said, making me focus on him.

"Why did you leave without saying goodbye?"

I'm stunned. Brother King nailed his gaze to my eyes. I turned my eyes to the grass I was playing on.

"Sorry," I said slowly. My feelings suddenly didn't feel all right. The King's question is sensitive enough for me to answer. Why of the many questions, should this be what Brother King asked.

I thinned my lips and sighed. "My parents always warned me not to be close to any man. My distant cousin likes Brother. And when she found out I was going to be your duet friend, she got angry and asked me to cancel it. But we've been practicing too much and it's close to your farewell day. I don't want everything to go awry so I ignore it."

I looked at King. "You know, sister, I even prepared myself to come to school. However, my cousin told Grandpa. Saying that we are even more than friends. Grandpa got mad and locked me in a room without a cell phone."

The king did not flinch.

"I don't know what my cousin said. It would be unnatural if just for being in a relationship, Grandpa would be that angry. Something must have been exaggerated. But I don't know."

King's brother cleared his throat. "Did your grandfather know your cousin's lies?"

I'm shaking. "I don't know."

"That's overkill," said Brother Raja making me look at him. His eyes looked very serious. "Your cousin. Such sneaky people are the ones I should avoid."

I looked at Brother King's goal.

"I'm not saying this to make Brother avoid him," I said making Kak return my gaze.

"I told Brother not to misunderstand. If I could, I'd really like to perform with my brother back then."

TB

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