
Unexpectedly, King took me to the playground and the night market. We rode on a roller coaster that looked terrible with that whip. It was my first experience and I vomited from being drunk afterwards.
I looked at the hand that was outstretched to me and looked at the confused owner. Because I responded too long, Brother King took my own right hand and rubbed his palm gently.
"Mijit palms can reduce hangover symptoms" he said without looking at me.
My heart and feelings warmed because of her small behavior. His hands are very warm. Gently pressing. And feel firm at the same time.
"Still nauseous?"
I'm shaking.
"Hungry?"
I shook my head again. "Still want to play" I said like a child.
Brother King messed up my hair. "There's a boat that goes down the playground through a small river. Do you want to try?"
I sparkled and nodded quickly. Brother King helped me up and we immediately headed to the stand to buy tickets.
The boat is small. Load for two. At first we sat facing each other, but because I wanted to look in the front, I turned my seat back to King's brother. By letting him paddle alone.
I stared in amazement as the boat passed through the narrow gap between the vine plants forming a tunnel overhead. I touched it with my fingers and smiled happily.
I stared at the clear water below. Piling my chin on the edge of the boat, I stared at my fingers half in the water. Unconsciously I looked again. Brother King gave me these wonderful memories. If it is true that I am destined to get married this fast, I doubt such an opportunity still exists. My responsibility will be greater. Seeing Mom, how she bore all the burdens of being a wife, scared me. I'm afraid I can't do everything. The responsibility is too big.
I realized when the boat stopped moving. I looked at the King who was also looking at me.
"You look sad."
I smiled thinly. No, Brother King is too kind. She's flawless. Precisely Brother King looks too burdened with my behavior.
"Sister, if we're a match, we'll still be married, right?" my many.
"Not always the matchmaker will marry Rain. A soul mate doesn't mean always being together" she says makes me look at her long-sightedly.
"Does my sister have a lover?"
The King frowned then shook his head.
"Ah is right?" ask me because the answer is hard to believe.
"No Rain. How's yours?"
I took a breath and shook my head. "I've never had a boyfriend. You know I'm always forbidden to be close to any man" I replied. I looked at King again.
"What about the person who likes you?" tanyaku.
The King frowned and chuckled later. "Look Rain, if we're meant to get married, let's break off all relationships that tend to be more than friends. It's me and you."
I stared at Brother King's past-goals as well as at him who was staring intensely.
"Deal?"
"Deal."
Is correct. If we are indeed destined to marry, then all other relationships must be decided to maintain wholeness and respect for each party.
***
"Where has this late cousin just come home?" vika's cynical question was thrown at me when I stepped on the porch of the house.
Hearing Vika's voice, the people inside popped out. None other than my own aunts.
Aunt Dina—Mother Vika, looking at me with furrowed eyebrows. "Where is Kara? It's too late for a girl to travel. We're so worried because women are so hard to take care of themselves."
"So this is the behavior of children who get scholarships to study abroad? Is this what you've always done in people's countries?" sahut Aunty Risa—Mother Jessi.
I forced a smile. "Thank you for worrying about me, Auntie. Forgive your naughty niece. Kara was playing too much with Kak Arjuna," I said keeping my tone to not be cynical.
"You are not married. Not meeting too many. Do you want something that doesn't happen? What do people say later? This is not in Germany, please do not bring bad habits" said Aunt Risa
"Sir Juna is my future husband's Aunt. Grandfather even asked us to meet each other and spend some time getting closer. Is that wrong? We also know the limits" I said.
"Not a nephew." Aunt Dina rubbed my shoulder.
I thinned my lips. "Oh or don't-don't Aunty not believe in my future husband? Aunty doesn't believe in Grandpa's choice? If King and Grandfather knew, they would definitely be very disappointed. My husband-to-be is a well-bonded and polite man. He's perfect" I said half cynically.
"Don't misunderstand Kara. We only worry about our niece because we care. We're afraid something's not desirable will happen to you." He looked behind me who was already standing there.
Tsk...
"...Isn't that right, sister?" ask Aunt Dina to Aunt Risa.
"That's right nephew."
I snort sickened. "alright. Kara also apologized to Auntie for worrying about it. Then we go in first."
I turned to Brother King to signal him to follow me. After passing through the door, I slowed my pace until Brother King was right behind me.
"So I said I didn't want to stop by" I whispered.
"If I hadn't stopped by, your aunts wouldn't have stopped cornering you."
I'm sighing. "I'm fine, brother. That's normal."
The eyebrows of the King-listed brother are not happy because of my words. I looked forward again while still walking slowly into the living room.
"Just in case something like this happens again, you shouldn't talk about it to Aunt Dina and Aunt Risa" I said.
"Why?"
I'm sighing. "Just can't. They're gonna love to corner me."
I flinched as Brother King pulled my arm making us face to face. I was fixated on her gaze that locked sharply. His two eyebrows almost fused with an unhappy look. I held my breath seeing him so close.
"Rain—"
"Kara? Juno?" We reflexively separated ourselves when Grandpa's voice sounded on my left.
Damnit.
***