REX AND REN

First For Everything

It was the first time I sat next to someone else while driving. Masksudku, besides Mr. Alif, Papa and last time Rex. I looked at Niko who was driving, then suddenly she glanced at me from the corner of her eyes. Quickly I turned my eyes forward, squeezing my fingers to ease the nervousness.

“Why, Ren?” ask Niko.

“Ah, it's okay.” I found my voice slightly shaking. Damnit damnit! I suck at hiding my nervousness. But apparently, Niko was unaware of that, so I could feel a little relieved.

“Sorry yes, Ren. Suddenly walk you, surely you are a bit uncomfortable, yes?” said again.

“Nothing, really. I'm also happy, you took me on the road.” This time my voice sounded more relaxed. Goody.

Niko sighed as she finished turning, then she said, “So, before watching, how about we eat first? You see, if we directly watch, then we are sluggish.”

I nodded, assuring. Anyway, I won't stand the hunger in the movie theater for two hours.

“Oke,”

***

I thought when Niko said she was gonna take me to a meal, she'd take me to a fancy restaurant like Le Quartier, Eleven Madison Park or something. It's like in the movies with the romantic dinner scene.

But it turns out Niko was parking her car on the side of the road right in front of a street stall. He shut off the engine and got out and circled the car to open my door.

“Ayo,” said while helping me down.

I followed Niko who was walking in front of me towards the street. Once we arrived, we were immediately greeted by a middle-aged man, like he was the owner of a stall.

“Eh, there's Mas Niko. How are you, Mas?” greet the man is friendly.

“Good, Sir. Father good news too, right?”

They greeted each other like they had known each other for a long time, and it seemed that way.

“Wah, yes dong, Mas. Tumben, Mas Niko brought his girlfriend.”

My chest immediately rippled to hear the word ‘pacar’ called. Niko glanced at me with a smile.

“Oh, it's me, sir.”

“Temen what is temen..”

“Hehe...You can aja.”

I don't know why there's such a disappointment in my heart to hear Niko's answer. I mean, it's true we're not dating, but he can't just give you a diplomatic answer. His answer seemed to put me in the position of a friend one night and tomorrow was likely no longer.

“Ya already, Sir. We pesen nasi goreng, two.”

“Beres!”

After saying that, Niko looked at me who from earlier was just standing quietly beside her.

“What's up Ren, we eat here?” tanyakanya. I'm nodding.

“Nothing, kok.”

“Please, you will not be disappointed. The place is emang emperko, but about taste, nomero uno.”

“Emerko?” My forehead is wrinkled, I don't understand what it means.

“Iya. Emperor Toko.” whispered to me immediately chuckled.

Okay, looks like I'm going to pull back my talk about Niko not having a sense of humor. It turns out that he made me laugh now.

“Come, we sit.” take her later.

Although only five feet, but this shop looks crowded. The place is also clean and comfortable. We had a jostle with other visitors as we headed to the corner table.

We sat facing each other and this was the first time I could see Niko's face clearly. In the computer club, I see it often. But with casual clothes like this, Niko looks more handsome and mature. The gray eye color that I'm sure is the legacy of his German blood, combined with the firm jawline on his face, the pointed nose and full-looking lips. Framed with two thick eyebrows that look almost fused.

That perfect.

While waiting for the food to come, we talked.

“So, how is your Oxford preparation?”

“OK. I'm sure I can do it.”

“Hmm. England has many good places, so you can while cultural tourism later.”

Hearing the English being called, I remembered something I really wanted to know.

“Oh, yes, denger-denger, you've lived in Germany, right?”

Niko nodded. “Yup.”

“I was born in Germany, mother German. But only until about the age of 12 years, we continue to move here because papa was transferred here.” he continued. I'm just a mangosteen.

“What's your initial S length in your uniform, anyway? Written only Niko S Atmadja.” you are curious.

“Oh, that's mama's last name, her German name. S it Schmidt, because it is a bit difficult to say, ribet also written, so I am short aja.” replied indifferently.

“My full name is Nikolai Schmidt Atmadja. But I prefer to be called Niko, I think more cool.” he continued while grinning.

I just smiled in response. Mau Niko or Nikolai, for me both are equally cool.

“Wah!” I exclaimed.

“Why, Ren? Hot?” asked Niko with an anxious face. I could tell all the other visitors were also staring at us.

I'm shaking.

“But son!” sahutku finally. Niko looked satisfied.

“Reveal, what I said, you will definitely not be disappointed.” he said.

I myself have continued eating, not wanting to lose the taste of this fried rice while it is hot. Maybe I'm overdoing it, but I've never once in my life eaten fried rice so well. I mean, mama-made is delicious, but this one is different. I'll let you know later, maybe sometime we can come over here and ask for the recipe.

***

After pampering the tongue and filling the stomach with super delicious fried rice, we arrived at the cinema. Because maybe it's Sunday night, so the cinema looks crowded. Niko invited me to take a look at what movies we were going to watch.

“Where if we watch this, aja.” Niko pointed to one of the posters that seemed to be an action movie. Because in the poster the main character holds a gun.

“Bby,” I said.

“Hmm..but it looks exciting too.” Now he pointed at the poster next to him, which this time was clearly a comedy film.

“OK,” nods me. But Niko shook her head.

“No, deh. I think it's better.” Now he pointed to the poster of the romantic drama movie.

“Yup,” tukasku.

Okay, I honestly don't care what movie we're going to watch. Want a historical film megalithic era to murder crazy, as long as with Niko, I must have watched it.

So, after buying the tickets, pop corn and Pepsi, we walked into the cinema room. Watch the fairy tale romance between Constance Wu and Hendry Golding.

***

After watching, we headed to the parking lot and got into the car, preparing to go home. But Niko did not start the engine of the car directly. Does he not want to go home yet? It's not ten yet, but I mean, where is he going anyway?

“Ren, “ call it.

“Ya?” I'm turning.

“You look so beautiful this malem. Thanks, you want to go with me.”

I can feel my blood hot and flowing quickly to my brain. My face must be as red as a tomato now.

“Iya, equally.” lirihku shyly.

This is the first time anyone other than Papa has told me I'm beautiful. Rex definitely wouldn't believe it if he heard this, because all this time he thought I was not at all pretty but more like a pufferfish.

“Ren, I want to say something.” continued Niko. His gray eyes looked at me intensely and automatically, my heart pounding.

“A-what?”

Niko cleared her throat a few times.

“I like you. You want to be my girlfriend?”

My heart stopped beating and my brain was empty. What did he just say? It's not a dream, is it?

“Ah, sorry yes. You, no need to answer now, kok.” Niko said that looked wrong.

“If you need time, you can think first. I won't make up or..”

I don't know what happened to my brain cells. But before Niko finished her sentence, I replied, “Ya.”

Niko smiled as I remained in my original position, motionless. Like a slow motion, then Niko stuck out her head and kissed my lips.

I'm stunned.

Niko kissed me slowly, not a kiss of lust but a soft kiss, as light as cotton.

***

The first thing I brought up after I got to my room was: My lips still remember her lips.

The second thing I thought about was: I don't know why I said ‘Ya.’

For a moment there was doubt in my mind. What if I make the wrong decision by saying ‘ya'? What if I end up with another heartbreak? Can I handle my broken heart for the second time? Or, what if Niko is as dick as Abi?

I immediately shook my head, ashamed of all the doubts.

From now on, I don't want to feel doubt or fear anymore. I want to be brave. I want to have my own teenage life, including falling in love with a guy I like and who likes me.

I touched my lips with my fingers. Niko just kissed me. First kiss. He kissed me and I liked him. I'm pretty sure I like it. I'm pretty sure I like Niko.

Suddenly I remembered Maya and Vania. Should I tell them about this kiss?

No. gabe.

I think I'm entitled to keep something precious to be my own secret. Well, I'll keep this kiss to myself.