REX AND REN

Everything Still Perfect

It is no secret that the name of the rumor must spread quickly. Just like the news about me and Niko that was quickly noticed by all the school residents including the members of the computer club. Of course, Abi is no exception.

So, on the first day that Niko and I walked into the computer room with a dating status, the first person to greet was Fredi.

“Kok can?” said.

“Why not?” my answer made him shudder.

Rudy and Doni just stared at us. Especially Rudy who looked so intensely paying attention, more precisely to me. As for Abi, she directly opted out when me and Niko entered earlier. Well, stupid shitty, I don't mind about that one guy.

“Serious, Nik. How can? You use what pellets Ren?” ask Ferdi who was still curious. He sat down next to Niko.

“Jaran Goyang.” answered me who made Niko giggle. What kind of girl does she think I am to use pellets? Do I seem to have no allure at all to make a guy fall in love with me?

“Idih..apaan.” was upset.

“No pellets. Indeed I had a crush on Ren from the first entry here.” said Niko finally who made Ferdi mangosteen.

Well, Niko once told me that she's liked me since the first day I joined the computer club. Behind her indifference and cynicism, Niko covers up her feelings, especially when she finds out that I like Abi. So he tried to back off regularly because he did not want to damage other people's relationships. But as soon as he saw my death-foot-kick, he felt the opportunity was still wide open. To that end, Niko said she didn't want to waste any more time getting to me. So, he moved quickly, taking the initiative to express his feelings. Look, how lucky am I?

***

Two months with Niko, I've come to know some unique things about her. For example, when we eat a burger, Niko must always get rid of her lettuce. He also disliked the spicy sauce and simply added mayonnaise on top of the cheese sheet.

When I asked, “Kok, dumped the hose? Kan, yummy.”

“From childhood I did not like.”

“Burger without sauces must taste strange.” I said again.

“I can't stand a spurt. I think my tongue is more in Europe than Asia.”

Niko also dislikes people burping nearby. Do not like when there are people who take something but after finished wearing it is not put in its original place. Once Ferdi took a solder from a repair table but after using it, the solder was simply placed on the floor.

Sure enough, Niko immediately rebuked him.

“Fer, the solder is bolted again to its place.”

“Iya, later.” replied Ferdi casually.

“Ferdi!”

“Hmm..iya later.” Still relaxed.

Instantly Niko galloped towards him with an angry face.

“You didn't, anyway? It solder flipped again to the place it was back!”

Ferdi immediately jumped and hurriedly stood up to pick up the solder and put it again to its original place. At times like this, Niko looks like a cold-blooded killer.

But Niko wasn't always like that. Almost at every opportunity, he was always sweet to me. For example, when we were in the library, I tried to take the encyclopedia book on the top shelf. I took great pains to reach him even though my feet were on my tiptoes. Suddenly, Niko was behind me and easily stretched out her hand to pick up the book for me. I turned and looked at him in amazement.

“Nih,” said.

“Still.”

“You should say, let me take it. Ngapain until jinjit-jinjit gitu.”

And I can only walk like a fool.

“Nih, drunk. he said this can reduce the pain.” he said while putting a plastic bag on my desk.

“What is this?” I muttered while opening it.

My eyes widened, it turns out the contents are menstrual pain relief drinks. I was amazed, how could he buy this? I mean, he's a guy isn't he shy about buying menstrual drinks? How could he overcome the gaze of the cashier when paying for it?

“You, bring a spare pad to replace? Or do I want to buy it all?” bargain again with a flat expression as if it was a normal thing.

I hurriedly said, “Eh, no need. I brought it, kok.”

Even for him buying sanitary napkins is not a problem. Unlike Rex who when I ran out of pads and asked him to buy them at the nearest mini market, he immediately said, “Hah? Me? Buy pads? Where is my pride..”

Yep, it's lucky that Niko doesn't have such a trait. With Niko, I feel fine. He makes everything feel easy and light.

***

One day in November, Mr. Revelation called me to the teacher's room. I walk with joy. I had never been this happy before when I was called to the teacher's room. But ever since Niko was around, like I said, things have been easy.

“Ren, have you seen on the website that Oxford registration starts to open?” said Mr. Revelation who sat in front of me. I don't know why I feel like she's getting older than a few months ago. There was some gray hair in his hair.

“Iya, Sir. I've seen.”

“Then how is your preparation? All the requirements are you ready? Or is there less? If so let me help.” he continued with a serious look. But I could see the sincerity in his eyes when Mr. Revelation said he wanted to help me.

“No, Sir. Everything is done. I prepared it well.”

“Letter recommendation?”

“Udah, Sir.”

“Good.” he said while nodding in satisfaction.

“Bapak really hopes Ren, you can pass there. Let me give an example to your friends and juniors if they have the will to achieve their dreams.” explained Mr. Wahyu in a soft and wise tone. This is one I like about him, a fatherly nature as soothing as papa.

“Iya, Sir.” I replied. He's nodding.

“Father doain, hope you succeed yes, Ren.” I immediately smiled when I heard his words that sounded very sincere and solemn.

“Still, Sir.”

I did prepare everything necessary to apply to Oxford. A few days ago they announced on the official website that the registration of the new school year has been opened. Of course I've been aiming for a slot to get a full scholarship. Although without a scholarship program, papa would be able to finance my studies there. But I was determined that I wanted to go to college there on my own to not bother my parents too much. Of course by getting a full scholarship program.

So, after that I told Niko in the computer room.

“Congratulations yes, Ren. I'll doain hope you graduate. I'm sure you can.”

“Still, Nik. I really want to go there.” Niko looked to nod.

“Terus, how are you? Where do you want to register?” my many.

Niko never discussed where she was going after school. Actually, in my heart, I thought that until I got accepted to Oxford, it meant that we would be far apart. When I think about it, I feel scared. So I was hoping Niko might be able to follow me. I mean, he's also quite a genius and must have met Oxford's criteria.

“Ah, I haven't thought of Ren. Right now I just focus on developing the start up application that I have made and it must eat a lot of time.” he replied later.

Of course I can't force. I can only hope that one day he will change his mind and join me in applying to Oxford.

I hope that.