See You Tonight

Chapter 12: Book Store

Finally the first break bell after 2 hours of sports lessons and 1 hour of math rang. The first break here is 15 minutes. As usual, there wasn't much I did on the first break. I just sat daydreaming while waiting for the break time to run out by occasionally observing the class to memorize their names. At least now I know the name sitting on the right side of my chair is Cindy, and the one behind her is Reuben.

Actually, I want to go visit 10-6 to meet Sofia. But it seems like I can't do that yet. I was too nervous to go to another class.

"Aren't you in the cafeteria?" ask Ema who is sitting in front of me.

"Engga, I had finished my sport in the cafeteria, so I was still full" I replied slowly.

After that, we did not continue the conversation. This time, my gaze was fixed on Ahsan and Ruben who had just entered the classroom. It seems they have become good friends. They always look the two wherever they go.

***

Today's lesson is finally over. Today is my picket schedule, so I have to clean up class first before I go home. Because the number of students in our class is 24, each picket group consists of five people except Friday which is only 4 people.

Monday's picket groups are me, Cindy, Aji, Ema, and Agatha. Aji and I cleaned up the blackboard and tidied up the tables and chairs, while Cindy, Ema, and Agatha were sweeping and dusting the walls, tables, and more.

"You've decided you want to take an extracurricular, what Lang?" aji asked suddenly while sliding the chair.

"Not yet" I answered

"You're that quiet guy, Lang? It seems you rarely interact with us" he asked again.

"It may be like that, I rarely talk to other students. "

"Why?"

"So, I just feel uncomfortable. I mean, would I really accept them if I interacted?"

"You try it yourself. Maybe you're just thinking too much haha," Aji chuckled.

We continued our work until it was finished. When they finished, they left the class. I was the last person to leave the class. I didn't go straight home, this time I wanted to see 10-6 first and hope to still be able to meet Sofia. But it seems impossible, all 10th graders seem to have gone home except those who got picket rations today.

I started walking next to class 10-6. I looked into the classroom through the open door. As I thought before, there was no one in the class.

I went straight home after that. Again, I didn't see Sofia today.

***

On the way home, I stopped by a bookstore. I'm planning on buying a novel or two. I often buy books in this place, maybe it's been since SD. I remember when the first person to bring me here was Dad. I also really like reading books.

The bookstore here is not very big. Visitors are not too crowded either. That's what makes me comfortable when shopping for books here. The one guarding this shop is still the same from when I first came here. A woman in glasses whose hair has now started to whiten. Maybe he's about 60 now. In this store there are no employees like him. I always saw him guarding this shop alone.

When I entered, I immediately saw the shopkeeper's grandmother who was always seen reading a very thick book. Not to forget too, a drinking bottle that is always on his desk.

I also started to shop around to choose which novel I would buy. How surprised I was when I found out that Cindy was here too. I saw him reading a synopsis of the novel he was holding.

Amidst the confusion, he suddenly turned to look at me. "Eh Galang, want to find a book too?" he said with a smile.

"I-yes I-I want to buy a book," I replied in surprise.

"Well, what kind of book are you looking for?" ask again.

"You're looking for a novel like this."

"Did you like to read novels too?"

"Yes that's it. I spend a lot of time reading novels."

"Oh so, great. Yasudah, I'm first. I want to go home first" he said, bringing the novel he just held to the cashier. After he finished paying, he left the store.

I started to choose which novel I wanted to buy. I read synopses from one novel to another.

Finally, after a long time of choosing, I decided to buy one novel only this time. I bought a novel called "Rain on the Moon". A novel set in a world of fiction, adventure, and a bit of romance. I took the novel to the cashier.

***

While waiting for the dark, I sat on the balcony beside my room while looking at the already orange sky. Not to forget the cup of warm chocolate that accompanied me.

Since I went to high school, I've probably changed a lot. Little by little, I began to be able to remember the name of my classmate. Probably about half of what I have already memorized.

Even I can remember the name of the other class that is Sofia, even though we just happened to meet that time and after that we have never met again.

I drank the hot chocolate that had started to cool down little by little. It feels so peaceful to drink warm chocolate on the balcony at dusk like this. Plus the wind that alternately hit my face.

I wonder if everyone in my class has remembered my name or not? But, as far as I've spoken, they all know my name. Am I 'fencing' myself so hard to remember people's names?

I don't know, it looks like I just have to keep trying hard now. I think I found a reason why I should be friends with them. It seems, there will be many things that I have never felt that I will feel when I am with others. Whether it's friends, family, or even people you just met on the street.

Now, the street lights are starting to turn on. The sun is getting drowning. The air is also starting to get colder. The chocolate cup was full, and now I'm done drinking.

What kind of future will I have? Will it be fun? Or are unexpected things going to happen?

The sun is completely sunk. The crescent-shaped moon is now appearing in place of the sun. I was happy to see the city at night from my balcony. I felt like I was sitting with my dad next to me.

***

Seriate