Spend the Night with You

The girl was named Kato

The clock has shown at 22.36 WIB. It's late at night. From the dark corner of the room, I sat down while hugging my knees. Sayup-sayup heard the sound of a car crossing on the tracks that were right behind the cost.

Every now and then I check the clock on the screen. Time is rolling towards midnight. The atmosphere around kos is quite quiet, people are already asleep in dreams. I also wanted to close my eyes immediately, but the sleeping pills I used to drink were no longer effective. As a result, I stayed awake.

Actually, it's not the first time. I've been living with sleep disorders for years. Usually, just by taking medicine, I can sleep until morning. However, for some reason, that method no longer works these days.

Suddenly a whatsapp message came in. I was about to read, but after knowing who sent, I paled my intention.

“Do what he bothers with news! Basic shameless!” muttered.

That message really bothered me right now. The air in the cost felt stuffy and my heartbeat rose uncharacteristically.

“You want some fresh air?” muttered.

“Ayo,” sahutku.

Kuraih's jacket hanging and getting ready in five minutes. There weren't many things I carried except a pack of cigarettes, a few pieces of money, and a business card that read Nana Sanitra. Besides, there's nothing else. I don't even intend to bring hp.

When I went down to the first floor, I met Mahfud the owner of the boarding house. I don't know why he hasn't slept at this hour.

“Mas Nana where to go?” ask Mahfud sir.

“Streetings sir,”my answer is short

“What is the night walk? Not in the morning? Tonight a lot of clitih!” said.

“What's wrong sir. I can take care of myself,” I said.

It is true, at this time the issue of clitih or begal is rising lately. There have been many casualties, but I don't care. I'm leaving right away from there leaving Mr. Mahfud alone.

Where's my destination?

I don't know. I don't have a definite purpose. Armed with a jacket and sweatpants, I walked down the street alone in the cold middle of the night. I hope that this way, I can feel tired soon and can sleep soundly.

I was quite surprised to find that the roads and places I could walk through during the day looked different at night. Some look very dark and quiet, others are crowded and bright thanks to the lights.

It's far enough I've left the boarding house. Along the way, I saw a lot of hanging out places filled with people. A place where night lovers gather to spend time. Unfortunately, I'm not interested in stopping by.

I choose to continue my steps even further.

I kick pebbles or trash on the sidewalk. Some of them got kicked in the garbage cans, while the rest fell into the waterways.

Many times I screamed and fought like a drunk. Then, mess up whatever pops into my head and sing as much. I'm free to do anything now. After all, no one would care about a young man acting strangely in the darkness of the night.

Again, I feel free!

However, I couldn't argue when my feet whined for rest. I decided to pull over for a while in front of a mini market that was still open and lit a cigarette. I enjoyed each of the suction while thinking about what I would do next.

“Enaknya .. can I request one?”

I was shocked while coughing. Who's talking?

I found a girl sitting in an empty chair in front of me. Since when he was there. Is it because I'm so focused on daydreaming that I didn't realize anyone was coming?

“Why surprised? Can I have one?” reworked.

“Sorry, I didn't realize there was anyone,” I said as I sat back down and offered him a cigarette.

“Thanks!” abugn.

It feels a bit strange and awkward when it comes to sharing a cigarette with a stranger especially a girl. I'm not used to new people. So, I chose to stay quiet while enjoying a cigarette.

“It looks like you're not here, where are you from?” the woman opened the conversation. “Known, my name is Kato Wito. Call aja Kato.”

Kato Wito's? Not a proper name for an Indonesian. Is he a stranger? Ah not really. This girl has a native girl face. However, his way of looking rather unusual.

He was wearing a black, long-sleeved shirt with a vest. Her subordinate, she wears a knee-length black skirt combined with black stockings.  In addition, accessories such as belts, rings, and shoes have the same dark color theme. This time I met a gothic fashion lover in person.

“I'm Nana,” I said. “I'm not really here. I'm just a coincidence passing.”

“Where are you going?” ask Kato.

I poured out the rest of the cigarette butts and then took the new bars.

“Ngot anywhere. I'm just making it unclear,” I replied accordingly.

“Seriously? By himself? Night-night?” his reply.

I'm nodding.

Out of the blue, Kato laughed as if what I told him was a joke.

“What's funny?” I said half-difficult.

Slowly his laughter stopped and changed into a smile. His eyes looked straight at me as if I was a target object that should not be separated. However, I realized there was another meaning in his gaze. His eyes seemed to dive into my mind.

“You can't sleep? Why flyover?” kato said suddenly.

“What do you care?” sahutku.

“I care? Nothing at all. You are a stranger and I am a stranger. There's no reason for me to care about you. I'm just curious about the nice guy who gave me these kretek cigarettes. Am I wrong?” He played my given cigarette between my middle and index finger.

I let out a breath. Well, he has a point. I shouldn't be so insolent and impudent. All right, let's pretend a little friendly.

“I have insomnia,” I answered briefly in a flat tone.

The atmosphere became momentarily silent.

“Insomnia yes ..”  Kato lit his cigarette, then contributed smoke in the air.

“Hey, Na!. I know this is gonna be weird for you because we just met. But, instead of wandering around alone, what if you come with me? I can take you to cool places. We can play anything until morning,”.

“Town fun? I'm not interested in discotheque or localization,” I said.

Kato stood up and walked to the minimarket courtyard. He turned around and spread his hand.

“What are the only two places you think you can make fun, Na? Your mind is so narrow! It's night time! Many exciting places open at this hour know!” said.

“Terus?” sahutku.

“Come with me! I'm sure you won't be squeaky. You also can't sleep, right?” once again Kato took me.

“I have no interest, sorry.” I don't want to get involved with him. Moreover, his gothic clothes are quite disturbing to me.

“Come! Don't sell expensive cakes that way! Come!” take him once more.

Kato Wito the foreign girl. Who her? I don't know. Bad or good, I can't guess. Beyond that, the call was suspicious. He could have been trying to frame me, but after I thought it was fine, there was no harm in me agreeing to Kato's invitation.

“Ya already! I'm coming!” I said.

He approached and asked me to shake hands.

“Welcome to the night world, Nana.”

I'll take her hand. “Ya, please help.”

Journey continued. Just five minutes into our trip, Kato was very chatty and talkative. He talks about almost everything we meet. Despite the noise, I felt a little comforted thanks to his chatter.

“Ah Yes, Na! Choose one, Chicken Noodles or Pao Tub?” said suddenly.

“Mie Chicken,” I replied accordingly.

“Yosh, it's set! Hold my hand!” He extended his hand.

“Shortly. Why do we hold hands?” I said interrupt.

Kato rolled his eyeballs.

“Pake new! We run away! I don't want you to miss. Come cepet handle!” emphatically.

“What's the connection?” I still mind.

Kato's forehead shriveled in annoyance. He grabbed my hand by force. Beyond a doubt, Kato's energy was unusually strong. I can't even take my hand out of his.

“Come!” yells.

We ran or rather, Kato dragged me. Then, something that did not enter happened. The movement of the world around me became very slow. All things including vehicles and people slowed down. Only the two of us moved normally.

“Why Na? You shocked?” kato asked as if reading my confusion.

I was made speechless.

“You want to try more exciting not?!” his yell.

Kato suddenly stopped and turned around. I'm not ready, I don't want to hit him. However, he swiftly caught on and “ threw” of my body into the sky. Yeah, you didn't read it wrong. The girl could actually throw me into the free air several tens of meters above the ground.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH” shouted at me while closing my eyes. “I DON'T WANT TO DIE!”

“Why panic? You will not die! Relax, there's Kato here!” Kato flew up while laughing.

His hand grabbed me and that's when I felt my falling rate slow down.

“Nah Nana! Open your eyes and see the view!” abugn.

I told myself to open my eyes. Slowly but surely, I saw a glittering light spread out. Really lovely. I never thought that the view of the city from a height was so amazing. I felt like I was looking at a star.

Kato caught my body. Then, we landed on the ground smoothly.

“It was amazing! How did you do all that, Kato?” i say enthusiastically.

“I'll clear later. Let's eat first!” show it to a five-footed field not far from where we are now. Surprisingly there was no other seller other than the chicken noodle stall. Plus the surrounding environment is quite dark and very quiet because it is in the old shophouse complex which is a bit far from the highway.

Kato led the way.

“Met malem, Mr Jarwo!” kato greeting the seller.

“Met malem too, Kato. Tumben's not alone, your girlfriend huh?” say the seller while making small talk.

“Pak Jarwo can. How could I date this guy! Mr. Jarwo knows for himself that I love om-om money!” argue Kato.

They both laughed at the joke just now.

We entered the tent and sat down. Mr. Jarwo came while bringing two glasses of warm sweet tea.

“So want to pesen what mas mbak?” ask the seller.

“Wait a minute, sir!” sela Kato's. “I haven't told you what's special about chicken noodles here!”

Kato gripped my shoulder.

“Dengerin me, Na. Chicken noodles made by Mr. Jarwo is very good to use, and I'm sure you will be addicted. You can order small, medium, and large portions. But ... as a person who has experience, I advise you to order jumbo portions!” he said seriously.

I nodded in disagreement.

“Sorry Kato. But, I can't eat a serving of jum ..”

“Pak Jarwo! Jumbo Portion two yes!” cut the gothic girl.

“Ready to do!” sahut the seller who immediately ready the order.

“Sorry sir! I did not order prosi jumbo.” I stood up to approach Mr. Jarwo.

Suddenly the Kato “handled me”. He easily pulled my shirt until I fell backwards. Then, without hesitation, he choked my neck. Of course I struggled, but I lost strongly.

“Just you should eat that jumbo portion! Point!” He forced.

“Iya-iya I understand!” I said weld.

Kato then let me go. “You won't work. Trust me!”

In the end, I had no choice but to follow his will. You fucking girl. Not long after, Mr. Jarwo returned with two large bowls of chicken noodles.

“Happy meal!” kato.

“Goodbye,” sahutku.

When the first mouthful entered my mouth, I was at a loss for words. I've never tasted this chicken noodle. Of the many chicken noodles, this is the best. It didn't take long, one serving of jumbo chicken noodles I laid down.

“That's abis. Yummy right?” kato Goda.

“Ya passable, I like.” Kato has a point too. I don't regret ordering a jumbo.

I took a cigarette and lit it. Nothing can replace the sensation of smoking after eating.

“After this where we go?” my many.

“Where is it good, how about going to cafenet? Can mabar our Talorant! Gini-gini I'm good at playing this!” he said while bragging.

Talorant yes. This time I will repay him. Just look at it later.

“OK, we go to this net cafe out!” I said.

Kato gave his thumb.