Taint

Rafael Daniel Vernandez

A torrent of orange rays from the sun that began to greet, accompanied my slightly hasty steps. I kept swinging my legs, while sipping on the fragrant rose that grew along the way. Wind swish, gently wafting wiggling leaves. Dropping the crystal-clear dew.

Every now and then I glance at the circular clockwork on the left arm, it's 06:00. I was accelerating my steps. The location of the campus is still quite far from where I am currently, whereas I have to arrive there before 06:30.

Today is the birthday of Trijaya University, the university where I studied. As in previous years, the campus celebrated with an art show. All students and students are allowed to participate in this event. Singing solo, band, dance, declamation, or other talent. This annual event is an event to showcase talent, both for senior students, and new students.

I've been studying there for two years, and I've also been in the show. I'll recite the poem I made myself. Ever since I was a kid, I loved writing poetry. Every time the sadness whack, I always pour my emotions in the characters. That's why, I chose the Indonesian Language and Literature major.

A few minutes later, the sturdy campus building began to catch the cornea. I smiled broadly as I ran towards the gate. I saw a lot of students passing by there.

The next minute, my steps came to a halt as it smashed into a foreign figure that suddenly appeared in plain sight. I almost fell down, but luckily he pulled my hand quickly. We both stood at a very close distance. A pair of netraku stared, looking at his tanned bead.

"Are you okay?"

The question awakened me from daydreaming, then I quickly cast my eyes off. Shame slowly approached, remembering my long-time gaze on him. Nevertheless, I still have not brushed off his hand that grasped my arm tightly.

"No, I'm fine" I replied quietly.

"I'm sorry, I'm blocking your way." He smiled as he let go of his grasp.

"It's okay, it's me who should be apologizing. 'And I hit you" I said with a big smile.

"Then forgive each other, it's more beautiful, isn't it?"

I saw him raise both eyebrows, and somehow it caught my attention. For no apparent reason, my heart suddenly beat faster than a few seconds ago.

"Whose name are you?"

Again I heard his voice just sound like that. Maybe it was because I was silent, so he took the initiative to ask.

"Kirana," I replied with a smile.

"Kirana, what a beautiful name. It fits perfectly with your graceful and cheerful face."

I lowered my head, hiding my face that was starting to heat up. Hearing a simple compliment from her, this heart flowered. Kirana Mentari, meaning sunlight. I wonder why you gave me that name. I was born early in the morning, along with the rain that fell on the city. There was no starlight, no moon, no sun.

"Rafael Daniel Vernandez, people often call me Daniel. But I don't mind, if you'd just like to call me by another name."

I saw him smiling as he extended his hand towards me. Then I welcomed him. And it's like there's a stream of electricity stinging my body, when our skin touches each other.

"You're going to college here?" ask Daniel. His voice sounded light, like it was without a burden. Distinct from myself who was very nervous and misbehaved.

"Yes." Yeah."

"Happy yes, have a great day!"

He patted me twice on the shoulder, then you left me still riveted.

"Daniel."

I involuntarily moved my lips, and muttered his name. I don't know who he is, why once I met my attention was stolen by him.

"Woi! Early in the morning!"

Shouted someone while patting my back from behind.

Without even looking, I knew who he was. Her crisp voice, as well as loud laughter were far from graceful. Makes me instantly sure she's Mayra. One of my best friends at the university.

"Can't be May, if you don't have that polite guy." I satirize while turning the eyeballs.

Nervous, maybe that's the most appropriate word to describe him. However, she is a friendly, honest, and simple girl. Although in fact, he is the son of a wealthy businessman who is quite influential in Malang City.

"Why don't I hear that?"

"You're daydreaming. Uh wait, how come your face is red, Ra? Why, again in love, huh?" Mayra looked at me with a big smile.

"Nothing is." I looked away, not wanting Mayra to look me in the face any more.

"Eh really, Ra. Your face is red, I'm not lying. Who did you meet?"

Mayra continued to speak as she followed my steps that began to leave her.

"Ra, wait!" shout Mayra.

At that time, our distance was quite far. I continued to accelerate, while trying to brush aside Daniel's shadow.

"Ra, wait!"

I stopped my steps, when I heard Mayra's scream for the umpteenth time.

"In the morning you have run, if this make up fades responsibility, yes," muttered Mayra.

"Sports May, be healthy" I replied with origin.

"I'm healthy, look, perfect, right?" Mayra ruffled her waist, while spinning slowly. It is perfect for her body posture.

"Your waistband is a little full, May," I muttered to Mayra. She is a girl who always keeps her weight, she will be confused if someone calls her fat.

"You serious, Ra?" Mayra looked at me sharply. It made me feel amused, and failed to hold back the laughter.

"You lied to me, yeah. Basic firmer!" gerutu Mayras.

"Hey, hunted! The show's about to start, you guys are so long!" someone shouted from a distance.

I stared at the source of the voice, and I found Nindi standing near the parking lot. She is our best friend, among the three of us, Nindi is the wisest girl.

"Let's hurry, everyone's ready! Your friends have changed their costumes, May" said Nindi, as Mayra and I stood before her.

"I forgot to set the alarm all night, so I woke up bad luck" Mayra replied.

Then the three of us took a quick step towards the hall.

"What is your poem, Ra? It's all done, right?" ask Nindi.

"It's dong" I replied with a big smile. Toothwashing and dimples that became my pride.

"Cool!" Nindi praised me while giving two thumbs up.

On this show, my best friends and I did not perform together. Because she has a hobby in the world of music, Mayra will appear as a dancer with other friends. As for Nindi, she chose to be a spectator. He is intelligent and wise, but he is very shy. Not having the confidence to perform in public.

We kept going, talking and occasionally laughing. Even though we are different, but friendship is tightly intertwined.

Me and Nindi are girls who were born in a simple family, very different from Mayra. Nindi is a non-Muslim girl. Her beliefs are different from mine and Mayra's. However, we make that distinction a color that embellishes the cord of friendship.

Seriate...