This Is It?

Chapter 9: The Flavors

When love is almost intertwined, there are only transverse aral. Patience was forced to be planted deeper so as not to be wrong in acting. I realized I shouldn't be in a hurry.

Yesterday, I failed to take Mutia to lunch together. Finally, I ate with Dita and my 4 Commanders. What an irony. Dining with those who have always looked down on me.

After lunch, I went to Papa's office. I received an amazing welcome when I entered the car park. Especially after they found out that I'm a subsidiary owner of the company.

World oh world, how cruel you are! It is as if there are only two groups that have power and privilege. First, those who have offices and property. Second, those who have the charm of the look.

I used to think about changing that paradigm. Prove that everyone has the right to be seen as equal. The appearance can fade due to age. Treasures can be lost due to inflation and hedonistic behavior.

Boxing social classes only creates gaps. Skills and abilities are the ultimate savior in life. But again, that was my old mind. When I was in my early teens. When I look at everything with a strong idealism, such as just understanding the lessons of Pancasila Education and Entrepreneurship. Yeah, when I haven't felt the name discriminated.

From the 1st grade of elementary school to the end of Junior High, I was always champion one. I studied hard to be sent to various smart race meticulous between schools. I always managed to be the ultimate winner.

Unfortunately, my achievements had to come to a halt due to a sabotage that broke my spirit. This happened when I was in 3rd grade of Junior High.

At that time, I failed to represent the area for the Mathematics Olympiad at the national level. In fact, I have been declared to pass the selection and received a notification letter to compete on the national stage.

A week before leaving for Jakarta, my name suddenly disappeared from the envoy list. According to the school, there was a mistake in the assessment. The student who should be leaving is my classmate whose ranking is always outside the top 10.

I'm disappointed. I'm sad. Why is there a sudden change of name? I'm sure all the things I do are worth it with the fastest time.

Without meaning to demean my friend, I know what his qualities are. Just a flat wake-up formula he still doesn't understand.

At the time of the selection he was indeed sitting next to me. But I don't think he cheated on me. The question that was tested at that time was not just a multiple choice. There is also a description of how to work (formulas) to get results or answers.

He just replaced me. Obviously, my heart is upset and not accepted. Is he really good, but not showing it? Or because there are roles his parents play?

From the news of birds blowing, I heard that my friend's parents were regional officials. My friend was chosen not for his ability, but for a show of pride aka family imagery.

There is a power at play that only makes me resigned. Since then, I feel free to study desperately every day.

Graduating Junior High School, I whined I wanted to continue high school in Jakarta. I think the competition in the capital will run much more transparently. Apparently, precisely the obstacles faced are much more and more difficult. That is reflected in my reason why it now feels like a new creature.

Huh! Get rid of the past! Don't come back!

Today I want to try again to take Mutia to lunch together. After class, I saw he was still in class.

I immediately approached him to say my point. “Mut, we have lunch with yuk!”

“Now yes, Gas?” response soft.

“Iya. It's up to you where.”

“Em..”

“You are not ready?” I read it like confusion.

“Sorry yes, Gas. I promised to do group work with Ardi, Metha, and Andy.”

“Oh. Do you guys do the job now?”

“ Yes, Gas. I'll wait for Metha. He went to the toilet. We also planned lunch at kostku.”

“Oh so.” I was disappointed, but kept smiling. “Ya. Maybe next time you can, right?”

“Or do you want to join us?”

As I expected, Mutia invited me to join. Although it is not a romantic lunch that is just alone with her, but it is still a good opportunity to approach.

Unfortunately, bullies always arrive on time.

“Bagaaasss!” yelled the bully. Nothing else and nothing, Dita.

I breathe while holding my patience.

“Bagas, I'm waiting for you from earlier in the faculty parking lot. Turns out, you're even here with this cute-ass chick.”

“What's the matter, Dit?”

“We had lunch with yuk!” Dita pulled my arm.

“Sorry, today I can't. I promised to have lunch with Mutia,”, I explained.

Unexpectedly, Dita kicked down the chair beside Mutia. We were surprised too.

“Gue ingetin same you yes!” Dita pointed at Mutia's face. “No need to be nervous with Bagas. You're self-conscious dong! It's not the same level as us. Don't try the bagas! Don't be all beauty. Lu tuh pantesnya same Kunyuk that.” Dita then moved her index direction to Ardi.

Mutia got up from her seat. He looked at Dita firmly. “You can accuse me, despise me as you please and as much as your heart. But, please do not involve others,” concluded Mutia.

Bruuuk!!! Dita pushed Mutia.

“Mut, are you okay?” I tried to help Mutia to stand up. However, it might not heed my helping hand.

Ardi who was just sitting watching, immediately walked quickly to Mutia. Ardi's hand was chosen by Mutia to help.

“No need to act like an activist!” dita Caci.

Goddamn shit! I wanted to scold Dita, but I was cupped in image.

“Dit, let's have lunch!” take me while holding back the anger.

“I still want to teach the same lesson..”.

“Dit, you don't have to go like this. Sorry, if you still want to run amok, I will ilfil (lost feeling/feeling) same you,” my bluff.

Then, I apologized to Mutia before leaving. However, Mutia did not respond. He turned his eyes to Ardi.

As she was about to leave the classroom, Metha appeared. He looked at Dita with cynicism. It seemed like the discussion was heard outside the classroom.

“Young Master Bagas, your charm is indeed amazing,” Leo said welcoming me on the doorstep.

I chose not to respond to Leo's words. My heart is upset, emotions are about to explode.

Huh! Patience, Ardi! Think of it as just a small pebble tucked inside a shoe.

Bita! I'll make him pay for my failure today. The day where I should have spent a lot of time with Mutia.

Arriving at the parking lot, I calmed down for a moment. I thought about my next destination. My mood's ruined. I'd better find a place to shed some frustration.

“Gas, where are we having lunch?” ask Dita. He seems to have no sins.

“Sorry, next time, Dit.”

“Why?”

Being whined like a child while continuing to wiggle in my arms.

“Dy, Tom, Yo, Van, let's get in the car. Want to come with?”

“Gue has a promise to perform the task of the same group Mutia. I do not follow permission today,” said Andy.

“Oke.”

Tommy, Leo, and Revan get into the car. But as soon as I was about to head towards the wheel, Dita kept holding me back.

“Bagas, why am I not invited?”

“Yes already, I go home if so,” he said frowning.

Huh! Why didn't he come home from now on? After messing with someone else's plans, he just realized to leave.

Since I responded, Dita's attitude and behavior have become more aggressive. It seems I started the game too soon.

“Where are we going?” ask me to friends. I don't have any idea where to park the car.

“Not that we want lunch huh, Gas?” leo's Response.

“Iya, Yo. I mean where are we having lunch?”

“We go to a Japanese restaurant, how?” revan Proposal. “Gue again want to eat Ramen and Sushi.”

“Gue agrees,” says Leo.

“Tom, how are you?”

“Gue. Eat where I'm ready, which is important. Haha..”

“Oke, agreed.”

Sitting inside the restaurant, Revan and Leo were busy choosing the menu, Tommy focused on playing games on his mobile phone. Meanwhile, I was thinking of a way to get back near Mutia.

He also looked angry at me. Evidently, he did not respond to the help I was trying to provide. I have to apologize to Mutia again for Dita's actions.

“Gas, you want to pesen what?” leo asked to interrupt my daydream.

“Samely same as you.”

“Oke.”

A few minutes later, the waiter came to bring us our order.

“Oishi (delicious),” revealed Revan.

I bengong. “This Ramen is just a bowl of doang?”

“Well, you want to too? It's not that you don't like noodles,” Leo explained.

“Keep I eat rice with this raw fish?” point me at the sushi that is presented in plain sight.

“Kok you don't like, Gas. This is your favorite,” timpal Revan.

A favorite? The sushi? Since when do I like to eat sushi.

“Oh, I'm just kidding,”.

I've never tasted this typical Japanese food, which at first glance is like stuffed rice. I hope it feels comfortable on the tongue.

I tried to put one piece in my mouth. I tried to hold back the nausea. I can't chew it for too long. Just swallow it.

There was no fishy smell, but still the taste of raw tuna was not familiar on my tongue. I also pretended to go to the toilet to pee. I try to spit out food in my mouth.

My appearance can turn out perfectly, but my tongue is still the tongue of the village.

“You still want to be here or go home?”

“Where are you going, Gas?” ask Tommy.

“Gue to pick up Andy.”

“Fetch Andy?” Tommy and the others looked at me in wonder.

“Iya.”

“Ngapain you picked up Andy?”

While on the toilet I thought of making Andy a fishing rod to meet Mutia. I must immediately consolidate so that Mutia does not misunderstand.

“Yes if you still want to be here. You guys go home on a taxi ride yes.”

“Certain this food?” Revan looked worried.

“Iya, I paid. If you still want to eat, tell me. I'll transfer the money.”

I'll be gone soon. I hope Andy is still there.

To make sure, I tried to call Andy.

“Iya, Gas. What's up?”

“Lu is still in place of Mutia, Dy?”

“Still.”

“Still not long?”

“This we're new to finishing eating. The discussion is just about to start.”

“Oke.”

“What's the matter, Gas?”

“Udah. Just wait for me there.”

I added speed. Ah, crap! Suddenly there was a traffic jam. Hopefully just a moment.

Hope is not in line with reality. The streets seem to be unwilling to support me. The travel time should only be 15 minutes, it takes 80 minutes.

As soon as I got in front of Mutia's boarding house, I saw Andy walking out. It seems they have finished working on the group task.

I approached Andy immediately. “Udah Shell, Dy?”

“Udah. You're on time, Gas. Yuk! You want to instantly anterin me home or want to take me for a walk first.”

“Mutia already in or still on the terrace?”

“Tommy, Revan, and Leo are not coming, Gas?” Andy asked back.

“They again on hanging out.”

I immediately peeked behind the gate of the Mutia boarding house. I saw him sitting alone on the porch disturbing the laptop.

“Mut..” I tried calling him.

However, he did not seem to hear.

“Mut.. Mutia...” I tightened the sound a little.

This time, he looked at me. Only, I was flabbergasted by the reaction he showed. He rushed inside and closed the door.

I had just been able to chat with him, but the distance had suddenly been created without any control. Should I go home and wait to see you in class tomorrow? But waiting is mind draining.