"I mean, is there anyone in her family who serves in the authorities?" Abdi elaborated, his tone measured.
Welly fell silent, his brows furrowed in thought, "As far as I can recall, no," he said at length. "Why?"
Abdi drew a slow breath before continuing, "If you're certain there's no one in her family tied to the law, then listen closely! This is what I propose..."
Abdi commenced his explanation with measured precision, outlining the intricacies of his plan.
At first, his companions, Aryo, Welly, Diga, and Gaga, responded with open scepticism, each voicing their doubts and reservations.
Yet Abdi, undeterred, pressed on. With calm logic and persuasive reasoning, he dismantled their objections one by one.
Gradually, the tide began to turn.
"You truly believe this will work?" Welly asked at length, his voice laced with uncertainty.
"I do," Abdi replied with quiet assurance. "Trust me of all the ideas we've considered, this is by far the most elegant."
Welly hesitated for a moment, then gave a curt nod, "Very well. I'll follow your lead this time."
"And if it fails?" Aryo interjected, still visibly unconvinced.
"It won't," Abdi replied firmly, a note of steely confidence ringing in his tone.
At last, the five young men exhaled in unison, the shared breath signalling an uneasy consensus.
But even as silence settled upon the group, a question hung in the air like mist over a moor, what precisely was this scheme Abdi had so firmly staked his confidence upon?
*****
(Centris Café, Koba)
Felzein, Rosa, and Melati found themselves ensconced in a modest yet charming new establishment in Koba, Centris Café.
The air was tinged with a subtle romanticism, a delicate balance between simplicity and allure.
Felzein had deliberately chosen a secluded corner on the third floor, a quiet retreat offering the solace of privacy and calm.
The evening air was cool and gentle, a soft breeze weaving through the open windows, enhancing the tranquil mood that settled over them.
For the second time in Melati's presence, and the third in Rosa's, Felzein lifted his mask, unveiling a visage that was nothing short of arresting.
Though familiarity with his features had long since been established, the sight of his face nonetheless drew forth gasps of surprise and wonder, as if two angels had appeared before them.
"Masha Allah…" Felzein intoned softly, catching the reverent expressions fixed upon him and silently reminding them of the blessing to be uttered.
His caution was not without cause, a deep-rooted belief in the maleficence of the Ain, the evil eye, prompted him to guard against the unintended consequences of their admiration.
"Masha Allah…" Rosa and Melati breathed almost simultaneously, their voices a delicate echo of his own.
Felzein exhaled, steadying himself before addressing them directly, "Ocha, Melati…"
Both women lifted their eyes to meet his.
"Yes? What is it?" Rosa asked, while Melati nodded gently, her gaze steady.
There was a pause, brief but laden with hesitation, before Felzein ventured, "Would you both be willing to stay at my home, just for the time being? Until things… settle."
Without hesitation, their response was immediate and heartfelt, "We would be honoured!"
It was hardly surprising. Who could refuse the invitation to reside, even temporarily, in the company of a man so striking as Felzein?
A quiet relief softened his features as he murmured, "Thank God… but I assure you, I shall not impose in any way."
Rosa and Melati exchanged a knowing smile before responding in unison, their tone laced with playful boldness, "And if you do, sir… it would be quite alright."
In the quiet that followed their shared outburst, a blush stole swiftly across both Rosa and Melati's cheeks.
The realisation of their own words had struck them belatedly, and now, they sat momentarily mortified.
Felzein let out a quiet, incredulous breath, shaking his head with a half-smile tinged in disbelief.
"God forgive me…" he murmured, more to himself than to them.
After a pause, he inhaled deeply, his tone sobering, "I mean no offence, truly, but I cannot help this feeling… a nagging sense that the two of you may be in danger."
At that, Rosa and Melati exchanged a glance, one filled with silent curiosity and rising concern before turning back to him, their eyes seeking clarity.
"In danger?" Melati echoed, her voice tinged with hesitation. "What do you mean by that, sir?"
"Felzein," he interjected swiftly, his voice gentle yet firm. "Just Felzein will do."
The two young women nodded quickly, correcting themselves, "V-Very well, Felzein," Melati said, a faint smile playing at her lips.
Felzein exhaled again and regarded them with a seriousness that silenced further jest, "I can't quite explain it, call it instinct, or perhaps just a hunch, but I have this growing sense that something threatens you both. As though… shadows gather just beyond the edge of sight."
Rosa's gaze softened, hope flickering in her eyes, "Then you… you are concerned for us?"
He returned her look with quiet resolve, "Yes," he said simply, "I am."
Melati's lips parted in a gentle smile, her voice low and touched with warmth, "Thank you… for worrying about us."
Felzein inclined his head, offering a modest smile in return, an unspoken promise nestled within it, one of vigilance, and perhaps, something deeper.
Moments later, their order arrived. A young waitress entered with measured grace, balancing a tray upon which sat three elegantly steaming cappuccinos and a plate of crisply golden fries, their aroma warm and inviting.
She approached the table with care and reverence, as if the act of serving were a quiet ritual, and delicately set each item before them.
"Much obliged, miss," Felzein murmured courteously, offering a faint but disarming smile.
The waitress managed a polite return of the smile, but then, as her gaze properly met his face, she stopped short.
Her eyes widened with almost comical suddenness, and a small gasp escaped her lips.
"Ahhh!"
The sharpness of the sound cut through the air, drawing startled glances from Rosa and Melati, who instinctively leaned forward.
"Is everything all right, miss?" Rosa asked, her voice touched with concern.
The waitress didn't respond straightaway. She stood there, transfixed, her gaze pinned to Felzein's now-unmasked face, as though she were beholding something far too extraordinary to be of this world.
Rosa and Melati exchanged a glance, then followed the direction of her eyes. And then it struck them. Felzein had removed his mask.
He sighed, low and patient, the sound of a man who had grown familiar with the inevitability of awe.
"This isn't necessary," he said quietly, addressing the waitress with a voice that was gentle but firm.
Jolted by his words, she blinked and flushed deeply, the pink rushing into her cheeks like a sudden tide.
"I-I'm terribly sorry, sir…" she stammered, fumbling for composure.
With an apologetic bow, she turned swiftly and made her way toward the exit.
Yet as she reached the door, she glanced back once more, her expression still tinged with disbelief, before quickly bowing her head and vanishing from view.
There was a beat of silence, before Melati broke it with a mischievous smirk, "It must be a charmed life having a face that stops traffic."
Rosa chimed in playfully, "I imagine he could make queens blush and duchesses swoon."
Felzein chuckled softly and shook his head, the shadow of a smile crossing his lips, "If it were truly so delightful," he said dryly, "I wouldn't find myself hiding it behind a mask every day."