On Julian's side.
Julian, in class, was hanging out with several of his classmates: Kaza, Wiro, Damar, Anto, Alvin, Januar, and Ravi.
They were gathered in the back floor, near the 11-M students lockers. They were working on an assignment given by their math teacher. Julian's class was empty because the math teacher was having his motorcycle tire repaired.
So, the 11-M graders were given an assignment by the math teacher. Even though the class was empty, the teacher still gave them an assignment to keep the class quiet and no playful.
When they finished their assignment, some of them relaxed in the back and remained together. Julian was replying to Anindya's chat.
Julian was typing a message. When it was sent, Anto, who looked at Julian, said
"Someone's busy" Anto said with a mischievous smile.
"Wahh~, what's this?, you're having a romantic chat, huh~?" Kaza asked, who was idly peeking at Julian's phone.
But before Kaza could see Julian's phone, Julian quickly turned off the screen and said
"You guys are so naughty," Julian said casually.
"Ahh~, You're so stingy, Julian!" Kaza said in a spoiled tone, hugging Julian.
Julian, finding Kaza's behavior annoying, started pushing Kaza's face with his hands.
"Move away, you're annoying!" Julian said with an annoyed expression and a soft tone.
Kaza fell to the ground softly and said
"You're angry so gently" Kaza muttered.
Kaza sat down and crossed his legs, saying
"Muu~, Julian is stingy!" Kaza said with a sullen expression and a spoiled tone.
"Shut up!" said Julian with an annoyed expression and a heavy tone, sending him a sarcastic glare at Kaza.
"Enough guys, you two don't fight~" said Alvin, who tried to calm Kaza and Julian's argument in a gentle tone.
Instantly, the two of them stopped fight, Kaza, who was in front of Julian, immediately looked away with a sullen expression. Meanwhile, Julian was suddenly approached by Wiro from the right side, then Wiro sit down in side Julian and said to him
"Julian... How long are you going to play with Anindya?" Wiro asked with a serious expression.
Suddenly the atmosphere around them became quiet. The people gathered behind, who had been making noise, suddenly became silent even though some were still playing on their phones.
Julian asked Wiro again.
"What do you mean?" Julian asked with a confused expression.
"Well, you're dating her because you lost a game" Wiro replied.
Julian fell silent. His eyes stared straight at Wiro, as if trying to determine if it was a joke or a serious dig. Several other friends immediately turned their heads, waiting for Julian's answer.
"A-ahahaha, of course I'm serious about this relationship" Julian replied with an awkward expression and a small laugh.
Wiro stared intently at his friend and said.
"Are you sure it's not just pity or a sense of responsibility because you've already gotten close?" Wiro asked, staring intently at Julian.
Julian felt his chest tighten for a moment. Wiro's question was like a hard slap, reminding him of the beginning of his relationship with Anindya—a relationship that began because of a loss in a game.
Julian sighed, trying to gather his words.
"I... am not joking, Wiro," Julian finally replied, his voice lower but firm.
"At first, it was because I lost a bet, but now..." Julian continued, glancing at the floor.
"But now what?" Damar interrupted, curious.
"Now... I really like her. I don't want her to be hurt just because we started dating because of a game," Julian said with a serious expression.
Wiro raised an eyebrow.
"So, if Anindya finds out about the bet, are you sure she won't be angry or disappointed?" Wiro asked.
Julian's previously serious expression changed to one of doubt. He fell silent, lowered his head, and clutched his pants with both hands. Silence fell once more. Even Kaza, usually the loudest, chose to remain silent this time.
"I-i don't know," Julian replied quietly.
"Maybe she'll be angry. But if that happens... well, I'll accept it. Because I was wrong from the start" Julian continued quietly.
Suddenly, the atmosphere fell silent again, with only the sounds of other students engaged in activities in other rows audible. After a few seconds of silence, Januar spoke up, breaking the silence.
"The important thing is that you're aware and serious now. That's the most important thing, bro" Januar said in a relaxed tone while looking at Julian.
"Yeah, I agree. Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone can take responsibility and change" Ravi said, looking at Julian and nodding his head.
The atmosphere was cheerful again.
"Guys..." Julian said cheerfully, looking at his friends, who each smiled at him.
Shortly after, Damar exclaimed:
"But, are you sure you don't want to be honest with Anindya if you confess your love because you lost the game?" Damar asked, playing the game.
Suddenly, silence returned, everyone there stared at Damar. Alvin, who had been watching, turned to Julian and said,
"Damar's right. You should be honest, because I'm worried Anindya will get lovesick" Alvin said, looking at Julian with a serious expression.
"Yes, that's right, because Anindya is already too obsessed with you, Julian" Anto said, looking at Julian with a serious expression.
While the others were serious, Kaza was...
"Nee~, what are you playing, Damar?" Kaza asked mischievously, approaching Damar.
"None of your business!" Damar said flatly.
"Wahh!, you playing Nusantara New Era too?, I'll join you world, hehehe" Kaza said.
Damar remained silent, focused on the game.
~To be continued~