The classroom was quiet after everyone had left. Sunlight slanted across the floor, painting gold streaks over desks and chairs.
Lestari lingered, fingers fidgeting with the strap of her backpack. She had stayed behind on purpose, hoping to… see Ubi again.
Her eyes fell on a sketchbook left on a chair. The cover was worn, edges frayed. Ubi's handwriting scrawled lightly across the front.
Lestari picked it up, heart racing.
Inside, page after page was filled with drawings, doodles, sketches of things from around the school, funny little cartoons, and, every now and then, small portraits of Lestari. Each one was detailed, full of care.
Her chest tightened. She traced a pencil line with a fingertip, barely breathing.
A soft voice broke the silence.
"You found it."
Lestari jumped, spinning around. Ubi leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, a teasing smirk on her face. "I… I didn't mean to leave it," she added softly.
Lestari's words faltered. "I… I… it's… your… uh… your drawings are… wow…"
Ubi chuckled, stepping closer. "You're cute when you're nervous."
Lestari's ears burned. "I-I'm… not!" She tried to put the sketchbook down, but her hands shook.
Ubi crouched slightly, tilting her head, eyes warm. "You really like them, don't you?"
Lestari swallowed, trying to hide the way her chest was hammering. She couldn't lie. She could barely breathe. "…I… I like… you," she whispered, barely audible.
Ubi froze for half a second. Then, slowly, a soft smile curved her lips. "I like you too," she said, voice low, teasing, and yet entirely sincere.
Lestari blinked. "…Really?"
"Really," Ubi said. She stepped closer. Her hand reached out, brushing Lestari's hair back gently, tucking a strand behind her ear. Lestari's knees felt weak.
And then, softly, almost hesitantly, their lips met.
Brief. Tender. Perfect.
When they pulled back, Lestari's forehead rested against Ubi's. Their breaths mingled.
"You're… amazing," Lestari whispered.
Ubi laughed softly, brushing Lestari's hands with her own. "So are you."
From outside the classroom, a faint sound of laughter drifted from the hall. Arka and Bayu were still around, probably wandering after the festival.
"Ay!" Arka muttered quietly. "Finally."
Bayu shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Finally."
Arka nudged him, whispering, "You're smiling."
"I am not," Bayu said, but his voice was softer.
"Sure," Arka said, smirking. "But that's cute too."
Inside the classroom, Lestari rested her head against Ubi's shoulder. She felt safe. Warm. Happy. And for the first time, she didn't feel shy at all.
"It's not just being here… It's being with her. With her, everything feels like it finally makes sense. I'm happy."