The distance started small. Bayu only noticed it because Arka was usually impossible to escape. Normally, he filled every silence with jokes, dragged him into games, or shoved half a snack into his hands without asking.
But lately, Arka's noise had turned selective. Around the group, he was louder than ever—teasing Citra, trading banter with Rani, even letting Yun rope him into festival gossip. But when it was just the two of them, he slipped away.
Bayu noticed when Arka chose the far bench instead of his side. When he laughed at Yun's stories, but fell quiet during their walks home. When the notebook, once left carelessly on the desk, was now always zipped inside his bag.
It built until one afternoon, Bayu couldn't take it anymore. They were alone in the hallway, the sound of the cleaning crew faint behind them.
"Arka," Bayu said. His tone was steady but low, carrying weight. "What's going on with you?"
Arka blinked, grin already halfway formed. "What do you mean? I'm as radiant as ever. Probably glowing. Might need sunglasses, honestly."
"Don't do that," Bayu said. "Don't joke. You've been… distant."
Arka's smile faltered for a heartbeat before snapping back. "Distant? Please. I've been right here. Probably too here. You're sick of me, admit it."
Bayu's brows drew together. "I'm serious."
"So am I!" Arka's voice pitched higher than usual, the laughter in it too sharp. He shoved his hands into his pockets, shoulders tense. "Why does it matter if I'm distant, huh? You've got your crush now. Go ask Yun about her favorite takoyaki stand or something."
The words came out harsher than he intended, but once they were out, they couldn't be pulled back.
Bayu froze. Then his voice dropped, quieter but firmer than Arka had ever heard.
"Because you're my best friend."
The hallway stilled. Even the cleaning crew's chatter seemed to fade into silence.
Arka stared at him, caught off guard. His mouth opened like he wanted to fire back another joke, another deflection—but nothing came. He shut it again.
Bayu looked at him for another long moment, waiting for an answer. Arka gave none.
And so the silence stretched, heavy and raw, until Bayu turned and walked away, the sound of his footsteps echoing against the empty walls.
Arka stayed where he was, jaw tight, fists curled in his pockets. His grin didn't return this time.