Angga (drying his hair): "Mom! Have you seen my uniform?"
Mother (while hanging laundry): "It's in the closet. I ironed it yesterday."
Angga put on his uniform, packed his books, and slipped into his shoes.
Angga (walking up to his mother): "Mom, can I get some allowance?"
She handed him a ten-thousand-rupiah bill. For Angga, that was already more than enough.
Angga (kissing her hand): "I'm heading out, Mom."
Mother (patting his head): "Alright, be careful. Study hard."
Angga (smiling): "I will."
He walked to school, passing along the village road. The cool air brushed his face, mixed with the scent of burning wood in the morning breeze.
With that calm atmosphere, Angga almost felt sleepy again.
Neighboring mother from her porch: "Oh, Angga! Just heading out now?"
Angga (chuckling): "Hehe, yeah Auntie. I'll get going now."
Neighbor: "Be careful, okay!"
Another voice: "Can't believe they're already in junior high… time really flies. Ugh, makes me feel so old."
By the time Angga reached the school gate, the bell rang.
Ting! Ting!
Angga: "Ah! Just in time. Not late!"
He entered the classroom. Some kids were sitting on desks, others gossiping, some rushing to finish homework.
Friend: "Hey! The nerd's finally here!"
Angga (dropping his bag on his chair): "Shut it, Fan. It's too early for this. If you wanna fight, wait till noon."
Refan: "Sheesh, chill! I was just kidding."
Angga: "Anyway, where's Andrian and Fikar?"
Refan: "Same as always—breakfast at the canteen."
Right then, Andrian and Fikar walked in, munching on half-eaten fried tempeh.
Refan: "See? Speak of the devil. That's some long life."
Adrian: "What's this about 'long life'? Were you talking about me?"
Fikar: "Damn, bro, they were gossiping about us."
Refan: "What? I just said where you two were!"
Adrian: "Of course, people are looking for me. I'm a celebrity."
Refan: "Celebrity? What celebrity eats fried snacks from the canteen?"
Adrian: "A broke celebrity."
Refan: "Idiot."
Angga laughed at his friends' antics. But soon after, someone caught his attention.
A girl entered—short hair tied in a ponytail, sweet smile, petite frame.
It was Elva, the class president from next door, delivering an assignment for Angga's class.
Elva: "Um, excuse me! Here's the science assignment from Mrs. Surat, page 45."
Class secretary: "Oh? Got it, thanks Elva." (takes the paper)
Elva: "Alright, I'll head back now."
Secretary: "Thanks again, Elva!"
Elva left the class.
Fikar: "Yes! Mrs. Surat's not here today."
Adrian: "Nice! Her class always puts me to sleep."
Refan: "Same. Her teaching feels like a bedtime story."
Fikar (patting Angga's shoulder): "What about you? Sad your favorite teacher's not here?"
Angga: "No, idiot!"
Fikar: "Then what?"
Refan (grinning): "Come on… Angga's smitten with Elva."
Adrian & Fikar: "OHHH… so you're in love?"
Angga (startled, panicking): "Wha—no way! That's a lie!"
Fikar: "If you like her, just tell her."
Angga: "Nope. I already know how that'd end."
Fikar: "At least try, man."
Angga: "I'm not even close to her, Kar."
Refan: "If you keep holding it in, you'll regret it."
Adrian: "Yeah. If you're not close yet, then get close first."
Angga: "Ah, just drop it already. Stop daydreaming."
Adrian: "Man, this guy's impossible."