(Not) Mistake
Chapter 10: Denying Feelings

Olvee did his job as a painter like his usual days. As usual, he must be excited to color the white canvas in front of him to be more colorful and filled with various emotions himself. However, this time Olvee did not even show his focus at all. He simply gave random colors and made an abstract image on the canvas in front of him without patterns. Even so, the abstract painting seemed to properly show what emotions Olvee was feeling right now.

Weakly, Olvee removed the brush she was holding onto a glass filled with water. Likewise with a pallet containing paint that has been held by his left hand since. He stood up from his seat in a ditch and walked towards the balcony of his room.

“Painting is indeed in accordance with the painter's emotions,” muttered Olvee slowly still while staring straight at the street in front of his house.

The memories of a few days ago continued to revolve within his head. It's not about Zara or her parents or work issues. However, of course his sister and fiancee were. He was so disturbed because they could not get out of his mind. Either he is so uncomfortable with their relationship getting closer. Her heart was really uncomfortable continuously seeing the progress of Jihan and Alvaro's relationship.

“Sayang .. ” The sound of knocking on the door as well as someone who called him made Olvee divert attention.

“Iya, Ma?” tanya Olvee looked at the mother who had entered her room, standing in front of the glass door that led to the balcony of Olvee's room.

“There is Jihan who wants to see you,” Flora said.

“Jihan? Then what does this have to do with me? He should have been looking for Alvaro in the office instead of me,” muttered Olvee, unabashedly approaching the mother after releasing her apron.

“Why is he looking for me, Ma?” asked Olvee in the middle they walked hand in hand towards the living room.

“Mama didn't know, she just said she wanted to see you.” Flora shrugged her shoulders.

“Vee will meet him, Mama continue Mama's work only.” Olvee smiled gently at the mother who nodded.

“Hai, Jihan,” greet Olvee who just came down the stairs and walked over to Jihan who was in the living room.

“Hai, Brother Olvee.” Jihan stood up from her seat welcoming Olvee's welcome hug.

“I heard from Mama you came looking for me, I wondered why you wanted to see me. So, what's up?” tanya Olvee immediately asked Jihan the main topic of their conversation after their hug came off.

Jihan lowered her head, hesitating to say what she wanted to say. Olvee had only been watching him while guessing what the girl in front of him was really trying to say.

“What if we take a walk for a while? I also seem to have to breathe fresh air while looking for inspiration again.” Olvee took the initiative first to make Jihan more comfortable because she felt home was an uncomfortable place for them to talk. It seems like this conversation is also so important that no one should hear it.

“Ya,” replied Jihan who was following Olvee from behind.

They arrived at a park crowded with children with their parents. After buying two cups of ice cream for himself and Jihan, Olvee approached the bench where they sat and talked.

“So, what about your relationship with Alvaro?” Olvee started their conversation lightly. Although he will be uncomfortable with the answer coming out of Jihan's mouth later.

“I've known everything.” Olvee stopped eating her ice cream and turned to Jihan with a squeak on her forehead.

“Know what?” ask Olvee.

“Alvaro likes you,” replied Jihan.

“I've also learned that Alvaro only used me to get you, Brother Olvee.” This time Olvee felt very guilty towards Jihan.

“Listen, I apologize to you for myself and my sister. What Alvaro feels is a mistake and we will not be together, as you know.” Olvee answered quickly not to cause misunderstandings.

“I know,” said Jihan.

“But, Alvaro is not so, Brother Olvee. So I told him I'd help him get you by using me. Everything you see is fake. Because Alvaro likes you so much, loves you until he does that.” Jihan's voice sounded vibrating.

“Why did you do that? I'm sure sooner or later he'll see you. Talk to the real Alvaro and stop your plans. I don't like my own sister, Jihan.” Olvee convinces Jihan to trust him.

“So, what I want to talk to you about is forget Alvaro and don't make him sure again if you like him.” Jihan continued.

“What do you mean? I don't like it,” Olvee replied firmly.

“Why are you so sure?” ask Jihan back.

“I can see it and Alvaro too. That's why Alvaro doesn't give up on you even if you say you don't like it.” Olvee fell silent and quietly asked himself as well.

‘I like Alvaro?’ ask Olvee in his mind.

“I'll do this until Alvaro sees me and stops seeing you. So, please stop liking her because like you said, you're just gonna be a sister and a sister. Can't be more than that.” Jihan stood up from her seat.

“If you like it, then why do you use this way instead of being honest with him and getting it with your struggle?” Olvee's question kept Jihan quiet.

“This is also a struggle,” Jihan replied without turning her head.

“I don't like it. Like you said, we can't be more than brothers. Don't worry about me and struggle with your own efforts, rather than beginning with such falsehood.” Olvee stood up from her seat and left Jihan just like that.

“I want it too, but can't. Do you know who it is because of who?” Jihan raised the tone of voice making Olvee's steps come to a halt in surprise.

“That's all because of you who's next to him! If you don't like it, get out of the side!” yelling Jihan who was not harried by Olvee anymore.

Olvee walked away towards his house back while staring blankly at the street in front of him. The ice cream that had melted in his hands did not care about him. His mind was busy asking himself. Does he really like Alvaro?

Olvee shook his head to expel all the nested intruder's thoughts. There's no way he likes Alvaro. Even if he likes it, as he said. They will not be able to become lovers because forever they will only be brothers and sisters.

“Vee!” The sudden sound of a car horn sounded along with the car stopping beside him, diverting Olvee's attention.

“Sore this from where?” Alvaro asked from inside the car that the glass had been opened.

Olvee pensively looked at Alvaro with furrowed brows. His heart suddenly beat violently thinking back to what Jihan had said to him. He likes Alvaro. He should know more about his heart, if he does not like Alvaro. However, what about the reaction of his body now that turned strange just from looking at Alvaro?

To be continued