We, From The First
#11's chat. First Hugs

Due to work, both Nico's parents will travel to Malaysia for a few weeks, and are forced to leave Nico and Aira. Nico who was already used to this situation, did not mind at all. The other is with Aira. He felt sorry for Nico. In the past, he may have hated Nico for not keeping his promise to meet Aira on Banu Island. But now, Aira begins to understand the loneliness that Nico is experiencing. Not to mention the fact that Nico is not a person who is good at conveying his heart, of course he cannot complain all this time, and only accept even if it is against his wishes.

Since moving to the town of Harsa, both of Nico's parents have been completely preoccupied with her work. From that moment on, Nico began to get used to his loneliness and try to be satisfied only with the company of Ms. Ningsih and Mr. Salim who had worked for his family for a long time.

"After a month of moving, Mas Nico used to whine with Papa and his Mama to be invited to vacation to Banu Island. He said he misses Mba Nana. But because Mom and Dad were just starting their business, they were very busy. Let alone the holidays, to meet Mas Nico's school invitations alone, they couldn't attend."

Bu Ningsih one day glimpsed at Aira while washing dishes, while Aira helped wipe dishes. When he was a child, Aira was also close to Bu Ningsih and Mr. Salim. While both of their parents were busy with their jobs, it was Mrs Ningsih and Mr. Salim who took care of Nico and Aira.

Aira looked at Nico who was standing next to her after helping to stuff Papa and Mama's suitcase into the trunk. Bu Ningsih's words to her the other day, continued to glow in her head. Now turning around, Aira who actually felt guilty for blaming Nico too much, and did not understand the situation all along.

"Mama Papa's leaving, huh? You guys are fine, who get along." Regina's message to Nico and Aira. Regina hugs and kisses Nico and Aira in turn.

"If there's anything, call Papa and Mama, okay?" Adryan added.

"Yes Pa, yes Ma... Papa same Mama be careful, huh? Kabinin if it has arrived" said Nico before his parents finally entered the car and left.

As soon as the car carrying his parents was no longer visible, Nico turned to look at Aira who was comfortable holding his cat. Like last night, he could not ignore Aira even though Nico felt a little upset because of the closeness that occurred between Aira and Rakha yesterday. Nico can now muffle his frustration and try to be realistic. Nico was fully aware, that he had no right to be upset let alone angry. After all, he and Aira had become familiar again lately, Nico did not want to ruin the atmosphere just because of his insignificant feelings.

"By!" Call Nico out of the blue.

"Hm?" Aira answered who remained focused on her cat.

"You used to play basketball, right in old school?"

Aira raised her face. He seemed to think before answering.

"Yes. Why?"

"Main, yuk!" Nico said as he passed ahead of Aira. It was a sign that Nico did not accept rejection. It seemed to affirm that it was a command, not a solicitation.

...****...

Currently, Nico and Aira had faced off on the complex pitch to start their match. At the beginning of the game, it looks Nico who is more in control of the ball and makes Aira a little defeated against him. But in the following minutes, Aira discovered her strength and began to understand Nico's strategy. And that, inevitably makes Nico finally think, that Aira is not an easy opponent.

The afternoon will go on the night when the two men finish the game. Before knowing the greatness of Aira, Nico initially thought he would budge in the middle of the game and let the girl next to him win. But, after Aira showed her abilities that can not be considered joking by Nico, Nico's competing instincts arise and determined to beat Aira.

But unfortunately, Nico's determination was not fulfilled. Aira was one point ahead of him. Thin indeed, but Nico must admit that Aira is indeed really good.

"Nick..."

Aira's call made Nico turn towards Aira who was staring at him. Seeing Nico's eyes so soft and tender, Aira's tongue suddenly faded, and she suddenly felt frozen. The remnants of sweat that stuck to Nico's face somehow made his slumber double. And now the impact, Aira's heart suddenly thumped in an irregular rhythm without her permission.

"Yes, Aira?" Nico said no less gently with the look of his eyes now.

Aira was losing her mind. As a result, it becomes its own confusion. Aira shook her head a few times in order for her consciousness to return. After somewhat being able to control himself, Aira then rose up from beside Nico.

"Back, yuk! I want to be malem."

Just as Aira was about to step away, she suddenly felt Nico hold her wrist and said, "wait..."

Aira turned around, and looked at Nico who was still sitting in his position. Nico leaned his body closer to Aira. He then tied the loose shoe laces of Aira without saying anything. After finishing, Nico got up until now standing in line with Aira. While Aira, she still could not let out her voice.

Nico chuckled, then furiously rattled Aira's hair, "you're this, huh? Never changed before. Just a careless drop. You idiot!"

Aira did not understand what she was feeling right now. He suddenly wanted to cry without knowing the reason or why. And the position of his face that was still sitting, making the tears that he held as hard as he could finally crammed out easily. Whether because of her supportive atmosphere, or indeed she missed Nico so much, Aira could feel Nico's sweet treatment, which was so sweet, and the touch of Nico's hand on her hair that felt more meaningful than ever touched the deepest corner of her heart. This is the second time he cried in front of Nico.

Realizing that Aira was crying again, Nico used one of her hands to hold her shoulder, while the other hand, she used to raise her chin to see her face.

"Hey, hey, look at me! Are you crying again? Why?"

Aira shook her head. Her tears are dripping.

"You cry because I say stupid?"

Aira shook her head again and made Nico even more confused. Why would Nico have to ask a question that Aira herself doesn't know what the answer is?

Nico, who had run out of sense, finally pulled the fragile girl into his arms. If last night Nico could refrain from hugging Aira, this time was different. The defense is collapsing. In his arms, he gently rubbed Aira's hair to calm her down. But instead of feeling calm after Nico hugged her, Aira's tears just broke.

"Sorry, huh? I'm sorry..." Lirih Nico quietly in a half-whispering voice.

And Aira returned Nico's embrace, then let all the restrained feelings flow. Aira hope that's enough. Because now he feels enough.

To Be Continued...^^^