We, From The First
#36. Sorry
At her subscription bookstore, Nana is seen picking up books for college guides while working in Germany. Nana seemed to focus on looking through some books as someone suddenly walked up to her and hesitantly called out her name.
"Nana? Nathusya Aruna?"
Hearing her name being mentioned, Nana immediately turned around and found a man who was no stranger in her memory and vision. This man used to be his Class Brother, and was a famous one-force genius. He won the National Science Olympiad. He also served as Chairman of OSIS High School Patuh Karya. In addition, he used to help Nana quite a lot in her lessons.
He is Arian Nayaka Pratama, or Ian. The older brother of Natta.
Both of Nana's eyes widened to the maximum when she found Ian in front of her now. After almost two years, this was the first time he had met with the Class Brother who had once been his role model.
"Sister Ian?" Pekik Nana enthusiastic.
"Hi, Nana. How are you?"
"Good, Brother. I'm good news. How's Ian himself? Tumben's coming home?"
"I'm good too." Ian replied, "and I'm coming home because there's some urgent business." Continue later while putting on an uncomfortable face.
Nana who just remembered what was going on, immediately felt bad.
Having dated Nico, Nana is also one of the people who know the problems that occur in Natta's family. And Nana wanted to say something to appease Ian, but then she didn't because she realized her position.
Nana then chooses to divert the conversation by trying to ask Ian the right book recommendation for her. Because soon, he'll be studying in Germany, just like Ian.
Ian then happily gave some book recommendations, and some important explanations. Unexpectedly, the chatter continued until now the two of them were already sitting in a cafe. The conversation between them was quite long. Starting from scholarships, lessons in school, books, to future plans.
"Continue.. How are you with Nico?" Ask Ian then.
Nana was silent for a while before finally answering truthfully.
"It didn't turn out well, brother." Nana then showed a bitter smile on her cute face. Ian then nodded.
At the end of the chat, when they decided to end today's meeting, just as they were about to part ways, Ian said to Nana...
"yeah, Na?"
"Yes, Brother?"
"It's still an old number, right?"
Nana did not answer directly. He seemed to be thinking, while Ian waited with anticipation. Not long after, Nana nodded softly, "still, Brother."
Right then, Ian immediately smiled so widely. It was as if he had just dripped honey from his two clear eyes.
...****...
Aira is shocked not to play when she finds Nico coming home with her hands in a cast and led by Rakha. Aira who was shocked, immediately approached them and naturally flanked the other arm of Nico.
"So fell for basketball. It's just a minor injury, three weeks to recover."
Aira who was in disbelief with Nico's explanation, immediately threw her gaze towards Rakha, as if demanding confirmation of Nico's answer. Rakha nodded slowly, hinting that Nico was honest.
This time it was Aira's turn to lead Nico up the stairs. He did not even pay much attention to Rakha's existence because he was too worried about Nico's situation.
"I'm calling Om and Auntie, huh?"
"Don't! They'll worry."
That was the chat that Rakha could catch from a distance. Although there was a hint of jealousy seeing Aira's attitude that was so considerate of Nico, she ended up smiling as well and caught up with the two people later.
...****...
After finishing cooking salmon soup for Nico and serving it, Aira immediately went to Nico's room to deliver her dinner. As soon as Aira opened the door, she immediately approached Nico who was trying to dry the rambt. Aira then placed the tray on the table and immediately took the initiative to help Nico dry her hair.
"Why are you taking it, anyway? I can still go downstairs grab my own food."
Aira did not speak of Nico. He takes a small towel from Nico's hand and dries Nico's hair with it.
"You always say I'm reckless, when you're more careless." Omel Aira while staying focused on drying Nico's hair.
"So slipped, Ra."
"Next time don't believe me anymore. I'm worried about you." Aira's Tone began to tremble. That's when Nico knew that Aira's feelings were not okay.
"Hey!"
Nico clasped Aira's small face with his right hand and looked right at her two sad-looking eyes. As Aira looked back at him, Nico lowered his head and sighed. He thought, maybe it's time to apologize after their quarrel a few days ago.
But just as Nico was about to open his mouth apologizing, Aira suddenly preceded him.
"Nico I'm sorry. Sorry for bothering you so much and getting you in trouble. Sorry Nana, huh, Nic?"
Nico then lowered his hand which had been perched on Aira's face and then switched to holding Aira's hand with one of his hands free.
"Nico's sorry, too, huh? Sorry to be angry with Nana, and make the situation even more chaotic. Please don't stay away from Nico anymore."
Aira nodded steadily. And the soft radiance in his eyes slowly disappeared. They throw smiles at each other.
As he used to do, Nico rubbed Aira's head fondly.
For Nico right now, it's okay if Aira doesn't like him. As long as he could continue to be with Aira, and Aira felt comfortable beside him, that was enough for Nico. He would no longer be curious about how this girl felt about him. He will no longer be disappointed, knowing that Aira does not hold deep feelings for him. As long as they can continue together, Nico will hold anything back for Aira.
^^^To be Continued...^^^