At Least I’M Free
XXX

In silence Lilya gazed deep through Ersya's dark bead, hoping to find the truth hidden within.

"If you are a friend, just say it once. Why did you think about that cake for so long?" Lilya smiled knot. "That means that it's not just a question..."

"E-uh? Yes we are temen... I-I was just shocked because I was suddenly asked that." Subjecting his gaze, Ersya looked uncomfortable.

As if enjoying, Lilya chuckled while continuing to stare down at the girl before her. He knew in time the answer he had to find out for himself. Whether Arvin or Ersya, they are both hiding something.

"Btw, it's really cool that you won this many essay race. I was curious to read." Lilya pointed to one of the certificates displayed on the wall.

"That's on the internet. Later I-I send the website link.." while squeezing the wrap in hand, Ersya seemed to try hard to be as normal as possible.

"Eh, if you look at the theme in similar ways. Micro expression's... Umm... what the hell? Clearly dong, I do not understand this," persuaded Lilya who was clearly just testing.

And sure enough, Ersya seemed overwhelmed to answer. "J-so..."

Of course Lilya had expected it. How could someone who won a national-level race forget the idea of his own writing?

It must be because he didn't actually write the essay. Then who wrote it if not Ersya? Lilya had only one candidate, a friend who was happy to research human expression, who else if not Arvin. However, the biggest question is why is the guy willing to help Ersya to the extent, while he could have won those races for himself?

There is nothing more troubling to Lilya than a question for which there is no answer. Although it is not his business, but the sense of tightness always strikes when he thinks about Arvin and Ersya's real relationship.

"Oi! What are you guys doing?" Pekik Udo who had just climbed the stairs and then ran a small approach to Ersya's room. "Udah is ready to be seblak."

Lilya let out a long sigh, ".yawah ayok."

As it was about to pass, Ersya hurriedly held back Lilya's hand. "Lia, i-this said he wanted to change...?

Seeing the pads in Ersya's hands, Lilya also patted the eel. How could he forget his own scenario?

"Eh yes I forgot. Donar do, I still have business." Lilya took the bandage and held it before Udo who immediately frowned. "WC which side, Shay?"

"That's the door on the left..." Ersya said while pointing outside.

Lilya patted Udo's shoulder before passing towards the designated door.

"Oi Lia, tomorrow so will you help me get my money to school?" Suddenly Udo asked while half shouting.

Lilya who was half way was just giving a thumbs up in response. Although it looks indifferent, actually Lilya is looking forward to it. After all, he had to make Udo want to cooperate with him. Because it could be that the boy knows the truth of the mysterious relationship between Arvin and Lilya.

...* * *...

Tomorrow. The SMK Tunas Nusa Business Room.

"Sir! I haven't eaten for three days! See ampe beaten loan sharks because of the frequent debt. You don't have any empathy?!"

With complete confidence Udo told his suffering. Maybe the lie looks obvious, but the 'hit by loan sharks' part is real.

Mr. Danu was skeptical, but when he looked at Udo's completely battered face, he seemed to have little faith. But, believing is not enough.

"Well, what is it? That's my right, I should be the one who broke the money to be used to pay SPP or not!" Udo protest not accepted.

Danu. "Emang if the money you have pocketed, you will pay SPP? I don't think so."

"So you know that's his name!"

Seeing Udo who lost his patience, Lilya who had been listening while twirling his HP beside Udo began to intervene.

"Gini loh sir, pay SPP is the same as receiving aid money by students are two different things. You can not arbitrarily decide what the use of the money is for,” said Lilya with a courtesy as possible.

Even so, Danu still looks resentful and clucking. "It's just that you bring temen, do. Your money will still be paid SPP, besides this is also for your good."

"Kill him or the school?" Lilya held Udo's hand to keep him quiet, while Lilya took over. "Because of the fire case and the death of Mr. Ian, this school is demanded by many parents and the media, right? In fact, you are negligent in security, even CCTV does not work. What consequences? The trust of the people and the foundation is thinning, as are the channels of funds that can be."

Lilya looked at Danu lekat. "Then rumors continue to be allegations that the funds were misused by certain individuals to enrich themselves. That's why the quality of school is declining."

Danu's not picking. However, the words of Lilya do sound reasonable. "W-what are you talking about.it's just your imagination-"

"Seeing the father who arbitrarily channeled Udo's aid funds.it seems like people's assumptions proved to be correct." Lilya folded her arms around her chest and leaned against the back of the chair with a smile.

"Of course not! How could such a thing happen in this school!" The 50-year-old man refused to believe it.

Brak!

"Where are my rights?!" Udo screeched as he slammed the table in front of him.

Lilya flinched, and so did Danu and some of the officers working around them.

Taking advantage of the intense moment, Lilya casually grabbed her HP at the table and played a voice recording that contained the entire debate during this time.

Danu was wide-eyed, while cold sweat began to pour from her wrinkled temples. "What...?"

"According to Annex I of the minister of education chapter VIII on surveillance, vetting, and sanctions, the father's actions included abuse. Because after all, money from the government must first get into the hands of students in need." Lilya smiled knot. "Actually that's the problem if the media gets to know. First the case of the teacher's death, then now the alleged corruption. According to the father of the foundation will be diem?”

Of course Danu knew what Lilya was trying to do. ‘If the recording is spread, the school is threatened to be closed. Therefore Mr. Danu has no other choice but to hand over Udo's money in exchange for the deletion of the voice recording.’ In short, Lilya wants Danu to make a deal first. The girl had managed to drag Danu into a situation she could not avoid.

Unable to say anything more, Danu turned to look at Udo who only smiled triumphantly. In the end, he resignedly followed the path that has been prepared Lilya.

He opened the student data document of the recipient of the aid and began to record something.

"T-please delete that tape. I really have no intention of committing a crime. I just want to help this school through the hard times" Danu said after putting some money in an envelope, and handing it over to Udo.

In his heart, Lilya felt a little guilty. He knows that Mr. Danu may not have bad intentions, and his assumption about corruption in this school is just a lie that he corals. Even so, Lilya had no choice because this scenario was also important to bind Udo to cooperate with him.

In the end, Lilya had no regrets.