Falling Into Your Trap
New Year's Celebration and Little Hope

“Kak, you don't work?”

Lisa asked cautiously the next day when she found Sinar in the kitchen with a steaming cup of hot coffee. The brother's eyes fell on the open tab in his hand. It looks so serious. Lisa herself was supposed to be working now but, in fact, the Papa had called her early in the morning to say that she was rested at home until the marriage was over.

It's not that Lisa didn't balk when her Papa called by commanding. But in fact, her father would not listen to her protests and still threatened to bring Lisa back to Japan so that Lisa could obey the Papa's orders. The middle-aged man also threatened that he would dismiss Lisa from his job easily if Lisa did not comply at all.

So, what can he do if he does not listen to the Papa's absolute orders? Unfortunately, his annual vacation ration that he willingly did not use for his vacation was scorched with nothing like this. Of course, the Papa must use the leave ration from his office that can be counted for approximately five weeks, or less? Lisa doesn't even want to count anymore.

As for that, Lisa believes that her Papa could have asked Mr. Leo to dismiss Lisa during the period that his Papa wanted. Power plays into it, so who does Lisa bother to think long about her time off work that will take more than she should?

It's not that he's capitalist or boasts of his Papa with such ludicrous things. However, he was made aware of the last name he was holding. Cakrawijaya shouldn't be heavy for him. In fact, that access made Lisa rather burdened.

“This is me again working, kok.”

Rays waving from its place. Pointing another jasmine tea cup across the table and also a steaming bowl of porridge. Lisa just realized that the smell was tempting. It was the porridge made by the brother who used to be as a child he really liked. Somehow, Sinar made it so well that Lisa threw her body quickly to sit on her dining chair.

“Work? Why not go to the office, brother? Lo WFH's? Really tumben?” Asking excitedly, Lisa decided to blow her hot drink first. Afraid of burning his tongue badly.

The light smiled, a bit clumsy. The man paused for a moment before putting his hot coffee cup on the table. Convinced that without saying a word, Lisa would have understood what it meant.

“Ah.” Lisa nodded. Suddenly his appetite was no longer the same. “Papa's Sure, yes.” His lips were pursed, only able to resign to how things were playing with him at this moment.

“Iya. Afraid of her daughter running away said Papa” Sinar adding in a soft voice. “Sorry, yes, Deck. This Papa command I can't refuse.” Continue with a sincere apology.

Lisa nodded. How else would you like? He also could not win against his Papa when asking to go to work. So, what can he do again? His face now feels so superior. The mother hasn't spoken a word to Lisa since last night.

“Yes how to do it again, sister. I just can't defend my argument with Papa to let me work. Don't know Papa bribe Mr. Leo as much as possible. I don't want to care anymore” he exclaimed indifferently.

Although there was a pinch in her heart and she wanted to cry, but Lisa could not let it fall again. He must be strong and clear to face his problems. For the time being, every thing that bothered his head was removed in his activities, maybe he could think better. (lying. Lisa knows that).

Sinar did not comment any more. Looks like his job stole all of the man's attention. Lisa chose to chew her porridge slowly. He didn't know what to do after this. Maybe go to the gym to make him not think bad things sound good too. Or she will roll out the carpet in a relaxing room to start doing yoga again.

Actually, it's not a hobby. Lisa did it because Jihan was giving her yoga equipment for her birthday and was eager to teach Lisa to stretch her body. Jihan's wide smile as it flashed across Lisa's face. So, who is Lisa going to let that equipment get dusty in her storage shed? (Lying too. Lisa wears it only three times a year. He may have broken down on several occasions. But Jihan didn't know about it, so she's perfectly safe).

Chewing a delicious porridge even though the hunger levels are drastically reduced is not too bad either. In fact, it was already halfway through when Sinar suddenly put down his gadget slowly. It stole Lisa's attention when her sister looked a bit too complicated for her to interpret.

“Lo why, Brother?”

“Eh.” The light cleared for a moment. There was a small smile on his face, somewhat sad yet like he wanted to reveal it.

“Maybe it is not the right time to chat because you must be sad again and in a not-so-good atmosphere too. But, roughly, what if we have a small event for the new year's night tomorrow?” Sinar was careful with his words as if afraid of offending his sister unintentionally.

Uh. Lisa realized.

The day after tomorrow is new year's night. The new year means he will enter January. His wedding will be held at the end of that month. He will be married in no less than thirty days.

“If you don't want to, it's okay, deck. I am not maksa. I mean, instead of you sad continue, why not try to make you happy just for a moment. Maybe.. if the vibes are positive, where knows there is a good way for you in the future.” Sinar speak again. This time it was a bit too rough because the man's focus was on Lisa completely. Face wrinkled. Not wanting to hurt her sister more deeply.

“New year, new spirit.well as if you do not care constantly every day, Dek” Sinar try to cheer up. Suddenly, Lisa's mouth became bitter.

She knew that her brother was trying to comfort her a little. But in reality, just for fun he was already feeling tired and useless. Not to mention thinking about the wedding day that would soon come to her. He hated how his mind revolved just to get a dead end.

“If I.. don't want. How about, Brother?” Lisa answered weakly. Stirring up the porridge that stayed a little. Somewhat surprised as he was sure he had only eaten a few mouthfuls and porridge that Sinar had provided earlier was almost a full bowl.

“Yes nothing” Rays sounded protect. He even gave Lisa a smile.

For some reason, Lisa became a bit overwhelmed. Maybe because she has someone else nearby who understands Lisa's own choices and doesn't push her too far like one particular person.

Ah, errata. One particular ugly green monster that he didn't want to mention by name at all.

“Still, Brother.”

“Do not.” The light is beating rapidly. “Lo do not have to thank you because I understand your choice. That bare minimum”

Sometimes, Lisa can see how Sinar really deserves to play the role of a Big Brother. That's pretty good actually on some occasions.

“Hmm.”

The light looks restless. Lisa found herself watching as she slowly drank the delicious tea in her throat. Her brother seemed to want to say something, but was unsure how he should reveal it. Feeling somewhat unhappy with the situation, Lisa rebuked quickly.

“Shoot, Brother. If you want to talk to me, say it. I will not be damaged just because of a few words you want to say. As long as you do not mention the name of the jerk or give worse news than the current situation, I do not problem”

Lisa was amused to see how her sister looked so clumsy. It was a bit strange considering how resolute and thoughtful he looked before. But Lisa enjoyed the rays more than she could name.

“Gini. may not match the time. I also actually can not talk about this at the time of lo situation again like gini, deck. But. like you really have to know.”

“What? Cepetan tell me!” Lisa snaps. Feeling grumpy with the behavior of his brother who is like a chicken.

Then, there was a smile that glowed sweetly on her Brother's face and Lisa was at least very curious about what was going on.

“So.. I may. or may not.. hm.. well, I.. again make the same commitment Hala?”

Lisa flashes. Once, twice.

He was still processing before he finally realized what Sinar had delivered.

“LO MADE WITH HALA?!”

There was one unexpected buzz when Lisa jumped. All he could put into his brain was how Sinar's face looked like a constipated person mixed with a hint of pride like crazy. But to be sure, this news was not news that Lisa expected to hear as soon as this happened.

...…....

“Not made, but commitment. He seemed to know how I felt and he accepted my feelings. So.. a kind of HTS?Relationship without status.. Anyway there is no label, but we keep each other's feelings..well, you must know what it means ‘kan, deck?”

So that's what makes Lisa currently agree to be at a small event of the new year celebration. Sinar said that they would only order food and drinks as well as play small fireworks in the backyard of the house because Sinar wanted to treat them heavy and expensive food for the celebration that he managed to commit to Halas.

Lisa a while ago managed to display her happy look in front of her best friends. I don't want them to see him in a bad mood. Lisa had also pestered Hala when her best friend appeared before the woman was dragged by Sinar to chat out of nowhere until it was finally obstructed by the furore of Jihan and Fajri, even Alphino was shocked because of this new news.

Then there's a Hexa that looks a little weird. Maybe Lisa was reading a bit too much, but the man was a bit more reserved than usual. Somehow Lisa could suddenly see the uneasiness that arose in Hexa's unusual behavior. Perhaps it was because she also felt bad vibes because her head was still thinking about her wedding day that was counting down, so she could see gloomy faces that were on par with her.

She had just wanted to step up to a small chat with the quiet Hexa but, one hand pulled her gently and Lisa wavered. He was so shaky that he was surprised that he easily fell with just one small pull. Fortunately, the person who pulled him was able to catch him before he slipped and his back smelled the ground.

“Gue was shocked, Al” Lisa neutralized her hunting breath. Even though he was having a big problem at the moment, he swore that he still wanted to live and breathe well.

“Lo why did it suddenly appear that way, anyway? If I die because of your attempted murder how?!” Lisa snapped, a little too harshly which made Alpino speechless.

Lisa was unconscious. He only said it was for joking material, but the remark probably slapped Alpino with a rude cry judging by how his beloved friend reacted.

“M-I mean.” Lisa stuttered, more afraid to hurt Alpino because of his harsh words.

“Sorry. I'm really sorry, Lis. Next time I will not be careless anymore. I know you've been daydreaming ever since. I should have realized that you could be wretched if I suddenly touch you so aja.”

The sound of Alpino sounds soft. Suddenly, Lisa wanted to lean back and listen to the man's voice until he fell asleep.

“Nothing, my wrong Al. is too sensitive. Don't think about it, I really didn't look out for it.” Lisa sighed, patting Alpino on the shoulder to say that they are currently fine. She's doing just fine.

“Um, if so, would you like to have a quick chat there? Maybe if you no longer focus like now, want to talk alone?” Alpino. And who is Lisa to disagree with that tantalizing offer?

So, Alpino asked him to sit on one of the park benches he got from his company's best furniture. It has been estimated since the manufacturing process was implemented and Lisa managed to get it at a pretty good price from the employee discount she had before this furniture was sold out.

The place they were sitting was indeed not too far away from the noisy children, the laughter from his Brother and also his other friends did not sound too dim at all but they were full of light and excitement. Seeing that, inevitably Lisa felt a pull on the corner of her lips. His eyes stared fondly at the look of happiness from those people he cared about so much.

“So, would you like to tell me what happened to your mood now? Original, Lis, you are not suitable if you already use a dramatic look on your face. Ugly tau”

Lisa knew Alpino was just teasing her to melt the atmosphere and Lisa appreciated the caution that still emanated. Lisa looked up to catch Alpino's face clearly in a straight line with her eyes.

Honestly, Lisa couldn't be more grateful to have people who really cared about her. Perhaps, in her previous life Lisa had saved the lives of hundreds of people. Who knows.

“Yes I'm basically ugly, Al. want to be loved also ugly. Lo don't like to insult me, yes!” Lisa tried to bring the good mood back. I don't want Alpino to be more worried about me. Pinching the side thighs of Alpino, the man pouted with an ugly voice moan that made Lisa unable to stop for a small laugh.

“By mouth lo ugly bener” Alpino nagging. The man now chooses to position his shoulder against Lisa's shoulder, offering their closeness for Lisa's comfort even further.

Lisa knows, Alpino knows how she is now falling into a mad spiral of frustration. Even with the fact they are celebrating the new year's night and also the celebration of his brother who is finally committed to his own best friend.

It should have been good, but again Lisa became a little blue, sad because her head couldn't stop thinking ugly things. In fact, he has tried to resign and prefers the positive vibes offered. But in reality, it was hard for him to do.

“My best friend is so beautiful. So lo, any demon that is again residing in Lisa's body, mending out, gih, if not able to appreciate the beauty of my best friend this” Lisa complained when Alpino pinched her cheek, he said, trying to play with the situation.

Laughing further, I don't know where Lisa's anxiety went a moment ago. Alpino really brought him the comfort he was looking for. Different than how she was with her brother, with Alpino it felt like she could divide her load evenly without the man knowing what was really going on in its entirety.

“Apaan ‘sih, Lo, Al! pain, tau!” Lisa moans, trying to let go of Alpino's messing around.

“Well, dong, smile! The time of a beautiful child is riding in his new year using negative energy, anyway? It's not good! New year, new spirit, new energy, dong! Time cannot be. Cement, lo!”

Lisa rolled her eyes. Alpino looks very happy teasing him. True, the now sticky charm of the man as it used to be before Noren came into their lives appeared again. Lisa misses this a bit.

“Lo ‘tuh actually want to cry my curhatan or want to seduce me mulu, anyway, Al? I'm here because you realize I'm not okay anymore. Now even lo candain guenya. dih” Lisa nagging with not too sharp. Alpino chuckled cheerfully beside him.

There was a gentle breath from Alpino before Lisa realized that her shoulders were now covered with Alpino's long arms perched on her. Lisa secretly lets herself fall into her warm convalescence.

“Ya.. so you don't think much, Lis. So that you do not think too bad things and the possibilities that will not be endless if you think it continues in the small head lo it” Alpino flicked his head with Lisa's head slowly. There was no pain, but it was able to make Lisa's smile wider.

“So, you want to tell me why on this happy night you even look sad and like you will be camouflaged to be crazy sooner or later?”

“Dih, talk lo guarded, yes!” Lisa rolled her eyes when she saw both of Alpino's eyebrows go up and down, completely trying to relax her from all sorts of tension residing in her body.

“Ya, yes, yes.. So?”

Alpino turned to look at him sincerely. Waiting for Lisa to start making a sound when she put her ears on silently. He appreciates this. So, Lisa sighed deeply before letting her head fall on Alpino's shoulder with her gaze pointed at the noisy children a few feet in front of them.

“Gue is really going crazy next year, Al. do not know, it feels like I have resigned myself to the path of my life. But on one side. I don't want to give up..” He started. His head was suddenly filled up about how his life would be some time to come.

“But.if I don't want to give up too, I don't know what to do. I don't have much power. It feels to volunteer I have no chance.”

“Even from the beginning, I have been sure to lose” he sighed, this time sticking his nose in the hem of an Alpino shirt with a sweet aroma that he memorized.

“Gue fights alone.it feels unfair.”.

He whispered, choosing to close his eyes tightly. Letting the sounds of firecrackers and fireworks start screaming in the empty space. A few more minutes maybe 12 p.m. A few seconds may be the turn of the year. And Lisa's clock starts to count down until hell swallows her whole.

“Hey, who said?” Alpino whispered to him. Lisa raised her head to meet Alpino's round and pretty eyes.

“Lo got me, Lis. I will fight with lo” Alpino whispered, but Lisa holds it like a promise.

“Whatever happens, you are not alone. You can always come to me whenever you want. You can take advantage of me until your problem is resolved. I can guarantee, I will always be there for you even when you do wrong though. I'm willing to be the one to help you bury the corpse that you've killed in case this reaches the events”

Alpino's grin looks messy on her face, but Lisa finds it so endearing. With the promise that the man left to her, Lisa felt that she had a myriad of strength in her hands.

“So, what are your hopes for this new year?”

Alpino directs his face to the night sky decorated with various colors of beautiful chemicals that are blown up in space. It split the silence of the night so that only the sound of explosions here and there was electrifying yet welcome.

Lisa was silent for a moment, before beginning to whisper in one small whisper like a prayer.

“Gue hope, I can be happy and have the freedom to choose to fall in love with the right person in my life…

And I hope.. Alpino is happier than me no matter what happens”.

There was one big explosion of the prettiest fireworks he had ever seen. The clock shows at 00:01 in the morning.

New January, is welcoming Lisa with bated taunts.

...🍁...

...New Year Celebration and Little Hope...

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...🍁🍁🍁...