Heartbreakers
08. Emotion

Saturday, June 6, 2020, is a day that is so anticipated by three friends. A special day to meet old friends. A perfect day for the three of them to keep their promise seven years ago at Tugu Muda.

Who else would have placed friendship above all else, even if they hadn't met for years, if not Jessie, Keana and Kheira?

Didn't it say that the coincidence that brought them together was the most beautiful coincidence?

That should be all friendship. It will not be timeless, it will not disappear even if it is restarted. Just like these three friends who strengthen each other even though they do not look at each other or say.

There is a lot going on in their lives. All three have valuable experiences that each of them lives to continue to live and develop. Although not infrequently some twists actually endanger lives or bring them to the lowest point in life.

However, like the dew that is always present in the morning or the butterflies that develop wings at the end of metamorphosis, all three make it through all the challenges. All three managed to become butterflies with wide and beautiful wings. Completely prepared to continue to survive a life that is sometimes unfair.

Come back again on Saturday.

Early in the morning Jessie was ready. He just arrived in Semarang last night by plane. The burning spirit made him successfully complete homework in a short time in the morning. He has even completed all office work and rejected Ricky—'s invitation to the office as well as a special person in his life— to come out today.

Jessie's been so happy ever since Keana texted and asked to meet three weeks ago. After Keana's invitation, the always quiet group chat turned into a crowded one. Kheira even joined the roost and promised to come see them. Actually chatting via chat is also not a big problem—get through easy even—but somehow seven years this has never been a meaningful chat and lasted more than a day.

At two o'clock in the afternoon, he arrived at DP Mall. Jessie deliberately came first because usually hours like this DP Mall crowded visitors. He also wanted to remember how often they spent empty time either studying or just hanging out in their favorite food court. He could even see the shadow of those who had once lined up in front of Kheira's favorite milk shop.

This place didn't change much, so Jessie didn't take too long to get to the top floor and chose the chair they used to use during High School. Memories of the past continued to pass through Jessie's head until she published a smile. It used to be very stubborn, but now it has changed a lot. Somehow with Keana and Kheira later. He still does not believe he will be able to meet his two best friends again after a long time.

“Jessie?” greet a soft voice.

Jessie automatically turns. Then found a shoulder-haired girl with a mocha-colored knee-length dress. His face quickly reminded him of a long-haired girl in the past.

“Kheira?” the tananya was half surprised and half happy. A second in sight the two immediately scattered in a warm embrace.

Without being told, the two of them had already sat down and returned to chatting in a frenzy. Tell each other some stories that they pass without the presence of friends. The two had not ordered anything. Thought they were, they would order when Keana had come. So, they can repeat the memories of queuing together at the tavern of their choice.

“By the way, my parents finally divorced when we were in college semester one. Sorry I never told you anything in the group,” Kheira story. His brain went back to his college days. There were so many painful memories back then. But now he is fine, can even laugh with Jessie who he thinks has changed a lot.

In Kheira's eyes, Jessie was already much more feminine. He used to be surprised when he knew Jessie liked to ride in motorcycle races and hang out with bad people. But Kheira is grateful because it seems Jessie remains good— very good even—and not affected by the delinquency of her environment.

“It's okay. There are things that we find difficult to tell, even to our friends. I do too. After a lot of time, my parents' separation didn't affect me that much. The proof is that I can be this strong. Maybe it was because of their incident. Isn't that right, Ra?” sahut Jessie ceria's.

Kheira just nodded. Kheira did not want to drag on discussing grief, so she shifted the conversation to other topics. Also wondering why Keana has not yet come even though it has been half an hour more than the appointment time.

Starting to finish the topic between them, Jessie decides to send a message to the group chat. Hope Keana will read and reply to questions about his whereabouts.

“Keana volunteer what the hell? This isn't it?”

Kheira suddenly thrusts her phone when Jessie is about to call Keana. Her large screen clearly contained news headlines about the volunteer activities Keana was participating in. Together they read the article. Rarely such volunteer activities are made headlines online news portals. They are proud because it turns out their best friend who was following a super large charity and quite meritorious in the country.

However, their proud expressions only lasted for a while. The activity was impressive, but there were some volunteers who became victims and were not helped. And Keana's name is on that list of victims.

Jessie groaned impossible. Quickly his hand searched for the message Keana sent in the group chat. His eyes were still clearly seeing the message sent directly by Keana about three weeks ago. But when he scrolls up the conversation, he realizes that Keana has not been in a conversation for the past ten days. There were absolutely no messages or stickers Keana had sent in that span of time. The last notification he saw showed the same thing.

“Did I miss something?”

Kheira and Jessie are shocked. They looked at the source of the voice. An unfamiliar hoarse voice with the same accent: they knew it belonged to Keana.

Why is Keana suddenly here? Are they dreaming?

That's what Kheira and Jessie think.

“Why are you crying?” keana asked again, who answered them in unison.

Whether they dream or not they keep getting up and hugging Keana tightly. They also do not care if their cries get louder. Especially with the strange views of people who seemed to see teletubbies hugging, they were more unconcerned. So much sadness is replaced with infinite happiness.

The three managed to keep their promise at dusk seven years ago.

Then the conversation moved everywhere. Kheira and Jessie are intrigued by what happened to Keana during her volunteer service. Keana confirmed that he was close to death if only the medical personnel did not arrive on time. He told both of them that he had a scar that was still missing due to one of the events in his service. His phone is even gone, that's why he never answered any messages. He also lost a friend who happened to be one of Jessie's acquaintances, Anggara.

For hours they told me this. They laughed off. It was as if all the burdens for seven years had managed to lift easily. Maybe after this they will return to their respective routines. But tomorrow they can still meet again. That night they even promised to send word often in group chat. The day really went perfectly.

At eight o'clock in the night, Kheira's phone rang. For a moment to lift up, his eyes looked around to find that his favorite was already standing in front of the waffle shop, not too far from where he had gathered. His head nodded then turned off the phone, rejoining Jessie and Keana.

“By the way girls, I say goodbye first, yes. I've been picked up with him,” said goodbye to Kheira while pointing at a man.

Jessie and Keana turned their heads, following the direction of her index finger. He looked at Kheira half in disbelief. “Seriousness?” ask them compact.

Replace the laughing Kheira. Funny about both responses. He had imagined they would not just believe it. “I have something for you. Each one can be one, so do not scramble,” continued Kheira while removing two packages.

The package contains a set of pink kebaya and a cute looking wedding invitation with a beautifully embossed engraved name: Keenan-Kheira. Two more weeks date on the invitation. Jessie and Keana get up and hug Kheira. Happiness and haru are really visible on his third face.

“Congratulations, yes, Ra. When are you guys dating?” keana said with sumringah.

Unfortunately, Kheira shook her head. His smile still hung on his lips. “We never dated. We were friends until the end. The best always survives,” Kheira explained.

Not long after, Keenan came over. It might have been too long for him to wait in front of the waffle tavern. He also felt he had to say hello to Kheira's best friend who was also his high school friend.

His struggle with Kheira must end well. Their marriage was dreamed of by the man. Keenan felt that he had to make Kheira happy at all costs, including making her a lifelong friend. Kheira's sincerity and determination really touched her. Five years of sticking with the slicing taste should have changed the girl's feelings, either hate it or disappear altogether. But, in fact, not. Instead, his own feelings changed. I don't know since when Keenan likes Kheira to be around, laugh and eat with him. Looks like he will be very happy if Kheira's face becomes the first thing to see when you wake up. The best will always survive, and Kheira is the best for Keenan.

Once again, Kheira pamit. With Keenan he stepped out of Jessie and Keana with two wedding invitations printed nicely. Kheira hopes that one day Jessie and Keana will catch up with him to find half his soul.

_:FIN::_