High School Soldier
Inner war: a hot night

The warm night air caused Nio to be unable to sleep using a blanket. He was currently lying on the living room sofa, with the scent of a mosquito-killing medicine floating in the air. He could hear the sounds of crickets and other night animals.

It was now past 10 p.m., and almost all the lights inside the house had been turned off. Nio's eyes had gotten used to the darkness. He was deep in thought as he lay alone in the living room, staring at the ceiling and hearing the patrolling officer who lost a chess bet.

After dinner, Nio tried to explain to all the girls about the operation of ‘diversion’ Alliance, and the buildup of troops in the Holy Land controlled by Luan Empire. As imagined by her, Tania and Nike reacted with paled faces, but the girls from the other world and Zefanya retaliated with great confidence, “We will join the fight! Everything will be fine as long as we try, right? Just pray if the target of the Alliance attack is not this city.”

“The number of troops prepared by the enemy is about 200,000 combined soldiers, are you guys okay with that?” Nio could not imagine Karanganyar could be defended by just two companies with 300 infantry armed soldiers.

The otherworldly girls had the unique ability to deal with monsters, but if the number of enemies one would encounter was that big, Nio doubted they could last. Although all the girls and him, except Nike, Tania, Huvu, Hevaz, and Ebal had followed a series of battles called the Great Assault Alliance against the TNI, Nio did not think they were all capable of fighting three times a day in a week.

“Nio,” Lux will respond to Nio's words with a firm expression. “You are the Sky Warrior and Hope Hero, Nio. I fought once against you, and you won. Previously, no knight could defeat me, except the elite magician knight. Supposedly, after that defeat I stopped being a knight. Undoubtedly, my struggle to this day is a second chance. Command me as you see fit, Nio.”

Nio was shocked by Lux's words that confidently looked at him, and the expression wanted to face the battle from Zefanya and the otherworldly girls. Convinced to face death, where would they have such power from? Even he and Herlina who were supposed to take such action could not immediately make a decision after hearing Suroso's request.

With the help of the otherworldly girls, Zefanya, Nio plans to make a proposal to include them in the squad that will be on standby.

After making sure the whole girl slept safely and comfortably, Nio returned to the living room, laying down on the long sofa. Silence accompanied him. The sound of a digital clock ticking like an analog clock is louder than at night.

“Letnan Nio, have you not slept?” Nio heard a voice that sounded like Zefanya's.

Nio tried as quietly as possible after being somewhat surprised when he saw Zefanya with part of her body covered in bandages. He asked, “You can't sleep? If it feels hot, why not turn on the AC?”

“I can't sleep, but not because the air is stuffy.”

That answer surprised Nio a little. Zefanya grows and grows in the city of Yakutsk with an average annual temperature of minus 8 degrees Celsius. This is when Zefanya should be crazy due to the dry season of Indonesia which is dry and often makes the night air feel stuffy and hot.

“Can we talk for a minute?” ask Zefanya.

“Sure.”

“I've thought about it, and I thought I wouldn't go home and take advantage of the special right from Russia to explore other worlds with you and TNI.”

“Zefanya, you do not need to force yourself. You can go home after the withdrawal order was given by the government of the Russian Federation to the peacekeepers of the Russian contingent.”

“No, I don't want to go home that fast. I want to explore other worlds and fight with you and Team 12.”

After hearing Zefanya say that, Nio had no more reason to stop her. There was indeed no sniper as good as Zefanya that Nio had in his current unit, and that was one of the reasons Nio did not force Zefanya to go home.

Zefanya continued her words, “My words may sound selfish, but I can take care of myself during the war. Also, I thank you, Lieutenant Nio. Being in the squad you lead makes me comfortable and warm. It feels like I want to fight forever with you and Team 12. This is the most impressive struggle of my career.”

Zefanya's words further made Nio misbehave. Nio was a bit hesitant, but he kept his mouth open and spoke, “Di-out of duty, you and friends can call me without rank in front of my name.”

“Alright, Nio,” Zefanya's answer made them both smile.

“But there is one thing I think I should tell you. We probably won't always fight together.”

“What is it about the buildup of Alliance troops, and rumors if they will attack this city? You don't have to worry, Nio.”

“Not that..” Nio pause. The wind blows from the outside, and into the living room through the ventilation hole. Then, after the wind blew, there was only the sound of rustling leaves rubbing against each other.

“What is it about otherworldly people who consider you a Hero of Hope?”

Nio lowered his head after hearing Zefanya's words. He remained clueless as to why the otherworldly people desperately needed that figure in a war that was somehow up to this time. Nio nodded in response to Zefanya's question and said, “That's also.”

“Is there anything that bothers you?” Zefanya.

Nio sighed, and raised his right leg then placed it over his left thigh, “Ya. I really don't know what this war is for. If to prevent otherworldly people from going to war with us, what the government should be working on is a peace dialogue. Zefanya, what do you think I'm fighting for?”

Zefanya seemed to not understand the direction of the chatter of the two of them, and she could almost see the question mark on her head. He then answered Nio's question, “To prevent the Alliance from other worlds from fighting in our world and protect the peace of Indonesia, right?”

“In other words, do you consider my ultimate goal to be fighting for justice and good? I used to have such a purpose, other than to fight until someone I loved found happiness. After ‘dia’ found happiness, all of it was no longer my goal of struggling. But, I don't think he's really enjoying his happiness. I know the reason, which is the man who will marry her is one of the ‘kare’ that I consider enemies. All of his orders left me with grudges and hatred, and having the desire to avenge all of his deeds to make Arunika think twice before marrying that damned. If I had the chance, I would have shot and killed him on the spot when they were both getting married. Well, forget about my sister's wedding. Like most people, I also have hatred and resentment towards the Alliance. But, Queen Sheyn, Edera, Huvu, and Ebal came from the Alliance member states. But, they are the ones who betrayed their own country, and they may have a greater hatred towards the enemy than we do.”

In the darkness, Zefanya showed a surprised expression and held her breath for a few seconds as long as Nio said all that. He did not believe that Nio's purpose was not only to protect his homeland, but Nio had a hidden bloodthirsty side. “Awn, Nio. Hatred and resentment can make us continue the struggle to this day.”

Before joining Nio's unit, an Indonesian contingent officer who had worked with Nio gave him a warning, “You are a member of the Russian contingent who will be a member of the 12th Team led by First Lieutenant Nio Candranala, right? You're a little unlucky, Miss.”

“Why? Isn't he one of the potential officers Indonesia has?” Zefanya did not believe she had to be very careful with a superior who had a proud achievement.

“Betul, but do you know the other side of Lettu Nio?”

Zefanya responded to the Indonesian officer's question in silence, thought deeply, then said, “I want to know more about Lieutenant Nio Candranala. Do you know the past or how to fight?”

“No,” the Indonesian officer replied with an anxious and surprised expression. He shook his head and said slowly, “Sorry, but don't touch Lettu Nio.”'s past

When the second lieutenant-ranking officer saw the curious expression of the Russian female soldier in front of him, he anxiously asked, “Nona, what do you think of that Lettu Nio?”

“According to the rumors I heard, she is kind, broad-minded, and cool,” Zefanya replied like a teenage girl who was asked the question who the guy liked.

“You should know that enough. Never talk about a topic that could potentially delve into the way Lettu Nio fights and treats his opponents.”

“Why not?”

“Because he will turn into a different Lettu Nio than you know.”

“What?”

“Zefanya, we have our own goals. I want to end my work quickly, and kill all my enemies. I want to avenge everyone who harmed me and my only family. I want Arunika to find her true happiness, not happy because she was forced.”

Zefanya felt herself trembling, and put on an anxious expression as Nio said that. All of Nio's goals will be tainted with blood, he said.

The little information he knew about Nio was probably correct; the man was a bloodthirsty warrior who killed all enemies that were blocking his goal. Everyone had their own dark side, it was also true for Nio who was always calm in fighting and had compassion towards the enemy who was waving the white flag of surrender. And maybe Nio's dark side is his true personality but it hasn't been shown yet, Zefanya thought.

But…

“I do want to fight alongside Team 12, but my greatest wish is to fight with you, Nio.Dan, do you still remember what I said when we fought in the capital of Arevelk Kingdom? I mean it, even though the chances of you accepting me are very small.”

Nio covered his mouth with his hands, and showed an unsettled attitude after Zefanya said that.

“Zefanya, sorry in advance, can you remove the bandage that covers part of your body?”

Zefanya was silent for a while, but she realized Nio had seen his actual physical condition from the data about him. He had many reasons to reject Nio's request, one of them, “You might be disgusted with me afterwards. Even though I'm ready to get a rejection from you, it still hurts.”

“Not that you often see my face crumbled without bother?” Nio opened the buff mask that covered half of his face, and showed a burn scar on his face and part of his body.

Zefanya gulps when she sees the condition of Nio's face, and she can understand why Nio's sister prefers to marry another man even though they both have the opportunity to have a romantic relationship. Having injuries is natural for frontline fighters, but there are some types of external physical injuries that have the potential to change everything.

The Russian girl started to open the bandage coil on her body, accompanied by a supportive look from Nio. The man did not react at all when the bandage fell and exposed the covered scar, thus making Zefanya even more nervous. Just being shown to Nio was still a problem, yet he could not imagine how his friends in Team 12 would react if he displayed his true physique without the twists of bandages that had become his identity.

“Nio... Why did you tell me to remove my bandage?” Zefanya finished removing the entire winding bandage on her body, so that all the wounds covered by the bandage were clearly visible.

Zefanya became worried that Nio would be surprised, but the man looked very calm. He just looked at her calmly, as if he was looking at something unsurprising.

Just like her, Zefanya also had a burn scar on her face which made her know why such a flaw should be covered. Although their comrades were both not too bothered by it, yet they still did not know the feelings of ordinary people.

“To see if you feel I'm bothered by the injury you have. Turns out you're stronger than I thought, Zefanya.”

Nio asked himself if it was worth asking a girl to show her biggest flaws. He just wanted to judge himself to be able to accept the girl's feelings or not by still paying attention to his flaws. He knew Zefanya's feelings when getting a cynical look at her handicap, so he gave as much as possible a supportive look.

Nio did not know how his old colleagues Zefanya had reacted when the girl got a severe injury, but he knew having such a wound was not a pride. Which meant, the two of them had to hide each other's flaws. Both Nio and Zefanya do not want the injuries they get to be worthy of being called ‘awards’, as fools think that the wounds on the battlefield are trophies of bravery. They were not a number of German military officers in the past who deliberately injured their faces to be considered honorable.

“So... what does it mean?” zefanya said without hiding anything else, but her face could not help but look scared and agitated.

“I want to see you without obstructions. But, do you seriously love me? I didn't mean to make you accept me because of our similar circumstances. But, aren't you thinking about what happens after we hook up?”

“The injuries you get for defending yourself and protecting your subordinates, right? Why would I think of others' opinions about our relationship if I could have my protector.”

My protector? I don't remember Arunika ever saying such a pleasant thing, she muttered sadly. Staring back at Zefanya's face, she saw the gaze of the young girl who was looking at her sincerely.

“Yah... I was hurt because of my responsibilities as the leader of Team 12, anyway. But, I was hurt because of my carelessness. So, you will be in touch with a careless person, Zefanya.”

Zefanya was silent for a moment, all Nio expected was that the girl rethink her desire. A while later, Zefanya looked back at him and said, “Can I touch your face?” he decided not to answer Nio's question.

“What?” Nio did not know the reason Zefanya said such a request.

Without Nio's consent, Zefanya placed her left hand against the man's right cheek. Although rude and frightening to the general public, he looked completely unperturbed and happily stroked the cheek up to the man's neck and shoulders.

Nio could see from both of Zefanya's blue pupils that the girl was happy to browse through her body, and she started to do the same. The girl was the same as her, though somewhat surprised as Nio pressed the left palm against her neck. Nio got to Zefanya's hip, then crept up to her back and stroked her after sidelining the blocking t-shirt.

There was no sign of the two of them stopping the activity of stroking. Both seem to enjoy the activity of touching each other's bodies, with the aim not to look for each other's shortcomings.

They let each other do what they want.

Zefanya then dropped down on the long sofa, then pulled Nio's body on it. Nio propped his body with his left hand to avoid direct body touch. Both of Zefanya's hands pulled at her neck, causing her face to slowly approach. “What we will do here?”

Nio looked around in surprise. Until now, no girl has gone to the room to carry out the call of nature. No signs there will be interference if they ‘do it’ in the living room.

However, Zefanya's smile grew wider as she got a chance to’attack’ and pull Nio's neck and suck it. He didn't care Nio moaned as he coughed up his neck, he held back the rebellious Nio.

With challenging goals, Zefanya said, “If you want, you can do it to me too.”

Nio looked at Zefanya's defenseless body, and did the same as he received from the girl. With a shoulder target, he complies with Zefanya's challenge. As she sucks Zefanya's left shoulder skin, the girl is heard groaning without letting go of her neck which makes a sense of awakening in Nio.

Pausing for a moment to take a breath, Nio saw Zefanya's face flushed red, as did the girl. The breaths were both heavy, and Nio looked at Zefanya's shiny pink lips.

Zefanya realized Nio's desire to glance at her lips, and without saying anything she pulled back Nio's neck to move the cum*buan point. Both of them did so without caring for the flaws of each other. They do it for their own feelings of love.

The voice cum*full gai*rah continues in the hot night.

**

(illustrated Zefanya. The difference from the illustration above, Zefanya has blonde hair and blue pupils. Image source pinterest)