Hogo No Yujin (Protective Friend)
Episode 43~ Elthan Syahputra, part 2

"A..., Dylan? Em... I'd like to ask, do you know anything?" tanyanya (Tanaka) hesitates.

"Something like what?" I raise my eyebrows.

"Emm.., about the person who was once close to your sister. Have you ever seen him close to a man, or do you know that he's had a partner, so?"

I narrowed my eyes. "Why are you asking like that?"

Tanaka shook his head quickly. "ah! Its alright. I'm just asking." After he said that, he threw his face away from me. Then he stroked the back of his neck and occasionally glanced at me again, then glanced his eyes in another direction.

I'm amazed. Why did Tanaka suddenly act like that? Ever since Ethan came home, Tanaka has been cold and quiet. And now, after Ethan gets home, Tanaka asks about my brother's personality instead. Does Tanaka not like Ethan's presence? Ah, I don't know.

Then, if he wanted to know so much about my brother, why didn't he ask my brother directly. Why should it be me, then? In fact, I personally don't know much about my brother either.

The atmosphere became quiet. Silence is like a house without inhabitants. Rather than quietly in the kitchen, there is no point, I better watch Anime on my Computer.

I also moved out of my chair. Then, walk towards my room. Followed by Takana also from behind. Ah, why is he wearing everything, anyway? I hope he doesn't bother me.

After myself and Takana left the kitchen, Tanaka who was still sitting on the chair near the dining table slightly lowered his head. Then, he rubbed his face with both hands. After he lowered his hand again, Tanaka's face was slightly flushed.

He muttered, "Why can't I say it?!"

****

Chapter 43: [Ethan Shahputra, part 2]

****

In the morning, I woke up to the sound of my next-door neighbor's dog barking loudly. And the sunshine that came into my room through the window.

I opened my eyes and sat down. My head looked to my right side. Staring at the window with eyes still half-closed. Then, I suddenly raised my eyes quickly in surprise. Why is my room window open? I thought, last night I locked it from the inside and closed the curtains. But why this morning, the window looks a little open and the curtain has shifted completely to show the entire window.

I got out of my bed, then stepped 2 times towards that window. I closed the window again because the morning wind from outside was very cold. Then, after I re-lock the window, I immediately close the curtain.

"How can the window be open, huh?" I thought in my heart. "Something seems wrong. What the hell, last night there was a thief coming in? Ah, it could be bad!"

Quickly, I approached all my cabinets. I saw my computer still in its place. Then, all my figures are still there. Nothing is missing. Then, all my comics are still looking a lot and nothing has changed. My room looks as ordinary as it was last night.

Hmm. I think I'm wrong. It might not be the thief that broke into my house. There must be something. Ah, nevermind! I don't want to think about it. Perhaps, the window was just blown by the strong wind last night. Because the wind was a sign of the arrival of a big storm today (maybe). Because when I look ahead, today's weather is not good. Black clouds gathered everywhere, the sky darkened and....

GLUD!

Lightning also began to fall. Why is the sky so dark all of a sudden? Wasn't the weather a bit sunny?

Huh, looks like I won't be going to school again today. The weather is not supportive, it will not be good for a child my age to go to school. I better get some more sleep.

I slammed my body back into the bed. Then I re-hugged my Dakimakura which I just bought at the Online store. Because, my old Dakimakura is broken. And it's all because of that Japanese kid! I'm not satisfied with scolding him!

Not long ago I closed my eyes, suddenly the phone on the table beside my bed was ringing. Just a few seconds. Because of that the sound of the ringtone Chat came in.

I don't care about it. Maybe, the chat was just from a prankster. But, come to think of it, I haven't had a chat in a long time. Except from school. What the hell, is that Chat coming in from school? Is there perhaps an important announcement inside my school grub?

Ah, inevitably, I have to check it out because it might be important. I grabbed my phone on the table. Then, open the screen and be right. There's a chat coming in. I checked it too. Chat from grub school. It is true my guess!

Chat from my new homeroom teacher. Writable

\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=

Announcement!

Today, all students are expected not to ditch or not to attend school for no apparent reason. Because, starting this week, you should study harder and reduce your habit of truancy. Because, next week, you have to take the Final Examination of Semester one.

Remember that! No one is not coming in today. I'll give you all extra lessons. So, good luck! We'll meet later in class.

\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=\=

"Daddy.." I muttered after reading the chat. I just wanted to go back to sleep, but since there's a compulsion to get into school today, so what's okay? I have to go to school today.

Being present. Though in front of it will rain and storm, loh! But there is still a compulsion to go to school. His teacher didn't see the situation, what?!

But, it's not bad if I go in today. Because, the Guardian of my class will give us all additional lessons to prepare for the UAS that will be held on..... Monday?! Waitaminute! Next monday, you! And today it's Thursday or Wednesday if it's not wrong. It's time in a minute! I need to focus more on maintaining my grades well!

Go, Dylan! You can definitely!

All right, without waiting anymore, right now I want to get ready to go to school. I forgot about Takana. He'll come with me too. But, now this Japanese boy is still sleeping soundly along with his brother downstairs with my little mattress.

I let out a small sigh. Huh, actually I don't want to do this, but what can I do? I have to wake Takana up. My hands started to shake his shoulders. "Ta, Takana? Let's wake!" my yelling.

Then, quickly, Takana opened her eyes. He sat down and looked up at me. "Ah, what's up, Dylan-san?" tanyakanya.

"Today's school. We need to get ready." My answer.

"Ah, alright!"

"Okay, then, I want to take a shower first."

"Eh? Dylan-san, take a bath together, yuk! To be faster."

"Belda! (Stupid!) It will slow down!" I snapped at him, then walked straight out of my room.

****

When Takana and I had taken a shower and were in school uniform, we left the room. Then, walk towards the kitchen for breakfast. Tanaka and Sely were at the dinner table.

"Ohayou Gozaimasu, Onee-chan!" greet Takana to my sister with her cheerfulness. Fely turned his body. "Ohayou, Takana-Chan." Brother Fely smiled. Then, after that, Takana and I sat down at our places.

(*Ohayou Gozaimasu\= Good morning.)

Shortly after, Brother Fely also approached the dining table with two wide plates with side dishes on it. He put the plate on the table. One plate, containing fried fish and one plate containing kale vegetables.

Really am. That's my favorite food. Not very fond of vegetables, but I like the side dish fried like this Fish.

We all took each other's plates, then scooped his rice and took the desired side dish. After that, we ate together after reciting the prayer.

"Itadakimasu!" Takana and Tanaka said at the same time before they touched the food. The two of them pressed their palms to the front of their chests, slightly lowered their heads and closed their eyes. After a few seconds, they finally ate the food. They do the Japanese like him.

(*Itadakimasu\= Means Goodbye. Usually spoken before we eat food, with the aim to give thanks to the favors in the food.)

****

"We're on our way!" I shouted with Takana from the front of the house before we both went to school.

Brother Fely waved. "Yes. Be careful on the road, huh?"

Tanaka also waved. "Sorry I can't send you guys."

"It's okay, Onii-chan!"

When I got to school, Tanaka dropped me on the floor. Takana was able to sit in his place safely without getting sick. It sucks that one-eyed guy!

****

I got to class. While in front of the class, I saw a piece of paper containing a list of names of people stuck in the window. Out of curiosity, I saw the contents of the paper.

As it turned out, the paper contained a list of the names of grade 3-A students. Absent scrambled. List of names of students who will carry out UAS.

When I looked, I got the number 5 and... Takana..... number 13? Yup! I can finally get away from him too. Hah, it's nice to feel. Repeat, I won't be able to get close to him.

****

Skip~

KRIEG... KRIEING....

It's been a break. All students must go outside the classroom to go to the cafeteria or go somewhere else to play. But not with my class. Because, from earlier we are still working on the matter given by our homeroom teacher.

It's very difficult. In fact, even the best student in our class–Adrian Martadinata could not work on it. Our new class guardian is cruel. He gave a question for the college kids, while we were still in 3rd grade of High School. Although, college time is soon, but it is not appropriate he gave a difficult problem like this. It should be, about what we learned not too long ago.

Really am! My head is so dizzy. I just worked on 2 problems, and that's also me working on it with origin. My stomach is hungry too. Come on, come on. I'll just cross everything. (The item contains multiple choices) but it is very difficult.

****

"Again..." My brother complained while in his room. He was sitting on the edge of his bed after he finished cleaning his room.

"Hm... I'm curious about Ethan's situation. He hasn't called me yet." Mumbled Brother Fely while stroking his wallet with his right thumb. "May I have to see him? I'm afraid she's okay. I'm afraid she's really in danger because of her abusive mother." Brother Fely continued.

He looks worried about Ethan. Because, the last time they met, Ethan was being harshly scolded by his mother. And Fely himself was afraid that Ethan's mother would treat his son more than just being beaten.

Fely put his wallet back on his room table, and then he got out of bed. He picked up his jacket which he hung on the wall, then took back his wallet and left the room in a hurry.

"Huh, I'm going. Just to check her condition. I'm so worried." My brother said in his heart.

"Fely? Where are you going?" ask Tanaka. He was sleeping on the couch watching television.

"Oh, I want to go out for a minute." Reply brother.

"Yes, where to? Why is it so rushed?"

"I'd like to see Ethan for a minute." My brother answered back and just left. Tanaka just fell silent. His eyes were still staring at Brother Fely who had left him.

"Fely-chan looks agitated. Aye? Not usually. She's why, huh?" tanaka thought to heart.

Fely's brother started running his car and left his yard to go to the asphalt road in front of him. Brother Fely continued down that straight path, occasionally turning, and straight again. Until finally, he returns to Ethan's house.

"This is his house? I didn't go the wrong way?" muttered. Fely nodded, then turned off the engine of his car.

Blam it!

Fely's brother closed the door again after he got out of it. He keeps his car keys in his jacket pocket, then walks slowly toward the gate of Ethan's house.

The gate's unlocked. Fely can push him. He goes into Ethan's yard. Take a leisurely walk up to the front porch and front door of Ethan's house.

"Ethan's home, no, huh? How empty is his house." Said Brother Fely in heart.

Fely began to knock on his door. At first, he was a bit doubtful. But he tried to vent.

TOK...

"Hmm. There's no answer. Did I try again?"

TOK TOK....

"Excuse me!"

THE CLUCK! KRIEEETT....

Fely was surprised. Ethan's door finally opened. And the one who opened the door was Ethan's fierce mother.

"Who's Lo?" asked the middle-aged woman in a cold tone.

"Ah, sorry. I'm Ethan's friend. Just wanted to visit. Is Ethan home?" asked Fely doubtfully.

Ethan's mother was silent for a moment. His eyes glanced all over Brother Fely's body. Fely's brother is looking good today. Then, Ethan's mother's eyes turned her gaze to turn to Kak Fely's white sedan car parked in front of the gate of her house. Then, shortly afterwards, Ethan's mother nodded and opened the door wide to let Brother Fely in.

"All right, you can come in."

Brother Fely bowed respectfully, then stood up straight again. "Ah, thank you very much." His words were happy because he had been allowed to enter by Ethan's mother whom he had considered fierce. She thought, Ethan's mother wouldn't let herself in, but she was wrong.

Ethan's house is pretty simple. Fely's sister was sitting on an old sofa near the front door. The sofa that has been torn up and some per-nya also already there are protruding out. Many of the walls of his house were also broken. But, the floor of his house still looks good and cleanliness is also quite managed.

"Emba, can I get you a drink?" Eh, how did his tone suddenly become so polite?

Brother Fely shook his head softly and chuckled. "No, Aunt. I just want to see Ethan. Uh, by the way, where is he?" ask Brother.

"Oh, Ethan? He's in his room. Want me to send?"

"Oh, can. Thank you." Thank you." Fely nodded, then he got off the couch and walked away to follow Ethan.

There was a room covered with light brown doors. Ethan's mom put the key in the hole in the knob. Then the door can be opened. Ethan's mother invited Fely's sister into the room.

Brother Fely nodded. But he still feels astonished. "Why is Ethan's room locked from the outside?" thought in the heart.

Fely's sister peeked into the room that was Ethan's room. Brother Fely was surprised until he raised his blue eyes. "E, Ethan!" brother Fely shouted as he ran over to Ethan.

Ethan's body is currently in the corner of his room. And. it's very sad. His body and hands were tied behind him using a rope. Cuffed legs. And. his body is full of wounds. Especially face.

Fely found him lying on the floor. Ethan was still conscious, but his breathing was a little breathless. Fely's brother also woke Ethan to sit on the side of the wall.

"Fe, Fely? What are you doing here?" ask Ethan slowly.

"I just wanted to see you. Oh God! What the hell happened to you? Who has done this to you?" ask Brother Fely quickly. He reached into his bag to pick up the small cutter he always carried to cut the rope that bound Ethan's body.

"A, i... Eh?!"

Ethan's surprised. His eyes opened wide with a shocked expression. Because.in the back of Brother Fely, he saw....

Mother's Figure!

MAAM!

To be Continued