Just A Professional Relationship
Prologues
14 February. The most anticipated day for most couples. I don't know when that date became so important to celebrate. It was as if affection could only be expressed in that one day.
Many people do not like it. But for business people, of course, the day becomes a field of money that should not be wasted. Even knickknacks along the streets and shops are filled with heart symbols, or various funny objects in pink.
A large screen is displayed in front of the store building, endlessly displaying events about affection. Mostly about some couple among the artists who are widely known. Either they are deliberately trading intimacy, or really love each other behind the scenes. One thing is for sure, everyone loves to watch it.
Amidst the rather overcast weather, the pedestrians deliberately stopped their steps just to watch the footage from the giant screen. They stood on the side of the road, occupying long chairs that were indeed available on the side of the sidewalk. Not only those who have paired up, people who are walking alone also took the time to watch while sipping canned coffee.
“That was the guest stars we invited to accompany your time. But someone must be aware, dong, if there are still special guests who have not been present. And I'm sure there's a lot waiting for them both. Do you know who the guy is? Who else if not a celebrity couple who every day always spread the warmth of their love story. Let's welcome you directly, Nadin and Juna!” said the female host as she stood up, welcoming her guests who had just arrived.
The applause of the audience in the studio accompanied the presence of young lovers who walked while holding hands. The petite woman with her wavy long hair waved her left hand towards the camera. But still holding tightly the hand of the lover who walked beside him.
While the tall man had long hair, a thin smile. Walk slowly, equating the steps with the woman by his side. His sturdy stature and filled with clumps of burly muscles, made himself seem like a modern noble.
The two then sat on the sofa that had been provided. The smile never disappeared from their faces.
“Aduh, ouch.. these two of you never fail to make me envious, deh,” commented the host. “How are you?”
“We are both good, Mba,” replied Nadin. Representing Juna who just nodded.
“This is not the first time right, you guys came to my show. I think we invite them every year. But I'm always amazed because you guys never seem to change. Still happy as in previous years. Right, audience?”
The audience in the studio cheered in unison while clapping. Made Nadin just blush in shame.
“Oiya, today is also your birthday, huh? Happy birthday, Nadin!”
“Iya, thank you very much yes.”
“I see in medsos, there are so many who send you gift.”
“Iya, I just wanted permission to say thank you to all the fans who sent me gifts. I was really moved when my manager said there were a lot of packages coming. Not enough to keep in the room. Thanks a lot everyone. Although I can not reply one by one, but I see and read all the greeting cards you sent.”
“Wah... very happy, if you are Nadin. Uh, if from Juna himself got what gift, huh? Must be all on the curious, right?”
Nadin smiled as he glanced for a moment at Juna who was sitting next to him. The two of them simply returned each other a smile, as if talking about something without a word.
“Eh, uh, what's this. Even the codes. I became more curious. Can't be told ya?”
“I'm just embarrassed, because the prize is not much,” replied Juna casually, with his heavy voice.
“Ah, time, anyway. If I see Nadih's face, I think it's really nice. It must be a special gift, dong. Everyone wants to know, right?”
The audience answered in unison, and began to put it lightly to have Juna and Nadin give an answer.
Finally, Nadin could only raise his palm in front of his face, to reveal a jewel ring perched on his finger. Makes the audience all the more boisterous.
“Wah... I thought the gift must be special. Pantesan from earlier Nadin smiles continuously.”.
“Actually the thing that makes me the most happy is not the gift. I feel grateful because until now Juna is still on my side. Today we both celebrated not only my birthday, but our fifth anniversary.”
“What yes... if asked like that, I myself do not know what the answer is. From the beginning I felt like I had found the right person, and I never thought I'd find anyone else again. And suddenly it's been five years.”
“Waduh, so sweet once. How about from Juna itself, huh?”
Juna did not answer immediately, he just looked at Nadin closely. “From then until now, Nadin has never changed in my eyes. Just like the day I was sure I would express feelings to Nadin. At that time I thought this man was born to me. And I don't need anyone else but him.”
“Aww...” exclaim everyone watching.
Nadin only blushed in embarrassment, while Juna stroked his head slowly.
“It is not wrong if you are used as a role model by young people, and touted as couple goals! For the future, he said there will be a new project together again huh?”
“Yes, in the near future there will be some kind of reality show. Details, will be awaited yes!”
“Wah, we are definitely waiting! Anyway, we pray for it to be smooth. And of course, hopefully you will be more friendly and lasting continue.”
“Thank you for that. Friends all who have always supported us also thank you very much yes. We will try our best to give you.”
“Okee, thank you very much Nadin and Juna, have taken the time to come here. I'm sure you're busy. See you again on another occasion ya.”
The giant glass screen also replaced the show, with cosmetic ads that used a celebrity partner just now as a model.
People who initially stopped in the middle of the road, have started to resume their activities. Similarly, the famous young couple, resigned from the studio to go elsewhere. There are still a series of activities that make them unable to enjoy a special day, which should be spent together.
Nadin and Juna were still holding hands, walking along the studio hallway, smiling at everyone who came across them. It continued like that until they arrived at a hotel where they were staying.
Nadin took off his grip on Juna's hand. The smile on his face slowly disappeared. He let out a long breath, as if looking extremely exhausted.
Juna still seemed calm as usual, not letting others guess what was in his mind. Her hair was neatly pulled behind her head. “Two hours left we should've been standby in the studio. You want to eat first?” bring him.
“I'm tired. Want to rest first,” replied Nadin coldly. He stepped inside his room, leaving Juna who was still standing speechless at the door.
The man simply exhaled, before continuing to walk.
Nadin felt his legs very limp. He had breakfast as scheduled this morning. But his body seemed to suddenly lose energy, until now fell sitting on the floor. His back was leaning against the door of the room that had been tightly locked.
Perhaps it was not his body that felt tired, but rather his heart that continued to be forced to pretend. Even his face felt sore from continuing to force himself to smile since hours ago.
The rather tight clothes started to make Nadin feel uncomfortable. His legs were a bit sore because they wore heels for too long ten inches. But besides all that, the thing tucked into his finger was the most disturbing.
Without a second thought, Nadin took off his ring and threw the little thing out of nowhere. Then he started crying, letting out all the feelings that made his chest tight earlier.
Not everyone can bear to hide the sadness in front of people like him. Even all the smiles that seemed were only mere pretenses. To hide a relationship that is no longer real.
“I am a fool..”.