Love Lanterns
CHAPTER 20

CANTEEN

"Ra, what exactly are you doing?" asked Dea who had seen Arra agitated.

"I'm fine.." Arra only replied to her with a small smile.

"Don't lie to us Ra, we're your best friends!. We can help you if you're in trouble. What does it mean to be friends if one of them is in trouble but no one is helping him" explained Reiva.

"Thank you so many friends, I know you're gonna help me. But the problem I'm facing isn't a big deal"

"Small or big problems we will help you" Levy said, patting Arra on the shoulder.

"You sure you won't be surprised?" ask Arra.

""No will not" Dea shook her head and answered Arra's question quickly out of curiosity.

Arra sighed and then told her the whole point. Arra is actually embarrassed to say it but because of the anxiety continues to haunt him, Arra must tell it. Who knows the problem is solved thanks to the help of his friends and Arra does not have to worry anymore.

"What?!!" Reiva and Dea scream in shock at all Arra's complaints to make Levy, Erika and Arra also shocked.

"You shot Ben? And you still haven't reciprocated her feelings because you're less sure of how you feel about her?" reiva shouted loudly until the other students heard him and felt disturbed.

"Ssttt. Slow down your voice Rei. Do you want everyone in this school to know?" said slowly Arra.

"Of course Reiva shouted out loudly like that. Do you still not understand? Ben's a rich kid, heir to the Alva family. He is handsome, tall, intelligent, great and talented although a little annoying. As a child, Ben could do anything on his own. Her parents therefore preferred Ben to her other children. At the age of 7 years Ben managed to understand physics. He is very good at physics. Ben also always participated in competitions between students and always became a champion in various places. Heavy sports can also be mastered Ben and very proficient in doing it. What else is there to doubt about Ben, Ra? Ben is a man of dreams for all women. Handsome, rich and great, why are you still worried? Quickly accept! Say yes to him!" Dea explains Ben to Arra with a serious look.

All were pensively silent as Dea explained in detail about Ben. They don't think Dea knows all about Ben.

"Tu-wait, De.. Why do you know Ben's ins and outs? I mean you even knew when Ben was a kid?" erika asked with astonished face.

"Ah that.. Because it's.. I'm a girl who's always curious about something, so I know about Ben. After all Ben is quite popular and I think it's okay to look for more detailed information.. Hehe.." replied Dea with a cheerful smile.

Reiva and Levy only looked at Dea with cold and annoyed expressions. They did not count Dea's reply and instead patted each other's eels.

"OK enough! Arra needs answers and advice from us instead of her anything else!" firmly Levy while pounding the table with both hands.

"It's okay... I'm relieved enough to just tell you guys. Thank you.." Arra's sweet smile turned the commotion into silence.

"Arra, I think of you constantly thinking, restless, afraid and even a burden. Why don't you follow your deepest heart? Think carefully and then digest it into your heart. What your heart really wants is the answer. Calm down and follow the flow then the answer will appear slowly. Don't be made agitated and difficult because everything will be fine" Erika's soft voice made all her words enter quietly into Arra's brain.

"Well Erika I didn't think you were so smart about this!" amazed Reiva while smiling broadly at Erika to make Erika shy.

"I didn't expect it either, let alone that he was my best friend" Arra thought as he flashed his smile.

"I.. L'm.. Not that great. Those words.. Only appeared suddenly from my mouth. "reddened face and stammering voice made his friends laugh amusedly at Erika's funny behavior.

"Don't go down so low as Erika, even though you think it's just a word but I think it's a bright pearl word for me. Thanks.." Arra hugged Erika as a sign of gratitude

Seeing Arra embracing Erika with love, Reiva, Dea and Levy did not stay still watching. They hugged each other with laughter and smiles.

"Does this mean Arra accepts Ben's love?" said Dea with her innocent face.

Her friends just laughed at Dea's innocent and innocent dea's innocence from being too curious.

* * * * * * *

The music becomes a accompaniment to silence while Arra is studying. It has become a habit for Arra to listen to music while looking for knowledge and reading books. One of my favorite songs is Alan Walker's Darkside.

**take me through the night

Fall into the dark side

We don't need the light

We'll live on the dark side

I see it, let's feel it

While we're still young and fearless

Let go of the light

Fall into the dark side

Fall into the dark side

Give into the dark side

Let go of the light

Fall into the dark side**

Arra stopped the music and started thinking. He remembered Erika's words "Quiet and follow the plot then the answer will appear slowly. Don't be agitated and difficult because everything will be fine".

Arra exhaled and then closed his eyes, He began to calm himself. Little by little his eyes opened and looked towards the sky of the roof of the house.

"I... Don't know... What is my feeling for her like?.. Love..? Hmm I just feel comfortable when near her. Humorous, intelligent, mature, sometimes annoying and childish.. Haha he sometimes makes my sadness disappear in an instant. Mm.. Another week I have to give my answer but I'm confused how to.." Arra muttered to himself while remembering the incident he had with Ben.

"Stay your heart Arra.. Steady.. C'mon Arra.. I know you can feel your own feelings.. " Ara tried to convince herself.

Arra adjusted his breath and then started muttering..

"Yes.. I've found his answer." His right hand clenched firmly and his legs began to erect.

1 Week Later

"How did you answer?" ben asked with a smile.

"Wait a minute Arra.. Are you sure what you'll answer later?"

"Yes.. Of course" Arra replied seriously.

"Listen well Arra.. I'm not forcing you to answer my question. I appreciate it if you don't answer my silly questions. Let's just say it's my joke... I feel bad if my words become a burden to you Ra.."

"It's okay, Ben.. I don't feel that way.. And i'm.. I found my own answer"

"really? So then... Your answer..?"

Arra took a deep breath and began to answer

"My answer.."