Marriage Proposal: Ben & Bima
24 - The Plan of Not Loving

(Ben)

After dinner last night, I didn't see Yayai. Because Yayai lives in her house while I'm in her inn. Even just to get into his house I was hesitating. Even though her father told me to sit down and relax in his house. I chose to stay in my room and take care of a lot of work. A few facts after Yayai's confession during a fan meeting two days ago, Levi's company shone even more. Even though the company was already willing to go bankrupt and gave up printing books from all of its authors and turned to online writers. Yayai is his first online writer.

Not printing his novels and publishing them weekly or several times a week online through a story platform is profitable. This time, Levi's company decided to cooperate with the online platform and make a profit in it. In addition, I can draw some stories in it and I will make a movie version.

“Elo want to marry Bima, have you thought carefully?” levi asked that morning. He called me too early to tell me all his stories without me in Jakarta. I think Levi is fine organizing his own company now.

“Udah I think.”

“If he knows all of your plans, you'll be done. End of story.”

“Gue will admit this because there is a purpose.”

“Destination is the goal, but not this drama to cover up the truth.” chirped Levi. It seems he regretted joining my madness.

I let out a breath. Ignoring.

“Gue did not expect that Yayai would be honest with all her readers. That's an advantage for me.” I said.

“Elo don't know? Elo it's actually what's been making noise. Your name and Bima's name are everywhere on social media. Don't let Bella come to hold her accountable to elo.”

“Gue can't remember who he is.”

“Gue also if you remember it is terrible.”

I ended my conversation with Levi that morning. Suddenly someone knocked on my door and I swiftly opened it. Yayai is tidy. He tied his hair half a horse.

“Pagi Prof's. Breakfast is ready.” said. Face flat. My face is flatter. I closed the door. He was waiting for me outside. “Why you? Getting angry? Because I caught you here?” ask me while walking. He walked in front of me.

“I told you before, I need to think. But this is the effect, Prof sues me.”

I walked over to him.

“I can't wait.” Paksaku.

We arrived at the dining room. The atmosphere is very traditional. Many visitors from abroad are eating solemnly here.

Yayai stopped in the middle of the room. Face seriously.

“I'm not ready to marry anyone.” she said slowly and firmly.

Pretty surprised anyway. It was different from what he said a few dozen years ago.

“You love me or don't you?” I tilted my head. Take up his words. Yayai did not answer me. He walked over to the buffet from the breakfast he had prepared. “I am even more doubtful about your love.” chirps me beside him.

(Five)

I really haven't accompanied or met Prof Ben since breakfast. I also told Uci - the worker who was at the inn and sometimes cleaned the house – to tell anyone that I was sleeping again after breakfast. Fortunately Prof Ben was busy getting calls and talking seriously with his interlocutors. So, I had a chance not to continue the conversation or wait for him to finish the phone call.

When I left the room, I walked down the hall and reached the laundry room. In addition to the room containing several washing machines, beside it there is also a rather long yard to dry blankets, sheets, and clothes. I found Umar and Uci busy drying blankets.

“You helped?” I asked to surprise them.

“Bby, Mbak.” replied Umar.

I peeked into the washing machine tube and picked up the white sheets and hung them. I should have realized later, why the sheets I lifted onto the clothesline felt so light. There was Prof Ben there.

“I followed you. Saw you walk here.”

Umar and Uci looked at us and looked at each other. Smiling amusedly.

I'm retreating. Release my hands on the sheets I want to dry.

Why this guy? Psychopath or what?

Where did he see me? Where is he sitting?

“Says you slept?” Prof Ben glanced at Uci and Uci nodded.

“Iya I'm sleepy.”

“Not at all think?”

“Think what?” I walked over to the washing machine tube again and picked up another sheet. Prof Ben still helps me hold the length of the sheets.

“Prof!!!” my yelling. I glanced at Uci and Umar.

I gave Prof Ben a sheet and left it there.

I walked quickly through the hallway and returned home. Prof Ben followed me to my front room. Why he always likes to come to my room. Damn when I held my door so he wouldn't come in, his power was greater than mine. I was a bit stricken as he pushed with full force the door of my room. Prof Ben quickly locked the door. He was a bit flabbergasted by the contents of my room. There's only my childhood stuff.

“Yayai, Mee and Eyang will come here. This afternoon is likely up.”

“For what? All rooms full.”

“Nothing. They will stay at another inn.”

“Yes. Better that way. I'm not in the mood to do drama.”

“Yayai, stop dodging. I won't hurt you at all with profit if we get married.”

STOP OUT!

“They will propose to you. I hope you tell your Papa. Because I haven't seen it all day.”

I think I want to scream.

“I'm not married yet. Why does Prof always force me?!”

“I'll change my mind if you want to marry me. I might fall in love with you.”

Crazy one! What kind of thought is that. What if I sacrifice too much and she doesn't fall in love with me? It's like taking a knife and plunging it into the heart. Just die!

“You can continue your novel. Your story. Using me. I will help you in writing.” he continued.

I frowned. Meanin?

“Then you can help me with the marriage demands of Mee and Eyang.”

“Why should I?” I asked while pointing at myself.

“You made that fire first.”

“What?!! Prof initially said that I was Prof's girlfriend in front of Eyang for the first time. Before I knew that I was in love with Prof!” I was too upset to argue with him. His face was too flat but pushy.

“You do not deny.” he replied without guilt.

I was so shocked I couldn't say anything.

“I want you to try harder to get my heart.”

“What does this have to do with marriage?”

“Only by marriage can I meet you every day.”

“What kind of reason is that? If you don't like me, why does Prof always bother me?” I looked at him sharply. Cynical.

“Loh? You're the one who bothers me.”

“Ha? When?”

Prof Ben took a deep breath and his phone rang. He picked it up politely. It looks like it's from Eyangnya.

“I'm with this Yayai. I'll pick you up later. Mee coming?”

Prof Ben spoke and looked at me. I'm uncomfortable.

“Iya. Yayai did not come. Just come straight here. Dinner here.”

Prof Ben's eyes seemed to tell me that there would be dinner here. That means there's a lot of my work. Call Papa, explain to Papa, and prepare dinner.

Prof Ben then approached me quickly and peeked at my cheek briefly then walked out of the room.

By the time he left the room, my legs were completely limp. Should I stop loving her so that I don't marry her?

***