Red Yarn
Chapter 1

July is a month full of feelings. Summer gives lessons about life and freedom. This is the time where Triash usually feels the warmth and laughter of children who like to play with their friends and parents. But as usual this year he was relaxing inside the house, with his eyes fixed on the screen, watching motivational videos of success.

Teenage girls, with bright brown eyes that are always in the shadow of the room, touch the computer keyboard carefully. She does her schoolwork, always trying to make sure all her work is done before the summer break starts. Triash is a bright and talented student, but there is something meaningless in his life. He feels disoriented and is often too worried to take risks.

The longer Triash felt overwhelmed by all the pressure and expectations he felt, even though he tried to hold back his restless feelings. He struggled hard to make sure all his work was completed on time, but in his mind he was always trying to avoid something, which he could not understand at all. And it made him feel trapped.

On the other hand, a teenage boy is also struggling with his own problems. He is an intelligent yet freedom-loving 11 SMK student, but is often overwhelmed by the burden that lies on his shoulders.

•••

The next day, Triash wakes up feeling the same way. He got up early and had a hot bath, a daily routine he had been doing for a long time. He cleared his mind and prepared to start his school life again.

When he walked to school, he couldn't help but understand the way people looked at him. He saw a man with a bright smile on his face. He gave a piece of bread to a cat on the street. And that smile made Triash feel something different.

As Triash walked into the building, he felt a sense of relief sweep over him. He is here to make a change, and he will do it no matter what. As she approached the front door, she could not help but look at her best friend. He sat in class, and talked to some of his other friends.

The bell reads, A teacher enters her class and is followed by a teenage boy. And it was the man with the charming smile he saw this morning. The teacher introduced the man as a new student in his class.

•••

And so, the day goes on. Triash finds himself attracted to Adipta, a new student who became a classmate. Even though he barely knew her. He could not help but be charmed by her confidence and smile, something that he himself did not have.

As the bell rang and the students walked out of the classroom, Triash thought for a moment. He wanted to talk to Adipta, but he did not know how he would do it.

"Hey," there was a voice behind him. He turned around to see Adipta standing there, smiling at him.

"Hi" he said hesitantly.

"Um, do you want to have coffee or something?"

"Sure," he answered with a bright smile. "I like that."

"What if we had coffee at the cafe when we got home from school, do you have time?"

"Of course, I have time." replied Adipta and made Triash happy.

As the final bell rang, Triash packed his things and started walking towards the cafe. His heart was pounding heavily on his chest as he walked, and he could not help feeling elated. He did something new, something he had never done before. It was a little scary, but it was fun.

Triash arrived at the cafe and ordered a latte, sitting at one of the small tables. While waiting for Adipta's arrival, he felt nervous. What if he doesn't show up? Or worse, what if they have nothing to talk about? He tried to catch his breath, hoping to calm himself. It's just coffee anyway. There's nothing to be afraid of.

Adipta looked at him and walked to his desk, smiling as he sat down. "I'm sorry I'm late" he said. "The traffic is crazy."

"It's okay," said Triash, trying to hide the relief in his voice. "I just ordered a latte. Do you want anything?"

"I want to drink americano, thank you" he said. As they sat in silence, waiting for their drinks to arrive, Triash inevitably felt the awkwardness between them. He wanted to say something, but he didn't know what to say.

Just then, Jeera walked into the cafe, at the sight of someone she knew, a big smile on her face. "Hey, Triash!" he said, say hello to Triash first. "And who is this?" he turned to Adipta.

"Oh, this is Adipta" said Triash.

"He's our classmate. Adipta, this is my friend Jeera. He's also our class but he didn't come in because he was sick."

Adipta smiled, shook Jeera's hand. "It's nice to meet you" he said smoothly. As they chatted and sipped their drinks, Triash felt a comfortable feeling envelop him. He didn't realize how much he needed a friend, someone to talk to and share things with. And maybe, he had found something he wanted.

As the three of them sat at the table, Jeera inevitably noticed the way Triash kept staring at Adipta. He seemed to listen to her every word, accepting her every smile. It was as if he was seeing her for the first time, and he could not help but notice that friend of his.

Jeera knew Triash well enough to know that he was not the kind of person to fall in love with. He is self-sufficient and rigid, with his own goals and aspirations. However, all that seemed to disappear in front of Adipta.

Jeera had never seen a Triash like this before, and it was a little concerning. He is happy for his friend, of course, but he also knows that love can be a double-edged sword. He didn't want to see Triash get hurt, or worse, lose himself in the process.

As the night wore on and they finished their drinks, Jeera inevitably pulled Triash back for a private conversation. He didn't want to go too far or too forward, but he also didn't want to see his friend get lost in a fairy tale.

Jeera brought Triash back and took a deep breath before speaking.

"I know it's presumptuous, but I want to talk to you about Adipta" he said softly. "I'm watching the way you look at it today, and I just want to make sure you're okay."

Triash looked at Jeera, surprised by her words. He did not expect anyone to notice his feelings, let alone about it.

"I'm fine" she said, trying to sound more confident than she felt. "I like being around him. He made me feel. He makes me feel alive." Triash replied in a doubtful tone.

Jeera nodded, understood. "I understand," he said. "Be careful, okay? Love can be a powerful thing, but it can also be dangerous."

Triash nodded, recalling the words of his friend. He himself was not sure of what he felt, whether it was love or just a sense of awe, but he also could not deny the feeling of his attraction to Adipta. He just had to be careful, and hope for the best.

When they finished, the three of them decided to walk home. Jeera became somewhat quiet, and Triash and Adipta seemed confused in the conversation. They laughed and joked while passing through the crowded streets, Triash felt the comfort of being with Adipta that he had never felt before.