
Alia stared tensely at the street that appeared from the windshield of the public transport she was riding. He gripped tightly onto the driver's seat in front of him and held the large bag with his other hand.
The road is not as chaotic as he imagined. He guessed that it was due to the day that had started noon. The weather today was very good. So, it's unfortunate that he must die now due to a careless public transport driver.
Daniel, who was sitting next to Alia, was not worried at all. He spent his time staring intently at the men who seemed interested in Alia. Daniel's gaze made the men turn their eyes uncomfortable. Daniel also occasionally looked out the small window of public transport.
Among the four major cities, West City was ranked last in its population density. The so-called deserted situation in this city could be said to be the most crowded situation in the Western City during its rush hour.
The public transport snuggled to the left haphazardly. Alia looked surprised. They almost hit the motorist on the left as the driver was about to raise passengers.
Alia wanted to reprimand, but on one hand, the speed of this public transport could help them to quickly get to their destination.
"Sir, can you drive more leisurely?"
"Eh? Oh, sorry-sorry. I guess you guys want to go faster." The driver was wrong.
Alia.
Daniel was shifting his position so much closer to Alia when the group of girls who had just entered took place next to him. Alia glanced at the girl beside Daniel whose face was already flushed red. Guess how she felt when she had the opportunity to sit next to Daniel.
Alia brought her face closer to Daniel, whispering softly. "But if it's slower than that"
"My flight time is still an hour and a half away. Slow down a little there won't be a problem" Daniel cut down without slowing down his voice.
Alia smiled, she took Daniel's hand and held it.
Daniel must have been aware of Alia's strained expression ever since they entered this public transit or the woman's concern to have this public transport slow down. With Daniel's help reprimanding the driver, Alia will also do something to help Daniel.
Although invisible, but Daniel must feel uncomfortable being next to the girl who is interested in him. Therefore, Alia was holding Daniel's hand at this time. He held a smile as he glanced at the girl who looked disappointed. Surely the other passengers no one thought they were actually brothers. Daniel and Alia who look their current peers will usually be considered as a couple.
Alia used that to make the girl next to Daniel shift her position further. Daniel who realized Alia's efforts did not change his facial expression, but he returned Alia's grasp more tightly.
They're heading to the airport. About two hours ago, they took a bus from West City to Central City. After arriving at the terminal, they have to take a public transportation to get to the airport in the central city. Actually, there was also an airport in the North City, but it was too far away.
As Daniel predicted, he passed the test for the study abroad scholarship. Even with excellent value. Today was the day of her departure, so Alia escorted her to the airport.
The group of girls descended once they reached their destination. One of the girls who was sitting next to Daniel looked at Alia fiercely and gave a sad look at Daniel who did not even want to pay attention. The girl's heart ached more when she saw Daniel was more busy tidying Alia's hair than looking at her one last time.
"Have given up. Her boyfriend is prettier than you." His attentive friend advised.
The girl hit her friend hard on the head before coming down in a hurry.
Alia who watched all laughed softly as the public transport drove back.
"Funny?" ask Daniel flat.
"They're so cute, you're the only one who doesn't think so" explained Alia.
"Oh that? But the more cute one is in front of me" Daniel said in a serious tone.
Alia chuckled and responded casually. "Don't make people misunderstand those words, Daniel."
Daniel was still staring for a long time before turning his face in silence.
Only the rest of the passengers happened to want to head to the airport as well. Fifteen minutes later, the public transport arrived. Daniel was required to meet with another group of scholarship children and their mentors an hour before departure. Daniel now has fifteen minutes left, but he is still casually getting off public transport.
"Thank you, sir." Alia came down after paying.
"Why down?" daniel asked a little surprised. He thought Alia would come right back with the public transport. It's easier to get a public vehicle to the airport than to find it to return. People who will go to the airport will mostly go or be escorted by private car.
Alia smiling. "It's okay. Brother wants to take you to the airport door."
Daniel thinks between holding the public transit back or letting it turn around. But he chose a short nod due to seeing the determination in Alia's eyes. The woman, if she is determined, will force what she wants.
"Daniel, you must be diligent in contacting Brother" Alia said.
"Maybe it won't be that often."
"Please watch your meal there. Don't sleep too late either."
"Guarantee of health."
Daniel turned. Alia who was walking behind him came to a halt. Daniel had only two bags. He carried one of them, while Alia brought another one.
"Be mindful of safety and security" advises Daniel.
Alia blinked while agape, after which she let out a loose laugh.
"We're messaging, huh?" alia said after her laughter was over. "Alright, security can be ensured. Don't worry."
"Don't take the night shift. If you need to take a job that is not burdensome. It should be, right?" ask Daniel to make sure.
Alia nodded while smiling gently.
"And lastly, there's no need to drive you to the airport door. Just get here."
Alia's smile disappeared. But before he protested, Daniel had pointed to the airport entrance crowded with many prospective passengers. Alia was stunned herself imagining having to cram with those people.
"Well then. This is your bag." Alia handed the bag in her hand.
Daniel was about to turn his back before Alia called him again.
"What's wrong?"
"You don't want to give me a goodbye hug?" Alia raised her hand. "We won't see each other for a month or two."
"No need."
Alia chuckled, not feeling disappointed with the more or less predicted answer. However, just as he was about to lower his hand, Daniel suddenly welcomed him and hugged him tightly.
Alia was a little shocked and unexpected. He glanced at the bag Daniel dropped before returning Daniel's embrace equally tightly. A few moments before Daniel took off his arms.
"It's so short."
Alia reflexes hitting Daniel's shoulder. "Not to be called. Already, go there."
Daniel smiled. It could be his last smile for the next few years. "When I get back, I'll completely change."
Alia did not hear. He encouraged Daniel to leave immediately so as not to be late. Daniel gave his final wave and headed to the airport without looking back.
Alia looked until Daniel drowned in a crowd of people. His smile slowly faded.
No one could accurately name the kind of emptiness that had engulfed Alia. The reason for not returning immediately by public transport was because he did not want to rush to get to his house. Wouldn't it feel foreign to come home and realize there's a new void in the house?
Alia did not want to rush just to feel that kind of feeling. Therefore, he wanted to at least feel satisfied to be able to take Daniel better. Alia flipped over, walked slowly on the sidewalk, following the direction of the way home.
He did not cry even though his chest felt a little tight. Alia doesn't know when to see Daniel again. But if Daniel fights there, then Alia will not lose and will fight hard.
"Good day!"
Alia jumped in shock as someone suddenly patted her on the shoulder from behind. He turned his head quickly and lowered his vigilance when he saw a woman in her forties smiling kindly at him.
"Congratulations..lunch?" Alia tried to remember, but indeed she did not feel that she knew the woman in front of her.
Although covered by sunglasses, Alia guessed that this woman if not beautiful, then it should be very interesting. His short straight brown hair was covered in a pink hat that seemed incompatible with his age and appearance which looked simple but luxurious at the same time.
The woman extended her hand. "I'm Wilda. Call Brother Wilda can too."
Alia hesitantly welcomed the helping hand. But at that very moment the woman named Wilda caught his hand and pulled him away quickly.
"It looks like we should move places immediately."
"Eh?" Alia was still unable to digest the situation from that quick incident.
'wet!'
It was only a few minutes ago that Daniel advised to keep his safety and security, but now he has been pulled by an unknown woman, towards a place he does not know!