TWENTY
SIDE STORY ~ RENDI

A male student in a white-gray uniform was rushing towards the back garden of the school after getting word from his friend that someone was being mugged there. After arriving, he circulated the view to the entire corner of the park.

Slender.

That is how things are at the moment. No one seems to be doing any sort of bullying. He as the chairman of OSIS will certainly act quickly when he hears this notice. This is a small part of his responsibility.

"Alright if Dafa is lying!" his gerutu mentioned the name of someone who told him this information.

As he went further, faintly began to sound the sound of crying behind a large tree close to the back fence of the school. Actually a bit spooky as well, considering the surrounding conditions are quiet but instead sounding crying. Behind the tree again. But he ventured to approach.

Slowly but surely, the student reached near the tree and directly walked behind him. Find out who is crying. And he hopes it's human, not mbak Kunti let alone other subtle creatures.

Instantly his eyeballs enlarged after knowing that the scene he got was a student who was bowed while bending his knees. Seen the appearance of the student who still has not been clearly seen his face. The body is soaked, the uniform of the top that was originally white is now turning brown due to exposure to the ground. And the condition of the next leg wearing shoes and next to it again barefoot.

But something in the hands of the student that makes the head of OSIS more widened his eyeballs. Bracelets made of woven pink yarn and heart-shaped hangers and matching N-colored letters are very familiar in his eyes. His mind was fixed on one person, as the bracelet was his own making for his female best friend's birthday gift.

"Nala?"

Feeling called out, the cold-cuddled student raised his head. "Replace?"

The head of OSIS, who is none other than Rendi, immediately brought Nala into his arms after making sure that his vision was correct.

"Why are you so rich? Who would dare to do this?" asked Rendi with a worried look after releasing their embrace. Now they both sit leaning against a big tree and the hands of Rendi who always hold Nala's fingers, trying to transmit warmth.

Nala looked silent for a while, then a few seconds later she released her hand from Rendi's grasp. From her gesture it appears Nala is away from Rendi. "I want to go to the UKS" he replied which was not the answer to Rendi's question.

"No. It's gonna be home in a minute, we're gonna let her go home." Then Rendi stood up, cleaning her uniform for a while before looking back at Nala. "You wait here! Don't go anywhere before I come. Okay?"

"Hm." And Rendi immediately ran to their class. .

"Basic. Where else would you go with a gini-rich appearance?" nala grumbled while rubbing her palms which were starting to get cold again.

Not until fifteen minutes of waiting, Rendi had approached Nala with her hands carrying Nala's pink bag. Then he took something out of the bag, a dusty jacket. He put the jacket on Nala's shoulder. "Let's not be cold" he said.

Not stopping there, Rendi also took off her jacket and tied it to Nala's waist to cover her wet skirt. "Yuk's home!"

Instantly, Rendi's steps stopped when Nala pulled her hand that had been held together. "My shoes are next door." The statement was enough to make Rendi aware that her best friend was indeed barefoot next door.

"Where?" Nala then pointed upwards, precisely at one of the tree branches that shaded the two of them at this time.

"Buckoo! What a great intention is to do this. Who the hell is Na?" Of course, Rendi was so, because he saw Nala's shoes perched far up there. If the origin is placed it is impossible to reach that height, or if thrown, not until the position of the sepas in the branch.

"Udah, take it there!" Again, Nala would not answer.

"Yes, yes." Rendi began to climb the tree with great difficulty. Nala who saw that was actually a worry as well, considering that the location of her shoes was quite high. He was afraid that Rendi would fall.

But his fear was not intermittent long after Rendi came down and his hand carried a shoe. "Now wear it."

Seeing Nala who had finished deducing her shoes, she intended to hold Nala's hand and walk to the parking lot. But it seemed like that would not happen, as Nala seemed to be stepping down when she was going to be held by Rendi. "Why the hell Na?"

"That's okay, let's go home!"

Rendi breathed her tired breath for a moment. "Come on."

The two of them finally left the back garden of the school and headed for the parking lot through the side street of the school, there was no way he would pass through the main corridor which would later make them free entertainment for the other students. After arriving at the parking lot, Rendi immediately put a helmet on Nala's head. Then turn on the motorbike before exiting through the slightly open school gate while handing over the clearance sheet that has been signed and stamped by the picket teacher as evidence to the security guard.

After a few minutes of travel, they finally arrived at their housing complex. And when Rendi was about to turn her motorbike into the gate of Nala's house, the girl slapped Rendi's shoulder as a sign to stop. "Why again?"

"I'm home in your house." Not without reason Nala said so. Her mother who is a housewife is certainly currently at home, and she does not want to make her mother worry about seeing the condition of her daughter is sad. So Nala chose to go home to Rendi for a while. At least until his appearance is not as terrible as this. Understandably, Rendi's parents are both business people. So this hour is definitely the house of Rendi is still empty. And he didn't make Rendi's parents worry either.

Rendi who seemed to have understood what her best friend was thinking immediately stuck the gas back to her own house which was only three hundred meters from Nala's house. Arriving there, Nala went straight into the guest bedroom. Because of the frequent visits and stay, guest beds in the house Rendi already like Nala's own room. Even in the closet there are already several pieces of clothing. So did Rendi when at Nala's house. Do not be surprised, friendly since Kindergarten certainly no need to doubt their closeness.

Brakk!!

Nala immediately closed the door without caring about the confused Rendi from earlier. Seeing that only made Rendi again sigh heavily. Then walk towards the kitchen. Directly to the ART room in his house. He slid the door, and a middle-aged woman came out with half-whitened hair.

"Eh, Den Rendi's home yet? Sorry aunt overslept" said the aunt politely.

"It's okay Bi. Now I want to ask you a favor?"

"Well, of course it can be Den. What is it to help?"

"That, please make herbal medicine so as not to catch a cold, Bi. Same food. Directly to the guest room."

"Well, is Neng Nala sick again Den?" True, even an ART has memorized who the occupants of the guest room of this house.

"I don't know about Bi. Just in case. You had just played water," explained Rendi.

"okay Den. If so Auntie wants to make it first," said the aunt while passing in front of Rendi.

Rendi then turned around to step towards her room. Change clothes for a while and lay down on his bed. His hand was holding a cell phone, was looking for someone's number and immediately called him.

"Oy, what's wrong?" ask for a voice from across there.

"Guman to ask. It was fitting to say that if you see a child being bullied you see no?"

"Now Ren. Last year it was fitting to take blank paper in the back shed, uh even see the horde that emang when viewed from afar the rich bully again people."

Rendi rubbed the back of her face rough. He had to guess who did it himself? Moreover, Nala was silent. Between not wanting to talk or being forced not to talk, only he knows. And that must have made Rendi carefree on her own. Because he would not let the perpetrator roam freely among the other students. I'm afraid they'll do the same again. And again, this is Nala. His companions. He would not be willing if he did not retaliate who had hurt his best friend.

"If you've seen why not immediately published anyway?!" Not knowing where to go, Rendi directed her frustration at Dafa.

"Weit! Patience bro! Not that I didn't want to break it. The problem was Mr. Mustache told me to pick up the paper. Don't want to if I get sprayed on him. So just call you right away."

"Hm. Yes, that is it. I hung up. Thanks for the infoin." So Rendi chose to end this question and answer session. There is no point in being upset with Dafa, tomorrow he will find out for himself. His determination was unanimous, he was unwilling to let go of who was the culprit behind all this. 

"Yo 'i. Who the hell is being bullied? So curious."

"not nobody. Hitherto. Assalamualaikum!"

"Yeeu, just ask doang. Alaikumsalam!"

After making sure the connection was completely cut off, he then moved from his room. He saw that the middle aunt was carrying a tray and was about to enter the guest room, with lightning fast Rendi took over the tray that contained the warm food and drink.

"Let Rendi take a break, Auntie can rest again."

"Oh yes Den. Thanks for that. Aunty to the back first!" the aunt's farewell then passed from before her young master.

"Yes." Yeah."

Cklek!

When the door was opened, Nala was sleeping under a blanket that covered half of her body. Unlike usual when waking Nala in a screaming way, Rendi woke her up gently. Treating Nala as if she was a fragile object that if touched a little feared would break. Rather excessive indeed. But that's how Rendi treated Nala when her best friend was sick.

"Na. Wake."

"Emm," instead of waking up, Nala even closer to the bolster.

Rendi also shook Nala's shoulder slowly. "Wake up first, eat gih!"

"Later Ren! Still tired!" The hoarse voice typical of people waking up sounded from Nala's mouth. But just as he was about to close his eyes again, Rendi moved quickly by sitting Nala down.

"Sh Ren! Tired of knowing!"

"Eat now do I take you home?"

"Ohh, what's the story? Okay. I'm going home!"

Nala had just flicked her blanket and was about to stand up, but Rendi had said it again and it managed to make Nala stay in place. "If you go home please, I'll talk honestly to your mama."

"Haish!" Nala violently sat her butt back on the bed. Then fold both legs cross-legged and take a tray on the nightstand and eat the food made by the aunt.

"Well, that's pinter!" Rendi tried to hold back her laughter. Nala's sullen face but with such voracious eating was very funny on her face.

About ten minutes waiting, Nala had already finished the food as well as the herbs made by the aunt. And this was the moment that Rendi had been waiting for. He who originally focused on seeing Nala eat now began to open his voice.

"Ma."

"Hmmm..."

"Who the hell did this?" Nala turned her eyes to Rendi. Not looking into the man's eyes. Because if he looked at her, then it was difficult for Nala to lie.

"Eh, it's two o'clock. Yuk's home!" Nala switched the conversation by cleaning up the messy mattress after she slept and then took her wet uniform and put it in a bag, not forgetting to wear her backpack.

Rendi then blocked Nala's hand. A pleading gaze clearly emanated from him. "Why not be honest?"

"What the hell are you Ren?! Ah, I want to go home. You if you don't want to do it already, I can go home alone." Without waiting for an answer from Rendi, Nala then walked out of the room.

"Eh! Wait Na! I'm anter!"

*****

The next day Rendi went straight to school without picking up Nala. Because this morning Nala told him she was sick. And to visit him now Rendi felt the time was not enough. So he thought of visiting later after school. And today he is determined to find out the truth. If Nala doesn't want to tell, then she'll find out for herself.

And it all starts with the CCTV footage. Luckily he was the chairman of OSIS, so many staff recognized him. Even if he wants to check the CCTV, it must be because there is something important. Currently in front of him is already plastered screen monitor that contains black and white images. His eyes focused on the area of the hallway that was going towards the back of the school. And he saw a female student talking casually with Nala while walking towards the back of the school. When viewed from the recording there is clearly nothing strange. Like two friends talking.

"It wasn't Shila, was it? Second grade B's, right?" Dafa who was invited by Rendi as a partner let out his voice.

"You familiar?"

"Ho'oh's. Time SD first."

"OKAY. Sir, may I have this tape?" pinta Rendi to the staff on duty in the CCTV room.

"May, just ya!"

Thanks to the help of Dafa who contacted Shila, the three of them finally chose to meet in the OSIS room. Shila who did not feel suspicious of anything immediately agreed. From Shila's confession, it began to reveal who the original perpetrator was. Someone very Rendi knows. How not to know that the perpetrator is his own representative? Fani. And now, in the quiet classroom as everyone went to rest in the cafeteria, Rendi met Fani.

"What's up, Ren? Osis problem?" Rendi shakes. He was not out of thought with the attitude of Fani who like doing nothing.

"No. It's Nala's problem." A second later Fani's face turned sour as she called Nala's name from Rendi's mouth.

"Oh, so the boy dared to ngadu apparently."

"Neither ngadu. I know it myself from Shila. And don't try to hurt Shila! All your actions are clear. I'll give proof to teacher BK."

"What?! Can you tell me Ren?!"

"Why not? What you are doing is wrong. If you are not given the deterrent effect can even make you so act again." Must be full of intimidation, but the tone thrown by Rendi did not rise an octave.

"It can't be dong Ren! I'm your temen! It's so fucking it!"

"The truth does not know who is guilty. Why the hell did you think to act stupid rich?"

"THAT'S BECAUSE OF YOU! I LOVE YOU, REN!! YOU MUST HAVE ALSO REALIZED THAT I HAVE A SIMILAR SENSE OF YOU!" The veins on Fani's neck stiffened, indicating that she was very emotional this time. "And I don't like to see you close to Nala. Hicks!" she wiped away the tears that began to fall.

"WHY?! Is it because you love Nala?"

"Did I really love Nala?" inner Rendi. And with a flash he brushed off the silly question and continued his pace of leaving the Fani class.

*****

"Assynnya!" said Rendi while pressing the doorbell button Nala. His right hand was full of parcels filled with fresh fruits.

"Wa'alaikumsalam!" A voice from within was heard, followed by the opening of the main door of the house. And the middle-aged woman who looks still very beautiful in her dress and hijab, she is her mother Nala.

"Eh, Rendi. Enter son! You go straight to the room if you want to nengokin Nala."

"Okay Tan!" When Rendi steps up the stairs, Mama Nala calls out to her. Making it inevitably has to stop and turn around.

"Why Tan?"

"Please check that Nala has taken her medicine. You know he doesn't like to take medicine."

"Okay Tan!"

*****

"Gapain come here?" Not a greeting, even questions like this that Nala threw when she saw Rendi entering her room.

"You want to see the sick. Yes, I want salto here."

"Cirtain."

"Nih, I brought you some very fit fruits."

"Yep!!!" Rendi's palm immediately restrained Nala's forehead who was about to move to snatch the fruit from her hand.

"Eitz! Take the medicine first only later the fruit I give."

"Damshh!" Nala was upset.

Rendi then took a seat on the mattress, precisely next to the nightstand to prepare Nala's medicine. He already understood very well that Nala was very unable to take the tablet-shaped medicine. Nala just wants to drink the syrup. Friends indeed. But that's the truth. So Rendi smoothed the tablet first before it was swallowed by Nala. Do not forget to also add a little water to be liquid and easy to drink.

"Drink!" Rendi feeds a spoon that already contains liquid medicine.

"No ah! It's bitter!"

"Look at my face, it'll be sweet."

"Oh, ogah! It's even more bitter!"

"Yes, have a drink! If I don't force it?"

"Yes-yes! Basic forger!"

"Wildamah! If it heals, who will benefit?"

"Hm." That's how they are, want to be healthy or sick will remain like a cat and mouse.

"The guy I told BK."

Nala almost spouted back the white water that was about to pass through her throat. He looked at Rendi in disbelief. "You sure?"

"Yes that. Fani right? Why didn't I tell you he did it?"

"Yes he's been ngancem it would make even more cruel if I did not mention."

"Pantes." Rendi mangosteen understand.

"Eh, dude! If you report back to me that they will take revenge on me again?! Ow hell! How's nih? Aish!"

"Quiet down! They've been suspended for three months."

"Keep those three months? What if they still have grudges?!!" Rendi immediately pinched Nala's nose so that she could be silent from the scene from earlier.

"Wouldn't. Your handsome, kind, not arrogant best friend will exist. Chairman of OSIS again, so don't worry!" Proudly Rendi patted her chest.

"Sad. It's only been inaugurated in two weeks!" ketus Nala while rubbing her reddish nose.

"Belgium!"

They then remained silent for a moment. Busy thinking about what is going on in each brain. Nala broke the silence between them. "More."

"Hmm?"

"Would we keep our distance in school? Don't get too close to it." Just contact Rendi directly glared at his eyes. "Only at school! If outside yes we are ordinary rich gini. I'm afraid Ren has another Fani out there."

Rendi then grabbed both of Nala's cheeks. And in a matter of seconds he pinched the two chubby cheeks with anxiety. "My name, my best friend, is horrified! This is our friendship. We are the ones who live, not them. And they have no right to change what should not change. Understood?"

"But Ren-,"

"Are we dating?"

"HUH?! SERIOUSLY YOU REN?!"

"Handest times! Hitherto. I'm going home first. Bye-bye! GWS yes!!!" After saying that made Nala very surprised, now with the ease of Rendi pamit go home.

Outside the room Rendi immediately hit her own mouth that had been presumptuous to say so. "****huge Ren anyway?!" he left before leaving Nala's house.

*****

"Daf!"

"Oi!"

"What do you think about liking your own best friend?"

"Yes gapapa too. Not illegal either. Some love can not be forbidden to plunge into whom."

It is also true what Dafa said. After returning from Nala's house, Rendi immediately called Dafa for a friend to confide in.

"But he's afraid that if he refuses to keep our friendship so tenuous and strange that's what it feels like."

"Hmmm, that's hard, too. But honestly, at least you have a burden in the heart plus reduce curiosity. If accepted is good, if rejected yes risk. How nice of you to be Ren."

"Yes, that's it. Thought about tomorrow."

"If that's up to you. But don't miss it if someone else gets there first!"

"Yeah. Then I hang up the phone. Thanks for your opinion!"

"okay!"

*****

One Week later...

On this sunny Sunday, Rendi had made up her mind to express her feelings to Nala. And he had already prepared his heart for what would happen later. The plan he will take Nala for a walk in the mall, just watch a movie or just eat together in the food court.

"Join! Ren!!!" Nala's shrill voice instantly faded Rendi to immediately descend from her room.

"Buckoo! Don't yell I can hear it!"

"Yes, you've been a long time! Rich virgins long time so dandy."

"Haishhah! A day can not nyolot not really?!" With an anxious Rendi pinched Nala's cheek. But believe! It was just a way to cover up his nervousness.

"okay! Since today you want to buy me at the mall, so I want to be kind. Cuss left!"

A few minutes later, they arrived at a shopping mall. The first thing they do is watch an animated movie that is in theaters. Then shop for snacks, chocolates, and ice cream for Nala. After that they stop at the food court to fill their stomachs that have been rumbling.

"More!"

Rendi who felt called immediately turned to Nala. Unlike her who still ate half of her menu, Nala had already exhausted all her orders. "What?"

"Why are you?"

"Why how?"

"Yes, a lot of silence. Keep your face you know, do you want a pup again?" Nala innocently considers Jitters like people who hold back shitting.

"Yes, it's not! I just want to say something."

"Bright. Speaking of which is Ren's time! Don't need to be detained, rich want to talk to the president." The clumsiness of Nala was only responded to by a smile by Rendi.

"Gini Na."

"Yes?"

"I'd like to say that" Rendi paused for a moment. It felt like his heart was about to jump out right now. The feeling of the timing of the OSIS chairman's campaign yesterday was not this groggy.

"If it was actually me-,"

"Hi!" Just now Rendi wanted to finish her sentence. But a greeting from a guy stopped him.

"Sister Rio?" Nala who saw the figure named Rio immediately hugged him in excitement.

"Who did you think?"

"Here, buy a book to prepare for the National Examination," pointed Rio at a bag of crackers containing a book with hundreds of pages.

"Who's Na?" So happy, Nala almost forgot that in front of her there was still Rendi. So he immediately introduced the two.

"Sister, this is my best friend Rendi. Must know him, right? The new OSIS chairman."

"Yes I know," Rio said.

"And Ren, this is Rio's brother. She's my girlfriend."

"Huh? A boyfriend? Since when?"

"Yes. Brother Rio shot me yesterday."

Jederrr!!!

Like being struck by lightning in broad daylight, Rendi could not say anything more. His heart was broken in an instant. Intentions want to express feelings, even this way. Undisclosed, Rendi already knew what answer Nala would give. But on the other hand he was grateful, at least his friendly relationship would be fine. Let the feeling he has be enough he knows. He tried to shake. Simply seeing Nala smile happily he was already happy.