TWENTY
SIDE STORY ~ IREN

"Iren, don't go down the gini dong road!"

"Eh, watch out for a rhinoceros! Hold-hold!"

"Well, if you have a rich girlfriend Iren, you don't have to eat unseen."

"What day is Ren?"

"Come dong diet Iren! Big time is not ashamed to have such a big body?"

It was all just a small portion of people's responses about Iren. He wondered to himself, why people like to say it by taking refuge in the words "You're just kidding." Without them telling me Iren was conscious of his body. They did not know that what they called joking also hurt Iren's heart. He is also a human who has a heart and can feel his name offended. Always laughing, responding with a joke, smiling, it doesn't mean he doesn't feel hurt.

Verbal bullying once Iren got used to starting from sitting on the Kindergarten bench. Until in the end when Iren begins to mature, he begins to feel a sense of stupidity with the words of others towards him. No longer feeling hurt because of too often pain until now he became accustomed and felt nothing.

But it didn't last long apparently. Just when she's got a job she just found out belonged to her best friend's husband, Alif. The slogan that he was always proud of and held in high esteem, the "Fat happy sign" instantly vanished when he met a handsome young manager in his division.

"Eh-uh! Alex sir is going through! Alex sir is going through!" said a karyawati from outside and went straight into her cubicle while spraying perfume.

Similar to her, most of the other women who dress up to justify herself, especially the one she later passed Alex when she was about to enter her room. Some tidied her hair, applied lipstick and powder, some were back and forth tidying up her clothes when it was neat.

In the number two cubicle from the front, precisely the one next to the wall. Iren also helped improve his makeup even though he knew he would not be glimpsed. The women did the same thing with only one goal, to be glimpsed by an Alex. Not only young women, forty-year-old widows also welcome the prima donna manager. That was Alex's charm. And all women would think it would be very lucky if they could get Alex's heart, Iren was no exception.

"Good morning sir!" Employees who are close to the door immediately start the action.

"Morning!" reply Alex with a smile attached to her lips.

"For Sir!"

"Yes, morning!"

"How are you today, sir?"

"Well," said Alex as he continued to walk into his room.

Iren though did not come to say but he also wanted to see the charming smile of his superior. Therefore he stood up while putting on a smile as sweet as possible, hoping to be glimpsed even though the possibility is very small.

And it's like a habit, before entering the room then Alex will pause at the door and look at all his subordinates with a smile. "Happy work everyone! The spirit!"

And it's also what everyone is looking forward to here, counting as an encouragement in the morning before starting a routine with piled files. Behind the cubes there are many people who are serious about doing their job. Even though there are also those who are gossiping also joking. Until lunchtime arrived, they all breathed a sigh of relief and headed to the cafeteria or the dining area outside the company.

"Ren, eat yuk!" bring a friend who is sitting right next to Iren.

"But a little bit more crotch."

"What is nitip?" bargain for another known friend named Riri.

"Not Ri, you go first. Entar I'm following."

"OK if that's it. I'm first yeah!"

"okay!"

Actually that is not the main reason why Iren did not go directly to the cafeteria when his stomach had revolted to be filled with food. The goal is to see Alex, because the man did not go out even though the break had arrived. Iren also used his quiet room so as not to be embarrassed.

Sure enough, a few minutes of waiting for Iren paid off because Alex emerged from behind the door of his room. Immediately Iren stood up and approached Alex.

"Sir!" call him so Alex doesn't continue his wide steps leaving the room. Although their age is only three years adrift, but Iren still uphold the ethics to call his superiors with frills "father".

"Yes, why Ren?"

Deg.

Just asked back Iren feels like he wants to faint. And what was that? Iren didn't hear wrong, did he? Alex called her by her name? Then he was recognized by Alex!!!

A happiness for Iren. Though Alex certainly poult with all employees in his division. But Iren alone who missed being happy with that little thing. Long waiting for an answer, Alex also pretended to cough to pull Iren into the real world.

"Eh, this is sir, I want to give you this." Iren then handed me a paper bag containing his homemade sandwich. And Alex took it.

"What's this?"

"It's just a sandwich, but I hope you like it" said Iren shyly.

"Oh, thank you! I accept your gift."

Iren could only nod and bow. Not strong to look at Alex's face, which instead made him want to faint right then and there. Alex who felt there was nothing else that Iren would say to leave, and Iren agreed. After Alex leaves, Iren descends into the cafeteria following Riri who may be waiting for him.

"More!" call Riri when you see Iren looking for someone. Maybe himself.

"Udah pesen food?" Iren asked after sitting in front of Riri.

"Don't be, come again."

"Yes, if that's how I pesen first." Iren stood up and ordered the food, then sat back down and already found the food at Riri's table.

"Liat de Ren! It's really nice to be Maria, to be able to lunch with Mr. Alex." Riri pointed at the table that was far in front of him. Automatic Iren looked back, and his heart instantly crumbled. This is how it feels to be jealous of people who are not his.

"Maclum, Miss Maria is beautiful. Secretary again."

"Yes yes, Mr. Alex mah must have been looking at her pretty like that model. What is my day that is just a grain of sand is not considered. Fly carried by the wind that was somehow taken to where." Riri tried poetic.

"Hust! Don't lower yourself! Sand is also useful Ri, so place the cat pup for example." Iren immediately laughed to himself hearing his words. And Riri was pouting.

"It's so cruel to be a person! Can't be confused on what? Rich so a mixture for the building can be sturdy. This even makes the place eek cat." No matter they were eating, they were talking about something like that. But the brand does not matter, still appetite is also proof. Moreover, Iren who never had a story of no appetite.

But, hearing Riri's words made her little heart flinch a little. Suddenly he was insecure after the taste was gone for many years. That's true what his friend said. Someone who looks like Alex is worthy of being with a beautiful woman like Maria. What is he who is just a gallon model. Like a pungguk misses the moon. Such was the fitting parable for Iren at the moment.

"Why is your face suddenly so?"

"Did?" Iren looked at Riri for a moment. Know where he is if Iren is heartwarming.

"See from your face. I also know that you like Alex too. It's jealousy, right?" The exact guess Riri throws.

"What hell! Don't all the girls here like Alex, too? Aren't you that too?" Iren tried to turn things around.

"The story is different. I like that because I see handsome people. Who here doesn't like seeing handsome people? I just like being rich. If you are different, Ren, rich love is just as much as anyone."

"What a look at Ri?"

"If I am, I don't know anything else." Iren also lowered his head while stirring his chicken porridge.

"Why? Do you feel like you don't pantes for Alex? Envy of Maria?"

"Yes that. That's for sure" Iren replied honestly.

"This is Ren, if you feel you don't pantes with Alex, yes dong mantesin himself."

"meaning?"

"Gini loh's. If you do not feel pantes because of the gallon body, yes diet. If you do not feel pantes because it is less established, yes hard work. And if you don't feel pantes because it's less beautiful, yes dance!"

"Yes too." Again Iren confirmed Riri's words.

"Where? Wanna get to dapetin doi what do you want to give up just look at her with another girl?"

"OKAY. I'll try."

"Iren's spirit!" Riri clenched both of her hands into the air to encourage Iren.

"Spirit!" Iren also did the same thing and was not outdone.

From today he is determined to change. Changing the look she had never thought of before. Especially for diet. One thing Iren was once impossible to do. But it's different now. For the sake of love he was willing to fight desperately to get it. He knows that love does not look at the appearance and shape of the body. But having an ideal body with a beautiful face can not open the way to more easily get love? Iren thought so.

Right after Iren decided to change, a big news seemed to hit his chest. How not? Suddenly Alex was transferred to a branch company in Surabaya. It had all destroyed the spirit as well as Iren's intentions. But luckily, after that Riri got word that Alex was only assigned for a while. If there is a replacement there then Alex will be returned to the branch company in Malang again. It was successful in making the spirit of Iren back smoldering.

For months Iren patiently undergoing his diet program was also patient waiting for Alex's return. During that time there were also many changes that he experienced. The most obvious one is his body. All the clothes and pants are now very loosely worn. As a result he had to spend even deeper to buy many new clothing. But thanks to the appearance of his new body he is now getting more attention. Now many employees start teasing him, sometimes openly expressing his feelings. But it all did not shake the heart of Iren who was already adrift for Alex.

"Iren want to have lunch together?"

"Sorry Do, I had lunch with Riri."

"If it's lunch the same I want Ren?"

"Geez Za, I told you I wanted to have lunch with Riri. You're the same Doni!"

"Haish! Umpah! You guys don't have any work what the hell? Surprisingly, every time there is always a gerecokin Iren. If he wants to eat with me why? Any issues?" Riri who was already upset to be a spectator immediately spoke up.

"Let's Ren go!" Riri pulled Iren's arm away from her cubicle which had been crowded with men in her division. "Bye!" riri said as a farewell greeting to the men Iren dumped.

*****

"Iren!"

"Eh! Aish!" Iren hits Riri's arm hard. "Have habits! I love to suck on people!"

"Now it doesn't matter! I'd like to say that Mr. Alex has come back here!"

"Ah, who really are you?!"

"Really Iren! I saw the car."

"Oh my God! Mr. Alex is getting hotter." Iren pinched Riri's arm so as not to say much and returned to his place.

Not only Riri and Iren were fixated, almost all were surprised to see Alex coming. Then as was his old custom, before entering the room he chatted for a while and told him that he had been reassigned to this office. Make the women scream happily in their hearts.

"Oh yeah, as long as I'm not here there's a new employee huh?" Everyone looked at each other to find out who Alex meant.

As if understanding his employees were confused, Alex pointed to the number two cubicle near the wall. And that's none other than Iren's place.

"That, that was standing in front of Riri."

"He's not a new employee sir. He's Iren. Father's forgetting anyway? Pangling, can Iren be skinny?" chirps Riri who responded to laughter by his colleagues. Making Iren can only look down embarrassed because he was stared intensively by Alex.

"Ah yes. Iren's. I guess who was. It's just getting pretty."

And for whatever!!! Iren wanted to scream while salto if he could. She was so happy to be praised by Alex.

"Yes, then you start working."

*****

A long night for Iren due to overtime that he had to do. The clock shows at seven o'clock in the evening and he just finished his job. Immediately Iren turned off his computer and tidied up his bag. He did not expect to be with him who was standing about to leave the room, just then Alex came out of his room. Iren thought Alex had come home.

"Good night sir!" Iren gets nervous alone with Alex, nights again.

"Night! You just want to go home, Ren?"

"Yes sir."

"What's okay?"

"Motor Sir. Why?" In my heart Iren had hoped very much that Alex would offer him a ride.

"Oh, yes, if we go home together."

"Huh? Really, sir?"

"Yes. It's not good if you go home alone these nights. Especially on a motorbike."

"Keep my bike?"

"Let's be left here, tomorrow morning you I pick me up." As if getting durian collapsed, Iren was now very happy. It was unexpected that he would come home with Alex, and tomorrow too he would leave together.

Ah, it feels like a dream. And if the dream is true, then Iren does not want to be awakened. Let him enjoy being the main character of this dream.

In the car it was a bit awkward. Moreover, this was the first time they spoke after Alex's departure. Alex turned the radio to fill the silence. The song that was playing was so boring in both Iren and Alex's ears. Unexpectedly the hands of the two met when they were about to change radio channels. For a moment the two looked at each other. And the meaningful gazes of the two halted as the sound of the horn interrupted them. The lights have turned green.

"Thank you sir for driving me."

"Yes, equally. Oh yeah, can I ask you something?"

"Ohh, what do you mean?" Iren tried to get along with Alex in a joking manner.

"No! Lah not! This is my pure request indeed I want, not because of the return of the favor earlier."

"Yes-iya Sir. I trust. What do you want?"

"Tomorrow make sandwiches like you used to?"

"Could Sir. Is that all?"

"Yes. But if I can tomorrow and so on I can have lunch with you."

"He?" Iren didn't hear wrong, did he?

"Are you not going?"

"You Sir! Want to!" Finally Iren can how to be Maria a few months ago. And may Iren be honored to have been invited home and to go together? And also invited him to lunch together.

Uhh! His happiness!

*****

A week since their closeness, Alex has officially declared his love for Iren. Of course Iren will accept it. The fight wasn't in vain to get Alex. But unfortunately he could not boast of himself in front of his co-workers. Because Alex asked to keep their relationship a secret. The reason is simple, so they keep working professionally. So there is nothing that will concern the link with favoritism if Alex will give rewards to Iren later. Only with Riri can Iren tell a story.

"Ciiee, who finally made it too. You know Ren? You're the rich Cinderella who finally found her prince. Congratulations to you both!" riri said rather softly. Although the room was quiet, there were still some people. So they tried to speak as clearly as possible so that no one would hear.

"Yes, thank you Ri!" Iren hugged Riri for a while and then let go.

Ting!

Honey, can I get you some coffee? I need refreshment after struggling with these tasks:(

Iren gave a small smile reading a message from his new lover. Always make coffee or whatever they eat when the office hours are over. That way no one will know about them.

"Woy! Ma'am Persambet? Smiles are rich crazy!"

"Aish, rest!" Iren hit Riri's shoulder that had already reached him.

"yes different? People who are the same kasmaran. The rich man won a one billion prize coupon. So happy!"

"Udah then! I'm leaving first, you're ready to go home!" Iren immediately left Riri who was unceasingly teasing him.

*****

Day after day Iren passed happily with Alex. Although arguably backstreet, but Iren is quite happy living it. It didn't feel like they had spent half a month together.

"Look at Ren? The new kid! Songong is very face. How likes to nempel Alex again. You're not jealous?" cerocos Riri while enjoying his mixed ice.

"Obsolutely normal. We have no intention of opening this relationship. So yes all goes rich ordinary. And it's common for Alex isn't it always women's?" replied Iren with ease. Making Riri glare in disbelief.

"Rare you jealous? ask Riri again.

"No. Kan Mas Alex will not look at other women. He's keeping his heart for me."

"Ciahh! Very confident, Mom!"

"Must dong!" said Iren in his arrogant style while wagging his hair to the right and to the left."

"Yes, if so I go back to the room first yak! Look at Alex eating yet."

"Haish! Go, sono! A terooss date!"

"Yeee, don't beat dong Ma'am! So find a soul mate there!"

"Not to be searched, there is already."

"Times?"

"Yes. Now he's in Korea."

"Yeuu! Halu to terooss! Ah, I want to go. Bye hammers!"

"Bye bucins!" riri reply was no less fierce.

Before actually meeting Alex, of course Iren went to dress up first. He always wants to do his best in front of Alex. So now he is in the toilet. Comb her messy hair, apply powder and lipstick again, then spray the perfume on her body. When he is ready, he will leave. But not yet he came out of the toilet, suddenly the call of nature came.

"Oohh! I even peed again." Since he had already stumbled, he no longer thought about his clothes. What matters now is that he can complete his wish.

Soon he was done with his business. But as she was about to get out of the room, Iren faintly heard the voices of men and women who were about to enter the toilet. Curious about their familiar voices in Iren's ears, she decides to stay in the toilet cubicle. His legs he lifted and squatted on the closet, so outsiders would not know if there was him inside.

"Oh, honey! Don't be naughty dong!" Bentar, Iren was sorting out whose voice it was.

Then the sound of the door outside the toilet opened and Iren guessed the two people were already in the toilet. In his heart, Heni did not call two lovebirds who wanted to make out but did not know the place.

"Eh, honey! Aren't you afraid that you'll get caught here?" Whoa! Iren remembered this voice. The voice of the new kid who fills the marketing division. The centil that Riri told me about earlier. Iren wondered who the boyfriend of the centil was. If you already have a girlfriend, why is it still centil to Alex?

"No. Lonely people are here too."

"Yes already. Now what do you want?"

"Hmm what is it? If you want to?"

Deg.

Isn't that Alex's voice?

Iren closed his mouth in disbelief. Trust collapsed instantly. The Alex he was proud of would keep his heart turned out to be secretly playing with fire behind him.

Unable to hear the romance of the couple who were drunk with romance, Iren immediately broke down the door of his room. The two people outside were shocked. Without further ado Iren immediately stepped over to Alex.

Plaque!!!

A slap landed smoothly on Alex's cheek. "I'M BREAKING UP!" Iren's three sacred words said without regretting it.

Then he walked out while occasionally wiping his falling tears. He realized that his love story did not happen like in the fairyland of his dreams. He realized that he was just too naive to be a woman. Just seduced a little he already wants to be a lover. And again, looking for a partner because of the appearance makes Iren sure that he is not yet an adult. So now he will learn to mature as well as learn to improve to solidify with the best soul mate. I hope that desire is fulfilled.