Whys?
Reasons to Survive

An hour later, the school bell rang, and the math lesson ended. Ms. Ernita packed up her gear, stood up from her place and said, “For the ones who haven't been called, we continue the quiz at the next meeting. Then for the class president, follow Mom to the assembly room.”

“Bu, sick Satria did not enter. If Putra seems to be truant,” said one of the students told the absence of the chairman and vice-chairman of his class.

Miss Ernita snorts. “Then just secretary. Come, follow Mom.”

Eva Riana the class secretary immediately stood up. “Good, Mom,” said and followed the teacher to the assembly room.

Once they were there, Ms. Ernita took out a pile of files from her desk drawer. “This is a group about training. Share to all the kids and collect next week,” the message and Eva nods while hauling the stack of papers.

Just as Eva was about to walk out, one of the teachers stopped her. It turned out to be Mr. Fahrul, the Chemistry maple teacher.

“Eva, next Mr enter your class, yes?” tanyanya and Eva nodded again. “Fathers have business today, so you guys will learn by yourself, huh? Make a summary of the chapter we learned yesterday. Please also say that tomorrow quiz.”

Without saying much Eva just nodded her assent to all her teacher's requests. The last two months leading up to the school exam, so be aware that almost all lessons are quiz-taken.

A few minutes after leaving the teacher's assembly, Eva had returned to her classroom. As soon as he arrived, he immediately conveyed the message and duties of the teachers. As expected, the majority of the students complained and cheered in disappointment. However, rather than doing tasks as instructed, most prefer to play mobile phones, chat with friends, or skip to the cafeteria.

“Eva, to the canteen, yuk. I'm hungry, nih, haven't had breakfast this morning,” said Gita, a tablemate and best friend since elementary school.

Eva shook her head slowly. “I want to make a summary, Git. I'm not hungry either.”

Gita scowling. “No teacher are you still a good boy? Not really fun. Yeah, well, I'm with the others. You really don't want to come, do you? Want to titip?” asked Gita and Eva shook her head again. “Ok, deh, I go first. If you can do mine too, yes.”

After the last Gita left, class XI IPA-A became silent. Half are still in the room, but the ones that actually do the task or study can be counted with the fingers—including Eva.

“Halo.”

Hearing the sound, Eva spontaneously looked up and gasped. Right beside him—gita— seat sat someone who was smiling broadly at him. He is Ren, the new student.

“You ... called me?” eva asked doubtfully, rather nervously. How long has he been sitting next to her? Eva who had almost finished her summary was completely unaware of its existence.

“Haik* ,” said Ren while nodding strongly. “What's your name Eva?”

“Iya, right. What's up?”

Ren smiled again. “Greetings, Eva-san. Can I be friends with you?”

“How? Can I be your friend?” Ren asked again.

“Oh, yes, can. You can be my friend.”

“Means we are friends now! Eva-chan* ... I can call you that?”

Eva was silent for a moment and then nodded. Frankly Eva never watch anime or other things that smell of Japan, so she does not understand the difference in the designation even though she often heard it from other friends—especially Andi. But it doesn't seem like a big deal.

Ren smiled again to show off his neat teeth. “Eva-chan, I want to show you something.” He walked up to his desk, picked up something from the bag, then returned to Eva's side. “See, this is Leon.”

Eva observes the object that Ren is showing, a mini flannel doll in the shape of a lion. Judging from the fading color and feathers that arise, this doll named Leon seems to have been stored for a long time.

“This is my best friend since childhood,” explains Ren. “Funny, right? This was my mother's first. I love lions, a manly, strong, and brave figure.”

“You always carry it?” ask Eva curious. In addition to growing up, Ren is also a man. Does he always show his little friend to anyone?

“Of course,” replied Ren. “Leon is like my protective talisman.”

Ren switched from a small doll to Eva. He looked at her seriously. “Eva-chan .. I like you.”

Both Eva's eyes were rounded. What did he just say? Eva didn't hear wrong, did she?

“I love your hair, Eva-chan. Your hair is cool, similar to a lion.”

Whahuh?

***

Note:

*4: Answer “ya” or “reh” in Japanese.

*5: Calls to close people/familiars in Japanese.

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