Yellow Flags
Not Used Up

🚩 Jacob

Winona's phone rang from earlier. I raised my eyebrows, looking at the girl. His hands coolly scooped the goat fried rice into his mouth.

Earlier, while waiting for my order to come, we just sat in silence. A myriad of questions swirled in my mind. But seeing Winona who looked glum, made me undo the intention to ask.

I cleared my throat slowly, unable to stand the silence between the two people breathing in this minimalist room. “Besok you entered work?”

Winona coughed softly.

I immediately stood up, taking the minerals from inside the refrigerator. Quickly, I thrust out the mineral bottle I had opened.

“Saturday? Huh...” he said a little stammered.

I forgot what day tomorrow is. I returned to the soft. Next to my hand started scooping the fried rice in the box, moving it to my plate. “Where do you work? If I could know.”

“I work at startup, copywriting section. Don't give details. I've been to a job interview.”

I laughed softly at his last words.

If I look at her face, I can tell that Winona is a little nervous. Is he nervous because of me?

Oh, how I wish, if Winona still keeps my liking. Although only a little.

Thenwhat? What do I do with that taste?

Lastly, I let him hope in uncertainty. Am I going to break the heart of this girl in front of me?

“Ngapain you back to Indo? The bosen? Huh?” that nonchalant tone made me look back at the interlocutor.

The fried rice on Winona's plate was barely left. “You want to add?” I said as I scooped the fried rice, then swung it at the girl's plate.

Winona shook her head quickly, she pushed my hand slowly. Then his little hand again grabbed the mineral that was still half.

“I have a project here.”

Winona put down the mineral, just for a moment, her glances of eyes lingering on my face. “What project? If you can know?” tanyanya fast.

I smiled thinly. Winona wanted to chat. And I love this moment. I could spend time with him. “Synematography. So I take, edit the original video in accordance with the needs of the client. Suppose they want a video of Mount Bromo before sunrise... ”

“People related to nature,” cut it. “Landscape..” Winona raises her shoulder. “Not yes? So you're more into nature? Not that people.. eng...” his lips frowned, trying to process the word.

I'm nodding. “For now yes. And in Indonesia it is a lot that can be taken. Nature is beautiful, same chick cake.”

Winona rolled her eyeballs. I heard a little stifled laughter.

“That's your phone from earlier the sound continues.” Although not too loud, but the voice if repeated makes me disturbed. Want me to stand up, and pick up the phone, if Winona refuses to answer.

“Paling Gem..” Winona bit her lower lip. Stop the sentence that will be thrown on her sweet lips.

“Gema?” my guess. The girl just breathed a heavy breath.

I immediately stood up, and took a quick step towards the room.

“Jac..”.

I heard Winona's footsteps from behind.

Possessiveness makes my move faster. The burning sensation in my chest also made me out of breath. Winona is single, but she is married! And that bastard's wife is Sepia!

I don't want to, Sepia hates Winona even more because of her husband's insolent actions!

The black bag was still on the floor. Was Winona sitting on the door? What, he came back crying alone!

Winona snatched the phone from my hand. The girl took a deep breath as she stared at the screen. “Oh, the mother who called!” He turned his face to the side and picked up the phone. “Mother..” Winona closed her eyes briefly, “Waalaikumsalam. What's the matter Bun?”

I could only judge Winona's face which seemed to be holding back the ringing. His forehead crept in. The girl bit her thumb nail.

One step away from her, I could smell the sunburn in her hair. Winona's as tall as my chest. If I extend a hand, pull her waist and drown the head in my arms...

How much I want to do it!

I'll put my chin on top of his head.

“Why did he call Mother anyway?” the huffiness in that soft voice made me disperse the daydream.

She's she? Who is Winona talking about?

“Ngak Bun's. I'm at..” glances her eyes at me for a moment. Winona took a sharp breath, then stepped out of the room.

I just let him walk, back towards the dining table.

I just realized my room lights weren't on. Full moonlight becomes natural lighting, highlighting a portion of the room that is still pitch dark. If I close this door, my room will look aesthetic. Sad vibe of course.

I'm back at the table. Then look at the pile of fried rice that I haven't touched. Suddenly, my stomach sounded again.

“Eating...” Ogre Winona. He was still calling, but the corner of his eye was staring at me. “Iya my friend Mother. So no need to worry, okay.”

A moment later, the girl placed the phone on the table.

I scooped up my food quickly. Every now and then I noticed Winona's face just staring at the table. His forehead frowned deeply, his jaw pulled tight.

He looks upset.

Before long, I heard a slow cry. Then Winona stood up. “Thank you for the food,” he said slowly. Then turning.

“Ndon't want a story?” ask me with a soft tone. “If you have a bad echo, I will not stay silent.”

I heard her scornful laughter, just before Winona turned her body back. “Peduli lo what?”

“Wio..” I stood up, then approached the girl. “I care about you..”

“If you care, you won't leave me...”

What am I supposed to say again? My fault is only one, present to fill the sheet in Winona's life! But if anyone dares to hurt him, I will not remain silent!

“Keep you want to be bullied continue with Gama?” my question is just a trick. Because if I ask you nicely, Winona won't tell you.

Winona looks at me sharply, “lo thinks I'm a girl what?!”

“Mean! Let me take care of that bastard!” After the anger that I tried to hold back. “Gue did not accept, Sepia did not give you the letter! Even if I knew, you might still be disappointed in me! But the least I can accept..”.

I felt anger that made my face heat up. I took a deep breath before continuing the sentence. And I have to think before I say. If I get it wrong, Winona will pull back!

I have to continue using the name ‘Gema’, so that Winona will open.

“The bastard is bothering you constantly! He's married! Does he want to destroy your friendship and his household?”

Again tonight, I saw a clear circle fall on his cheek.

My anger was instantly extinguished, as I returned that teary look. Oh, my fragile girl...

I pulled Winona, sinking her face into my chest. “There's me here. So please.. tell me.”.