The bell tolled for break time, releasing the students of Telaga City State Senior High School into a flurry of chatter and movement.
Some scurried toward the canteen, while others loitered in clusters, basking in the brief reprieve from their studies.
Havi lingered momentarily at the doorway of his classroom, his gaze sweeping across the sea of students, his thoughts fixed on one person, Sayono, or Yono, as he was fondly called.
Despite the passing of time and the changes in their lives, Havi felt an unshakeable pull toward his old friend.
Though he held memories he couldn't quite explain, fragmented glimpses of something larger, he resolved to keep them to himself.
This wasn't the time for revelations, not when simpler pleasures, like rekindling their camaraderie, sufficed.
Havi weaved through the throng of students, making his way toward the classrooms of the Social Studies stream.
The building stood slightly apart from the others, its structure shaded by a canopy of jacaranda trees whose vibrant purple blooms scattered across the cobblestone pathway. Havi's pace quickened, his heart light with anticipation.
Reaching Class 3 of the Social Sciences Department, Havi peered through the open door. The room was abuzz with life, a group of boys were huddled at the back, engrossed in a card game, while a few girls at the front laughed over a shared joke. Yono was unmistakable, seated casually at his desk, his head tilted as he chatted animatedly with those around him.
Summoning courage, Havi knocked lightly on the doorframe. His presence drew the attention of a girl seated near the entrance. Her inquisitive eyes softened as she recognised him.
"Havi, isn't it?" she asked with a polite smile. "Are you looking for someone?"
"Yes," Havi replied, his voice steady. "I'm looking for Yono. Could you let him know I'm here?"
The girl nodded and turned toward the back of the room, raising her voice just enough to be heard over the hum of conversation. "Yono! Someone's here for you."
Yono glanced up, his brows furrowing briefly in surprise before his expression brightened into a grin. Excusing himself from the group, he strode toward the door with his usual easy confidence.
"Havi!" he exclaimed, clapping a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Didn't expect to see you here. What's up?"
Havi returned the smile, his own demeanour relaxed yet purposeful. "I just thought I'd drop by. It's been a while since we caught up."
"Well, I'm glad you did," Yono said, his voice warm. "Come on, let's step outside. It's a bit chaotic in here."
The pair wandered toward the school garden, a tranquil oasis tucked between the buildings. A sturdy banyan tree stood at its centre, its sprawling branches providing ample shade. Yono perched on one of the stone benches beneath it, gesturing for Havi to join him.
"So, what's been going on?" Yono asked, leaning back with an air of casual curiosity. "You've been pretty quiet lately."
Havi hesitated for a moment, weighing his words. "Just the usual," he said finally. "Classes, exams, all that. It's been a bit hectic, but I'm managing."
Yono nodded knowingly. "Yeah, you've always been good at juggling things. Everyone's talking about how you're the pride of the school these days. Top student, top everything. Must be nice."
Havi chuckled softly, brushing off the praise. "It's not as effortless as it looks. But thanks."
"And you're here, in the middle of your busy schedule, looking for me?" Yono teased, his grin wide. "I must be pretty special."
Havi laughed, the sound light and genuine. "You're not wrong," he admitted. "I realised it's been too long since we had a proper chat. Thought I'd remedy that."
Yono's grin softened into something more sincere. "Well, I appreciate it. It's good to see you, mate. Really."
They fell into easy conversation, their words flowing like the streams that ran through the nearby hills. They talked of school, of mutual friends, of trivialities that drew laughter from their lips. Yet, beneath the surface, Havi felt the steady pulse of something deeper, a connection that transcended the present moment.
He didn't mention the memories that lingered at the edges of his mind, the strange sense of déjà vu that accompanied every interaction with Yono. It wasn't necessary. Their friendship, as it was, felt solid and unshakable.
As the bell signalling the end of break time rang out, Yono stretched and rose from the bench. "Back to the grind," he said with a mock groan, offering Havi a hand.
Havi grasped it, allowing Yono to pull him to his feet. "Thanks for the chat," he said, his gratitude evident in his tone. "We should do this more often."
"Anytime," Yono replied, his smile warm. "You know where to find me."
As Havi made his way back to his classroom, he felt an inexplicable peace settle over him. The questions and uncertainties about his memories could wait. For now, he had his friend, and that was enough.
Havi walked back toward his classroom, his steps steady yet unhurried. The school corridors were bustling with students returning from their break, the air filled with chatter and laughter.
His thoughts, however, remained with the conversation he had just shared with Yono. A quiet sense of relief washed over him, despite the countless things he couldn't share, their friendship remained steadfast, unaltered by the secrets he carried.
As he passed the sports field, he came to a halt, drawn by the tranquil sight of the open sky. The expanse above him was a brilliant shade of blue, dotted with lazy clouds drifting in the gentle breeze.
The scent of grass lingered in the air, and for a fleeting moment, Havi felt a profound stillness settle over him. He tightened his grip on his bag, the weight of its contents grounding him in the present. This life, with all its complexities, was a gift he intended to cherish.
Yono's unwavering loyalty, even without knowing the full truth, had become a source of quiet strength for Havi. It reminded him of the second chance he'd been given and the responsibilities that came with it. He smiled faintly to himself and continued walking.
Arriving at the door of his classroom, he could hear the lively commotion within. The room buzzed with energy, some students joked and laughed, while others flipped through their textbooks in preparation for the next lesson. Havi paused briefly, taking in the scene, before stepping inside.
The moment he entered, one of his classmates called out to him. "Havi, where have you been? The teacher's nearly here!"
Havi offered a small smile, shrugging lightly. "Just taking in some fresh air," he replied, his tone casual.
He made his way to his usual seat near the window, setting down his bag. Outside, the wind rustled the leaves of a nearby tree, casting dappled shadows across the ground.
Havi opened one of the textbooks on his desk, his fingers brushing against the pages as he allowed his mind to settle into the rhythm of the moment.
Though he knew the path ahead would be far from easy, he felt a quiet anticipation building within him. This life, this chance to rebuild, was one he would not take for granted. Whatever challenges awaited, he was ready to face them.