The midday sun filtered through cream-colored curtains that were still half-installed. The living room of the new house remained in disarray, cardboard boxes filled with books, kitchenware, and clothes were scattered all around. The scent of dust mingled with the gentle aroma of jasmine tea that Maya had brewed earlier that morning.
Adi sat cross-legged on the carpet, sorting through cables and electronic devices. A thin sheen of sweat glistened on his forehead, and his shirt was wrinkled. Nearby, Maya was finishing her yoga session, stretching silently on a mat.
Suddenly, a ringtone pierced the stillness. Adi turned his head. On the coffee table, a phone screen lit up and vibrated, displaying a familiar name: "Raka (College)".
Maya lifted her head and glanced at the screen. "An old friend?" she asked, slightly curious.
Adi picked up the phone and nodded. "Yeah, Raka. We used to be on the same futsal team back in college. It's been forever since we talked."
He hesitated for a moment, then pressed the green button. "Hello?"
A cheerful voice burst through the speaker. "Adi! Bro! Man, I can't believe I finally got through to you! How are you, man? Heard you got married? Congratulations, bro! I'm so happy for you!"
Adi chuckled softly, a bit awkward. "Yeah, Rak. Thanks. Sorry I haven't checked my messages much, especially the old numbers."
Maya approached, sat down beside him, and handed him a cup of warm tea.
"So, Di!" Raka's voice grew more enthusiastic, "I'm starting a project with some of the old college gang. A small startup digital marketing. We're focusing on creative content and branding for small businesses. And I immediately thought of you. Remember how we clicked back in the day, making those college videos?"
Adi fell silent for a moment. Memories rushed in late-night shoots, discussions over coffee at street stalls, laughter shared under the pressure of deadlines. Those were days filled with passion and freedom.
"Sounds interesting." Adi replied slowly. "Is the project already running?"
"We're set to launch next month. But the team's coming together now. You don't have to resign or relocate or anything. But… yeah, there might be a few out-of-town meetings. Some clients are from other cities."
Maya, who overheard that, gently turned toward him. "If you take that project, what does it mean for us?"
Her question was simple, but it struck deep. Adi looked at her, then turned his eyes to the surrounding boxes, the remnants of their recent move, still not fully unpacked. The house didn't feel complete yet, not fully a home. But Maya was there. A promise was there. A new life had just begun.
Adi sighed. "Rak, can I think about it first?"
Raka's tone softened. "Of course, Bro. No pressure. I just wanted to relive the old days and work together again, that's all. Let me know when you're ready, okay?"
After exchanging a few final words, the call ended. Adi placed the phone on the table and looked down.
Maya set the tea aside and sat closer to him, her eyes calm. "You look torn."
Adi nodded. "I am. It felt so good to hear Raka's voice again. Brought back memories of college, when everything felt so light. No household worries, no thoughts about grocery bills, electricity, water…"
He paused, gazing at the window facing the small yard. Two potted plants lay there, still unplanted. A small symbol of the life they were building.
"But now it's different," he continued. "I'm married. We're just starting everything from scratch, this house, this life. I know if I join that project, I'll have to travel a lot. I'm not sure I can balance it all."
Maya reached for his hand, holding it gently. "I understand. And I won't stop you if it's truly what you want. But I want you to be honest, not just about a job choice, but about the direction of your life. We're building something here, Di. Slowly, but surely."
Adi stared into her eyes. In them, he saw trust and also concern. But above all, he saw a quiet love. A love that didn't demand grand gestures just presence and sincerity.
"Sometimes I'm afraid," Adi said. "Afraid of growing old and losing the fire I once had. But I'm also afraid of chasing the past and losing you."
Maya smiled faintly. "The past was beautiful. But we can create something even more beautiful, if we believe in it and stay the course."
Minutes passed in silence. Outside, the sound of distant traffic mixed with the chirping of birds. The afternoon began to stretch gently.
Adi stood up, looking around. "Let's finish unpacking this house. We've put it off long enough. Let's start with the bookshelf, yeah?"
Maya stood too, nodding. "Let's do it."
They began working together. Maya opened boxes filled with books and arranged them one by one on the shelf Adi had assembled yesterday. Meanwhile, Adi organized the cables and electronics, making sure everything worked. They exchanged smiles, laughed quietly as they uncovered old items like a tiny plush toy from their first trip to Bandung, faded college photos of Adi, and a chipped mug they'd used on their first date.
Every item held a story, and every story drew them closer.
Time passed, and the sky turned orange. The house now felt warmer. Fewer boxes remained, the bookshelf was filled, and the dining table stood clear and clean. Even the once-forgotten plants were now neatly arranged in their pots by the window.
Adi sat on the sofa, tired but content. Maya joined him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"I'm proud of us." she said.
Adi replied with a gentle smile. "Me too. We may not have a perfect past, but we have today and we can build a better future."
Maya closed her eyes. "This house may be small, but I don't need a palace. Just you, just us is enough."
Adi kissed her forehead. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm here. Completely."