That night, Yuni climbed up to the terrace, humming softly as she texted in her group chat with Sam and Loir. Singing always made her heart feel a little lighter. But her voice faltered the moment her eyes caught sight of someone at the far corner of the rooftop.
Elis.
She was leaning against the railing, a cigarette dangling between her fingers, arguing with someone over the phone. The glow from the burning tip lit up her sharp features.
Yuni froze, then quickly turned her face away, ready to leave before Elis could notice. But Elis's eyes flicked in her direction, catching her. Without a second thought, Elis tossed the cigarette down, crushed it under her heel, and called out,
"Wait! I need to talk to you."
Yuni stopped, her heart tugging with unspoken hurt. Her voice came out low, trembling with pride and pain.
"What could you possibly have to say to me now?"
On the other end of the call, the person on Elis's phone spoke up, voice faint but curious. "Hey bro, I hear a girl's voice. Who's that with you?"
Elis's jaw tightened. "Not now. I'll talk to you tomorrow." She cut the call and shoved her phone deep into her pocket. Turning back to Yuni, she softened her tone.
"Yuni… are you upset with me for something? Did I do something wrong again?"
Yuni kept her head bowed, silent, clutching her hands together so tightly her nails dug into her palms.
Elis stepped closer and gently took Yuni's hand in hers. Without letting go, she led her toward the old wooden swing on the terrace. They sat side by side, the night breeze brushing past them.
"I don't know why you're angry," Elis said carefully, her voice carrying both confusion and sincerity. "But please… don't stay mad at me. I don't like it when you're upset. And… the day after tomorrow, the neighbor aunty has invited both of us for dinner."
Yuni's face puffed up with indignation. She lowered her gaze and muttered, "I'm not going. She invited you, not me. You should go."
"But she invited you too," Elis insisted, her brows knitting together.
Yuni's eyes glistened as her voice cracked with jealousy and hurt. "Then I guess you also know why she invited you, right? Forget it. I don't care. I'll be busy anyway. I'm going with Sam and Loir to the dolphin show."
Elis blinked, caught off guard, then gave a small nod. "Oh… I see. That's fine. But… would you maybe come watch a movie with me tomorrow night instead?"
Yuni let out a bitter laugh. "As if my mom would let me out at night. Besides, why should I? You'll be someone else's husband in just a few days anyway."
Elis flinched, a shadow of frustration and helplessness crossing her face. "But I—"
Yuni quickly wiped the tears threatening to spill from her eyes. She forced a smile, though it trembled at the corners. "It's fine. I should go. I still have homework." She got up, but Elis caught her wrist again.
"Then… bring your homework here. Do it in front of me. I'll help you, it'll be faster that way."
Yuni shook her head stubbornly. "No need."
"Why not?" Elis pressed, her voice almost pleading.
Because, Yuni thought bitterly, if I stay near you any longer, I'll only hurt more. But she couldn't say it out loud. The pain of possibly losing Elis to someone else gnawed at her chest, yet Elis still seemed so clueless about what truly bothered her.
Again and again, Elis tried to soothe her, breaking through her walls with quiet persistence. At last, Yuni's resistance faltered. She sighed, shoulders drooping in surrender.
"…Fine," she whispered, finally agreeing to Elis's gentle insistence.
The night sky stretched above them, the swing swaying softly, as if holding their fragile hearts together for just a little longer.
To be Continued...