For a moment, Elis and Yuni just stood there, saying nothing. The silence hung between them like a fragile thread. Neither of them seemed to know what to say.
Finally, Elis broke it.
"So… where are you planning to go now?"
Yuni's cheeks flushed as she gave a small, nervous smile.
"Home. I think I'll just go home."
Elis glanced down at the watch on her wrist.
"But it's only 3:45 in the afternoon. Won't it be a little too early to head back? Why don't you come with me instead? My place is right around the corner."
The moment Yuni heard that, her mind betrayed her. She imagined Elis pulling her into a room, shutting the door behind them… and leaning in. Her face grew hot in an instant.
Elis noticed the way she was zoning out and waved a hand in front of her face with a teasing grin.
"What are you thinking so hard about?"
Caught red-handed, Yuni ducked her head, her face turning the shade of a ripe tomato. Elis chuckled at the sight, then softened her tone.
"Of course, if you don't want to, we can just go somewhere else."
But before Elis could even finish the sentence, Yuni blurted out, waving her hands,
"No, I'll go! I'll come with you."
Elis's lips curved into a secret smile. She liked that answer.
When they finally stepped into Elis's house, Yuni froze, her jaw dropping.
"Wow… your house is so big. It's beautiful!"
Elis laughed lightly.
"I only come here sometimes. Sit down, relax. I'll get you some water."
But Yuni didn't sit. Instead, she wandered, her eyes curious. The back Garden opened up to a lush garden bursting with life—rows of roses in pink and white, strawberries glistening under the sun, tomatoes, capsicum, creeping vines of peas, and tall sunflowers swaying gently.
As she admired the garden, her gaze shifted inside, where she noticed something near the window—dozens of sculptures and paintings carefully displayed.
She leaned closer. "Did you… make these?"
Elis had quietly followed her and was now leaning casually against the doorframe.
"Want to take a closer look?"
Yuni spun around, smiling brightly.
"Yes, I'd love to!"
Elis unlocked the studio room and flicked on the lights. The space came alive, filled with art that seemed to breathe.
Yuni's eyes sparkled. "Wow… these sculptures are amazing. Did you really make all of them?"
Elis nodded.
Her excitement only grew as she spotted the canvases. "And these paintings too? You painted them?"
"Yes," Elis replied softly, watching Yuni's face light up like a child in a candy store.
She stepped closer, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret.
"You know… you could try making a sculpture too."
Yuni's lips parted in disbelief. "Me? But I don't know how to sculpt."
"Then I'll teach you," Elis said with a grin.
Soon they both slipped on aprons. Elis placed a block of clay and a bowl of water in front of Yuni.
"Go ahead. Try making something."
Yuni stared at the lump helplessly. "I don't even know what to start with…"
"Then watch me first," Elis said, rolling up her sleeves. "I'll make your favorite—strawberries."
Yuni bit her lip shyly, lowering her head but unable to hide her smile. "Alright."
While Elis shaped the clay with concentration, Yuni's gaze lingered on her face instead of the sculpture. Her heart pounded, and finally she blurted out, "But… how did you know strawberries are my favorite?"
Elis nearly dropped the clay. "Uh—well… I just guessed. Most girls your age like strawberries."
But in her mind, a memory played vividly.
Three months ago. Elis had gone to a convenience store. There, Yuni had been arguing passionately with the shopkeeper.
"I told you—I love strawberries! Strawberry juice, strawberry ice cream, strawberry milk… even my room is strawberry-themed! How can you be out of stock again?"
The poor shopkeeper had stammered apologies, promising to stock up more the next day.
From the corner of the aisle, Elis had been laughing quietly, watching this girl's fiery little rant. She had thought, How adorable… Then quickly reminded herself, No. I can't. Not after being cheated on. I'm not doing relationships again.
But her eyes had lingered on Yuni anyway.
Back in the present, the strawberry-shaped sculpture was complete.
"Done," Elis announced, showing her work.
Yuni's eyes widened in awe. "It's perfect… it looks just like a real strawberry. Even the details—it's like there's chocolate drizzled on top. It's so beautiful!"
As she looked around, another painting caught her eye. Her smile faltered.
"Wait… doesn't that look like me?" she whispered, pointing at the canvas.
Elis stiffened and quickly changed the subject. "Do you want to watch a movie?"
"But that painting—"
Before Yuni could press further, Elis grabbed her hand gently and tugged her toward another room.
The moment Yuni stepped inside, her jaw dropped again. "Oh my gosh… you have your own theatre room?"
Her eyes grew rounder. "It's huge! But wait… if you already own such a big house, why are you staying at our place on rent?"
Elis didn't even blink. "Because your house is closer to my office."
Yuni blinked at her, suspicion mixing with amusement, while Elis just smiled calmly, hiding all the answers she wasn't ready to give.
To be Continued.....