5 YEARS AGO
One day Shion and his friends gathered and chatted jokingly in a playhouse, the six of them laughed so much at their jokes and banters. Until when they were joking around, Rafaela's face slowly looked gloomy as if feeling sad. Isyar who was the first to see Rafaela's sad expression then asked her.
Isyar:"What's wrong Rafaela? Why does your face look so very sad?"
*Straight away they all paid attention to Rafaela*
Rafaela:"(a little surprised)Eh? N-no, I'm not sad (while smiling). Maybe you saw it wrong Isyar."
*Even though Rafaela hid it, Isyar knew that Rafaela was lying. Meanwhile his question Ikhas made Ikhas interrupt their conversation*
Ikhas:"You're lying."
Rafaela:"(still trying to hide it, looking at Ikhas) Hha? Why do you think I'm lying?"
Ikhas:"Of course you are lying. From your expression earlier, I already knew you were sad. If there is a problem at least tell it, Rafaela."
Isyar:"That's true. Tell it to us, we also want to know. Besides, what's wrong if you tell your problem?"
*That made Rafaela depressed because she felt hesitant to say it. Until by needing a little courage, even though her mouth was still silent, Rafaela story the truth*
Rafaela:"Actually... I will be moving away soon."
Rohim:"Moving?"
*Rafaela nodded, still showing that sad expression of hers. Suddenly, they were all shocked, while Shion and Kharim looked confused by such a surprising statement*
Rohim:"Why did you suddenly say that?!"
Rafaela:"I'm sorry, everyone. I wanted to tell you, but I didn't have the courage yet."
*They all fell silent for a moment after hearing the heartbreaking news from Rafaela. Then Kharim spoke coldly, as if he didn't care about her feelings*
Kharim:"I see. So when will you be moving?"
Rafaela:"T-tomorrow..."
*They were even more shocked, including Isyar*
Isyar:"T-tomorrow?!! Are you serious?! I don't want to lose my friend! Please, don't go...!" (while hugging Rafaela and crying)
Rafaela:"(starting to cry as well) I'm sorry, Isyar. If I had the choice, I would want to stay with all of you. But there's nothing I can do—I have to follow my parents."
*As Isyar cried while hugging Rafaela, Shion stood firm and asked Rafaela a question*
Shion:"Where will you be moving to? And why are your parents moving?"
Rafaela:"I will be moving to the country of SHAHRIARI. That's why I asked all of you to gather here, because this is also our farewell. As for the reason... it's because my family's economy is at its lowest point. What can my family do, when all we have is running a small food shop? Since the price of food is so high here, we've been struggling to get ingredients anymore. If we keep selling here with such high food prices, how can we sell fast food? Slowly we would lose everything, so that's why my parents have decided to move."
Rohim:"Isn't there any other way?"
Rafaela:"(shaking her head because she doesn't know) I don't know, what I know is only what my parents told me. They have enough funds to move to Shahriari and open a branch there. Beyond that, I don't know, so I will just follow my parents. (while shedding tears)"
After Isyar cried hysterically, she released her hug from Rafaela, then wiped her tears. Then Isyar looked at Rafaela seriously and approached her, her eyes still filled with tears, and said:
"If that's the case, I will see you off from your house. At the very least, I want to watch my friend leave. (looking at the others) How about you all, do you agree?!"
*Rafaela was so moved seeing Isyar. Meanwhile, the other four looked at Isyar and Rafaela, until they agreed as well*
Shion:"(while standing up) Of course we will come! (looking at Rafaela) Don't worry, Rafaela, we will make this farewell meaningful for you and for all of us. Just watch!"
Rafaela:"(smiling and laughing a little) Alright then!"
*The six of them laughed together even though sadness still lingered. And Rafaela also agreed for them to come to her house*
In short, the day when Rafaela would move had finally arrived. Now Shion, Kharim, Rohim, Ikhas, and Isyar were at Rafaela's house, which stood on a beautiful green field, filled with blooming flowers, and the slightly sloping land of the highlands made the scenery even more stunning, added with the chirping of birds.
Isyar and Rafaela kept hugging each other, which only made the sadness heavier. Meanwhile, Rafaela's parents just watched the six of them. Until finally, Rafaela and Isyar finished hugging, and Rafaela spoke to her friends.
Rafaela:"(smiling) Alright, I can go now."
Ikhas:"Yes. Hopefully, aunt and uncle will also succeed in starting their business there."
Rafaela's mother:"(smiling sweetly) Oh my, you're so kind, Ikhas. Thank you for your wishes, Ikhas."
Ikhas:"(looking at Rafaela with a wide smile) And also Rafaela. If your family really succeeds in opening food shops with many branches, make sure one of them is near our house, okay? (teasing Rohim) Rohim's stomach is fit for devouring 5 plates, he even once ate at my house until 10 plates were gone, just imagine that..."
Rohim:"(a little annoyed) Hey..."
Shion:"(laughing loudly) HAHAHAhahah....!! Oh, Ikhas, you're too much. Ten plates aren't enough for him. Even with roast pork his stomach wouldn't be full. (mocking Rohim freely) By the way, what is your stomach made of, Rohim?"
Rohim:"Hey...! (looking at Kharim) Is this how you teach Shion, Kharim?!"
Kharim:"(still flat) No need to get angry, this kid is just cheeky. Besides, it's true. You ate six plates at the palace and it still wasn't enough for you."
Rohim:"(feeling embarrassed) You...! You really can't keep someone's secrets!"
Rafaela:"Hahaha... It's alright, Rohim. You can eat as much as you want later, you might as well just eat up my whole shop. Hahahah...!"
Rohim:"Shut up, I'm getting sick of this!"
*Isyar just laughed, and the others also joined in laughing together*
Rafaela:"Hey Shion (Shion looked at her). I will be entering Magical Steel school later. If we meet, don't act arrogant like you don't know me, alright? Hahahah..."
But with pride, Shion smiled at Rafaela and said:
"It won't be that easy for me to forget my friend."
Rafaela:"Good, I'll hold on to your words then."
Now, after Rafaela's family left Shion and the others using a carriage drawn by three horses, Rafaela kept waving her hand at Shion and the others, and the five of them waved back as well—especially Shion, who was the most enthusiastic.
BACK TO THE PRESENT TIME
In the Magical Steel hall. Both of them were shocked—it turned out that the one who had been following Shion and Kharim, and always staying with them all this time, was their old friend, Rafaela. Then the two of them turned their eyes forward again.
*Their expressions stiffened, feeling embarrassed and guilty toward Rafaela*
Kharim:"Shion... that's Rafaela..."
Shion:"I know..., I know...! How stupid of me to forget her promise!"
Kharim:"Y-yeah, I guess she really thought you forgot. After all, it's already been five years."
Shion: "I hope not."
In short, evening had come. After all the events were over, they were finally sent off and told to rest in the dormitory building that housed the new students, all students, and the lower-rank fighters. They stayed there before tomorrow, which would be their first day at school.
As they walked toward the dormitory building along with the other students, Shion kept showing a guilty face, with a hint of his usual silliness. Kharim, who kept staring at him, said:
"Enough, Shion, stop looking like that. You're starting to look strange."
Shion: "Well, how could I have known that the girl acting so casually earlier was Rafaela."
Kharim: "And then?"
Shion: (stopping and looking at Kharim) "And then what? Of course I feel guilty. Not recognizing my own friend, what kind of person does that? Now I want to meet her and apologize."
Kharim: "But where? You didn't see her either. (he and Shion started walking again)"
Shion:"(sighing) Hhhahhh... Alright then, let's just go to the dorm first. Maybe we'll run into her. And also, don't forget to always keep your Student Permit Card, otherwise you won't be able to get in later."
Kharim:"Do you think I'm as careless as you?"
Shion:"Heehh, really?"
Kharim:"Ah, enough already. Let's go quickly. (walks faster)"
Shion:"Hey-hey, wait up!"
In short, they finally arrived at the dormitory building. The size of the building was long, with 60 floors. At the same time, there were so many students entering inside.
Shion:"So crowded, huh..."
*Said Shion, while Kharim noticed one boy walking away in front of them, but he ignored it*
Shion:"(looking at Kharim) What are you looking at, brother?"
Kharim:"Nothing. (watching the students going in) It's too crowded there, let's just wait until they finish entering."
In short, as night came, finally there were no more students entering the dorm, except Shion and Kharim, who had just approached the guard. The guard checked the point card from the Student Permit Card before allowing them to enter.
*Shion's Point Card was shown to the guard, while the man was shocked to see it*
Shion:"Here's mine, uncle! Heheh, the latest edition."
Kharim:"What latest edition... (shaking his head and handing his card as well)."
Suddenly the man was shocked and fell silent upon seeing Shion and Kharim's arrival, until he rubbed his eyes in disbelief. Quickly he left his post and came up to the two of them. The man immediately reached out his hand to Shion, looking full of enthusiasm.
The man:"You two... You two are Sibalih Shion and Sibalih Kharim? Isn't that right...?!"
*the two of them glanced at each other in confusion*
Shion:"Y-yes."
The man:"(becoming so happy) Wuuaahh....! What an honor it is for me to see members of the royal family here. I never thought there would still be Sibalih family entering this school! This school is truly carving a long history! By the way, my name is KIMURA GHANI. It's a pleasure to meet you!"
Kharim:"(slightly smiling) Y-yeah... we're glad too."
Mr. Ghani:"You must be tired as well. Now, after I check your cards, please go ahead and rest."
Shion: "Yes... yes."
Finally, after one day at school, the two of them could be in their dorm room. Shion and Kharim turned out to be in the same room. And not only that, every floor in the dormitory building was separated by gender, such as the third floor being filled with all the boys, while the next three floors were filled with all the girls. After they were in the room, Shion said:
"Hhhahh... I want to go out for a bit, to get some fresh air."
Kharim: "(looking at Shion) What are you going out for? It's already night."
Shion: "(looking at Kharim) Do you think I'm a kid? Can't you, for once, stop forbidding me? Even so, we're only one year apart. Besides, if it weren't for Father, I wouldn't want to be ordered around by you."
At that moment Kharim fell silent, but didn't react, until Shion finally went out. After leaving his room, he went to the garden below to look for fresh air. Then Shion sat there. While in the garden, Shion only sat gazing at the beautiful sky while breathing in the cold night air.
After several minutes of breathing the night breeze outside the building and sitting there, suddenly at the same time, Rafaela also came out of the building. Rafaela saw Shion from behind without Shion noticing. Then Rafaela smiled and said:
"Don't stay outside too long, you'll catch a cold."
Shion then turned his head toward Rafaela, who was approaching him, and Shion said:
"You… What are you doing here?"
Rafaela:"Nothing. I happened to want to talk to Mrs. Olfa but… I guess she already went home."
Shion:"That's ridiculous, no teacher would sleep in their student's dormitory."
*Rafaela only chuckled softly before sitting beside Shion. For a moment, the two of them fell silent, enjoying the gentle night breeze. After that, Shion started the conversation*
Shion:"I didn't expect that the girl who pretends to be so friendly was actually you. I think that's quite surprising."
Rafaela:"Again, you call me pretentious."
Shion:"(chuckling) Ahahaha, sorry, sorry. Alright, your name isn't weird, it's Rafaela. Happy now?"
Rafaela:"You're so annoying."
Shion:"Rafaela. About my old promise, I'm sorry for breaking it. Earlier today, I just felt stupid for overthinking too much."
Rafaela:"(pauses for a moment, looking at Shion, then smiles). Oh, you still remember that promise. Honestly, I didn't really care about it, because you're quite stupid, so I thought you wouldn't care about your own promise either. But after you said that, it made me think about something."
Shion:"What is it?"
Rafaela:"Whether someone is smart, foolish, cheerful, gloomy, lively, or a loner, we all make mistakes, because essentially we each have an ego or desire, and when we use those excessively, mistakes happen. But what's even greater is those who admit their mistakes openly, because not everyone is able to do that."
Shion:"I see. So I'm stupid in your eyes?"
Rafaela:"Absolutely true. If not, then why would Kharim still be looking after you."
Shion:"Hahaha, is that so. But never mind, as long as you're happy, I don't mind at all."
*Hearing those words made Rafaela startled as she looked at Shion. She seemed a little embarrassed, but tried to divert the attention*
Rafaela:"Shion..., what is your purpose in entering Magical Steel?"
Shion:"Why do you ask that? Of course I want to become King like my father. And you, what is your purpose in entering Magical Steel?"
Rafaela:"Me? Hahaha... I want to reach higher than my father and mother. For the sake of business, they were willing to leave Fighter and start a business together. Honestly, I'm lazy if I'm told to follow my father and mother."
Shion:"Why? Isn't trading the most profitable business?"
Rafaela:"Yes, if you want to make money. I want to be different from both of them. I want to rise higher than them from Fighter. I want to surpass them so I can make them proud. I want to reach the pinnacle of Fighter!"
Shion:"(still smiling and looking ahead) If so, you'll stay by my side, right?"
Rafaela:"(suddenly startled) Why do you think that?"
Shion:"You, really. You're my childhood friend who is now my classmate; it's impossible for us not to struggle together unless we both entered here."
*Rafaela, thinking of something else with her cheeks beginning to blush, seemed to return to normal and breathed a sigh of relief. After that Shion continued speaking while still looking ahead*
Shion:"But, if I become King and you are still trying to reach the pinnacle of Fighter, I want to keep watching you and be behind you to support you."
Rafaela:"(again a little shy and slowly turning her face away) Wh..y..?"
Shion:"(looking at Rafaela) You're still asking why? Because you're my childhood friend. Look around: among all the students except Kharim, is there anyone I can talk to?"
Rafaela:"(looking back at Shion) Isn't the prince easy to recognize? So many children want to get close to you."
Shion:"That's the strangest thing at this school. But aside from the people being a bit odd, I truly prefer talking to you besides Kharim."
Rafaela:"(blushing again) M-me??"
Shion:"Correct."
Rafaela was made even more embarrassed by Shion to the point she fell silent, while Shion appeared relaxed, feeling the gentle breeze without seeming to care about Rafaela. The atmosphere became quiet and still. After that, Shion stood up, then stretched, then looked at Rafaela.
Shion:"I think the fresh-air break is over; I'll return to my room. Do you want to go back or still want to visit Mrs. Olfa? Maybe she's still at school."
Rafaela:"Are you crazy telling me to come here at night? (Shion laughs for a moment.) Go in if you want, I'm still staying here."
Shion:"You should quickly return to your room, it's a bit cold here, you'll catch a cold."
Rafaela:"Yeah, yeah."
Shion:"Heh heh... Bye...!"
After Shion left Rafaela, Rafaela finally became truly embarrassed, lowering her head and covering her face with both hands. She kept feeling flustered while saying:
"AAaaa… What's wrong with you, Rafaela?! Come on, don't think about such ridiculous things…! (stands straight and serious). No, no, Shion has always been weird and stupid since the beginning. No need to think about things like that!
(reflecting with a slightly cheerful tone) Yeaahh! Finally I managed to shake off this strange feeling. Hhhaahh… This is all because of the night breeze. I'd better just go inside."
At last, Rafaela went inside as well. Now, after meeting Shion and Kharim at school, she eventually encountered him again at the dormitory building—even though it was only Shion she came across. And they talked at length, with a feeling that was "strange" to her, a feeling she continued to experience for a long time.
NOTE: The dormitory building and the school are separate areas. In other words, the dormitory building is located outside the school grounds, though the distance between the dormitory and the school is quite close.