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Chaos and Surprises at the Restaurant
"Hmm… the wound doesn't look that bad. But why is it taking so long to put on the antiseptic?" Bayu's older brother suddenly said, a mischievous smile on his face.
Bayu and Putri were startled. Putri quickly pulled her hand away from Bayu and stood up, while Bayu shot his brother a look that was half annoyed, half puzzled.
"Seriously, Kak? Can't you read the situation?" Bayu muttered.
His brother grinned proudly, clearly pleased with his little prank on his beloved younger brother.
"So, what do we do now?" Putri asked.
"What can we do, Put? Everything's a mess. Let's just close for today, go home, and get some rest. Everyone else must be shocked by what happened," replied his brother.
He then called all the staff to gather. "Looks like we'll have to close tomorrow as well. A lot of furniture and equipment are damaged. I'll call someone to replace and fix everything. We'll reopen the day after. Agreed?"
"Okay, Kak, we'll follow your decision," everyone replied in unison.
"Oh, almost forgot. Since today's commotion caused quite a loss, I've decided to give everyone a bonus of one million each," Bayu's brother said as he took money from his office and handed it out.
When he passed by Bayu, Bayu held out his hand, hoping for a share. But instead of money, his brother pulled out his phone and showed a photo of the table along with its price from an online store.
"Eh, Kak… I wanted a bonus too, why am I being shown a picture of the table?" Bayu pouted slightly.
His brother grinned. "Look at the price of the table you just destroyed. The right way isn't for you to ask me for a bonus. I should be asking you for compensation," he said, playfully pinching Bayu's ear.
"Oh come on, Kak. I just got emotional because someone dared to bother you. You're seriously asking compensation from your handsome little brother who defended you?" Bayu said, shaking his brother's hand playfully.
Everyone laughed at Bayu's antics. The fierce figure who had arrived earlier like a predator now acted like a spoiled five-year-old.
"Alright… is this for me or for Putri? Just admit it," his brother whispered, only Bayu could hear.
Bayu's face turned red and he fidgeted awkwardly. Though he was a fierce Taekwondo champion on the outside, in front of his brother he completely changed: spoiled, gentle, and like a child craving affection.
Since childhood, his brother had sacrificed a lot for Bayu. Their parents had opposed Bayu's martial arts hobby, thinking it was a waste of time and energy. But his brother always supported him, secretly picking him up from school and taking him to practice, even if it occasionally disrupted his own classes. When Bayu returned home late at night, his brother would lie to their parents, saying Bayu was studying at a friend's house when in fact he was competing.
Only when Bayu's name started gaining recognition and he won numerous medals did they reveal the truth to their parents. It was no wonder his brother understood Bayu's life better than their parents.
"Kak, then I'll head home now. I want to accompany my mom," Putri said, breaking the atmosphere.
"All right, Put, thanks for your hard work today," replied his brother.
Putri walked out of the restaurant.
"Hey, Put, wait! I'll walk you home. Public transport is scarce now, and it's too far to walk," Bayu shouted, running after her.
From inside, his brother called out, "Go for it, young master!" raising both hands.
Bayu hopped on his sports bike and handed a helmet to Putri.
"What are you doing? I can go home by myself. Besides, you've been busy cleaning after class. You must be tired," Putri said, narrowing her eyes.
Bayu smirked. "Just go with it. Don't want to walk home alone, right? Here, take the helmet."
Finally, Putri gave in and climbed onto Bayu's bike. They rode in silence, the roaring engine making conversation nearly impossible.
Arriving at Putri's house, night had already fallen. She invited Bayu inside. In the living room, her mother was reading a book.
"Mom, Putri's home," she said, kissing her mother's hand and cheek.
"Back so early today, Put?" her mother asked.
"Uh… it wasn't busy today, Mom, so we closed early," Putri lied, not wanting her mother to worry.
"Oh, and Bayu's here too. How are you, dear? Haven't seen you in a while," her mother greeted.
"I'm good, Mom. Sorry I haven't visited much, lots of campus and Taekwondo activities," Bayu replied softly.
"Since you're here, why not have dinner with us? The menu's simple, but I hope it's enough," her mother said.
"No worries, Mom. I eat like this at home all the time," Bayu answered gently.
Putri went to her room to shower. While she bathed, Bayu chatted casually with her mother. Their laughter occasionally filled the room, making the atmosphere warm and pleasant.
After showering, Putri joined them at the table. They had a simple meal again, but the warmth of the moment made every bite feel special.
Once done, Putri began clearing the table, with Bayu helping. As she lifted a dirty plate, her foot slipped.
Bayu reflexively caught her. They froze in that position, facing each other—too close. Their breaths hitched, eyes locked.
The moment stretched. Outside, the night breeze rustled softly, enhancing both the tension and the warmth. Putri felt her heart race, while Bayu's gaze softened, yet held a hint of seriousness.
And just as the moment seemed perfect….