“The bathroom is over there if you want to clean your body. It’s okay, just use it for now. That is my bathroom,” Maya said while pointing toward the bathroom.
“Thank you very much, Mbak Maya. I’m really troubling you,” Roni said politely.
“Ah, it’s fine. Just consider it like your own home. By the way, what is your purpose in coming to this city, if I may know?” Maya asked curiously.
“I came to continue my studies, Mbak. I happened to get a scholarship at one of the big campuses here. At the same time, I also want to look for a job,” Roni explained with a smile, a smile that made Maya fall silent for a moment.
“I see. But be careful, okay. Jakarta is harsh. There are many things you might not know yet, especially if you don’t have acquaintances,” Maya advised in a gentle tone.
“Yes, Mbak. But I’m lucky to be able to meet a kind person like you, so I feel calmer,” Roni replied while smiling again.
Suddenly, the sound of knocking on the door was heard. Knock! Knock! Knock!
“Mbak, do I need to hide? I’m afraid people might misunderstand,” Roni said a little panicked.
“No need. Just stay here. Maybe it’s one of the boarding house residents. I’ll open the door,” Maya said calmly.
When the door was opened, a young man was seen standing there. “Mbak, the roof of my room is leaking. Rainwater is coming in,” said the young man, whose name turned out to be Bayu.
“Oh, I see. Wait a moment. Later I’ll ask Mr. Hasim to fix it,” Maya replied.
Roni, who heard that, immediately offered his help. “Excuse me, Mbak, I heard there’s a leaking roof problem. May I help take a look?”
“You can fix a roof?” Maya asked, surprised.
“Back in my village, I often helped fix roofs. God willing, I can do it,” Roni replied confidently.
“But it’s raining right now. You might get sick. Besides, you just arrived, you should rest first. Let our repairman handle it later,” Maya suggested.
“It’s okay, Mbak. I can handle it. Come on, Bayu, show me the room,” Roni said enthusiastically.
Bayu then led Roni to his room. After taking a ladder and checking the upper part, Roni found several broken roof tiles. He immediately replaced them. However, while up there, he heard sounds from the next room that were quite striking.
“My goodness, can their voices really be that loud? Even louder than the sound of the rain,” Roni muttered with a small smile.
“Alright, the roof won’t leak anymore,” Roni said as he came down.
“Thank you, Bro. Oh yeah, this is my first time seeing you. You’re new here, right?” Bayu asked.
“Yes, I’m Roni. I’m from a village. I’m looking for a place to stay, and Mbak Maya allowed me to stay temporarily because there are no empty rooms yet,” Roni replied.
“Oh, I see. Coincidentally, the person in the next room is planning to go back to their hometown. Honestly, I’m often disturbed by noises from that room every night,” Bayu complained.
Roni smiled, remembering the similar sounds he heard while on the roof.
“There’s no rule about bringing partners to the boarding house?” Roni asked.
“Haha, it’s free here, Bro. As long as it doesn’t disturb others,” Bayu replied casually.
“No wonder. Why don’t you bring your girlfriend yourself?” Roni teased.
“Haha, I’m a good boy, Bro. Haven’t thought about dating yet,” Bayu answered while laughing.
After chatting for a while, Roni excused himself. “I’m going to take a shower first, Bayu. My body is wet. We’ll talk again tomorrow, okay?”
“Alright, Bro. Don’t forget to come by here again.”
When he returned, Maya was already waiting. “Roni, come eat. I’ve cooked,” she invited warmly.
“Oh my God, I’m troubling you so much, Mbak. I can buy my own food.”
“Enough, come here. Don’t talk too much,” Maya said with a smile.
Roni looked toward the dining table, but his eyes accidentally landed on Maya, who was wearing casual clothes. He quickly lowered his head, embarrassed by his own thoughts.
Maya noticed the glance and only cleared her throat softly. Ahem! Bringing Roni back from his daze.
After dinner, Maya asked Roni to help bring the plates to the kitchen.
“Please bring the plates, okay. I want to wash them.”
Roni obeyed. But as he followed Maya from behind, his thoughts began to wander. Maya’s small and graceful body made his heart surge.
Without realizing it, Roni hugged Maya from behind. His hands trembled.
Maya fell silent for a moment, then turned around with a faint smile. “Roni… what are you doing?”
“I’m sorry, Mbak… I can’t hold back my feelings,” Roni whispered softly.
The atmosphere became quiet and tense. Maya looked at him deeply, but showed no anger.
“Mbak… please allow me. Just for tonight… I admire you too much,” Roni said quietly.
Maya smiled slightly, teasing. “Didn’t you already… take care of it yourself in the bathroom earlier?” she joked.
“Mbak, how do you know?” Roni panicked.
“The sound was clearly heard,” Maya replied calmly. But Roni could no longer restrain himself. He stepped closer and hugged Maya tighter, kissing her neck gently.
“Roni… wait. I want to finish the dishes first,” Maya said in a slightly trembling voice. But Roni only looked at her deeply, then began to lower his hands.
Maya was no longer able to say anything. She held Roni’s hand, then whispered, “Let’s continue in the bedroom.”
Without a word, Roni lifted Maya and carried her to the bedroom. Their kisses united, holding all the desire that could no longer be restrained.
In the room, the sound of rain outside became the background of a night that would change their relationship forever.
.