"Whatever it means, I have to do it. This book has never been wrong," he resolved, exhaling softly. Dusting off his worn clothes, he left the warehouse and headed to the café where his friends were waiting.
Perched above the city, Ludwig Café felt both rustic and elegant. Its simple décor radiated warmth and camaraderie. Soft lights hung from the ceiling, casting a golden glow over the tables, shaping an inviting, intimate space.
"Kaivan! Over here!" Frans called, waving enthusiastically.
Kaivan offered a small smile and walked toward them. "Sorry I'm a little late. I had something to finish," he said, sliding into a seat.
Radit, lounging comfortably, gave him a nod and a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "No problem, we just got started. Come on, don't let the food get cold!" He lifted his glass, ready for a toast.
"This is the first time I've tasted food this good," Radit said quietly, eyes glistening with something unspoken. For a moment, he fell silent, as though replaying the hardships of his past.
Across the table, Zinnia smiled softly. "Me too," she said, her voice warm and tender. "It might seem small to others, but for me, this is precious."
Frans leaned in, a grin spreading across his face. "Seriously? You guys have never eaten at a place like this? Then we should order more! Tonight's about celebrating our success, right?"
Kaivan listened quietly, a faint smile lingering on his lips. "It's not my first time," he replied, his tone laced with meaning. "But I agree. Let's make this a tradition, maybe once a month, or even every week if we can."
He watched them all closely: Radit with his firm yet gentle way of speaking, Zinnia with her attentive kindness, and Frans with his cheerful optimism. They were the people who made him feel less alone.
The calm moment was broken by the sound of Kaivan's phone ringing. Its distinct chime drew everyone's gaze. He picked it up, eyebrows rising at the unfamiliar number flashing on the screen. With quiet curiosity, he answered. "Hello?"
"Kaivan, there are two big sacks ready. my father said it's twenty million," Thivi's voice came through, bright as ever, but with a trace of unease.
Kaivan paused, eyes drifting to the star-scattered sky beyond the window, as though searching for an answer there. At last, he replied in a calm, steady tone, "Alright… I'll come on Saturday with my friends."
Radit, seated across from him, set his spoon down with a quiet clink. Tilting his head, he tried to catch the words more clearly. Meanwhile, Zinnia sipped her drink in a relaxed manner, though her eyes followed Kaivan with quiet focus. Frans, with an easy smile, had already guessed something interesting from the look on Kaivan's face.
"Where are you? Why do I hear music?" Thivi's curious voice floated through the speaker.
Kaivan glanced at his friends, now fully attentive. He let out a short breath before replying.
"Ah, I'm at a rooftop restaurant. That's why there's music."
A playful sigh came from the other end of the line.
"Unfair! You get to enjoy good food while I'm stuck here. Anyway, I'm coming to Bandung this Saturday!" Thivi declared, her voice half teasing, half determined.
Kaivan smiled faintly, shaking his head before giving a short reply.
"Yeah, yeah."
The call ended, but his friends' curious stares made him feel as if they had caught him red-handed.
Radit spoke first, his voice a little rough yet brimming with curiosity.
"That's your phone supplier, isn't it?" he asked, lifting an eyebrow while reaching for his glass. His gaze stayed fixed on Kaivan.
Zinnia, sitting straight with a look of quiet amusement, added:
"Why do you sound like you're talking to someone your own age?" Her tone was half teasing, making Frans chuckle softly.
"Definitely a girl!" Frans chimed in with enthusiasm. "That's obvious." He leaned back in his chair with a lazy grace, twirling a napkin between his fingers. "What's her name, Kaivan?" he asked, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Heat crept up Kaivan's neck, but he tried to keep calm.
"Yeah… she's the supplier's daughter. Her name's Thivi," he admitted in a low, neutral voice.
Before he could add anything else, Zinnia cut in with a sly, sharp smile.
"Typical boy," she said with a faintly sour smile, though her eyes were serious.
Radit burst out laughing, clapping Kaivan on the shoulder hard enough to make him almost choke on his drink.
"And to think you used to be that nerd everyone bullied. I remember helping you back in school!"
"Alright, alright, you've been repaid enough," Kaivan shot back quickly, standing up.
"I have to go, something came up. Bye."
He slipped away, his steps hurried, leaving his friends exchanging glances and laughter.
Frans leaned back, shaking his head with a satisfied grin.