Kaino looked at Taera and Ardilo, who were joking and eating together. His heartfelt uneasy. He had harbored feelings for Taera for a long time. But, because of the name of friendship, he didn't dare to express his feelings until he was caught by Ardilo.
Just as Kaino was about to turn away, Ardilo saw him. He knew Kaino too well that even by looking at his back. He could tell that he was his younger brother, who had always been kind to him.
"Kai!" call Ardilo.
Taera, who was eating, immediately looked at Kaino.
Kaino couldn't help but approach them with mixed feelings.
"Eh, Ardilo and Taera, are you eating together? I didn't see that earlier," said Kaino indignantly.
He tried to smile in front of the two of them. Unfortunately, Ardilo was too sensitive when it seemed that Kaino was hiding his feelings.
"Can't you see? You just came from here," asked Ardilo.
"I... I was just looking around first. I didn't know you were there. Because I didn't buy it, I wanted to go," said Kaino.
"Oh, I see. Have you eaten yet?" asked Ardilo kindly.
"Not yet, bro," said Kaino.
He was really hungry because he hadn't eaten before. He wanted to say no but was tired of lying for a long time.
"Yeah, let's just eat first. Do you want to join?" Taera asked, offering Kaino to join them.
In his heart, Kaino cursed Taera's very innocent attitude. Yes, when Kaino came to eat with the two of them and saw their sweetness. He won't be able to. Seeing them sitting alone, Kaino got jealous. Especially when they eat together. It felt like Kaino wanted to stroke his chest and say patiently.
"Nope. I want to go for a walk first. Find other snacks," said Kaino.
"You don't bother us. Don't worry," said Taera.
I'm the one who objects if he eats together with us, dear. When are we going out, Ardilo thought.
Although he is also a bit excited by Taera's attitude, he tries to understand that Kaino is Taera's best friend. He can't be jealous.
"No. You don't have to. I'll go first. Enjoy the two of you. Bye," Kaino said goodbye.
Ardilo looked a little relieved, while Taera was a little disappointed.
"Well... pity Kaino eats alone," Taera muttered.
"Well, it can't be helped. He doesn't want to join us. Well, let's continue eating," said Ardilo, then smiled sweetly at Taera.
"Ah... yes," said Taera, then continue to eat again.
Are they just friends? Could it be that Kaino doesn't have any feelings for Taera? Ardilo thought.
***
Kaino continued on his way down the side street of the college that sold a variety of foods. He then stopped at a chicken noodle shop that he and Taera usually used to hang out with. He was there, alone. After ordering premium chicken noodles and oranges juice, he sat down at one of the tables.
"If I were the first to say that I love you, would you accept me, Taera?" mumbled Kaino.
***
After returning from college, Ardilo immediately looked for Kaino. The children were hanging out in the living room while watching TV. But because he couldn't find Kaino there, Ardilo went straight to his room without talking first.
He immediately put down his bag, washed his hands and feet, and changed clothes. After that, Ardilo went to Kaino's room when he came home.
At that time, Kaino had just come home when Ardilo was about to knock on his door.
"Why bro?" asked Kaino.
"Oh... you just got home?" asked Ardilo back.
"Yes. Why? Are you going to my room?" Kaino asked while looking for his room key in his bag.
"It's okay. There's something I want to talk to you about," said Ardilo.
Kaino finally found his room key and opened his bedroom door.
"Come in first, bro," said Kaino.
Ardilo went into Kaino's neatly arranged room. It was the first time Ardilo had entered Kaino's room. Kaino is a simple and minimalist boy. Ardilo was very surprised when he found a photo in a wooden frame that was on the night table near Kaino's bed. Photo of Kaino and Taera posing while eating together.
Kaino could see Ardilo was shocked when he saw the photo. He immediately explained.
"That's a photo when Taera and I were just new students. Maybe before you knew her, bro. I've known Taera since the new student's welcome party. She was the one who helped me when I was about to pass out. She gave me a drink. Since then, I've been friends with her," explained Kaino.
Ardilo nodded. Kaino felt that Ardilo was jealous because Kaino kept Taera's photo.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to save her photo. But it was a birthday gift from Taera. That's why I kept it as a sign of my friendship with Taera. Sorry, bro," said Kaino.
"It's okay. I understand. Taera also has the right to have friends, even though it's a boy. Just like me and Serry, who are friends too. I'm sorry I was suspicious. I just carried feelings of jealousy because I love Taera too much," explained Ardilo.
"Yes, I understand, bro. Yes, Taera is a little weird. When she was on a date with you, she even invited me to eat," said Kaino, then laughed a little to lighten the mood.
"Yeah... she's innocent. But I can feel that she feels sorry for you for eating alone," explained Ardilo remembering the incident earlier.
Kaino just smiled.
"Yes, I've gone back to my room first. Sorry for disturbing you," said Ardilo.
"That's okay," said Kaino.
Ardilo then returned to his room feeling a little relieved. Turns out they were just friends. Ardilo was sure that Kaino couldn't snatch Taera from him.
***
On the way home, Taera thought about Kaino's attitude earlier. It was unusual for Kaino to look sad and hide something. Suddenly Taera was a little suspicious. Could it be that Kaino was hiding something from her?