Time passes quickly, the Final Semester Exam (UAS) is near. The exam schedule has been announced by the college. Students also have various reactions. Some immediately prepare the material like Stefa, some are ready ahead of time because they study hard like Ardilo, and some just relax like Taera.
However, over time, Taera did try to be better. She began to be active in class, studied more often, often went to the SEB secretariat, often had meetings, communicating with other people more often she had become different and better. Some praised her, and some even talked about her. Like now, when Taera had just arrived at her class and immediately opened the notebook.
"Taera is different now. She's more active now," said Taera's classmate, who was sitting behind her.
Taera can hear their chatter, even if it's only in whispers. The class is still a bit quiet. Taera tried to stay silent. She was lazy to respond to their talk.
"Maybe because of the label of the SEB chairman's girlfriend," said another friend.
"If being the chairman of the SEB's girlfriend can make my GPA 4, I want to too," said another and then laughed a little.
"Is that possible? Really. What's the effect?" asked Taera's friend.
"Yes, if you have a cool and motivating boyfriend, you can be enthusiastic. Taera can change. Can't we be smarter than her?" asked one of her friends sarcastically.
"Ehem..." someone's voice cleared.
Taera and her friends, who were sitting behind her, immediately turned to the voice.
"Aren't you tired of talking about people behind your back? If you dare to speak in front of them, don't you, Tae?" Stefa asked.
Taera's friends were embarrassed because it turned out that Stefa had been listening to their conversation.
Taera just smiled. Stefa is the best when it comes to taking care of her best friend. It is what makes Taera love her best friend the most. Stefa is always at the forefront when Taera has a problem. Even though now maybe Stefa's position is fighting over with Ardilo.
"So what if Taera becomes more active? Does that mean she can be better than all of you?" Stefa asked again.
"We didn't mean it that way, did we?" asked one of Taera's friends who were gossiping earlier. The others just nodded in agreement.
"Come on, Stef. Just leave it alone," Taera said to intervene so that Stefa would stop bumping into them. Taera is a peace-loving person. Most lazy to see people making noise.
Stefa finally sat down beside Taera, "There's a risk of being the SEB Chairman's girlfriend, yes. Be patient. You also have to be firm," said Stefa.
"I'm lazy to make a fuss. Just let it be. Yes, you are right, the risk of having a famous boyfriend is like this. The important thing is that I have tried to be better," said Taera.
Stefa smiled, "This is what I like about you. Have passion."
"Yes, please. Life must be enthusiastic," said Taera.
They stopped chatting, and the class started to get busy. The lecturer finally came, and they started their class.
***
Taera has finished working on the task with her group. She is now more active in discussions and serious in learning, making it easier to understand the task at hand. Taera then thought about the chat of her friends in her class earlier.
They were right, did Taera change because she became the SEB chairman's girlfriend? Is all this Taera doing to maintain the image of their relationship? Did Taera do it for Ardilo's good name? Or for herself? Taera suddenly thought about it while daydreaming.
Suddenly, there was a wave in front of her face that made Taera wake up from her daydream.
"Dear... "
"Ardilo?" Taera said, shocked, then looked to the right and left. It was quiet. Ardilo knew Taera panicked because he called her dear in public.
"It's quiet, just calm down. No one is listening," said Ardilo, then smiled.
"It's a surprise," said Taera.
"What are you doing here alone? Daydreaming again," asked Ardilo, then sat down beside Taera.
"I'm waiting for Stefa. She's still working in a group. Soon she's going to eat together," Taera explained.
"Speaking of eating together, we have never eaten together in the campus area together since we were dating," said Ardilo.
"Yeah, I'm sorry. I often eat with Stefa when there is a class break," Taera said, feeling guilty.
"It's okay, dear. Just relax. After all, our classes have different hours. How about going together. It's best to have lunch," said Ardilo understandingly.
Taera then remembered something and wanted to confide in Ardilo. She appreciates Ardilo as her boyfriend. She wanted to share her stories and complaints with Ardilo.
"Ardilo, can I ask you something?" Taera asked, suddenly serious.
"Ask about what? Why are you suddenly serious? Is there a problem?" asked Ardilo, trying to understand Taera's changes.
"Is it wrong if I change for the better? I communicate and socialize more often. I become more active. I become more diligent. Is that wrong? People often comment on me saying. I changed because of you. Yes, I admit it. You are influential because it makes me excited, but...." confides Taera.
Ardilo held Taera's hand and looked into her eyes intently, "Taera, listen to me, okay. There's nothing wrong with you changing for the better. What's wrong is if you change not for yourself, but others. What do you expect from other people don't get it? You will be disappointed. So change for your good, okay," said Ardilo giving Taera advice.
Taera could feel how deeply Ardilo loved her and could feel her concern. It is what makes Taera very comfortable with Ardilo.
They stared at each other until finally, Yola came and tapped Ardilo's shoulder.
"Ardi, let's go to class. We have the assignment to discuss," said Yola, breaking Ardilo and Taera's romantic atmosphere.
"Yola," said Taera.
"Sorry, Tae. It is important," said Yola, then smiled.
Ardilo felt uncomfortable because Taera was there. It was enough that Stefa had misunderstood. Luckily Taera explained it. Now even Yola directly approached him like this. Ardilo was uncomfortable.
"Yes, it's okay. It's okay. I'll go to Stefa first. At least she'll finish her group work. You'll just go to class with Yola," said Taera. She looks uncomfortable.
"That's it. See you later," said Ardilo.
Taera just nodded and smiled. She then went towards Stefa's place. While Ardilo then looked at Yola as if giving a warning.
"Yol, please don't be like that. Please respect my privacy with Taera. It's time for us to talk about something about organization and college. But please don't interfere in my matters messed up. Please understand. I don't want Taera to misunderstand, thank you," said Ardilo, then left.
"But..." said Yola, who was a little annoyed with Ardilo's attitude. She was annoyed with Ardilo, who was getting away from her because of Taera.