"Oh, I do," I answered clumsily. "Today is a workday. If a census was taken during the day, no one would be home. Everybody go to work."
"Good alibi," Manda said.
"Oh and ... I think you forgot to lock the door," I continued with the small talk.
Suddenly I felt very fortunate to never miss a class of citizenship. Then I huffed, trying to adjust the rhythm of my breath as normal as possible. But my heart was beating irregularly, either from being caught on a mission or because this guy's gaze were so warm. If only time could stop right at this time.
"What are you looking for in my house?" asked the guy in a flurry.
Drugs in the pocket of this jacket. I almost wanted to answer with that sentence, being hypnotized by his gaze. I even thought that actually he was a wizard who fell to earth, then pretended to be a handsome guy.
"I'm finding out about all the people who live in this house," I answered after thinking too much.
"All right, my name is Vilas Ordha. My father is Benjamin Ordha, and my mother is Maya Ordha. They are asleep," said the guy named Vilas in front of me. "Anything else?"
"Okay, enough," I replied. "A complete version of the census form will be sent out as a Google form link via email for the next five days as maximum limit."
"Is that all?" Vilas doubted my answer. "Wait for a moment. I'll turn on the light."
Bad. I exhaled, trying to calm down. "You don't have to. I'm leaving soon because I have a lot of home to visit."
Then I walked to the door in a hurry.
Vilas suddenly took my hand.
I held my breath. My heart was pounding. Now I was out of ideas for further drama. I just felt like running away.
"May I know your name?" Vilas asked through the dark.
My name? Was he really curious? So lucky to be in this dark room, so he couldn't see my blushing face that resemble to a boiled crab.
"I'm sorry I have no time," I apologized. "I have a lot of work to do."
"I see," he whispered, sounded disappointed. "Can I see you again?"
"Hello? Hello? This is Freya. Where are you two? I can't stay here long because I just got hit by a traffic police."
Then I immediately opened the door.
"Maybe next time," I said to vilas.
Vilas let go of my hand slowly. "Please be careful."
Oh, God, I could feel my heart melting in the melodious sound in that dark room. Friendly but also protective, he seemed worried about me. I wish I could be here a little longer. But at least, I could still vaguely look at a guy named Vilas that close. But now, I should leave before Vilas' father and mother wake up to interrogate me further. Oh, I felt as I were Cinderella who should leave a prince charming before twelve o 'clock at night.
****
Manda and I ran under the shadow of the wall, sneaking between the electric poles covered with the shabby flyers. The two of us quickly got into the only car parked on the side of the road. Once we were ready, Freya would be driving at high speed.
"I'm a little sleepy," Freya sighed.
"Let's talk about this mission tomorrow," I mumbled while checking my seatbelt.
"Okay." Manda leaned against the car window.
****
The next day, the three of us woke up lately our room in Elite Mastermind Academy. When I woke up, everyone panicked and rushed to prepare themselves.
"Are you ready?" asked Manda while she was preparing to open the bedroom door.
"Ready!" said Freya and I together.
The three of us went to central division room and hope to see Mr. Ferdy there.
"Excuse me, Sir. We want to report something about our last mission," I stated.
Mr. Ferdy repositioned his spectacles and looked at us one by one. "Wait, which mission is this? Many students have missions from me, so let's be clear."
"It's a red mission at a concert," I continued.
"Ah, right! I remember that, the international drug dealer isn't it?" Then he unpacked a folder of red paper. He chose one, and then he held the paper close to his face. "So, what do you think? The concert's over, right? What information do you have?"
"Actually we couldn't get the information," I talked apprehensively. "But we have the evidence."
"Why don't you show me?" Mr. Ferdy challenged us.
I reached into my backpack. I looked among the books.
"I am waiting," Mr. Ferdy seemed impatient.
I was looking at Freya and Manda. "I lost it," I whispered.
Freya and Manda looked at each other. "Where did you lose it, Suri?"
The three of us then asked Mr. Ferdy's permission to discuss.
"It looks like I left it when the landlord caught me," I said it slowly. "I believe I bagged it. I had the chance. I did."
Freya and Manda clapped me on the shoulder.
"Never mind. Like what you said, a black mission is not in our capacity," cheered Manda.
"I feel sorry for you because you were so close to danger at that time, Suri," Freya said.
Mr. Ferdy waved at the three of us. "In that case, I will launch this mission on tomorrow's auction."
****