I opened the box that I had kept tightly in the cupboard this year. Yeah... in front of him, Ricky. I want to tell you about my past when I was with him. At least, so that he knows and remembers our good times, I'm sure he will smile. Yeah, right... Rick?
I remember back then when he gave me these strange things. To be precise, after a brawl that was of no quality;
"So... it's your birthday tomorrow?" Right now, Ricky and I are sitting at Mang Ujang's stall. With Genta and Lala. The four of us sat down.
At first... it was just the three of us—without—Ricky. But, suddenly... the boy who was initially sitting with his gang saw me. He just sat there. Honestly, I wouldn't say I like it a bit because I feel like I'm the center of attention of all students right now.
Since the matter of Sis Aldi's beating, all the students are afraid of me, all of them don't dare to speak to me. Honestly... I'm a little happy. At least my life is safer now. I'm no longer a victim of bullying.
I nodded in response to Ricky's question. He snatched the tomato juice I had just drank a little. He doesn't feel disgusted by drinking the juice I used from the straw. Suppose I were in his position. I will think twice about doing it.
"So you're going to surprise him?" asked Genta. Ricky shook his head while enjoying my juice.
"I'm not a romantic type of guy... I'm also not the type of guy who likes to be complicated. And surprises are one of the complicated things in my life that I have to avoid." he said. I could already guess if he said that. Moreover, what is expected from someone like Ricky? Apart from fighting.
"If you don't want to surprise me, why are you asking everything?" Lala sucks. She is not afraid of anyone, even if it's a Ricky. She is the type of girl.
"Because as far as I know, tomorrow is not her birthday."
"How come?"
"How come?" asked Genta and Lala in unison. Meanwhile, I asked the last part. I was born, but why is he the one who believes that my birthday is wrong? I'm sure I'll be born tomorrow, even on my ID card.
"Later... you'll also know. If you want a gift, I'll give it tomorrow. But sorry, I'm not the typical romantic guy. So... you can guess, right... what I'm going to give you."
"But tomorrow is Sunday. You said that our dating schedule is on Sunday off."
"Tomorrow's an exception. Period, no objections!" he answered firmly. I just nodded while looking down. He ruffled my hair, nodding.
"Smart." he continued. Then... he rejoined his naughty friends.
There's something different about Ricky today. No... no, since yesterday, to be exact. Why didn't he bring a pack of cigarettes? How come he arrived this morning, and this break is not smoking? It's so humbling. Usually, he could at least for a minute—as if not smoking. Did he run out of money to buy cigarettes?
"Rick... this cigarette!" Mondy exclaimed, holding out a cigarette to Ricky. Ricky just smiled, then he shook his head slowly.
"I've... been—" he answered. GENTA AND LALA HAD SURPRISED ME before I could hear his conversation with the others.
"What?" I asked with a higher intonation. They both looked surprised, then smiled knowingly.
"He's getting cuter, isn't he?"
"Who, Tae?"
"Your boy, Ricky." Did I furrow my brow in confusion. Sweet? What?
"See... as long as he's dating you. Little by little, he's starting to change, Lam. Even though the buttons on his shirt are still not fully unbuttoned, the way he dresses, at least it's not like it used to be. Short now. Moreover...."