Part 8
When he turned his head to the side, he was shocked. It turned out that the person sitting next to him was Malik. They stared at each other for a moment before Malik looked ahead. "Ehm, where's Bayu bro?" asked Dora just to break the silence between them. Malik looked back at him, then looked out the window.
"On the next bus, why, are you missed him?" Malik asked with a faint smile.
"Missed? What's wrong with this brother. Just asking why instead of keeping your mouth shut it's sour." Dora replied nonchalantly.
At first glance, Dora saw Malik smiling, though slightly.
"How long has it been since then?" asked Dora.
"Hmm, maybe about 15 more minutes. Later during the hiking trip, you have to stay in the group. If you want to rest, you have to report to your senior brother first. Remember, don't forget!" Malik's message to Dora.
"Yes bro, thank you." Dora replied
It didn't take long for the bus to stop. All passengers got off, took their bags and started to go to the next post. The road is very steep and there are many potholes. Participants must be extra careful and stay focused during the trip.
Just a few meters walking some of the new participants began to complain of tiredness. Cold air also makes breathing shorter and heavier. Dora was still trying to walk slowly, she looked around looking for Bayu or Malik but they couldn't be seen.
In fact, his eyes saw Ridho who was walking a few dozen steps in front of him. Not far behind him, Gita followed slowly. Dora kept walking, but she was almost out of breath. Dora decided to stop for a moment, she sat on a large boulder.
She took a gulp of drinking water which had become very cold. It was almost sunset at that time, Dora massaged her sore feet. While her friends continued to walk past Dora.
"What happen, are your leg hurt?" Dora who was looking down, lifted her face.
"No, it's just a little sore." Dora answered Bayu. Meanwhile, Malik just silently watched Dora.
"You wait for him, Lik, let me continue to monitor the others!" Bayu said to Malik. Malik nodded and Bayu walked away after saying goodbye to Dora.
"Still strong, Ra?" Malik asked with a smile.
Dora remembered what Malik said when she first registered. Feeling annoyed, without speaking she got up and walked away leaving Malik who was confused because Dora ignored him. Dora kept walking, while Malik was still following behind. The journey is getting more difficult, because the contours of the land are getting uphill and there are many large rocks that must be passed.
Dora is walking slower, while behind her there are also many who can't and choose to rest for a while. While it was getting dark, Dora almost slipped because she stepped on landslide-prone ground. Luckily Malik who was behind him managed to hold Dora's body from falling.
"Still strong Ra?" Malik asked softly. But Dora made him even more annoyed.
"Ihhh there are other questions or not, don't be the first to ask!" She scolded.
"What's wrong with asking you like that?" asked Malik in surprise.
Dora didn't answer, she just kept silent, frowning. Malik got up and held out his hand to Dora, doubting Dora would accept it. Then Malik walked while holding Dora's hand. Dora felt a strange vibration when Malik's hand gripped it tightly.
They continued walking in silence, when the road was very steep, Malik grabbed Dora's hand so that she could climb easily.
Finally they arrived at the last post safely. The committee said that only about 1 hour left to arrive at the top of the mountain. The group rested for a while. Dora performs the Maghrib prayer, followed by Isha. Because the time for Maghrib prayer has passed. After the prayer, Dora sat on the side of the road near the post.
When she looked around, her eyes saw again Ridho who was talking to Malik. Every now and then Ridho looked at Dora. She wonder what they are talking about. Half an hour later the group started moving, Dora walked back.
His eyes searched for Malik's whereabouts, apparently Malik was walking in the back row. It seemed that keeping an eye on the whereabouts of the participants from behind was his duty.
"Hmm, now you pay attention to Malik, huh, Ra?" Bayu's voice startled Dora.
"Ishh what's that question. Are you jealous brother?" Dora asked back. Bayu looked at Dora and smiled mysteriously.
"Dora think?"
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"Those who have finished, can help others to finish quickly. Those who want to go to the river must be with their friends, don't go alone. Do you understand?" Bayu's voice sounded again giving instructions.
"Understand!" the participants answered in unison. Dora and Maya are still trying to set up their tent. Each tent is filled by two people.
"May, pull the string a little more!" Dora gave Maya directions, but again Maya let go of the rope.
Taking a deep breath Dora tried again, but just as she was about to set up the tent pole a hand took over her job. At first, Dora was about to refuse Malik's help, but from the end of the tent where Maya was standing, Bayu's voice said,
"Let Malik and I help you, Ra, you just wait on the sidelines!" Dora waited on the sidelines while pouting, she didn't want to be told that she couldn't make the tent stand up. Even though Maya is the slow one.
Later she was underestimated again by that one guy. A strange and chameleon-like guy, his demeanor is fickle. Sometimes super caring, sometimes even super cool. But it works super fast too. In no time their tent was up.
"Thank you bro." Dora said to both of them.
Malik just nodded expressionlessly, then quickly left. While Bayu was still chatting with Maya at the other end. Dora took her toiletries and walked towards the river.
"May or not, I'm going to the river!" invite Dora when passing Maya and Bayu.
"Follow Ra, later I will not dare alone." Maya ran into the tent and immediately came out again following Dora who continued to walk leaving Bayu who was still staring at the two of them.
"Ra!" call him.
"What!" Dora replied a little fiercely. "Be careful the road is slippery!" Dora did not answer Bayu's words, she continued walking towards the river with Maya.
Until the river has been many who are cleaning themselves. The cold air plus the cold river water made Dora finish her activities as soon as possible. Back to the tent, had dinner and then all the new members were told to rest.
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See you next part