Zahra answered the call after turning around.
"Sinta? Are you home now after your trip to Jakarta?"
Zahra was still standing in the middle of the pathway leading to Arjuna's boarding house when the girl approached her with a smile.
It had been more than two years since the two friends had last seen one other, so they shook hands and hugged afterward.
In high school, Zahra was friends with Sinta. But after receiving his degree, he followed his parents' relocation to Jakarta.
Sinta questioned, "Your lover Zahra?" she occasionally grinned at Joon who had been silent since then.
"Learn more about him; his name is Joon "Zahra answered with a timid expression.
"Dear Joon, since high school, Zahra and I have been friends, and," with a smile on her face, Zahra stated as she introduced herself.
"Dear Sinta: Joon here," said Joon.
"Wow. Do you also speak Indonesian well? Not Indonesian. Is it not just a guess? " Sinta said.
Zahra replied, turning her back on Sinta and Joon who had been chatting for a while, "Just look at Joon, if he's flirty with Sinta."
"Joon. So no?" asked Zahra who then took Joon on the road again.
"What's your destination? Can you take part?" Sinta said.
"Sorry, Sin. Once more, we are working alone. Important. We'll talk to each other again late, " with a hand motion, Zahra spoke.
Sinta concurred despite being disappointed. She gave only a fleeting smile before turning and walking alone down the path in the direction of the road.
As she strolled alongside Joon, Zahra remarked, "Don't you think Sinta is lovely?"
"Sinta. Beautiful. "Why is that?" simply asked Joon.
Zahra's face, meanwhile, continues to be sour and unattractive.
"Zahra? You why? Joon asked, "Did I say anything incorrectly?
"Nope. Our arrival at the boarding house is true. Come on," Zahra urged.
"Oh. OK," Joon replied.
"Pardon me. "Is there anyone inside?" Zahra kindly asked.
"Yes! A man greeted them both as he emerged from inside and yelled, "Just a minute!"
"Yes, Mom. The man questioned, "Who are you looking for?"
"True, Mr. My friend and I were driven to a boarding home. Where can we meet the person who runs this boarding house? "Zahra said.
"Miss, this isn't where Mr. Husein resides. There is a phone number available, though, if you want to inquire about the boarding house. That is what the signboard said," the man answered.
"Oh, I get it. You also reside here, Mr? Can my friend quickly see the interior to see how it is? "inquired Zahra.
The man seems a little unsure about responding "yes." Zahra then added, "Mr, we're wonderful people. Breathe easily. This is not the place for wicked deeds. Please take a look at my ID card if you don't trust me."
"Okay. Please," he declared.
Once permitted, Zahra extends an invitation to Joon to enter the boarding house.
Joon remarked, "So this is the restroom together, huh?"
"There are a total of 4 bathrooms. The man eventually identified as Nizam replied, "On the top floor 2, downstairs 2."
Nizam remarked, "If you want to cook the kitchen, you do it jointly."
The two of them eventually said their goodbyes after some time.
"Mr. Nizam, good. Then we bid each other farewell. Let's talk to the proprietor of this boarding house afterward. I apologize for interrupting you, Mr. Nizam. Thank you," Zahra remarked as she left.
"I'm grateful, Ma'am. Simply unwind," Mr. Nizam advised.
Joon and Zahra also emerged. Of course, they talked while they walked.
How is Joon? Zahra questioned, "Would you like to check out the other boarding house?"
Far from the norm? Zahra only does that if it's a long way away. Ask first about the price, Joon suggested.
"Yes... if you walk for about 10 minutes from here, absolutely definitely. So, Zahra questioned, "Do you want to consult the proprietor of Arjuna's boarding home first?"
Joon agreed by nodding.
"Yes, I have Mr. Husein's phone number saved. Zahra questioned, "You on the phone or me?"
Zahra said, "I'm only saying that maybe if you converse afterward, you'll be mistaken for a visitor and charged a different fee."
Joon grinned in agreement.
"Hello. Hello, midday. Zahra questioned, "Is it accurate that this is with the proprietor of Arjuna's boarding house in the Seturan region?"
"Hello, midday. Yes, that is accurate. Unfortunately, Miss, our boarding place is just for guys," Mr. Husein responded.
"Sure, Sir. My pal wants to ride there. Is the room still empty, Sir?" inquired Zahra.
"You have Mbak. two spaces," Mr. Husein responded.
"Sir, at what cost? Can my friend come in first to see the room?" inquired Zahra.
"Every month, 750,000. includes beds, furniture, and tiny tables. Electricity is not included in that "Mr. Husein responded.
"Alright, Mr. Husein. I initially tell my pal. For instance, when can I provide my friend direct access to the room?" inquired Zahra.
"I just adhere to Miss. His pal desires when," Husein responded.
"Okay. Soon, Sir, I'll let you know about it. I'm grateful "Zahra bid her farewell.
"Thanks for coming," Mr. Husein said.
Their discussion came to an end.
Joon remarked, "750 thousand, huh?
"Exactly, Joon. But that excludes having to pay for electricity. How?" answered Zahra.
"Just agreeing. In addition, I'm not sure I understand the cost either. What I know is considerably less expensive when compared to the cost of lodging at an inn," Joon answered.
In conclusion, Joon has consented to reside in Arjuna's boarding home. He made a one-year payment.
Of course, the fact that it is close to Zahra's home is one factor that makes him certain and content to reside there.
The following day, with assistance from Zahra as well, Joon began making his way toward his new boarding place.
The moment she was done, Zahra's cell phone rang.
"Asaalamu'alaikum. Zahra greeted her by placing her phone next to her ear and asking, "What's wrong Ma'am?"
"Wa'alaikumsalam. It's been a while, Zahra. Sinta is waiting at home," Mrs. Tatik said.
"Sinta? If you wish to go home today, why don't you let Zahra know? Ma'am, this Zahra is yet unfinished. It's okay if you want to wait for an hour or so," Zahra said.
"For an hour? Son, it's been a while. Mom attempted to tell Sinta, "Yes, I have." Hello," Mrs. Tatik said in Arabic.
"Wa'alaikumsalam. Yes, Mom," Zahra thanked her caller and then hung up.
"Why do you tell your mum lies?" Joon questioned as he ate meatballs from a vendor not far from his boarding house, "Isn't our task finished?"
"Just let it go, Joon. I don't feel like talking to Sinta again," Zahra said.
"It doesn't need to be explored at this point. Let's eat once more. Do the meatballs sound good? "Don't you think so?" Zahra questioned.
"Steady. It's really delicious," Joon said without any hesitation.
Zahra on the other hand was just amused by it.
"Honey. Joon, who was perplexed, remarked, "How come you even laughed?
"Nope. Just now, it crossed my mind. The meatballs are undoubtedly wonderful. We're so ravenous. He, he," Zahra muttered.
"Additionally, everything you said is true. What would you think, for instance, if I purchased a motorcycle?" Joon asked Zahra.
"Motorcycle? Yes, it's alright. I believe it's also crucial to mention," Zahra answered.
"Okay. You're going to give it to them," said Joon.
"Can. Do you wish to purchase a new one or a container?" inquired Zahra.
They visited the dealer to buy a motorcycle after completing the meatballs. After careful consideration, Joon decided to only purchase a used motorcycle. The motorcycle was driven straight home.
"Zahra. Why don't we first take a stroll before heading home? Please allow me to become better familiar with the local walks," invited by Joon.
"Okay. Then merely go for a stroll around the boarding house. You won't be puzzled any longer if you walk out alone," Zahra answered.
"Okay. Agreed," said Joon.
They walked around for more than an hour, periodically pausing to take in the scene. They were abruptly approached by two street performers even when they had halted at one of the parks.
Joon, who wasn't used to it, just witnessed Zahra give the busker the money in the bag after which they left them after they finished their song.
Joon questioned, "They're making money?"
"That's it, indeed There are numerous ways for people to earn money so they can eat. So how? Right now, it's very well ingrained in your memory. If you get lost, it won't be. He… he," said Zahra.
"Very good. I'm grateful. All thanks to your assistance," said Joon.
"Thank you so much. Let's return!" welcomed Zahra.
Joon will soon pick up Zahra and ride home on his brand-new but used motorcycle.
"Yes, simply slow down. You don't have to tell me; I'll try to remember how to get to your place on my own," said Joon.
"Yes... but later, if you're going the wrong way, I'll scream," Zahra joked.
Indeed, Joon only pedals his bike at a 40 km/h speed.
As Zahra entered her front yard, she shook her head and whispered, "Oh my gosh."
Joon, shocked by Zahra, questioned, "What's wrong, Zahra?"