Beatrice, that was her name. A name she didn't like but couldn't let go of. She did not like "Batari" or "Beatrice". Did every entity need to have an identity and a self?
The upheaval in her brain that she logically knew that the answer must be, "yes".
Her mind was wandering in the middle of this crucial moment. Without realizing that those deep blue eyes were looking at her awkwardly. The atmosphere was awkward and uncomfortable, but there was a unique atmosphere that could not be explained. An atmosphere where you feel tranquil for a while, nothing more and nothing less. It was the same feeling you got when you had your morning coffee before most people woke up.
Batari, or Beatrice had now returned after digesting various information and conjectures. The boy in front of her clearly had blue eyes. A symbol for those who consider it as a beauty, an advantage and a gift. Blue eyes that most people do not have. One of the reasons why Beatrice in the public eyes did not experience so much discrimination or oppression.
As if staring into a mirror, the two owners of those beautiful blue eyes with a deep impression stare into each other's eyes. She couldn't believe it, but she felt something when she looked into the man's eyes. They were definitely deeper, darker and seemingly unreachable than what she was actually seeing.
Beatrice felt a look of power, the top of the food and social chain from a boy younger than her. She quickly averted her eyes as her body began to tremble and her pulse grew louder.
"Pardon me, let me introduce myself again. My name is Benjamin Von Arenberg. As introduced earlier, I am your younger brother." What had been a cold and dismissive look, in a split second turned pleasant and cheerful.
Beatrice swallowed, her fingers interlocking and twisting together as a natural body mechanism when experiencing nervousness. Trying to be calm, she opened her mouth slowly.
"I'm sorry, but this sounds absurd. I live alone, and now all of a sudden there is someone claiming to be my brother?"
The man smiled, laughing softly in the midst of the unsuitable atmosphere. He stood up and slowly stepped towards Beatrice who was confused by his actions.
He knelt down in front of the beautiful girl while raising his right hand. A gesture and request for her to place her hand in his. This was the first time for Beatrice to lose the process of managing every action she was about to take.
Her mind went blank, and whether by reflex or the pressure exerted by the young man, her hand was now intertwined with his.
His next action was unexpected, a short and sweet kiss on the back of her hand. Like a ritual of devotion between a knight and his lady. Or a father with his beloved daughter. Or a man with his beloved. Clearly, Beatrice had never felt either comfort or love from the touch of a man with such an intimidating gaze.
"It doesn't matter if you still have trouble accepting it. Because even the police have said that I have to do it slowly. He said that there's a good chance you have amnesia. Sorry, it's all my fault for not being able to get you out of Buitenzorg, sister."
He said calmly and slowly.
Random pieces of memory flashed quickly. So fast that they were unrecognizable. An unreachable memory, is there really a memory between you and me? She thought
No..... you must be lying. You must be an imposter who is targeting me. Why? I'm not a tycoon. I'm just a Nederian. I'm barely live.
Suddenly the image of the previous afternoon returned to her brain, a newspaper leaflet about a sadistic murder case that occurred in Batavia.
Her hands were shaking, which Benjamin must have noticed. Don't tell... me?
"Sis?"
One word that broke his abstract and delusional imagination came from the blue-eyed young man. He did not know exactly what Beatrice was thinking, but he rubbed the hand that she was holding.
Trying to bring out the warmth and quell the nervousness. And babbled about apologizing for touching her first. They remained in that position until they heard the sound of a pin being pressed.Then the sound of the door opening.
Judith had arrived with two plastic bags of food, not noticing the two people she knew in a strange position for people who had just "met".
"Heh...what did I miss?" She wagged her waist in the pose of an angry, sulking girl.
Judith's arrival was like a breath of fresh air, Beatrice immediately smiled and released Benjamin's grip. She stroked the head of her friend who was pursing her lips sweetly and pinched her cheek.
"Ah, it's nothing. Let's talk later, here. Let me prepare the food." Beatrice took the initiative to pick up the bag and hurried to the kitchen.
"Heeh, how annoying!" She grumbled. Judith was the only person Beatrice was close to.
So she was used to her apartment. Like her current self who immediately lay down on the soft sofa.
Noticing the figure of Benjamin who was standing staring at Beatrice's departure.
"Well, Benjamin. How do you feel after meeting your sister?" She asked.
Judith got up from her pose, choosing to sit down after seeing Benjamin walking towards her. Inviting him to sit next to her. Her delicate fingers crept up, holding the sturdy arm hidden from the young man. Swaying like a young couple.
Benjamin, with his neutrals still glued to the direction Beatrice was walking, replied quietly with a strange grin.
"Boring."