Have you ever felt like you couldn't get out of a relationship even though it wasn't yours in the first place. Kasem had to go through such a love affair, a favorable beginning but an unfinished love affair.
-Han: Come here Kasem, don't you like cats. Come on, try to touch it, its fur is so soft.
-Kasem: No, it will scratch me.
-Han: Come on, just a little bit. I won't let it hurt you. Come here
…
-Kasem: Han can't leave me, okay? You need me to change I will change.
Han: Kasem, it's just that I don't have feelings for you. It's not because you're not good that you don't need to change for me. Kasem let us go on and the next way, we are not the same. Let go of your hand…
-Kasme: Han…Han…Han
…
-Kasme: Don't leave me… Han… Han
Kasem suddenly woke up from a nightmare but it made him involuntarily cry until the pillow he was lying on.
-Kasem: Why did I dream about him? How can I remember him? How is he now?
Kasem got up and went to the kitchen to get a glass of water to calm himself. At this time, the sky outside is still dark, Kasem just sad to go out to the balcony to look at the sky and then go back to bed to continue sleeping. But now sleep could not be deep anymore. He hoped he wouldn't have the same dreams again.
Three years have passed since Kasem graduated, time really waits for no one. In the same years, Kasem and his friends have not had any meeting because each of them is busy with their own work. There are married people who should take care of their family, There are people who love to experience, so they always travel, there are people who are successful business people, so they are busy with contracts… As for Kasem, he is just an auditor. employees, can open their own company to operate, the nature of the work is seasonal, so they also have free time. Kasem always looks forward to a meeting with old friends and sharing memories together.
And after all these years, finally today, not up to expectations, Kasem also had a class reunion party on the first day of winter. That's great when in the cold, sipping a cup of wine with a hot pot with friends. When the clock struck five o'clock in the afternoon Kasem finished his shift and left to prepare for the scheduled appointment. The road was always full of cars, making Kasem feel tired of waiting to move little by little. Although the meeting place was only a twenty minute drive from where I was staying, now that Kasem had been running for an hour, there seemed to be no sign of Kasem's arrival.
Here it is, after two hours of struggling on the Kasem road, we have reached the meeting point. Entering the party room, Kasem's friends were almost full, it's been a long time since the class meeting has held this much. While Kasem was still thinking about certain things, a familiar figure walking beside a girl who stood out from the crowd caught Kasem's gaze. It was him, the person Kasem had been in love with for four years in college. But today the person who appeared next to him was no longer Kasem, he already had another lover and was still a girl. Putting himself into troubled thoughts and then a sadness enveloped Kasem, the feeling of joy just now disappeared. Suddenly a hand patted Kasem's shoulder
-Tan: It's been three years, you still haven't forgotten him?
Realizing who it was, Kasem replied with a small smile to the person who asked him - the best friend who was always by his side whenever and wherever Kasem needed:
-Kasem: He's my first love, although three years and thirty years I'm not sure I've forgotten it. Don't say it, you can easily forget it.
-Tan: Then you'll find someone new for you. Move on
-Kasem: Ok, then you take your place. I think that's a good idea too.
-Tan: No, I'm the owner already. Be careful she gets angry, I'm not good enough to calm her down. But… if you want a headache, you can try. (Tan said in a half-truth, half-joking voice that gives the feeling of creating a party for others)
-Kasem: New is coming too? Where is she? (Kasem eagerly looked forward to meeting New)
-Tan: Why are you so happy when it comes to New?
Talking with Tan made Kasem forget the sad feeling he felt when he saw Han; New stepped forward with Kasem and Tan added the story until Han's familiar voice reached Kasem's ears:
-Han: Kasem, when did you come from? Why do I see it now?
It's been three years, but every time I hear Han's voice, Kasem's heart still beats out of rhythm.
-Kasem: I just arrived. Who will you introduce the girl next to me?
-Han: Ah, introduce to everyone, this is Min who loves me. We've known each other for a year. What about you… you didn't come with that person today?
-Kasem: I didn't have it, I can't dig flowers like you, there are always asteroids around.
-Han: It's been three years, you should forget about it and find yourself a better person...
The sentence was interrupted by the class rep's voice calling Kasem to the table. On the banquet table, classmates recounted many memories, one of which Kasem seemed to have forgotten when it happened.
-Dara: Time has gone by so quickly that we have engraved so many memories of our youth, isn't our youth going to pass and stop, but let's keep walking without stopping.
Chai: That's right, so let's talk about our present life and future plans. Let's invite the class president to open.
-Ying: Why can't I open the show, it's not important right now, it's important that I think about who the person next to me is in the future.
-Kulap: So, guys in this room who are single, give girls like us a signal. Please raise your hand.
-Ying: one… two… three…
One by one the single boys in the class raised their arms, only Kasem raised them shyly.
-Ying: Is Kasem real? Can you believe this?
Ying's surprise also spread to all the girls in the room.
-Chai: Is the male king of our class still single? Do you have high standards? (Chai asked in doubt)
-Kasem: As a male king, I'm just a person, I'm still single. (Kasem became even more shy when he was in the spotlight)
-Tan: Come on, whoever wants to come, come. Good or bad depends on luck. Can't you see how shy he is? (Tan said it as if he was joking about Kasem's problem but didn't mean it badly.)
-Chai: Let's play a game now
-Ying: Okay. What are people going to play?
-Preed: Really or challenging?
-Chai: Is there anyone who doesn't know the law?
-New: Can you agree on the law together?
-Kulap: This is it. We use this bottle of wine, the mouth of the bottle is towards whom, that person will choose truth or dare. If you choose the truth, answer a question with a long answer, if you choose the challenge, do the challenge. If you do not tell the truth or do not perform the challenge, you will be punished with three drinks. The person who poses the question or challenge is the person on the opposite side.
-Preed: Is it too evil? That's three cheats.
No objections were raised so everyone started the game. Playing this game when choosing truth or challenge is like a risky game, only brave people can overcome it easily. Every spin, everyone seems to choose to tell the truth. Tan's turn:
-Yut: What to choose?
-Tan: Really
-Khaji: Come on, Tan, do people like you have to choose the challenge?
-Tan: Everyone has the right to choose, so I just choose to be safe. Tell the truth.
Yut: So what was your job when you were a student?
Tan: Why are you asking this question?
-New: If you can't speak, you should drink.
-Tan: Why don't you protect me, who are you in love with? When I was in school, I received help. My boss helped me a lot, so I did everything he gave me. The main job is to handle documents only.
- Som: Who is he? Old or young?
-Junta: Is he single? How is the request?
-Ying: What does he do, what's his personality like?
Tan: Just one question.
-Som: Just a little more information.
-Tan: Then I can only answer, sorry for the boss, I'm not interested in women.
-Junta: Another guy… what a pity (Junta was the most excited but also let out a long sigh filled with disappointment)
The cycle continues until it stops at Kasem.
-Kasem: I choose challenge
-Som: Not in vain the male god of the school.
-Min: If your ex is here, come closer and kiss him. (Min poses a challenge as if to test something)
-Kasem: So if I say that person is not here, will you change the challenge or punish me for drinking? (Kasem replies in provocation)
-Min: If you don't have it, you will pass, I will not put more challenges or punishments for you.
-Kasem: Then you choose not to do the challenge, so you should drink three drinks.
-Min: Is that person here?
-Kasem: I've run out of questions (Kasem confidently replied)
The game continued, this time it was Han's turn.
-New: What do you choose?
-Han: I really chose.
-New: Do you still have feelings for your ex?
Before New's unexpected question, Han froze, and everyone was waiting for an answer.
-Tan: New, what question did you ask?
-Han: I'm fined three drinks.
-Min: Is it so difficult to answer?
-New: You have the right to choose, I don't force it.
-Khaji: Come on, let's continue. Why is it so stressful, it's just a game. Just have fun, have fun.
The warm atmosphere mixed with laughter made Kasem's heart still choke every time his eyes accidentally touched Han. During the party Kasem didn't seem to move much of his chopsticks, just kept picking up one cup after another, not knowing how much Kasem drank.
-Tan: Drink less Kasem, I won't bring you back when I'm drunk.
-New: Brother Kasem should eat something more, otherwise tomorrow will be very tired and stomachache.
-Tan: Kasem, can you hear me?...
Despite Tan and New's objections, Kasem drowned himself in pain and continued to drink. Near the end of the party, Kasem asked to go to the toilet for a bit. Kasem also started getting a little drunk when alcohol mixed in his blood, I don't know if it was because he drank too much, so Kasem gave birth to an illusion that it sounded like footsteps coming behind him, but he didn't think anymore because this was a restaurant with people. passing is natural. After leaving the room, Kasem walked to the washbasin to wake up and realized that it was not an illusion, Han had been following Kasem ever since.
-Han: Are you okay, you drank too much, I've never seen you drink so much before. Do you need me to take it home? You're still at the same place, aren't you?
Before Han's rapid questions, Kasem couldn't answer until he couldn't help but tear drop by drop, drop by drop from his eyes, rolling down Kasem's cheeks.
-Han: Kasem why are you crying? Did I say something wrong?
- Kasem: I'm fine, it's okay. I can catch the car by myself. You go with Min.
-Han: Don't be like that, I'm sorry for hurting you like that. Don't cry, I…
-Kasem: It's okay, seeing you find new happiness also makes me happy for you. After dark clouds and storms, there will be a rainbow so I will find my own happiness. Let's just go back to the party room, everyone.
As soon as he finished speaking, Han's phone rang, it was Min calling because Han had never returned. New's question seemed to add certainty to Min's question about the relationship between Kasem and Han. No one could have guessed, it was that question that made Min so afraid of losing Han that it was difficult to control her emotions. When Kasem and Han returned to the party room, everyone invited them to sing together because tomorrow is a day off, so they don't need to go to work. Kasem hastily refused to return to the apartment because he had too much to drink. Tan and New didn't go because they were worried about KasemTan and New, because they were worried about Kasem, didn't go, but took Kasem home. After driving for a while, New called to stop the car:
-New: Brother Kasem drank a lot and then let me go down to drink some refreshments for him.
-Tan: Then go buy it for me, I'll keep an eye on him.
-New: Do you need to buy anything, I will buy it for you.
-Tan: I don't need anything, you go quickly and come back quickly. Go carefully.
After shopping, New returned to the car and they continued to move.
-New: Brother Tan, or let Kasem stay with us tonight. Can he handle it alone?
-Tan: I plan to do the same, but I'm afraid you're afraid.
-Kasem: No need, I'm not so drunk that I don't know anything. I don't want to bother you two, I can take care of myself.
-New: But…
-Kasem: I'm fine, don't worry too much.
-Tan: I'm here, just call me if you need anything.
-Kasem: Ok, be careful back
As soon as Tan's car left, Han and Min also asked permission not to attend the Karaoke but moved home. On Han's ce, the atmosphere also gradually became tense. Min involuntarily kept looking at Han to the point that Han was annoyed. More than a year of knowing each other, but Han has never felt so frustrated by Min's gaze.
-Han: What do you want to ask, why do you keep looking at me with your eyes like that without saying anything? Or do you need me to take you somewhere?
-Min: I really don't know why you have such an attitude towards me?
-Han: Min, I'm just a human, not a god, but I can tell what you're thinking. We are lovers, so we trust each other, if you have any problems, just ask directly.
-Min: So the relationship between you and Kasem is not just friends, right? Because if they are friends, why do both of them dodge questions while playing games? Why did you follow him as soon as he left?
-Han: Yes, I used to know him, but the more I get to know him, the more I see that it's not the relationship I want to have with him. The avoidance is because he and he both do not want to repeat the old story, because it is not very good memories. And the fact that I followed him… because I was also nervous when I first saw him drink so much. He only cares at the level of friends.
Min: If that's the case, I hope I won't have to bring this up again in the future. Don't let me know you lied to me. And I can't accept that you've ever been in a relationship with another guy
- Han: Okay, it's up to you. But I also don't expect you to bring this up every time we're together.
-Min: I won't make any promises because you didn't tell me about this in the first place. Today, I don't talk to you anymore. Please take me home quickly.
Although she said she didn't want to mention it, in her heart Min could not accept what she just heard. What annoyed her even more was that the person was Kasem, and she wanted to find out more. What she doesn't know is that, when she digs deep into herself, she will be more and more miserable and unable to get out. Although she was warned by Han, it did not seem to have the opposite effect, making her relationship with Han more and more distant. Along the way, Han always noticed and did everything to keep their relationship unchanged, but the effort from one side was not enough.
Returning to the apartment, Kasem did not rush to turn on the light, but went straight to the bedroom, crouching next to the window. Kasem unconsciously looked into the night and then burst into tears again when the image of Han in his memory involuntarily rushed back like running water. The more Kasem didn't want to think, the more painful the heartache felt. I don't know how, and I don't know when I have fallen asleep in bed, only know that Kasem woke up after noon on Sunday. Meanwhile, dozens of missed calls from his best friend appeared on the phone screen with countless messages. Kasem quickly cleaned up and then called Tan to reassure him that he was fine.
-Tan: I thought I had to come get your body. (Tan said coldly)
-Kasem: It's okay. (Kasem can't help but smile in response.)
Tan: How can you drink so much and get so drunk? It's okay, the voice can't be heard anymore (Tan looks like he yelled at Kasem in a loud voice)
-Kasem: Yes, you take care of me more than my parents. More grumbling too.
-Tan: If your uncle and aunt knew, you wouldn't be able to confidently say that.
-New: Mr. Kasem, I bought you something to eat. I put it in the bag yesterday, you try to cook it and eat it.
-Kasem: Thank you New, I'm so sorry.
-New: If you didn't stop me yesterday, I really can't bear to leave you alone.
-Tan: Ever since yesterday, I've always wondered if you are someone who loves someone New. Hearing that, I can rest assured, rest more, if it's not okay, call me. (Tan said angrily)
Perhaps because she cried one night, Kasem's mood was somewhat better. But look back at him, crying so much that his eyes were red and puffy. Kasem went out to cook and found ways to reduce swelling in her eyes. Sleeping at home all morning, Kasem decided to go out for a walk. Although Kasem loves cats, but because of allergies, Kasem can only go to cafes with pets to see a little. Looking at the cats playing next to the guests or playing with the toys, Kasem suddenly forgot about the heartbreak and played with the cats. The fact that Kasem couldn't keep a cat also made him a little sad. Instead, Kasem always buys food to send to the cafe to take care of the cats so much that Kasem becomes a regular customer of the cafe.
Days later, the image of Han was still in Kasem's mind, causing Kasem to go to work, but his soul kept drifting backwards. So much so that a few boys and girls in the company also worriedly paced back and forth to look at their faces.
-Lya: Will Kasem be okay?
-Diny: However, when he works, he concentrates. When he was done, he looked out the window again, thinking about something.
-Gin: Or is he in debt and thinking about it?
Lya: What did you say? Is that kind of person Kasem is? Stop thinking about it
-Gin: How did he end up doing this? He looks like that, people are not in the mood to work.
Sam: I think it's better if we ask directly.
-Gin: So what if he doesn't tell?
-Sam: Better than us sitting here guessing.
-Ken: Sam is right, but I think there must be an excuse or organization to ask him. Otherwise, we'll be so pushy that he won't dare to speak.
-Lya: Then can we invite him to this bar?
-Diny: Oh tiger, I've seen too many recommendations but haven't had a chance to come. That's okay too.
-Sam: But why should we date him?
-Ken: Just ask Kasem to hang out, he's not strict about these things.
-Diny: Decide that. I'll have another gorgeous photo shoot.
-Lya: Again, let's comfort Kasem, not go out.
-Diny: Don't you want to, we can do both. (Diny said in her slyness)
The group sighed, helpless at Diny's words. However, what Diny said is not wrong.
Among the twenty employees in the company, Kasem is close to three girls and two boys: Lya, Ken, Sam, Gin and Diny, they can be considered as effective hands for Kasem. The group of six of them are the most energetic in the company in all games, but also enthusiastic and highly responsible people at work. So in these days, Kasem's moodiness also made the juniors strangely quiet, the mischievous children were just thinking about how to bring back the Kasem of the past. However, the sound of each other inviting Kasem to the bar to change the atmosphere drew Kasem's attraction back to the office. This guy is also very funny. As if sensing Kasem's gaze, they dispersed, returned to their work place and acted as if nothing happened. Kasem knew he had influenced his employees, so he told himself to change.
When Kasem decided to pack up, he left the office.
-Lya: Is Kasem going to come back?
-Kasem: Ukm, since there is a party from morning until tomorrow afternoon, I go to replace my father, so I want to go back and prepare a little. Do you guys have something to talk to me about or need me to solve?
-Ken: We've noticed that you're not in a good mood these days, do you want to change the atmosphere or drink with us?
-Sam: Brother Kim come with us! This shop is quite famous, but we have not been there for a long time. (Sam says pleadingly)
-Gin: These days, my spirit is not comfortable, so it's better to go chill for a bit. I guarantee this shop will get very good reviews, it should become the new restaurant of our group. (Gin confidently chimes in)
-Sam, Lya and Diny: Let's go, let's go, brother. (Ken, Lya, and Diny in unison with cuddling expressions)
-Kasem: Was it because I wanted to change the atmosphere or ran out of photos, so I just removed him.
-Diny: Come on, we really think of you. Why are you in such a hurry to think badly of us (Diny quickly responds to excuses)
In the pleas of juniors Kasem also relented in agreement. Because perhaps Kasem himself also wants to drink to forget, but I don't know how much he will forget or get drunk again like yesterday. Why does the love for Han haunt Kasem again so deeply even though three years have passed.
-Kasem: Okay, whatever the purpose is, but not until tomorrow night. I am now begging to go back to prepare, as I said tomorrow you will have a social party. Sam, don't forget to send me the guest list and materials for tomorrow's party. When you guys get off work, go home early to keep your strength, do your best tomorrow.
-Sam: I'll send it right away, wish you a good party.
-Kasem: Then see you tomorrow.
- Ken: See you soon. Pay attention to your safety.
The juniors cheered like children who had just received a gift from their mother after returning from the market. Seeing that, Kasem also involuntarily laughed. All the way back, Kasem just smiled innocently when recalling the image of the five brothers who were happy after agreeing to go to the bar with them. Returning to the apartment, Kasem changed his food and drinks and looked at the documents for the invited party.
Meanwhile, the five sisters are still at the company to finish the work and discuss more things about the meeting tomorrow night.
-Diny: What do you think we should wear tomorrow?
-Lya: I think your wardrobe is enough for a whole year without overlapping.
-Ken: I told you, Kasem will agree. So instead of thinking about what to wear, you should think about how to get him to talk.
-Gin: She's still young, so she's eager to have fun, don't accept it. The mat has not experienced life.
-Sam: I'm not much older than her, why talk like an old man. I'm just as happy as a baby. (Sam said helplessly)
-Gin: Did you send the documents to Kasem, but tell me. (Gin says provocatively)
-Ken: Alright. Do you have any ideas about Lya?
-Lya: I think even if we plan ahead, we won't be able to solve the problem. Tomorrow we just go along with nature, don't mistake him for being sad more.
They all seemed to agree, returning quickly to finish work to go home.