Afika just smiled sarcastically at the good news. She was unlike most students who yearned for their holidays. Even on weekends, she had to help her father sell ‘Chicken Geprek’.
It was certain that Afika would not enjoy this semester holiday. It's the same from year to year. The same. Actually, she really wanted to go on holiday like her friends. Unfortunately, she didn't dare express it in front of her father. After all, she often couldn't bear to leave her father selling at the stall. Even though many employees have helped him.
Unlike Afika, Diaz was looking forward to it. He could travel far from home, on his own, without his parents' interference. His savings are more than enough for a tour around Europe. However, he prefers to tour around Indonesia.
"Yaz, where do you want to go on holiday?" asked Helmi. That's right! He was really curious to know.
"Why do you want to go? Do you want to come?" said Diaz. This was the first time he had spoken up and answered Helmi's question.
"Ah, not really. You must be going on holiday with that girl, right?" guessed Helmi, flashing a meaningful smile.
"Smartass!"
Diaz no longer ignored Helmi's question. Even though his nagging friend was aggressively asking him several personal questions.
What was clear was that for the upcoming holiday, Diaz already had her own plans. He had also registered himself with a tour and travel agent. So, he is just waiting for his departure schedule. Let the tour and travel agent contact him later. It's very easy for him. Just click on the application, transfer some money, done. A very pleasant holiday awaits.
***
"Woi! Just daydreaming!" Afika was surprised by two of her friends at the canteen during break time. While the others were busy ordering food, she was the only one who didn't feel like ordering.
"What's wrong, Sista? Tell us," Gina teased. She sat next to Afika who had been bending her face, pouting.
"Would you like some chicken noodles?" Gina asked. She poured sauce and soya sauce into her bowl of chicken noodles.
Afika shook her head. She had no appetite today. Then, Febby offered her a drink. Perhaps her best friend was overheated and wanted a refreshing drink this afternoon. It's not bad to refresh your stressed brain for the holidays.
"What do you want to drink? Sweet iced tea or soda? Boba or Cingcau Cappuccino?" offered Febby. She had been so concerned since she saw Afika moping alone like that. Her face was like a tangled yarn that couldn't be organised anymore.
"I don't know," Afika was confused. She didn't know what she wanted at the moment. Her body was so weak.
"You're not feeling well again, Fik?" Gina asked. Because judging by the look on her face, Afika didn't seem to be in the mood for life.
"I'll go back to class first. I want to lie down in class," Afika got up from her seat.
"Well, be careful then! Can you walk by yourself?" Febby was also worried. She made sure first.
"Yes, it's okay. I can walk by myself," Afika decided. Then, she left the canteen.
On the way to her class, Afika could see Alan and his friends chatting on a park bench near the field. He seemed to be having a lot of fun talking to his friends.
Afika didn’t know what Alan was talking about, but it was fun. Alan was so excited and immediately put it into practice. Ah, maybe he was talking about football. That's how enthusiastic the most popular senior in the school was about his hobby.
Afika passed Diaz's classroom. She didn’t know why she wanted to go faster. It wasn't because of anything, she didn't want to meet that fussy senior. Eh, she was curious too. Finally, she turned her head briefly. The classroom was empty, no one was there. Maybe she was going to her hiding place, huh? She guessed.
"Hi, beautiful! Who are you looking for?" Helmi teased when he arrived at the door of his class. "Must be looking for the idol, huh?" His eyebrows rose and fell and he smiled flirtatiously at Afika.
"Whose idol are you talking about?" Afika furrowed her brow until it folded. She didn't understand what Helmi was saying to her.
"Diaz. Wasn't it you who shouted his name yesterday," Helmi reminded her again.
Ah, yes that one. Afika immediately realised and became embarrassed. She bowed her head and didn't dare say another word in front of her seniors. As if he knew Afika was looking for Diaz, Helmi informed her of his current whereabouts.
"He was called by the homeroom teacher. Just look for him in the teacher's room. He's there now. They're giving his advice," Helmi said jokingly. Afika smiled somewhat forcedly.
"Yes, thank you. But I'm not looking for him," Afika denied. "Don't misunderstand me."
"You're lying! So why did you go to his class? If not looking for him," Helmi teased again.
"Anyway, it's not him. Thanks," Afika said in a hurry. She left immediately and did not prolong her conversation with Helmi.
"Yes. I'll tell Diaz if his fans come looking for him," Helmi said in a loud voice. Afika didn't want to listen. She covered her ears as she ran.
Crazy! There was no way Afika was looking for Diaz all the way to his class. Make it up! Absolutely crazy. She continued to deny it.
A few minutes later, a teacher called Afika. The teacher told Afika to go to the teacher's room. What's wrong? Afika couldn't refuse the teacher's request. So, with a heavy heart, she walked to the teacher's room to fulfil her summons. She also wanted to prove whether Diaz was really there or not.
Afika entered the teacher's room. She immediately wandered around, looking for Diaz's whereabouts. Sure enough, that fussy bloke was there. He was sitting face to face with his homeroom teacher. I don't know what was the matter, but the teacher seemed very serious about counselling him. Was he acting up again? She was instantly curious.
"Afika! What are you doing there? Come here quickly!" her homeroom teacher reprimanded her. Suddenly, the teachers' attention was immediately drawn to her. Including Diaz who briefly turned his head towards her.
"I-yes." Afika immediately came over to her homeroom teacher. It just so happened that the seats between her homeroom teacher and Diaz's homeroom teacher were side by side.
Oh no! Now, Afika and Diaz were sitting close together. She was so awkward. The two of them glanced at each other and made the two teachers clear their throats together.
Ehem!
To be continue …