"Hey Than, how've you been? You doing alright? It's been a while since we've talked after I moved," Faiz said.
"Wait, you didn't forget about me, did you? Said Faiz.
"Hahahaha, there's no way I'll forget my friends who helped me a lot since I was little until junior high school." Lathan replied.
''It's fine, what about you? Are you okay?" I continued
Faiz, his full name is Faiz Arya. A man who is the same age as me, 18 years old. His appearance... Ugh I hate to admit it but he can be said to be a very handsome man, the opposite of me. He is also a man who was so smart that he always became the overall champion in the past. But for some reason, he suddenly moved in the middle of the semester in grade 3 of junior high school. Since then we started to lose contact.
He is one of the greatest help in my life, Since I've known him since 2nd grade, he always helps me with all my problems.. when I was bullied, he was the one who defended me when other people just watched.
oi
"OI LATHAN LOUVAIN". He shouted
I woke up from my daydream
"Why are you daydreaming "Just now? What were you thinking about? Usually when you daydream, you're already thinking about a lot of things," said Faiz.
"Ah, no, it's nothing. I was just thinking that even after all these years, you're still the same as before," I replied to Faiz's question.
"Are you mocking me or something? There's no way I'd change just because we haven't seen each other for a few years. Especially not for my childhood friend like you! Back then, you seemed like you couldn't do anything without me, but now look at you—already grown up, huh? Hahaha," Faiz replied with a laugh.
"Well, you're kinda right, but it's not like that. I've been independent since I was a kid, you know!" I said, smiling and laughing. That's how we've always been—our jokes may sound harsh, but we know we care about each other.
Yeah... he's always been like that. Since we were little, we've always been together, and he always knows when I'm upset or deep in thought. Honestly, that kind of attention scares me a little, but on the other hand, it makes me happy to have a friend and best buddy like him. Just so you know, I'm 100% straight, so don't even think there's anything going on between us. The thought alone makes me nauseous. Plus, he's straight too. Even back when we were kids, he was dating various girls. I just wanted to clarify that because I've read stories in comics and novels where the main characters are close friends and fans fantasize about them being a couple. I've always wanted to punch people who like that stuff. Maybe one day, if I get strong enough, I'll punch and take out people with such twisted ideas. Sounds interesting—I think I'll add that to my list of goals, hahaha.
"By the way, what are you doing here, Iz? Are you back in Bandung? When did you get here? It's crazy you didn't even tell me you were coming," I said to Faiz.
"Whoa, slow down with the questions! You're just firing away when we haven't seen each other in ages," Faiz replied.
"Yeah, yeah, sorry," I said.
"Alright, I'll answer everything. It has been a long time, right? How many years has it been, 3 or 4?" Faiz said.
"Yeah, something like that," I answered.
"Okay, but let's sit down first. My legs are killing me from standing so long," Faiz said.
"There's a bench over there near the Player Association building. Let's sit and talk there," he added.
"Sounds good, let's go!" I agreed, and we headed to the park.
After arriving, we sat down and continued our conversation.
"So, did you come back to Bandung?" I asked curiously.
"Yeah, I just got back from Semarang, but it's only temporary. I'll be in Bandung for about a week since I've got some business at the Player Association branch here," Faiz explained.
"What kind of business?" I asked.
"Just some guild matters," he answered.
"But seriously, you didn't even tell me you were coming! I was shocked to see you suddenly here," I said, half-complaining.
"Well, to be honest, it was a last-minute decision. I was told to come here just a few days ago. Since it's the holiday season, I decided to come and surprise my best friend who lives here in Bandung. But it turns out you got here before me," Faiz explained.
"Oh, I see. By the way, you're doing okay, right? We've only been chatting through WhatsApp since you moved schools, so it's been a while since we've met in person," I asked, concerned.
"Alhamdulillah, I'm fine. How about you? I've been a bit worried since your awakening took longer than usual," Faiz responded.
"I'm doing well too. Actually, you might be surprised when I tell you this," I said, smiling.
"What surprise?" Faiz asked, intrigued.
"Today... I... Awakened!" I said excitedly.
"Huh? Are you serious? Just a few days ago, you said there were no signs of awakening," Faiz asked, surprised.
"Yeah, I'm serious. It just happened this morning. I suddenly received the status window from the system," I replied.
I wanted to tell him about my regression, but something inside me held back. Maybe it was the fear of being doubted or the concern that he might tell someone else about my secret. Even though deep down, I knew Faiz would never betray me.
"Oh, congrats, bro! Finally, after all this time, you've awakened just like everyone else. I'm so happy for you!" Faiz said, patting my back hard, his face beaming with joy.
"Thanks. After enduring all the insults and mockery, I've finally become strong..." I said quietly.
"..."
"All the bullying I went through..." I mumbled.
The atmosphere turned silent for a moment.
"Insults? Mockery? Bullying?" Faiz said, his tone darkening as an ominous aura surrounded him.
Oh no, I forgot how angry he gets when it comes to anything involving me. He's always been like that—maybe a bit overprotective because of how weak I used to be.
"WHO THE HELL DARED TO BULLY YOU, LATHAN?!" he yelled at me.
"IS THERE REALLY SOMEONE WHO TRIED TO BULLY YOU HERE? WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME ANYTHING?" he continued, still shouting.
Even though his reaction was a bit extreme, it made me feel relieved. It showed me that my best friend hadn't changed at all since we last met.
"Calm down, let me explain," I said.
"HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO CALM DOWN? I JUST FOUND OUT YOU'VE BEEN KEEPING THIS FROM ME ALL THIS TIME!" Faiz yelled.
"Relax, man, take it easy, okay?" I replied.
"...Fine, but you better have a good explanation," Faiz said, still visibly upset.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention—Faiz Arya awakened a year ago and quickly climbed to rank B within that year. I've even heard he's going to be promoted to rank A this month... maybe that's why he's here in Bandung? I'm not sure.
"Alright, here's the thing. It's not that I didn't want to tell you," I began to explain.
"I'll start from the beginning. Ever since you moved away, you know how you used to protect me from bullies when we were kids, right? People used to pick on me because I looked gloomy or weak..." I said.
"And you were always there to stand up for me and beat them up whenever they messed with me. But after you left, some people started to bully me again. In middle school, it was just verbal bullying like 'crybaby who always hides behind others' and stuff like that," I continued.
"And why didn't you tell me? You know I could've come to your school anytime, right?" Faiz said.
"Yeah, I know. But I thought I couldn't keep depending on you forever. I mean, I can't always call you for help every time something happens, like how Nobita calls Doraemon," I explained.
"Besides, it was just words, and it didn't happen every day. So, I figured I'd just deal with it while toughening up my mental strength," I added.
"Hmm, alright, I get it... what happened next?" Faiz asked.
"Well, everything was fine during the first year of high school, but things got worse in the second year. There was this one group that seemed to target me specifically," I explained.
"A group? What did they do?" Faiz asked, clearly upset.
"They were like a clique, led by this one guy. At first, I thought he was nice, but it turned out I was wrong," I said.
"Once he and his group started to awaken and gain power from the system, I couldn't resist anymore. If I did, they'd beat me up," I continued.
"WHAT? If it was that bad, why didn't you tell me? You know Razy is still in the same city as you. He could've handled them on his own!" Faiz said angrily.
"Yeah, I know Razy or you could've helped, but I had my reasons for not involving you guys," I replied.
"What reasons?" Faiz asked, still furious.
"First, I didn't want to bother you guys.
Second, I wanted to handle this myself until I awakened.
Third, Razy's school is far from mine, and I didn't want to trouble him. And you were in a different city entirely.
Fourth, their leader isn't just any ordinary person. If people here knew he was messing with me, they'd realize it's the same as picking a fight with you and Razy," I explained.
"What do you mean by 'not an ordinary person'? Who is he?" Faiz asked, confused.
"Like I said, he's a transfer student from another city. I'm not sure exactly where, but I didn't want to get you involved because his family is one of the most influential ones around," I answered.
"And so what if they're influential? My family is one of the most prominent around here, not to mention Razy's family is nearly on the same level," Faiz responded.
He's right—Faiz's family and Razy's are incredibly well-known and powerful, especially Faiz's family from the Arya clan.
"Yeah, I know your family is really famous, but I was worried if I told you, you'd act rashly. Worst case scenario, it could even trigger a clan war," I explained.
"A clan war? How powerful is his clan anyway? What's his name and which clan is he from?" Faiz asked, clearly frustrated.
"His name is Aruna Adikara, from the Adikara clan... one of the few clans that might rival yours," I replied.
"Adikara, huh... You're exaggerating by comparing his clan to ours. But I guess I can't deny, their clan is almost on par with ours, though not quite equal," Faiz muttered, still upset.
"But even so, why didn't you tell me? Do you even consider me a friend anymore?" Faiz said, his voice still laced with anger.
"I do... I already explained my reasons, sorry about that," I said, lowering my head.
"Hahhhhhh, fine, I'll let it go. But nothing else happened, right? If he ever..." Faiz trailed off, his tone dark and threatening.
"H-ha-ha, no, nothing else. It was just that," I replied.
I couldn't tell him that I'd been beaten up a few times. I want to take revenge on my own.
"Alright then... hearing what you've been going through makes me consider moving here after I graduate, so I can protect you," Faiz said with a determined look.
"You don't need to do that, man. That's way too much," I responded, laughing it off.
~~To be continued~~