The evening sky was painted in shades of orange, radiating warmth that contrasted with the coldness in Rara's heart. She sat on a bench in the campus park, gazing at the field where a group of students were playing soccer. Her eyes were empty, her mind wandering aimlessly. It had been a year since she tried to forget her unrequited feelings, but her heart still raced every time she saw him.
He was Arka, the man who had captivated Rara from the very first moment she laid eyes on him. To Rara, Arka was perfect: smart, handsome, and always kind to everyone. But unfortunately, Arka never saw Rara as more than a friend. They were close, but Rara knew her heart would never fully have Arka.
"Rara, you're here again?" Arka's voice suddenly broke her reverie.
Rara turned, forcing a smile despite the tremors in her heart. "Yeah, just thinking about assignments. You?"
Arka sat beside her, holding a cup of coffee. "Just finished soccer practice. Want some?" he offered, handing her the warm cup.
Rara shook her head. "No, thanks. You know I don't like coffee."
Arka chuckled softly. "Oh right, I forgot. You prefer tea, don't you?"
Rara nodded, trying to suppress the turmoil in her heart. It was so easy for Arka to make her feel special, even with the smallest gestures.
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