1 The First Day 01

Rasya smiled at her reflection in the mirror. The new school uniform that was neatly ironed stuck to her body perfectly. She had combed her thick hair neatly, letting some of it cover her forehead. Feeling that her appearance is perfect, Rasya adds perfume to indicate that she is ready to go to school today after almost three weeks of long vacation due to class promotion.

Rasya glanced at the beautifully displayed certificate in the glass cabinet next to her other medals and trophies. Her smile grew wider, considering how the general rank charter was in her hands before the long holiday. Yes, even though it's still listed as rank II at least, it makes Rasya know that her efforts have yielded better results than last semester. She promised to defend her title because Rasya knew it would be more difficult to take first place from her best friend—Hema the Olympian.

Rasya took a deep breath, grabbed her school bag, and left her room, which was dominated by white and blue. Ready to return to battle with all kinds of student obligations.

The smile returned to hef lips as she stepped into the dining room, which was already bustling with stories that sounded excited from daddy and her cousin, Shona. The routine she always met every morning.

Even though there were only three of them, the three-story house was warm enough for Rasya. Especially when Shona, the son of Rasya's biological father's brother, came two years ago and decided to stay and study with Rasya. Sanjaya welcomed him happily. At least after Rasya's mother left, there was Shona, who entertained her with smiles and endless stories.

And Sanjaya, even though he is not Rasya's biological father, he loves Rasya.

Yes, Rasya's mother married Sanjaya when Rasya was there. At that time, Rasya was eight years old. Rasya also knew that her biological father had died without knowing she existed. Her mother also did not give much information about her biological father, which Rasya knew. Her father had Japanese ancestry.

Rasya remembers how much her mother suffered, who used to work hard to support her, and the various jobs she did. One day, a sympathetic friend offered her to work in a Chinese restaurant with a good salary. And that's where Rasya's mother got to know Sanjaya, the restaurant owner. Rasya herself was even very supportive when her mother asked her what if she married Sanjaya. Since the first time he met Rasya, the man has also shown a father's love that Rasya has never felt.

"Good morning, Papa," Rasya says hello to Sanjaya, who has now finished his work on the stove. Rasya walked to the seat next to Shona, who was busy arranging meat sandwiches. It is decorated in such a way with beautiful lettuce and other vegetables.

Sanjaya smiled when he saw his son greeting.

"Good morning, Acha. How did you sleep last night?" said Sanjaya while placing two glasses of chocolate milk in front of Rasya and Shona.

"Not bad, Papa. I didn't have a bad dream," said Rasya and took Shona's sandwich.

"Hey! That's mine!" Shona exclaimed disapprovingly.

The Japanese-blooded teenager seemed to raise her eyebrows to grab the sandwich in Rasya's hand. But Rasya had bitten her absurdly, which made Shona puff out her cheeks before finally hitting Rasya's arm.

Rasya chuckled, handing the sandwich she had bitten to Shona, which made her get an annoyed look. Rasya laughed, pulling Shona's cheek.

"It's yours, Acha. Don't bother Shona; you know she's been busy since this morning." Sanjaya handed him a plate of sandwiches and then turned back to the kitchen set for a large bowl of chicken soup.

Rasya glanced at Shona, who was now making sandwiches again; her laugh was crispy when she saw a box of sandwiches decorated and shaped beautifully beside Shona.

"You're going to give the new student a sandwich, Sho-chan?" asked Rasya before sipping the chocolate milk.

Shona just blinked at Rasya in annoyance, didn't answer, and went back to busy with her activities.

"Ah, I think he will soon accept your love after seeing the shape of the sandwich," said Rasya with a laugh at the end of her sentence.

"Hey, I just made a simple lunch for him. What's wrong with encouraging him for the new semester?" Shona spoke up.

"Stop giving excuses. I know what you mean."

Shona pursed her lips which made Rasya laugh even more. Sanjaya just smiled and shook his head slowly, and he was now sitting opposite the two sweet teenagers. It was normal for him to hear chatter from both Rasya and Shona. There was a feeling of relief in his heart when he saw Rasya smiling and talking a lot after Shona was there.

Sanjaya understands Rasya's loss because Rasya does not know who her family is except her mother. In the past, after her mother's departure, Rasya became a reticent child. Very secretive even to Sanjaya himself. Finally, a man named Yovan came and said he was the younger brother of Rasya's biological father.

If you ask whether Rasya immediately believes, the answer is no. Of course, all this time, Rasya did not know her actual father figure, let alone her family. However, a man named Yovan managed to convince Rasya with evidence and all kinds of things that could make Rasya believe that he was the younger brother of her biological father.

At first, Yovan wanted Rasya to live with him in Japan. But Rasya refuses; after all, Sanjaya is her father now. Sanjaya also has no one other than Rasya. Therefore Rasya still chooses to live with Sanjaya. And a chatty teenager named Shona wants to live with Rasya because there are no friends in Japan if Yovan works.

At first, after debate and agreement, Shona agreed to live in her apartment as long as it was close to Rasya's house. However, with all the kindness of his heart, Sanjaya, regardless of Shona's status as the nephew of his late wife—whom he doesn't even know— offers to live with him. Sanjaya thought that Shona's presence could at least be medicine for grief for Rasya.

And it worked. Rasya returned to being a cheerful and friendly child; smiles and laughter were displayed again after Shona was present.

So Shona lives with Rasya and Sanjaya with the monthly money that Yovan sent—which Sanjaya gave Shona to save—for these two years, which makes it seem like Sanjaya has two children. Even Shona also called him Papa.

"Hurry up and finish your breakfast; I will take you before going to the branch restaurant. There are some things I must take care of this morning," said Sanjaya.

"No need, Papa. Sho-chan and I will go with Hema and Mahesa. They will pick us up," replied Rasya, who got a nod from Sanjaya.

It was normal for Rasya and Shona to go and go home with Hema and Mahesa. Their families also know each other quite well, especially Hema's parents, one of Sanjaya's business partners. They have a menu that is sold at the Sanjaya restaurant.

"You already know your class, Sho-chan?" asked Rasya, bribing her food.

Shona, who was still busy shaping lettuce and tomatoes in various shapes, nodded slowly, "I saw the class division yesterday," she answered without shifting focus.

"Are we classmates?"

"I Don't know. But I'm in the same class as Radevan in biology." Shona turned around, smiling, showing her teeth.

Rasya chuckled, giving her cousin a bright glance.

"Papa is curious as to what Radevan is. Since yesterday Sho-chan has been busy asking about dishes suitable for the lunch she will give," said Sanjaya.

"He's a new student, Papa. Just transferred last semester. And Sho-chan was fascinated because Radevan lent her a pen when Sho-chan's pencil case was left," Rasya replied and ate her food.

"Wow.. that means he's a good boy,"

"That's right! He's excellent, Papa. He's also tall, and I heard he's going to participate in the basketball tournament this semester. Yo knows, even though he's a new student but has been trusted to join the tournament; it means his ability is great, right?" Shona was enthusiastic, excited to see Sanjaya, who had just said a word of praise for her crush.

Sanjaya smiled and nodded in agreement, making Shona even more passionate and enthusiastic about telling the figure of her classmate named Radevan. Rasya, busy eating her breakfast, glanced at Shona with an embarrassed glance, shook her head slowly, and then turned to her food again. Rasha is hungry.

"He's also smart; he won 3rd place this semester, even though he's a new student. He's also friendly and very smiling. And more..."

Sanjaya raised an eyebrow, waiting for Shona to finish the sentence that seemed to hang with a face that suddenly turned red, looking down at the sandwich in front of her.

"...he is handsome."

'ugh!'

Rasya choked hearing that, grabbed a glass of water, and drank it. Sanjaya smiled, trying not to laugh.

"I don't think you need to go to school, Sho-chan. You won't be able to absorb lessons because your brain is already full of Radevan," said Rasya.

"I'm just stating facts, you know! He's interesting anyway."

"Nope."

Shona chuckled, placed the sandwich in the lunch box, and closed it.

"Yes, for you, what is interesting is only Na—" Not finishing his sentence, Shona was silenced by Rasya.

"Who?" Sanjaya squinted.

Rasya smiled at Sanjaya and shook her head slowly without breaking her silence on Shona.

"N—nothing, Papa. Sho-chan was making up." Rasya replied without paying attention to Shona hitting her arm, asking to let go of her hand in Shona's mouth.

"But-"

Before Sanjaya could finish his sentence, the doorbell rang. And now Sanjaya couldn't help but stand up and open the door to his house.

Not long after, there was a familiar sound of footsteps and exclamations.

"Good morning!"

It was Hema's voice. The sweet one with chestnut-coloured hair, with a broad smile on her lips. Without a word, she stood between Rasya and Shona; then, her hand reached out casually to grab the apple on the table.

Rasya and Shona did not protest at all. It does happen every day. They were used to it because Hema was already considered family.

"Have you eaten, Hema? Let's have breakfast together," said Sanjaya, returning to his seat.

"Yes, Mommy just made a meat sandwich. Ah, just like Shona's," said Hema looking at the sandwich in front of Shona.

"That's a sandwich for Radevan, you know," Rasya replied.

Hema turned her head and put on a mischievous smile at Shona, who now looked slightly annoyed with Rasya and Hema. It was sure that the two of them would tease her all out.

"I'll show you later. You'll see. I'll show Papa that you're with Na—"

Again, Rasya swiftly covered Shona's mouth.

"Ah, it's noon. I haven't seen my class, Papa. We're leaving first," said Rasya, rising from her seat and pulling Shona without releasing her silence. Shona struggled, standing with difficulty reaching for the lunch box in front of her.

"But Shona hasn't had breakfast yet, Acha!" said Sanjaya, exclaiming slightly.

"I'll buy her breakfast in the cafeteria!" Rasya then pulled Shona out of the dining room.

"But—"

"We have to go, Papa. Love you!"

Hema just scratched the back of her head and ended up nodding politely at Sanjaya as a sign of farewell, then half running after Rasya and Shona. They had already headed for the jeep driven by Mahesa—Hema's brother—waiting for them.

Sanjaya shook his head slowly, smiling at that. It wasn't that he didn't understand. Sanjaya knew what the two pretty teenagers were talking about earlier. Still, with a faint smile, Sanjaya turned towards the photo on the wall; a beautiful woman smiled sweetly with Sanjaya and little Rasya.

"You see, honey. Acha has started her life."

***

"Mahesa, hurry up! I haven't done my summer geometry assignment," Hema shook Mahesa's chair.

Mahesa glanced through the top rearview mirror and spun the ball. "Who told you to laze around all summer and not do your homework?" Mahesa's scorn.

"It's not my fault if I get carried away by the holiday mood, okay? Isn't it nice to have a boyfriend? Reminds me of work," Hema stomped her foot on the dashboard, making Mahesa glare, but returned his attention to the road in front of him.

"I've repeatedly reminded you to do your homework, Hema." Rasya shook her head. Hema is smart but sometimes stupid. Her friends are sometimes incomprehensible.

"I think even if you try to tell Hema all the time about assignments, if it's still a vacation, it won't work, Acha." Shona, who was in the front seat, now chimed in and got a nod from Mahesa.

"I just... I was getting too carried away!" Hema had no other answer.

"In other words, you are lazy," Mahesa added.

"Mahesa Lee!" Hema exclaimed, then hit the back of Mahesa's head. Mahesa flinched in surprise, and luckily the light was red, so they stopped; Mahesa turned around and was about to reply to Hema, but Hema pressed her body against Rasya.

"Ugh, Hema." Rasya pushed Hema's shoulder because Hema almost fell on Rasya's tiny body. But Hema and Mahesa are still busy hitting each other.

"You'll see. I'll tell daddy if you don't do your homework and hit me on the head! I'm the big brother!" Mahesa grumbled in annoyance and went back to running his car.

Shona grimaced, gently patting Mahesa's arm, hoping to quell his annoyance at Hema.

It was not a scene foreign to Rasya and Shona, by the way. They did often see the Lee's fighting even over trivial things.

"It's up to you. We all know dad will defend me," Hema answered nonchalantly.

Mahesa ignores Hema.

"You can't hit Mahesa's head. No matter how stupid he is, Mahesa is still older than you," Rasya advised Hema—for the thousandth time.

"I don't know whether I should feel happy or sad because of your words, Acha," Mahesa grumbled.

Rasya just smiled innocently, which made Hema giggle. And Shona, who was also holding back laughter by covering her mouth.

And their journey to school is now over. Mahesa parked the car, Shona headed to her biology class, and Rasya walked to her geometry class together with Hema. Hema quickly copied Rasya's assignment. And as always, take a side-by-side position.

Rasya continued the literary novel she had been reading since summer when her ears caught voices outside the classroom door. More specifically, laughter. Rasya turned her head and nudged Hema—who was still busy copying- twitched her chin at them.

"What? I can't take my eyes off because I'm in speed mode," Hema replied, still copying.

"You said you wanted to find a boyfriend, right? That," Rasya nudged Hema repeatedly until finally, Hema raised her face in annoyance.

Then Hema blushed for a moment.

Rasya smirked. It's no secret that Hema has a crush on Sadewa Andaru, one of the Andaru brothers—yes, they are twins. Shona and Mahesa know about it, let alone Rasya. Even Hema's parents knew. Because actually, Sadewa Andaru and Nakula Andaru are twin sons of Denna's —mommy Hema— best friends, Prabu Andaru and Tania Hasian.

Sanjaya also knows them. They often hold a gathering to play bowling or have a drink. However, that does not mean that Rasya and Hema are familiar with the twins. They don't greet each other even though they have been in the same school since pre-school.

Either because every parent gets together, the kids never join, or their league is different. But they have never spoken to each other.

Then how, Hema, can like Sadewa? Well, the answer is very easy. Because the whole school also likes Sadewa plus Nakula.

The twins were undoubtedly popular students since middle school. They will be popular with handsome faces, charming smiles, sports stars, and pretty good grades. Perfect, right?

Hema and Rasya could have asked Mahesa for help because he is also a basketball star and a gang member with Sadewa and Nakula. However, once again, if Hema and Mahesa's relationship wasn't complicated, and if Rasya wasn't too lazy to stare at those popular people, they would get close to them easily.

No, no. First, Rasya doesn't need to be in doubt about the visuals. It's not that Hema and Rasya are unpopular. They are also popular in their way. Rasya is very beautiful. And Hema? Her cute face, which is always decorated with an annoying smile, makes anyone jealous. Of course, because Hema is sociable.

Yes, although sometimes she is careless and forced to copy Rasya's assignments, like now. Hema is the most intelligent student in her class. By mastering four languages ​​(English, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese), Hema several times brought their school to the debate Olympics and brought gold medals, which at least every month will be announced on the school radio.

Oh, don't forget that Hema likes to sing. Her voice? No need to doubt.

Meanwhile, Rasya is the chairman of the theater club, which has appeared on broadway several times. It became a conversation because she appeared on Times Square streets. She even participated in world-class competitions in Switzerland, even though she did not bring a medal. And yes, the only thing they have in common in their friendship is; singing. Rasya also likes to sing.

But still, they feel that their league is still different from the Andaru brothers.

Back to Rasya, who was still elbowing Hema because Hema immediately looked down, not wanting to stare at Sadewa any longer.

"Why don't you just try?" Rasya whispered.

Hema stopped writing for a moment. "What? Asking him out?" Rasya nodded. "It's not that easy, idiot." Hema annoyed.

"What's so hard about it? Just take it, right," Rasya raised an eyebrow. Hema stopped writing and pursed her lips. But then a sly smile spread across her face.

"Why are you smiling like that?" Rasya is familiar with the sly smile that will not bring anything good to her. "How about you?"

"Me? Why me?" Rasya asked, confused.

"You asked Nakula out on a date. If it works, I'll ask Sadewa on a date," Hema's smile hasn't disappeared. Rasya raised her eyebrows high. "Why me?"

"Because you like him~" the tone at the end of the word felt even more annoying in Rasya's mind.

"No, I don't," Rasya answered flatly.

"Yes, you do."

"No, I don't."

"Oh, come on! If you don't like him, explain about you staring at him and stealing glances at him!" Hema rolled her eyes, though that sly smile didn't leave her lips either.

"You know I'm looking at him because of your stupid crush, Hema. Just a little surprised that they're twins but completely different." This time she rolled her eyes.

"They're not identical twins," Hema shrugged. "Whatever," Rasya mumbled giddily.

"So?"

"So what?"

"You're going to ask him out, right?"

"Not in a million years, Hema. Besides, don't use me as a benchmark if you want to ask him out. Because it's about how you feel, not me. Grow a fucking balls, will you?" there it is, snarky remarks by Rasya Arunika, ladies and gentlemen.

Hema pouted and was about to reply to the comment but immediately closed it again when Mr. Sheppard entered the classroom.

"Mrs Arunika, can you collect the homework for the whole class?" Mr Sheppard looked questioningly at Rasya from behind his glasses. Rasya immediately got up after taking her homework and Hema- which had been finished—and walked around the room.

"Yes, Mr Sheppard."

"And what are you doing there, Mr Lee?"

Hema gasped in surprise, thinking of the worst-case scenario that Mr Sheppard caught her copying Rasya's assignment, but was relieved when he realized that it was not Hema Lee who the teacher reprimanded, but Ferdy Lee.

Sometimes Hema forgets that she's not the only one with the Lee surname here. And it seems that Rasya also forgot because Hema saw Rasya sigh of relief and smiled a little at Hema.

Ignore the screams at the front of the class and the laughter in the back.