10 CHAPTER 10

I rushed to the Faculty of Arts building to reunite with Reynadi, as we had promised yesterday.

Since morning the message I sent to him has not been answered, even though I was already curious. Did he have a sweet dream after seeing my photo?

He's quite a chill person, it must be fun to tease him like yesterday. His sweet smile is tough to forget, if only last night could bring him into a dream, not even that damn nightmare.

Buugghhh'

I was so excited I ignored the surroundings, a girl almost fell because of the collision.

"Nada...."

"Gosh, Michi...sorry, huh."

"It's okay, I'm fine. Are you in such a hurry?"

"Oh, it's going to the Studio."

"Oh... that's it, I'm on my way."

Michelle grabbed her canvas and painting tools that had fallen and scattered about.

I helped her tidy up her writing utensils. Luckily nothing was damaged, so I didn't feel comfortable making it.

"Do you have a painting practice?"

"Yeah, in the park over there... do you want to come with me?"

I nodded slowly. "I have an appointment to learn piano with Rey."

"Oh ... ok, then I'll go first, okay."

"Bye, Michi... if there's another chance, I'd like to see your painting."

"I happen to have a private Studio at home, you can stop by to have a look if you want."

"Really?"

"Yeah, just let me know if you want to visit."

I am very happy to be able to try new friendships apart from Rafi and Andini. So lucky to meet someone as good as Michi.

"I'll stop by."

"Okay, I'll wait. I'll go first, okay... my mentor is a bit strict, you can't be a little late."

"Okay, bye-bye, Michi."

"Bye, Nad."

I returned to continue my journey to the studio. The music artist had just finished practicing, so I decided to wait until it was quiet to check.

The sound of music played in the room, not just the piano but another instrument—the violin.

I tried to see through the gap in the door, it seemed that Rey was playing a duet with a pianist—perhaps his college friend.

I don't know what symphony or song they're playing, but they look so good together like a beautiful harmony.

Who is that girl? She looks graceful and also... beautiful. I should have realized that many people as handsome as Reynaldi would approach her.

Without feeling my tears condense like a disappointment. I know that I am nothing to him, so why should it hurt?

I intended to leave the Studio, but unfortunately, I was in a rush I ignored my surroundings and ended up colliding with a storage box.

Bruuggghh'

It hurts, it's not much, but it's a shame that it reaches the crown. The two of them were shocked and immediately approached me and helped me get up. It was such a shame.

"Hi, are you okay?" the girl asked.

"Y-yes, I'm fine."

Reynadi stared at me intently. "If you've come, why don't you come in?"

Am I that crazy to annoy people who are having fun together?

"Just arrived, really," I said.

"You know Ray?" the girl asked.

"Oh ... she's the one I told you about earlier. Flo, this is Nada. Nad, this is Floretta, call me Flo."

What did he tell you? Did he say to his friends that I was less than an ounce?

"Hi, Flo... nice to meet you."

"Hi too, Nada ... this is the first time Rey has friends other than me."

Friend?! I want to cheer, apparently they are just friends, thank God.

"We only know each other, we're not friends yet," Rey interjected, piercing his words.

"Oh... I see. You want me to take you to the Medical Room?"

"N-no needs, I'll just go home."

"Why go home? Let me treat it in the infirmary, come on."

"It doesn't hurt, I just want to go home."

Before I could walk away, Reynadi pulled my bag. "You said you wanted to study."

"You guys are practicing."

"Practice together, why really? Or... you just bragged yesterday when you said you wanted to study?"

"N-no, it's not like that... I'm serious about that, but...."

"You two practice alone, I have to hurry home," interrupted Floretta.

"Well, that's that then."

"No problem, right, Nad?"

Problem? Of course not, in fact I would be very grateful to her. It seems that today God is pouring out his love for me.

"Yeah, no problem."

"Later, we'll practice together if we get a chance."

"Yes, of course."

Floretta put in her violin, seeing her proudly carrying the violin made me envious. I think they look cool...so cool in fact.

"I'll go first, okay. Bye Rey, Nada."

"Bye..."

Floretta was gone, now it was just the two of us in this Studio. Rey sat back down where he had been, then his fingers started to play on the piano keys. My eyes were glued again, seeing it like now is like seeing a beautiful painting.

"Why are you still standing?"

"Ah ... I'll find a seat first."

"It's still a relief here, isn't it. Otherwise, you can sit down."

Well, it might seem normal for him, but it feels explosive for me right now.

I sat right beside him, listening and watching him give directions.

"Want to continue yesterday?"

"Can I change to a new song?"

"Which one would you like to try? Mozart? Beethoven?"

"Honestly I only know one symphony, so I don't understand either."

"Try to often look for various symphonies on the internet, then choose one for you to learn."

"The one you and Flo played, what symphony was it?"

"Ah, that's... River Flows In You, Yiruma's creation."

"Can you teach me?"

"Can... it's good, right?"

"Yes, it tastes like candy."

"It means?" he asked, frowning.

"The music sounds sweet, I dunno . . . just like that."

Reynadi smiled faintly. "Your taste in music and judgment is also good. The river flows in you is a romantic and sweet song, I agree."

"Thanks, you know... even though I was just guessing."

Reynadi gave me the sheet music for the song, which was easier to understand because it was written by himself.

I slowly played note after note, Rey just oversaw me. I know that my game is still rough, but you can do it if you keep learning.

"It's better, maybe you have talent in music," he praised.

"Ray...."

"Yes, why?"

"Can you play for me?"

"Haven't you seen it before?"

I nodded slowly. "I just want to hear the piano version."

Rey, standing behind me, is now sitting right next to me. "As you said, imagine a sweet thing...."

I understand without you explaining because now I feel the melody penetrate my heart's recesses. Time seemed to have stopped and my eyes were only on you who was immersed in the melody.

I seemed to understand what he was trying to convey through that rhythm. A pure and sweet love, as if the world looks like heaven even though it's only us.

Even though it was only a piece of lyrics that he sang softly, his melodious voice seemed to blend with the melody he was playing.

I didn't know what was inside of me, suddenly a feeling of happiness in my chest welled up and tears. No... these weren't tears of sadness but tears of joy that seemed to overflow.

If I could describe it, it was as if I found an Oasis in the middle of a barren desert... just as I seemed to see a bright light in the night when I saw his calm face.

What a sweet song and beautiful moment, if I could stop time, I might have done it for you.

I want to hold your hand to express the happiness that comes from nowhere, but when I see the tears that are also condensing in your eyelids, this hand accidentally moves by itself.

"Don't ever cry..." he whispered.

Instantly our eyes met. I felt that time had stopped, only our heartbeats getting louder and louder.