1 The Beginning

I woke up to the sound of thunder. Ten to six o'clock. I better wake up now. It was raining despite it being early in the morning.

I started doing my morning routine before school starts. Taking a bath, getting my bag ready, applying light make up, doing my hair, and finally having breakfast with my family.

"Morning mom, morning dad" I greeted my parents who were already sitting together and ready to have breakfast. They only smiled and they kissed me on my forehead.

The breakfast finally served by my maids. So, I had breakfast with silence. Don't misunderstand, we're not a hating each other. It's just, we're quiet. After that I finished my food, I got up and ready to go to my room and leave for school, "Bring an umbrella, wear jacket sweetie. It's going to get really cold" My mom said while handing me an umbrella. "Thanks mom" I smiled and took my jacket with me before I got out.

I was waiting for the chauffeur to get the car and my friend. The car arrived, I got in and there he was, already sitting.

My name is Rani. And beside me is Bumi, my friend. I am a businessman daughter, and we're kinda well off. Maybe not the richest in town. But still, we're quite rich. Bumi is my childhood friend. He is raised in my mansion, as a gardener son. It's not like my family cared so much about social status, so I keep befriending him.

Or should I say, I keep liking him. I have a crush on him since a few years ago, and this feeling only grew stronger each year. But that's it. I dare not to confess my feelings. I'm afraid of his rejection.

"Have you prepared my present?" he break the silence. I nodded, "yea, of course. And this year's present is something that you will remember for the rest of your life."

He chuckled. Tomorrow is his 17th birthday, he is a year older than me. His friends and I planned to throw a small party in a restaurant nearby. I always do this for him every year. I smiled and I remembered my present for him. A wallet. I figured he had a worn out wallet and I want to change that, because I know he would never let himself splurge even a little. He's so selfless

As we were nearing the school, the car stopped and I stepped out of the car followed by Bumi. I thanked the chauffeur and walked towards my class.

"Rani!!" the voice of someone rang through my ears, so loud. But she is my best friend, Mori. I gave her the questioned look.

"Someone dropped something on your desk this morning, intentionally. Again" it means I got another confession from someone, again. Eventhough I've already make it clear to everyone that I'm not interested in them and I have someone I like, they just keep coming.

I sighed. The letter stated that this person wanted me to come to the willow tree after school. It is the most favorited place for confession because of some stupid rumor saying whoever confessed there, their love will last for a long time. What a pity, he will only get rejected.

***

The next day was Saturday. I was doing my hair and putting on a dress. Not so extravagant. Just a simple grey dress like this

I also only put on makeup as natural as possible. I checked the time and figured I have 30 minutes until the party started. So, I immediately took my bag and stormed off to find Bumi, who is already waiting in the hall looking at his watch. I grinned, feeling sorry for making him wait for me. Bumi just rolled his eyes and took my hand and lead me to the car. Yes, the very same car and the very same chauffeur that drove me every morning to school.

I arrived at the restaurant with Bumi. Obviously, my job is only to bring Bumi here. His friends and Mori are already inside, waiting for us.

"Happy Birthday!" they shouted at Bumi. And Bumi was immediately led to his seat in the edge of the table.

After that, the cake came out. Bumi made a wish and blew the candle. While waiting for the food to come, we gave Bumi his present. It really is small party, it only consists of 9 people including me and Bumi.

Bumi opened the present one by one. And then he opened the present from me. Bumi smiled and looked straight at me warmly, "you know me too well, Ran" I smiled and blushed a little.

The night went smoothly. And then it's time to go home. So I went home together with Bumi.

It's already so late but I couldn't sleep. I remembered the event a few hours ago when Bumi smiled warmly at me and his cute dimple showed up making me feel suffocated of his tenderness.

I gave up and walked outside for some fresh air. I walked to the garden because it is the only place that could ease my mind whenever i feel restless.

To my surprise, I found Bumi sat on a bench looking at a bud of rose in his hands. "Bumi?" I called and he turned his head. He was startled but offered me to sit beside him, which I gladly accept.

I sat next to him and followed his gaze to the rose in his hands. I couldn't understand what he was thinking, so I looked at him.

But he turned his head and looked at my eyes.

I was surprised, but I couldn't avert my gaze from his beautiful deep dark brown eyes.