Chapter 14 : 4.246

The week has changed again. They still couldn't find Sofi. Nobody talked about it as long as Billy was with them. But Dara couldn't hold it anymore. Dara intends to visit Sofi's house after she finishes her work.

Meanwhile, they also get news that Billy's parents have returned. No one dared to ask Billy how his parents were at the moment. Even Tiara, also chose to remain silent. While Leo and Dara don't even know how to talk to Billy normally. They are still confused about the situation they are in.

This afternoon Dara had lunch at her house because she had to make another video call with Prof. John who seems increasingly interested in Dara's ideas. They were still discussing various details of the work before Dara officially enrolled at the university where Prof. John teaches.

As Dara was on her way back to the hall to finish her work, she saw Mr. Reynold's car pass in front of her. At a glance he saw that Mr. Reynold was already talking normally with his wife who was also there. The car passed only a few moments, Dara could not conclude much how their condition. But at least Dara is sure that the two of them are not fighting.

Arriving at the hall, Dara realized that the conditions there were different. They were all silent most of the time. Not much sound was heard. Dara works in silence too. She is still working on developing her website. Now Billy was back to help her.

Time flies when Dara is busy with her work. Just as she was getting ready to go home, someone entered their hall. Sofi was standing there. Everyone was silent. Tiara noticed Billy who was looking down while holding the bag in his hand.

Dara felt a cold atmosphere with fear. Dara remembers this feeling when she first came to the police station to see the progress of her family's accident case. Dara wanted to run and hug Sofi who she could finally see again. But her legs seemed to freeze. She had difficulty moving her body.

Sofi moved closer to them. She still lowered her face deeply. Tiara approached her, hugged her tightly. They both burst into tears. Billy looked like he was about to leave, but Leo grabbed his arm to hold him back. Dara saw them. She still didn't know what to do.

"I'm so sorry," Sofi said sobbing in Tiara's arms. Dara began to shed tears as well while looking at them, still standing behind her desk.

Billy was still looking down. Leo's grip started to loosen, he was pretty sure Billy wouldn't leave. Leo wanted this problem to be resolved immediately. He didn't want them to keep hiding from each other. While Dara understands, she also wants to hide. She couldn't bear to see what might happen. She was afraid. Afraid that their friendship will end because of this problem.

Tiara let go of her hand slowly. Tears were still streaming down their cheeks. Dara is still watching. Then she brought Sofi closer to Billy who didn't dare to look at her.

"I'm sorry, Bill," said Sofi. Tears welled up in her eyes and she fell to the ground, sitting on her knees.

Tiara hugs her again. Leo began to feel like Dara felt. He began to be unable to see what was happening in front of him.

"I'm sorry, Bill. I'm so sorry," said Sofi still sobbing.

Billy sat languidly in his chair. He released his grip on the bag that he had been holding tightly for a long time. Leo did the same. He began to slump in his chair. Dara began to venture closer to Sofi. She held her cold hand trying to strengthen her.

Tiara started to stand up. Dara was a little worried about what she might say to Billy. Dara didn't have the guts to hear Tiara's words, which were often too bold. "Billy, now is your time to choose. Do you want to stand with us or not?" Tiara asked quite clearly.

Billy lowered his face. His tears just flowed. Dara did not dare to look at his face that looked devastated. Dara didn't want Tiara to push him too hard.

Leo approached Billy who was still silent. Holding his shoulders for strength. Until finally Billy started to speak, "I have forgiven you from the start. But that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt me."

Sofi cried louder at Billy's words. Dara could only hold her hand tightly. She felt her pain. But Dara also couldn't ignore the pain that Billy felt.

"Thanks Bil, we won't leave you guys," Tiara said while holding back her tears. "It may take a process for you to accept each other. But at least you guys want to try to do it."

***

Leo asked Billy out. They didn't go home right away. They left Tiara, Sofi, and Dara in the hall. Sofi's sobs were still heard as they left. Tiara and Dara are still trying to calm her down.

"I have to go away for a while," Sofi said finally breaking the silence.

"No, you can't go anymore," said Dara, unable to control her feelings.

"I have to go Dara, I'll be back." Tears were still streaming down Sofi's face.

"No, you can't go." This time, Dara's tears really flowed freely. She doesn't like being separated. Dara doesn't want it.

"I'll be back Dar, you don't have to worry." Sofi spoke in the midst of sobs.

"When? When are you coming back?"

Sofi was silent. She didn't have an answer either.

"No, Sof, you can't go. You can't leave me." Dara began to lose control. Emotions peaked. She even forgot that she had just accomplished her new feat. She has now recovered. Her tears were flowing again.

"Dara," Tiara called her softly. But Dara ignored it.

"Sof, you can't leave me," she said, crying even harder. Tiara turned her face away. She couldn't bear to see the scene before her.

Sofi was still silent while sobbing in her tears, couldn't do anything. Dara realized she did not have the strength to hold her, but Dara couldn't let go of her best friend. She couldn't. She doesn't want to.

***

A few days after Sofi left, Dara lost her will to talk. She understood Billy's feelings were hurt, but she couldn't speak to him much. Dara didn't blame him, but she couldn't deny that she didn't like the situation.

"I have to go home," said Dara to her friends. Dara is used to going home first, but in the past few days they have realized that there have been real changes in Dara since Sofi left.

"Where did Sofi go?" asked Billy beyond what Leo and Tiara expected.

They didn't answer right away until Billy asked again. "Where did she go?"

"She went to her grandmother's house in Surabaya," Tiara answered slowly. Awkwardness overcame them.

"How about her study?" asked Billy again.

"She said she was on leave," replied Tiara again. They were silent again.

Leo couldn't stand the situation they were in. He just walked away leaving his two friends. Tiara sees him leaving sadly.

"Looks like we all need some time to process everything that happened." Tiara started. "I'm sorry if I forced you too hard."

"I thank you that you never gave up on bringing us all together." Billy finally had the courage to speak his heart out. "I don't hate Sofi, I just can't accept what she did."

"I understand. You don't need to force yourself to suppress the pain you're feeling."

"I was afraid of losing my parents. I don't want to lose my friends either."

Tiara lowered her face. She realized that their friendship was now on the edge.

"If I really need to endure the pain I'm feeling, I'll do it," Billy said again. Tiara couldn't say anything. Billy took his bag, he nodded briefly indicating to say goodbye and then left Tiara alone there.

Billy knew where he had to go. He came to the place he often went with Leo. They often came to the only coffee shop near their cluster area. Not a big shop, but comfortable enough. His other friends didn't even know there was such a place near her cluster. The shop is a bit far from the main road.

Billy saw Leo's motorbike parked there. He quickly entered and walked over to Leo who, as expected, was sitting where they used to chat together. Leo noticed his presence.

Billy walked over to Leo, seated himself there. Leo was silent, he was reluctant to say anything to anyone. "I'm sorry," Billy told him.

"It's definitely not your fault."

"Tiara worked hard to bring us all together."

"Maybe we all need some time." Leo wasn't sure what he was saying.

"We may need some time, but during that time, Tiara will continue to grieve because we don't talk to each other. Dara won't be able to act normally as long as Sofi doesn't come back. And you too will continue like this."

Leo didn't deny it. He realized the same thing. But he didn't have a solution to fix everything.

"You don't have to endure all this." Billy started again. "The problem is with me."

"But we don't want you to sacrifice."

"But I have to." Leo was silent. He couldn't allow that. He didn't want to hurt his best friend. Everyone understood how Billy felt. They didn't want to add his suffering by forcing him to accept people who hurt his family. "I don't blame Sofi. My father was wrong too. My mother may have a hard time accepting this. But for me, it was enough to see them back together. I don't want to lose Sofi either."

Leo still doesn't know what he can do for their friendship. He didn't even dare ask Billy what his real plans were. Billy realized Leo needed time to think. He took out his cell phone then showed something to Leo.

Leo looked at it and didn't understand the picture Billy was shown. A screenshot of a facebook post about a year ago from an account named 4.246. A photo of a vase that looks cracked is posted there. He read the text below. "Kintsugi. The technique of reassembling broken ceramics to create a new work of art. Something that has been broken and is often considered useless can be repaired and even produce something more beautiful."

He contemplated the writing while lowering his head. The post is correct. Their friendship is broken, but that doesn't mean they can't put it back together. The friendship they rekindled could be more beautiful than before.

"You know who posted this?" Billy asked starting to melt. His words this time were not as tense as when he talked about the problems they were going through.

"Who?"

"Dara," Billy replied with a slight smile.

"Dara?" Leo took Billy's cell phone and looked at the facebook account carefully.

The account was created quite a while ago. Leo saw the posts in it containing many short outpourings in the form of poetry. There are also posted some encouraging quotes. The account is followed by thousands of people now. But there are no more posts from that account since a few months ago.

"How did you know it was her? I think she doesn't use social media," Leo asked quite excitedly this time.

Billy smiled before answering his question. "I already knew it was her account when I was in college."

Leo was quite surprised to hear that. He didn't expect Billy finally have the courage to tell him about Dara. Leo briefly remembered Dara's questions about Billy. If Billy now told him everything, he could give a valid answer if Dara asked again.

"You've known her for a long time?"

"I've known her for a long time. Since childhood. But I started to find out about her since high school."

"You like her since high school?"

"I don't know how I feel. I just know I adore her. She is very nice. She's not perfect, but she's like a dream to me."

Leo had to admit he was a bit awkward at Billy's sudden confession. If they weren't in the problem they are in right now, Leo would want to make fun of him. He was also curious about Billy's next story.

"Then how do you know this account? There's no Dara's name there."

"Now there is none. In the past, the name was still Andara Gunawan. She changed it a few years ago."

"So this account is really her?"

"Yeah, that's the only social media account she has. I just watched her from a far. When she was in college she didn't have many friends. At the beginning of her college she still likes to interact with her high school friends. But in the end they stopped communicating as well."

"How do you know all that?" Leo asked in almost disbelief.

"I was initially afraid to say something I already knew about Dara before she said it because I've been her secret fan for a long time."

Leo was starting to be amused this time. He forgot about their troubles a bit. Billy's move had succeeded in distracting Leo from his pain.

"I know Tiara's feelings for me," Billy said again making Leo even more excited with their conversation.

"Has she spoken to you?" Leo looks very excited.

"Of course not. But who can't see even though she's good at hiding it."

"At what moment did you know?"

"I'm not sure when. We've been friends for a long time. So, Sofi's problem is just a pebble in our friendship. In the future there may be new problems regarding this love triangle."

Leo finally laughed. Billy is a good person. Leo had to admit it. But a small thought crossed his mind, what if it's not just a love triangle. It could have been a love square or even a pentagon if Laura was involved. He chuckled in his thoughts. He couldn't even imagine it happening even if it was only in his head. He didn't have time to understand his own feelings. But there was something more important right now, Billy's feelings.

"Are you going to tell Dara how you feel?"

"She doesn't like me," Billy replied lightly.

"She likes other guy?" Leo asked a little hopeful.

"Even if she likes another guy, it's not you," Billy said quickly. He also realized that male and female friendships are very vulnerable in maintaining feelings.

Leo chuckled hearing Billy getting jealous. He also realized that Billy didn't like when he getting close to Dara.

"We need to be careful if we don't want to hurt other people," Billy began to get serious. "I realized, I didn't care about Tiara's feelings."

"You're right. We need to be careful."

Sofi who is not careful with her feelings, in the end now she had to suffer the consequences. Leo realized he could hurt other people too. Anyone can hurt. Humans are not perfect, but at least he needs to try his best.

The next day, they all went back to work. Billy and Leo had gotten along well and were almost behaving like they used to before they got into trouble. Tiara was quite surprised to see them. She was happy when things started to be better. While Dara is still the same. She still couldn't accept Sofi left. It's still so hard for her. She loves Sofi too much.

Leo slightly avoided Dara's gaze when Dara passed him. Dara realized it, but she didn't really care. Leo himself was afraid that Dara would ask him again about Billy's feelings. Leo wasn't very good at lying and Dara almost always managed to get him to talk.

"What's the matter?" Dara asked, starting to get suspicious.

"What is wrong with me?" Leo asked clearly making Dara even more suspicious. Luckily Dara's mood is still not good so she has no intention of questioning him.

***

Dean was still brooding in his office alone. He didn't want to do anything anymore. Mr. Yogi says he can apply again next year, but Dean has lost his temper. He was like a child who had just been scolded by his parents.

Mr. Yogi had just left Dean's room when he got an email from Prof. John. Mr. Yogi smiled broadly reading the message written there. He immediately returned to Dean's room and found him still sitting there languidly. Mr. Yogi tried to adjust his tone to look formal as usual. Dean didn't pay much attention to him at first.

"I got the latest news from Prof. John. He said the previously selected candidate had resigned and did not register at the campus where Prof. John teaches. Now the place was empty and Prof. John personally offered you to be his student."

Dean couldn't believe what he was hearing. His face immediately lit up again. He straightened his body and was still speechless. He couldn't hide his happiness.

"Get the registration papers ready," Dean said excitedly. "We have to hurry."

Dean tried to understand the mixed feelings in his heart. He did not know why Dara suddenly resigned. But whatever the reason, he felt his dream had returned. His plan could be realized again. He almost burst into tears of happiness that he probably hadn't felt in a long time. He had often felt satisfaction, but that feeling did not make him happy.

***

Again Dara felt pain in the left side of her head. But this time the intensity has decreased. In the midst of her friends starting to fuss over their success in getting the number of users that have exceeded the target, Dara is still holding back the pain.

Lately her sleep has been irregular because she needs to divide her time between her project and her conversation with Prof. John. Although she finally decided to resign, she gained a lot of knowledge during the discussions she had with him.

Dara had to admit for a while she wanted to take revenge on Dean. She wanted to snatch his dream. Dara wants to get what Dean wants. But Dara's conscience refuses to continue to do so. She didn't want to destroy other people. Finally she calmed her ego and gave up the golden opportunity that was offered to her. Dara thinks she doesn't really want it either. She didn't want her ego to blind her. Even though Dean was so annoying in her eyes, she couldn't hurt him. She couldn't live with guilt.

Dara was lost in her thoughts until she didn't realize that the noise made by her friend was starting to disappear. Tiara and Billy weren't there. She didn't even notice when they left. Leo was still tidying up some files on his desk. Dara approached him slowly. Dara intends to ask the whereabouts of the other two friends.

Leo was still afraid that Dara would interrogate him. He didn't want to be the one to divulge Billy's true feelings. But when Dara approached, Leo realized Dara was not okay.

"Are you all right?" he asked, looking very panicked. Dara immediately saw Leo was very alert.

"My head hurts," Dara answered casually.

"Let me take you home," Leo said. This time Leo looks like a real man, not just a friend she knows.

They felt awkward for a moment. Dara doesn't like it. She felt deja vu, but the last time they had this feeling, there was Tiara among them. Dara immediately woke herself up.

"It's not gonna work," Dara said with an amused smile on her face. Dara felt a little silly.

"I know," Leo said, holding back a laugh. He also smiled amusedly. Leo immediately understood Dara's meaning without she has to explain. He had the same feeling.

Dara then left him. She needed a breath of fresh air to neutralize that situation. She couldn't imagine if anything was different between her and Leo. She smiled amused again. Feelings are complicated to understand. But one thing Dara realized, at least for now, she didn't want anything different between her and Leo.

While Leo couldn't hold back his laughter, even though his laughter was silent. He couldn't even imagine what might have happened. He didn't really understand it, but just like Dara he felt that he didn't want anything to be different between him and Dara. In his daydream he didn't think of Billy at all. He then smiled and returned to his work.

Day after day passed, Dara had begun to accept that Sofi had gone. Now the rhythm of her life has returned to normal. She has returned to life slowly and is also resting well. Her head didn't hurt anymore.

When he was about to go home, Leo cleared his throat to get his friends attention. "I have a little announcement." Dara, Tiara, and Billy approached him. Leo then threw the pile of envelopes on his desk. A wide smile grew on his face.

"This is our first money from this project."

Dara and her two other friends smiled happily. Dara and Tiara hug. Billy couldn't hold to hug Leo either. Even though Leo didn't seem willing to accept it. They finally received the fruits of their hard work. Their project is now stable. Their website traffic and users are also getting more and more increase. Now their friendship has also be better. In fact, they understand each other even more now.

In the midst of their happiness, the voice of someone Dara knew called her name. "Dara."

Dara let go of Tiara's arms and turned to the source of the sound. "Sofi." Dara half screamed when she saw her best friend appeared in front of her again. She and Tiara hugged her tightly watched by Leo and Billy who also looked happy. Dara's happiness has multiplied.

***

Dara continued to hold Sofi's hand. She didn't want her best friend to leave her again. Billy still looked awkward, but after the conversation he and Sofi had the day before, they seemed to be fine. Unbeknownst to his friends, Billy tried to contact Sofi. They talk to each other and let out all their emotions. Billy finally realized that Sofi was also experiencing pain he couldn't imagine. But most importantly, Sofi had realized that she had made a mistake, and she wanted to make things right.

Sofi told her friends that she wouldn't be there long. She still decided to live temporarily with his grandmother in Surabaya. But that doesn't mean she won't visit her friends.

"Now the era of virtual freedom, you don't have to stop working with us," said Dara.

"Yeah, I don't know what virtual freedom is. But of course I still want to work with you guys," said Sofi starting to look cheerful as usual.

"Your job as a publicist. Your promotion is quite good, you are good at talking to our clients too," Tiara added.

"Hmm, I think we need to start memorizing our project name. I still need to read my notes while talking to the client when mentioning it. We're used to saying it by name so many light years." Sofi was starting to sound like her. Dara couldn't hide her happiness to see her best friend had returned. Although she would still rarely see her. Dara is sure that one day Sofi will really come back.

"I already memorized it," said Tiara contradicting Sofi's words. "The past few months I've mentioned it a lot."

"Me too," said Dara.

"Yeah, but I don't remember. I'm sure Leo doesn't remember that neither," said Sofi defensively. Leo couldn't argue because what Sofi said was true, even though he didn't like hearing it. "Okay, well, I have an idea. Who is the oldest here?"

"I think Leo and I," replied Tiara.

"You are 2 months older than me." Leo corrected.

"Yes, 2 months." Tiara confirmed.

Dara realized that she didn't even know her friends' birthdays. They never talked about it. Dara only knew their age when Tiara explained to her on the first day they met.

"Okay," Sofi tried to get the attention of her friends. "Tiara keep the number 4 in your head." Dara finally guessed what Sofi was thinking. It's childish, but Dara admits it might be effective. "And Leo, keep the number 2 in your head. Who is the third oldest?"

"Me," Billy replied. Dara was a bit awkward seeing them talking to each other for the first time in front of her. But Sofi seemed unaffected. "I'm one year older than Dara."

"Billy keeps the number 4 too. Wow Billy and Tiara keep the same number."

This time Billy was clearly awkward. Leo glanced slightly at Billy to make fun of him. But Billy immediately looked away. Dara was actually a little surprised, how did Billy know she was one year older than him. Dara doesn't remember saying it.

"Dara is older than me. Dara saved the last number, the number 6. I'm the youngest so I don't need to remember anything." Sofi ended her explanation cheerfully. "Well to keep that in mind, let's start saying it in turn."

"No-no, that's ridiculous Sofi," Leo finally protested. Although he was happy that Sofi was finally back. But now Sofi's request was too much for him.

"Come on, let me take the lead. What is the name of our project?" Sofi didn't seem to care about Leo at all.

Sofi started pointing towards Tiara. Tiara said the number, "4 point .."

Sofi pointed at Leo, who seemed annoyed. "2."

"4," Billy said as Sofi pointed at him.

"6," said Dara finally after getting her turn. Even for Dara who tried to follow Sofi, this was quite ridiculous. She had to agree with Leo.

"With this way, we won't forget the name of our project again." Sofi proudly declares her discovery.

"Yeah, but we need to stick together to remember it," Leo said sarcastically.

"Will we always be together right?" Sofi replied warmly while hugging Dara who was beside her.

Dara felt the warmth. Her friends also felt the same way. Yes, they want to be together. Build dreams together and take care of each other.

***

Sofi will return to Surabaya in 2 days. Dara wants to invite Sofi to stay at her house. But Dara realized she didn't have full power in her own house. After all she knew that Nemma didn't like having other people in her house.

"I was just informed by Mr. Dion that We have some gifts for the elderly in our cluster and Durian village. We are asked to help coordinate," said Leo to his friends.

"Wow, it's been a long time. We've been too busy taking care of projects these past few months." Dara just realized it. She was happy to hear that.

"But when can we distribute it? We still have a lot of work to do," said Tiara, somewhat disappointed.

"How about we take the 2 days off, while Sofi is here too," Dara suggested.

"That's a good idea, I guess we need a little rest too," Billy gave Dara his support.

"How about tomorrow afternoon?" Leo asked.

"How about tomorrow morning? I have a dinner with my aunt," Dara asked.

"I'm free tomorrow morning. How are you guys?" Leo asked again.

They all agreed. Even though Sofi was a little hesitant to mingle again with the residents. Dara strengthened her by saying she would accompany her.

After their meeting was over, Dara returned to her house. She was already planning to have dinner at a fancy restaurant with Nemma tomorrow night. Dara also brought her favorite car to be serviced at Leo's workshop. She was quite excited after she had not used her father's car for a long time.

"I know this car," Leo told her. "This car is very difficult to maintain. The car is quite old."

Dara just snorted in response. "I used to come here often, but we didn't know each other."

"Yeah, I remember the car but I don't remember you."

Dara did not respond. "Yes, thank you very much. See you tomorrow morning."

"Okay."

The next day Dara couldn't stop smiling throughout the day. She interacts with the elderly in her cluster and the neighboring village. Sofi also looks more cheerful.

Leo had looked sad remembering his grandmother who now no longer lived with him. His grandmother was treated by professionals in the hospital for a while.

Billy approached him. "Later we visit your grandmother together."

Leo nodded approvingly, then they started handing out more packages which they found very sweet. Inside are clothes, prayer rugs, and also food that is neatly wrapped with ribbons in the same color as the wrappers. Not only that, each of them was also given a complete set of basic necessities which were also very neatly wrapped.

"Who gave all this? We don't even need to wrap it anymore," Tiara asked Leo.

"Mr. Dion doesn't know either. He only said it was from the rich. Sent here last night, it's already neatly wrapped."

Dara can't seem to get away from Sofi. They go everywhere together. Dara looks very happy and warm in her heart. She realized that there were many people who needed help and needed attention. Like these elderly people, many of whom live without their children or grandchildren. Dara thinks, maybe she can't help everyone, but that doesn't mean she's not trying to help at all.

The activity finished earlier than usual because they only had to share it. Because there was still time, they all ate together at Mrs. Ussy's restaurant. This time Dara treated them. After so many months Dara accepted their kindness, this time Dara wanted to do the same thing.

After that, Dara immediately went home. Although she was heartbroken to part with Sofi, she was also excited to go dinner at their family's favorite restaurant tonight. Dara immediately got ready. Nemma seemed to be faster than her as usual, though her leg was still not fully recovered.

Nemma and Dara's relationship is also getting better. They almost never silence each other. Since Dara has been working on her project, Dara has also been distracted a lot. So when Nemma was in a bad mood, she didn't pay much attention to it.

"Tity, are you ready?" asked Dara.

"I've been for a long time, come on." Nemma seemed happy, make Dara happy to see her.

Dara is also happy that she can finally drive her car again. Her favorite car. "I haven't driven very far in a long time."

Arriving at the restaurant in the center of Bandung, Nemma and Dara were emotional. They reminisce about their family moments. They came to the restaurant when Dara's father got more money. They can't come every time there's a special moment. Although Nemma, who used to work, often took her family there, but grandmother and grandfather preferred to eat at home to save money.

"The restaurant still looks the same, doesn't it? It's just that the ornaments are a bit different," said Dara.

"Yes," replied Nemma curtly. She didn't want to seem emotional. Even though Dara had seen her eyes teary since earlier.

Apart from the fact that the restaurant is a witness to the history of their family's warmth, Nemma and Dara are also touched that after living in a difficult phase for so long, they are finally able to rise again. That night they didn't talk much. But Dara is still happy because she can finally enjoy beautiful night with Nemma again. She didn't know how long they would be together. Even though Dara sometimes can't stand living with her, Dara is always sad to think that the day she has to part with Nemma will actually happen.

After finishing their dinner, Dara took Nemma a little around the city of Bandung. Dara has also not visited the place where she studied in a long time. That night they were both very happy. Especially Nemma, who hardly ever left the house for the past few months.

***

"Have they received the packages?" Dean asked Mr. Yogi.

"It's been well received. Ms. Andara and her friends look happy."

"Okay thanks. You can go."

Mr. Yogi clearly felt strange seeing the changes in Dean. He didn't expect Dean to have the good side he saw now. He even thanked him. Dean chooses everythings that will be given to the elderly in the cluster and Durian village. Mr. Yogi only guessed, maybe Dean was too happy because soon he would go to America to pursue his dream.

Mr. Yogi is not wrong. Dean still felt happiness in his heart. Though Dean also doesn't believe he's doing good to people he doesn't like. He's still a little resentful. That's why he only provides gifts to the elderly. She really doesn't know who his mother's boyfriends are and he doesn't want to find out either. But he still doesn't want to give anything to the young people there.

Dean visits Dara's 4,246 Light Years website again. He couldn't lie to himself that he was delighted when he saw the rapid progress of the website. He wanted to do something else. But he was afraid that Dara would not accept it. He also didn't know if what he did would hurt Dara or not. Without realizing it, Dean is now slowly changing. He has started to care about other people's feelings.

Sometimes he still wants to displace all residents in Durian village. But he realized that, apart from requiring a great effort to do so, he also thought that what he wanted was indeed quite unreasonable. His will was too cruel even though it could be done. Only a few people living there hurt him. He realized that not everyone there had to bear it. He didn't want to prove himself to his father anymore.

That night Dean kept thinking. His departure was only a few days away. He was still weighing whether he would realize his final plan before he left to America or not.

***

Dara began to feel her success. Now they are actually changing the Tiara family's multi-purpose hall like a real office. Leo had also paid for it professionally. Leo and Tiara manage their finances very well.

Sofi has returned to Surabaya. Leo was no longer active in his workshop. Mrs. Ussy has also hired people to help her so that Tiara can focus more on her new job. Dara hoped that Sofi would be with them too. Even though they often make video calls together, it still feels a little different for Dara.

Dara and her friends started thinking about other projects. Dara conveyed the big idea that was in her head. All her friends responded positively to the idea. However, they are still constrained by resources, so they need to proceed slowly. They don't mind. They love to grow together.

Dara was actually curious whether Dean was going to America or not. She wanted to know but she refused to admit it. She actually wanted to apologize because she had wanted to take his dream. They never communicated with each other again. Dean also never bothered her friends or local residents either. He seemed lost in the earth. No news received by Dara anymore. Even their family-owned Villa will also be for sale.

"I wish we had enough money to buy Dean's Villa," said Tiara suddenly to her friends.

"Even if I have enough money, I'm too lazy to deal with him anymore," said Leo.

"Ah that's right." Tiara looks disappointed her hopes are dashed.

Dara admits she wanted it too. Dean's villa location is very strategic for their office. The scenery that can be seen from there is so beautiful. In this hall, the former badminton court is indeed a little tired. There's not even a window here. There are only a few air vents. But for the time being, this was the only hall they could rent. They still want to work around their complex because they want to be close to their respective families.

"What if we rent your house instead?" Tiara asked Leo again. "Your grandmother isn't home. You also live alone. Dara just walks if she wants to work."

"You wish! I can't rent my house, which I take care of with great care." It was the first time Dara had seen Leo so upset. "Just rent out your house."

"My mother can be angry," replied Tiara.

"Well, let's just use this hall. If we have budget, we will think later." Dara could not stand to see her two friends continue to fight.

They still have a lot of work to do. They actually have a budget to hire new employees, but they are still considering it. As usual in the afternoon they all went home. Leo and Billy intended to go to the coffee shop first before they headed back to their respective homes. Meanwhile, Tiara had been picked up by her mother earlier.

"Do you want to hang out at the coffee shop?" Dara asked them.

"We don't hang out," Leo replied irritably.

Dara did not respond. She didn't understand why Leo got angry so easily. Dara had known for a long time that Billy and Leo had started talking about her a lot. Dara several times caught them whispering Dara's name.

"If you don't stop talking about me without me knowing, I'll start to get angry," Dara said again.

Leo just chuckled, while Billy looked pale and frightened by Dara's threat.

"Okay, okay. Sorry." Leo replied with a slight chuckle. Billy was quite annoyed why Leo seemed to agree with Dara's accusation. But he couldn't do anything.

When they exited the Hall, there was Mr. Yogi already standing there. Dara can guess what will happen next. Billy was about to speak, but Dara preceded him. "I really need to talk to him. I'm fine."

Even Leo still looked worried about letting Dara talk alone with Dean. But he also couldn't say anything. Dara followed Mr. Yogi into his car. They headed to Dean's villa not far from there.

"Mr. Dean is in his office as usual," Mr. Yogi said when they arrived. Dara nodded in understanding. Mr. Yogi take her to the front door of Dean's office and opened the door for Dara.

Dara saw Dean standing with his back to her. He noticed Dara's presence. Although reluctant to turn around, Dean tried to bring out all his courage. They fell silent with each other. Dara also didn't know what to say, although there were many things she wanted to talk to Dean about.

"This is for you," said Dean still cold to Dara. He tossed some files onto his desk.

Dara didn't come closer to see that until Dean spoke again. "This is the contact for all the resources I have. Investors, experts I used to work with, and many things I promised you."

Dara still doesn't understand. She finally got closer and looked at the files. Everything Dara needs to help Dara start her dream is right there. Dara was pretty sure Leo would scream with joy seeing what they got. But Dara realized that Dean had never promised her anything. She didn't want to be prejudiced, but considering the history of how Dean used to treat her, Dara didn't immediately think that all these things Dean gave for free. "You never promised me anything."

Dean looked awkward as he answered. "It never was."

Dara was a little annoyed with the cold and unclear attitude shown by Dean. But Dara could understand that Dean was not an expert in doing good. "You gave all this to me?"

"Yeah," Dean answered simply. Dean who usually talks a lot does look different in Dara's eyes. Dara tried to understand it, but over time her patience was running low.

"What for?"

"I'm going to America the day after tomorrow. You can use it all to build your own dream."

"You don't expect anything from me in return?"

"No."

Dean thought, what Dara did for him was more than enough. Dara has returned his dream. More than that, Dara has shown kindness that he hasn't felt in a long time. Meanwhile, Dara was at a loss for words. She couldn't even express her gratitude to him.

Their relationship is difficult to explain. Dara felt that Dean was no stranger to her. She feels bound because of the accident that happened to her family. Dara also did not understand how it could happen. Dara seemed to understand what Dean was feeling. Even though she didn't really know him.

"I'm sorry," Dean said finally breaking the silence between them.

Dara did not expect Dean to say that. Those words made her heart feel heavy. Dara still clearly remembered when her family had the accident. She didn't want to remember. Dean struggled to say that too. After a long time he buried his trauma. He did feel guilty, and that guilt sometimes pressed him deeply. But this time, Dean had steeled his heart to accept whatever Dara might say.

Dean and Dara both lowered their heads. They didn't dare talk to each other. Until Dara also dared herself to express her heart,"You said you know that I don't hate you. You're right. I really don't want to hate you. I don't want to remember the bad things that happened to my family again. I'm fine now. I've forgotten everything you did."

Dean is not the usual Dean. He seemed to have lost his fangs. His heart wasn't completely relieved yet, but he felt better after hearing Dara's response.

"I want you to accept this." Dean finally got his voice out again. "That will make me feel better."

Dara is looking for the right words to reply to Dean's. But she didn't find it. She didn't know what to say, as if Dean understood what was in Dara's head, Dean started talking again. "You don't need to say anything. I've taken a lot from you. Please allow me to give you something too."

Dara could only nod slowly. But Dean who had started to gather his energy again began to have more courage to speak. "Can you consider your decision to join my company?"

Although what Dean said was still the same as before, this time it sounded very different to Dara's ears. There was no arrogance or aambition Dara couldn't explain why her heart was happy to know Dean had changed a lot. Finally she was also brave enough to say what she had been feeling.

"It's not that I don't want to join your company. Of course, I have an ego and I don't like the way you work. But that's not the reason why I refuse to work with you."

Dean just silent. He really didn't know what Dara would say. But whatever it was, he needed to accept it because he really wanted to hear it directly from her. "I'm sorry, it's really hard for me not to remember my wounds when I see you." Dean's heart ached again. He realized that. He realized that what Dara experienced was not as easy as he thought. "I'm glad that you can live a better life. I don't want to hurt you, I don't want to hurt anyone. I'm sorry you have to know how I feel. I hope you can understand, right now I can't see you without feeling the pain. I don't blame you, I also don't want you to blame yourself, I've forgotten everything. But I still have a hard time not remembering what happened to my family when I'm with you. I've forgiven you, but give me time to forget all my pain."

***