"So can we go back to the place where why you came here?"
Alan nodded. "Sure, let's continue that conversation." They sat back in the living room which was already much tidier than before.
Alan explained, "I came here because I needed advice from someone. And you can help me.... while you are older than me and more experienced"
Elera smiled a smirk. "Heh~ Okay, what's the problem?"
***
Dewi arrived at the coffee shop with a look full of anticipation, her eyes full of expectation. She wore a light blue dress that highlighted her elegance, with a slight touch of makeup that added charm to her beautiful face. Her heart pounded as she entered the coffee shop, looking for signs of Alan's presence with great enthusiasm.
In order to remember it, she opened her phone again and opened a message contact with her friend.
[Dewi: How is Senior Alan's face?]
[Julia: Oh, that blonde Senior Alan? he has golden hair and golden eyes, he is very conspicuous among everyone.]
After reading the message, Dewi stared around and finally saw a man who fit the description Julia gave. The man sat alone in the corner of the room, wearing a slightly large white sweater, and his hair and eyes were golden. It must be Alan. With a pounding heart, Dewi approached the table where the man was sitting.
That is him right... has a golden color.
Dewi while walking she looked at Alan
As the Dewi approached the table, Alan raised his head and smiled kindly. His golden-colored eyes greeted Dewi warmly. Dewi felt her heartbeat speed up, but she tried to hide her nervousness behind a smile.
"H-Hello, Senior Alan?" asked Dewi in a soft voice while pointing to the chair opposite the table where Alan was sitting.
Alan nodded with a smile. "Oh Dewi, yes please sit down"
With a pounding heart, Dewi sat on the chair. She felt a little trembling, but tried to calm down to look calm in front of Alan. Carefully, she put her bag beside the chair and looked at Alan with an awkward smile.
"Haha, are you nervous?"
"I-Yes... This is the first time I have met such a person who is not very close..."
"Just relax, Dewi, we are here to talk about illustrations, right?"
"I-Yes..."
Damn why did I say that!? It should be calm, don't be nervous. Damn it, it's wrong to say!
Although Alan looked relaxed with a smile, in fact there was also disappointment in his heart because of the mistakes in the conversation.
Alan tried to keep the conversation smooth, despite feeling Dewi's nervousness. He changed the subject, trying to bring the atmosphere to a more relaxed one.
"So, Dewi, what attracted you to collaborate with me on creating illustrations for my novel?" asked Alan kindly.
Dewi realized Alan's efforts to make her feel at ease, and she felt a little calmer. She smiled and replied, "I've always liked the world of art and literature. When I heard that you were looking for an illustrator for your novel, I felt intrigued because it was an opportunity for me to contribute to a project that I loved."
Alan listened attentively, nodding in understanding. "I'm glad you feel interested! I'm sure we can work well together to create something extraordinary."
Dewi smiled relievedly, feeling more confident about Alan's positive response.
Alan opened his phone and opened his novel file [Sins].
"So, I want you to make an illustration in this chapter... Here, the main character, Simon, is attacking King Gabriel... And here, one of his friends, Lancey, accidentally stabbed him in the chest. I want you to describe it... Can you do it?"
"A-Ah, can, of course..."
"Payment issues don't need to worry about, okay? Since I've made an contract with PT. Dhaniel."
"Oh? How cool is it to be able to cooperate with PT?"
"Yes, somehow, I was contacted by that PT."
Dewi continued to read the novel on Alan's mobile phone, and she was surprised to see that the story was so simple and easy to understand. "Is this a light novel?"
Alan was silent for a moment, puzzled whether the story belonged to a light novel or an ordinary novel. Finally, he replied hesitantly, "Maybe?"
Dewi nodded in understanding, although still a little confused by the kind of novels she read. "But the story is interesting," she said with a smile. "I will give my best to make the illustrations fit the concept and mood of the story."
Alan smiled with satisfaction at the spirit of Dewi. "I believe the result will be amazing."
In silence, Dewi continued to read the novel that Alan had changed from the novel [Miracle]. He only changed a few characters in terms of name only, but not with the storyline.
Meanwhile, Alan continued to look at Dewi who was engrossed in reading. "Dewi is beautiful too," he muttered to himself. "Why did I never realize her existed at school, huh?"
Then Dewi stopped reading, and slowly turned to look at Alan who looked at her. Seeing that look, Alan was slightly startled and quickly turned his face away.
"By the way... yesterday I heard rumors about you," said Dewi.
"Huh, rumors? What is it about?" asked Alan, trying to hide his tension.
"Um... So I'm looking for information about you-"
"You've had a fuss with my generation, huh...?" asked Dewi, trying to investigate the rumors she heard.
Alan smiled forcefully, although his expression looked a bit tense. He lowered his smile, his face became serious, and he remembered one fatal mistake he made in high school.
He sighed for a moment before answering, "Yes, there used to be one incident at school. I was involved in a commotion with some members of your force." His eyes stared far into the distance, telling long-buried memories.
"That one incident was a big mistake for me," he continued in a low voice. "I hope it doesn't affect your view of me." There was worry hidden behind his words, fearing that his past would ruin the impression he was trying to build before Dewi.
Dewi listened seriously, realizing that her question might open old wounds for Alan. He felt a little guilty for offending such a sensitive topic.
"S-Sorry! I didn't mean that... It's just, I was surprised."
"Haha, it's also because of that that I failed to be the best student in the school."
"Oh, really? What place are you finally in?"
"The best student number two in the school."
"Ahh... It's a pity."
However, behind the smile engraved on Alan's face, there were unspoken ripples of worry. The memory of his past incidents always haunts him, although he tries hard to forget them. At this time, in the face of Dewi, he felt vulnerable and uncertain how to respond to the topic that had been revealed.
Meanwhile, Dewi digested the information carefully, pondering the implications of what she had just heard. For him, it doesn't change his view of Alan, but understands that everyone has a complex past and is sometimes full of mistakes.
"By the way... do you want to do it now or do you want to take it easy?" asked Alan to Dewi.
"O-Oh... Maybe I just draw a liustration later, sometimes I can't be serious if I chat..."
"Yes, it's okay. Want to go for a walk? Enjoy this mall, this is your first time here, right?"
"OH yes, you can! With pleasure."
Dewi gulped, without realizing that she was still holding Alan's mobile phone.
"And also, can I get my phone back?"
"O-Oh, yes! Sorry, I forgot. I thought this was my phone."
< Chapter 31 > To Be Continued.