PROCEED THE JOURNEY

009 Proceed the journey

Anindira could not finish her portion of the rabbit, her stomach was already full. Halvir then wrapped the remaining flesh of Anindira in leaves and tied it with tree bark to make it easier to carry. The young man carried Anindira and walked on. Anindira was a little surprised, she thought she would be taken back up the tree, but she was being carried now.

''Anu... Halvir... Put me down!... I... can walk alone...'' cried Anindira, because she already felt they knew each other and were more familiar with each other. Anindira no longer used the word 'sir', but 'big brother' because she feels Halvir is on the same level as her 21-year-old brother Raffa.

“Calm down! The journey is still far away. If I don't carry you, it will take longer... This way it will be faster. We can't keep lingering in the deserted forest. That's fine with me, but it's different with you. You can't…” said Halvir, realizing Anindira's awkwardness.

Anindira was confused to hear Halvir talk at length without being able to understand what he meant. She finally gave up resignedly. She can only follow whatever Halvir orders. They continued walking on their long journey. They chatted and continued their language lessons as they walked. Halvir continued to walk leisurely, even though he walked all day while carrying Anindira, but he didn't look tired at all.

They kept walking and only stopped occasionally to cut tree roots to drink, or when they saw fruit they would pick it to be food during the trip. Even though she is in the wilderness, Anindira is not starving. Instead, she can keep on chewing because Halvir can always find fruit for Anindira to eat. Halvir was even more excited about finding fruits for Anindira when he found out that Anindira liked to eat them.

Because the trip was done while talking, it did not feel like the day was getting dark. Halvir began to look up, searching for something. When he found it, he climbed up and jumped from one tree branch to another, all the way to the top, while still carrying Anindira. When he arrived at his destination, he lowered Anindira from his arms.

Anindira straightened her legs and stretched her stiff and sore body. Being carried all day felt a little uncomfortable, but Anindira was starting to understand. Watching Halvir's movements and the chatter developing bit by bit, she knew they were headed somewhere and didn't know where or for how long. But seeing Halvir's stamina and dexterity, Anindira knew she wouldn't be able to keep up with him. Anindira was lucky enough that Halvir wanted to take her and take good care of her. She didn't want to be fussy or even bother him more.

Halvir saw Anindira, who was busy stretching her aching body. He looked at her with pity. Halvir's face is very handsome, but unfortunately, almost all the time he always shows a cold face without emotion. He always shows a face that is always flat without expression. Having no emotions looks very cold, like without feelings. Because that's what makes him look like a person who is difficult to approach, especially coupled with his appearance, which is quite fierce.

Anindira had been with him for two days. At first, she was awkward and uncomfortable when she was with him, but over time she finally understood. Halvir was just awkward, he couldn't express himself properly, because he was confused about what to do, so he acted like that. While with him, Anindira already understood quite a lot of vocabulary. This can only happen because Halvir is not stingy with words. He patiently and attentively taught Anindira. He kept correcting every word Anindira said. Halvir's lips were not smiling, but Halvir's eyes looked like they were smiling. Somehow? Anindira can immediately tell when something makes him happy.

''You are tough for a woman who is alone in the forest,'' he said, looking at Anindira with calm eyes, ''I don't know about other women. But, you... I feel you are strong. You look tough for a woman. During this time, I met several women. I know they are almost always weak and spoiled. Apart from that, they are also quite fussy and irritable quickly, which is quite troublesome... '' said Halvir, again continuing his sentence.

Anindira could only continue to stare and listen to Halvir's words because this time it was as if Halvir was pouring out his heart. Halvir looked at Anindira but seemed to have other thoughts in mind. Halvir didn't dictate as he usually did, so Anindira just quietly listened and watched him carefully.

''I know, not all women are troublesome. Like...like two women I know very well. You are different from most other women. You're a bit like the naughty and chatty Zia... You know, there aren't many women I can be comfortable with besides Ezra and Zia... Like them, you always look me straight in the eye. There is no fear in your eyes, and I'm also sure that it wasn't all made up. You sincerely see me as I am...'' Halvir, who had been continuing to speak, then stopped.

Anindira put her head on her knees, which were bent vertically and, on the other side, bent cross-legged, with her face looking at Anindira and smiling softly.

"I know you are tired, very tired. Even though I don't understand what you're saying, I know you're not complaining. You're not spoiled like most women…'' said the young man while occasionally brushing Anindira's hair, which sometimes fell to cover her forehead, ''You're naughty like Zia... But, you're also calm, like Ezra. I do not know your language. But, I can tell when you're upset or uncomfortable, and you also hold on and keep smiling. I like everything I see about you, even your eyes that sincerely look at me... '' Halvir said calmly, and he continued his words.

Anindira was indeed surprised, her face was also blushing, but her lips curved into a happy smile. This was the second time she had seen Halvir smile like a painting, looking so perfect under the full moon.

They stared at each other for a long time, and for a few minutes, both of them dissolved in a serene and romantic atmosphere in their respective hearts.

The cold temperature spoils Anindira and Halvir's romantic moments. The cold wind continued to blow. Moreover, they were currently in the treetops. In a very high place, where the wind was stronger, Anindira's body began to shiver with cold. Seeing Anindira shaking against the cold night, Halvir got up and sat behind Anindira, startling her and making her uncomfortable.

Halvir kept her calm, even though the communication between them was not smooth, but Anindira's heartfelt that she could understand the intentions of the young man who was trying to protect her. A few seconds later, Anindira started to calm down and didn't refuse Halvir, who was casually holding Anindira in his lap. Her body felt comfortable and didn't feel uncomfortable when Halvir sat behind her. Halvir pressed his chest against Anindira's back, Halvir's warm big body, drowning Anindira's tiny body.

''Eat first, then rest, and then sleep!'' cried Halvir, his breath vibrating right behind his ear making Anindira shudder because of something else.

Halvir unwrapped the leftover rabbit meat that Anindira couldn't have eaten earlier, and also some fruit he picked during their trip.

Sometime later they had finished their dinner. Anindira also had enough of digesting her food while chatting a little with Halvir. Her eyes began to glaze, she was tired and sleepy.

When Anindira was about to lie down, Halvir stopped her.

Halvir immediately stood up and took off his clothes. Anindira, whose eyes had been glazed, suddenly widened in shock when she saw a handsome, burly, naked young man in front of her.

''KAK HALVIR!'' shouted Anindira screaming, her surprised expression along with her angry face.