TEACH ME

The lights in every corner of the back garden are now beautifully carved. The grass we stepped on was so thick and neat, like a green carpet. I enjoyed the beautiful view of this palace. The palace that initially looked ancient now looks very modern and elegant.

Rain gave me a stick made of aloes. I know it's because the wood I'm holding is very fragrant. Palace servants usually burn aloes when the rainy season arrives. The more it burns, the more fragrant it smells.

"Ara, think of me as your enemy trying to harm you. Fight me as if holding a sword. Calm down. This is just practice, not really."

Rain started to put my body into a position like playing kendo. Not only did he treat me so special, but he also wanted to teach me new things.

We were busy practising, and Rain showed us how to fight in slow motion. I watched him carefully. I remember well what he was taught.

"Turn around, Ara!"

Rain shouted. He ordered me to turn around just as the wood was about to hit me. I turned around and immediately pointed my wand at him. My stick hit Rain's body.

"Good, Ara. It seems you already understand how to avoid the opponent."

Rain praised me. My chest heaved up and down from being too eager to train. Sweat was pouring down from my forehead. Seeing this, of course, Rain did not stay silent. He took his handkerchief from his pocket and immediately wiped my sweat gently.

"You look sexy when you sweat like this," he whispered, giving me goosebumps.

Rain then took his bow. He immediately aimed his arrow towards the target point. At the same time, I'm still watching him.

"Got it!"

The arrow shot right in the middle of the target board. Rain then gave me his bow and arrows.

"Rain, I don't think I can."

I haven't tried it yet. I've given up, making Rain look very annoyed. He then gave his long speech to me. I got dizzy to hear that.

"Yes, yes. I follow."

Rain, if you have the will, you can't not. He was arrogant, and he didn't want to give in. But even so, I like it. I like his aggressive attitude.

He straightened my body, facing the target board. My left hand was left holding the arrowhead while my right hand pulled the tip.

"Rain, how about I point it at you?" I tease.

"Don't play with sharp objects, Ara. If you don't, you can kill someone."

He was serious about answering my question even though I was only joking. There's no way I could hurt him, someone who is now starting to fill my heart.

"Yeah, I was just kidding," I said.

"Later, after this, we play with blunt objects. I'll make you addicted," he said as he rubbed my stomach and walked away.

What a pervert!

I don't understand why I like his words now. At first, I felt very uncomfortable and also afraid. But I was now filled with such great curiosity.

"Come on! Let go of that arrow!"

I immediately fired arrows at the target board after receiving a signal from Rain. But unfortunately, my arrows are very far from the target board. I was so weak to see it.

"Focus your eyes, Ara!"

Rain is serious about giving me archery training, and I won't waste it either. I tried hard for him to hit the target board. At least not far from the arrow.

I kept practising and didn't pay attention to my surroundings. Without realizing it, Cloud had been watching me from across the park. When I turned around, he looked away and walked away.

"Reasonable."

Rain also appreciates my efforts. I asked him to drink for a moment. The profuse sweat that soaked my dress made me have to hurry back into the room.

"Looks like we're done with today's practice, Ara. Another day, I will train you again. Now rest."

Rain escorted me to the front door of the room. He then said goodbye to me and walked away. I forgot that his handkerchief was still with me.

"Later. I'll wash this handkerchief first."

I immediately took a shower and then ate the dishes already available on the table. After that, I started doing my homework. Today I will finish some kebaya designs, so I'll go to the royal clothing building tomorrow.

Tomorrow…

Last night I did my homework. I managed to complete several designs of batik kebaya. But strangely, I was already in bed. I remember falling asleep still in front of my desk.

"Who carried me to the bed, huh?" I asked myself.

This sunny morning made my body temperature back to normal. I then took a shower and was ready to get back to work.

Today I chose a green dress that went well with my butterfly clips. I dressed up minimally as usual and wore my favourite chocolate perfume.

"You seem so excited, Ara."

I was startled when I heard that voice, a familiar voice. I quickly turned to the source of the voice and saw it. I saw that Cloud was sitting on a chair and walked over.

"Clouds? H-since when have you been here?" I asked, surprised.

"Since… you showered," he replied, picking up a comb.

"Very early morning." I was surprised too.

Cloud smiled. We are in front of a large mirror. He started combing my hair and then curled it.

"If it's not early in the morning, then it will lose quickly to the others, right?" he said, making me cringe.

Maybe what Cloud meant was Rain. Yes, who else, if not Rain, who always comes to this room.

"Last night seemed like overtime, didn't it?" she asked, then started to put on pins to lock my hair.

"Hmm, yes. But how do you know?" I asked him.

"Last night, I passed here and heard a long speech. When I came in, I saw that he was asleep on your desk."

"So you carried me to the bed?" I asked again as I turned to him.

Cloud nodded.

"You don't need to overwork yourself, Ara. I don't want to get sick just for helping me. I've also calculated the allocation of funds. So there's no need to rush to sell your clothes designs. Father told me if there are investors who want to invest in large amounts." Cloud tells.

"Yes, but it's the same as doing a debt to the investor."

"But, Ara—"

"Ok, it is finished. Do not worry. I know my limits, Cloud." I smiled at him.

"Fine, if this is your wish. Now I want to take you to see our big project. We will tour the city today and see the progress of the meeting."

Cloud smiled at me. I obeyed his invitation. This is a very important job. I got rid of the feelings that started to arise with him. I can't deny that Cloud has captivated my heart to the point where I wished him well. But this time, I have to be as professional as possible.

My heart, please take care of yourself. Do not be shaken when in front of him.