Underestimated

These few days, everything went fine. The news of Ardilo's and Taera's encounters is getting more and more widespread. People who initially didn't know who was Taera eventually became curious about Taera. Taera's followers on social media have increased sharply. She is also increasingly recognized and confident to appear in public.

When learning this news, the Student Representative Council (SRC) of the Faculty of Economics is increasingly monitoring the movement of the SEB of the Faculty of Economics. It's not that they forbid the chairman from dating. They only don't want Ardilo to run away from his responsibilities as the newly elected chairman of the SEB.

Taera's journey at SEB is also still at the beginning. After several departmental meetings to discuss the work program they will propose, the SEB of the Faculty of Economics must be sworn in first. And this is where it all started. Several people who underestimated Taera appeared.

"Could it be that she entered the SEB because there was special treatment from Ardilo..."

"Was she told by Ardilo to join SEB from the start, right?"

"I heard that she doesn't have any organizational experience. How can she enter SEB if she doesn't have organizational experience?"

"How do you know?"

"Yes, I accidentally overheard it during the interview. She was asked by Yola..."

So much abuse behind people's good attitude to Taera. Taera, who overheard this when she was about to enter the inauguration building, couldn't help but smile sadly.

"Tae..." called Ardilo, who had been standing behind Taera.

Taera turned and saw Ardilo was looking at her with confidence.

"Ardilo..."

"Don't listen to what they are saying. Just let it go. I chose you to enter the SEB because of your quality objectively. Let people say what they say. Your job now is to prove to them that I didn't make a mistake, okay," said Ardilo, then smiled.

It is what Taera likes about Ardilo. He can always give a reassuring answer that seems to make her heart feel better and feel she is so valuable in this world.

Taera smiled, "Yes, Ardilo."

"Okay, I'll go in first. I just saw Stefa. You just wait for her if you don't want to go in alone," said Ardilo giving advice.

"Okay. I'll wait for Stefa here," said Taera.

"Good. I'll go first, honey," said Ardilo, then patted Taera's shoulder to encourage her.

"Don't call me honey in public. It's not good to hear people," Taera protested.

"So what? You can't call your boyfriend, honey? After all, people already know. Just let it go. Let them know that you're my girlfriend, and no one can be close to you," said Ardilo, then smiled sweetly, which made Taera fall even more love.

How can you make my heart fly? The airport is far from here. What do I fly on? Taera thought while smiling.

"Don't smile anymore. I'll go in first. Bye," said Ardilo.

"Hehe, yes, bye," said Taera.

Taera waited for Stefa to arrive near the inauguration building. At that time, Stefa looked a little nervous. It made Taera a little confused.

"What's wrong?" Taera asked.

Stefa looked confused. Between wanting to talk and not. However, Stefa didn't want any more secrets between her and her best friend. Finally, Stefa got up the courage to speak.

"Some of the SRC and SEB children are gossiping about you and Ardilo. The problem is...." Stefa was confused about how to say it.

"About me entering SEB and being Ardilo's girlfriend? I've heard it, Stef," Taera said calmly.

"You already know? Don't worry about it, okay. Usually, there must be pros and cons. Don't worry. I will always support you. There are still many who will support you. You don't have to worry, okay," said Stefa trying to encourage Taera.

"Yes. Don't worry. I will prove to all of them, that I am worthy of entering the SEB," Taera said optimistically.

Stefa smiled. She was relieved that Taera wasn't sad about what people said. Even though a few days ago, everyone was in support, but now they are easily turning to attack.

"Okay, let's go in," said Stefa.

"Come on," said Tara.

The two of them then walked to the inauguration building. While filling out the attendance list and taking snacks, Taera heard some people whispering about it. However, Taera did not want to bother. She and Stefa then immediately went inside and sat on the chairs that had been provided. Stefa joined the DEB members. Meanwhile, Taera joined the members' Department of Arts and Cultural.

"Hey, beautiful, are you alone?" Belinda asked.

"No, Sis, I'm with Stefa," Taera replied.

"Are you the same as Stefa? Ardilo is unemployed," said Koko, then laughed a little.

"Hush, then Ardilo hears you're scolded," said Erlita.

"I just met him. It was with him first, and I waited for Stefa," said Taera.

"Next time, just go together. Let's be intimate," said Danisa mockingly.

The members of the Department of Arts and Culture teased Taera and made her face turn red.

"Well. Don't keep discussing it," said Taera.

"Oh yes, tomorrow night, we have a meeting with Commission 3 of SRC. Let's discuss the work program after it has been approved by Ardi," said Belinda.

They nodded and immediately took notes in their agenda books. Soon the event started. During the event, Taera did think a little about what people said about her and Ardilo. But she didn't want to think about it too deeply. Because she has to focus on what is now her responsibility.

***

After the work program was approved by Ardilo and DEB, in the evening the members of the Department of Arts and Cultural held a meeting with Commission 3 of the SRC Faculty of Economics. They made an appointment at 7 pm.

At that time, they got to know each other. When Taera introduced herself, everyone turned to Taera.

"Oh, so you are Ardilo's girlfriend?" asked one of the members of Commission 3 SRC.

"Yes," replied Tara politely.

"How did you pass the SEB? Not because of nepotism, right?" asked the boy again.

Taera was about to open her mouth, but Belinda stopped her.

"I chose her. On a recommendation from Yola. And purely because of an objective assessment," answered Belinda firmly.

The Members' Department of Arts and Cultural agreed with Belinda's answer. Belinda can always be relied on to protect her members.

"Besides, we are here to discuss work programs, right? Not about Ardilo's girlfriend. I believe you should be more professional even though we are still at the Faculty's SEB level," Belinda said firmly to the member of Commission 3 of the SRC Faculty of Economics.

Taera was so moved by Belinda's defense. In her heart, she promised to prove that she could not be underestimated. She will prove that she can be a quality SEB member without relying on her girlfriend's big name.