Borneo

Ghayatri Mahendra always feels calmer whenever she is in nature. It was as if peace enveloped her at that moment. The girl felt that the trees, the grass, even the wind that was blowing was whispering calming spells to her.

The smell of the forest seemed to give her strength again every time her energy ran out. It felt like recharging. All in the forest embraced her in serenity.

Maybe, she got that blessing from her parents, Adipati and Sulastri Mahendra. They work as lecturers as well as botanists at a prestigious university in Indonesia.

"Ghay ... Ghaya! Wake up, we're almost there." It was Rena's voice. The girl gently shook Ghaya's body to wake up the beautiful girl with exotic skin.

Rena is Ghaya's best friend. Currently they are on their way for a humanity program. They will teach children in the rural area of the Borneo Island to read, write and math.

The inland tribes are notoriously difficult to approach. However, after a few years ago a woman managed to approach them, now they are more open to the foreigner. Although of course, it is still quite difficult and must really get an agreement with the tribal leader.

It is a fortune, that they managed to get that opportunity. Ghaya also felt confused and did not expect it at all.

Well, actually teaching was Ghaya's only excuse. The main reason she was here was because of her own deepest desires.

An incomprehensible desire just appeared in her to visit this jungle of Borneo. It was as if something had called Ghaya here since her seventeenth birthday.

"How can she sleep so well on a trip like this? Not to mention the cobbled streets." Rena grumbled again beside her body which was still reluctant to open her eyes.

Leon who was sitting beside the driver glanced at them from the rearview mirror, then gave his signature charming grin to Rena.

"She's always like that when enters the forest. It's like being lulled by the forest to sleep and have sweet dreams. Her face is even so that peaceful." muttered Leon while looking at Ghaya's beautiful face who was currently still fast asleep. Not at all bothered by the conversation between her two friends.

Leon had been watching Ghaya for a long time. A beautiful and unique girl, according to him. A very rare type of girl. As if she is not at all interested in a romantic relationship.

In fact, Leon clearly showed his feelings for this girl. Who can resist Leon's charm? The handsome young man who will become the sole heir to the Lewis Corp Business empire. One of the fashion companies spread across Indonesia.

Almost all the girls in their campus are crazy about him. Wanting to be his girlfriend, some even formed the Leon Lovers group.

But not with Ghaya.

For Ghaya, Leon seemed to have nothing special. She didn't care about the luxuries that the young man often offered her.

On the other hand, Rena glanced at Leon secretly. The expression on her face was unreadable. Just like the feelings she had hidden all this time.

She knew her feelings weren't reciprocated. Leon loves Ghaya, even though Ghaya never responds to that young man's feelings.

Participating in this humanitarian program into the forests of Kalimantan is also entirely because of Ghaya.

Leon joined because he wanted to be closer to Ghaya, and Rena joined because she want to be closer to Leon.

Although, they still started to enjoy all the humanitarian activities pioneered by their friend, Ghayatri.

Rena smiled sadly when she saw Leon still staring at Ghaya with deep and gentle eyes. Full of love.

Then, as if he felt someone stare at him, Leon turned his head and caught Rena's eyes on him. The girl start averted her eyes quickly. Pretending to be busy staring out the window which reveals lush green trees.

"That's the post. We've arrived." Rena exclaimed again while pointing towards the small building which is the closest post to the location of the Dayak tribe's settlement. "Ghay, wake up Ghay. We have arrived." Rena shook her best friend's body again. This time it's louder. Until Ghaya winced and moaned softly.

"Ugh... What the hell, Ren. Wake me when we arrive." grumbled Ghaya who had been sleep deprived since yesterday for preparing for their departure. She was very excited. Especially after getting permission from her parents. Even though they work as botanists, Mr. And Mrs. Mahendra are still reluctant to let their beloved daughter go to the jungles of Borneo.

However, Ghaya's strong desire and willingness to do anything to get her parents permission, finally they gave in. With conditions, at least once a week Ghaya have to call or text them. Telling them about her condition and all the activities there without leaving anything behind.

"We've arrived, Ghay. That's why you have to wake up now." Rena said excitedly.

Right after Rena said that, the car that brought them here stopped. They arrived at an unassuming building which was the nearest outpost for receiving complaints and reports from local residents. It was then that Ghaya opened her eyes and attacked slowly. Then looked out the window.

Her eyes immediately landed on a pair of eagle eyes that stared at him sharply. Her heart jolted violently. Ghaya's body froze at that moment. Then the pounding in her chest began to race abnormally. Her blood seemed to freeze instantly. She couldn't take her eyes off the gaze.

A gaze that seemed to be able to penetrate into her mind and heart. But why? Why did the man look at her with... anger?

She didn't even know that man. They had just met at this time.

Well, no. They haven't even met in person yet. Just staring at each other from behind the dark and opaque glass window of the car.

After all, how could that man be staring at her so intently through the car window?

"Ghaya ... Let's go. What are you doing being frozen like that?" Again, Rena's voice woke her up.

She turned to his best friend, and found Rena at the open car door with her body leaning slightly in while talking to her.

Meanwhile, Leon was busy helping the driver unload their belongings from the trunk.

"Ugh... ya.. I'll be there soon." said Ghaya nervously.

Then, once again, she turned back her head to the stranger before. But the man was no longer there.

Ghaya immediately opened the door and got down from the car. She cast his gaze in all direction. Looking for the mysterious man who made her so curious.

'Where is he?' thought Ghaya confused.

The man disappeared so fast. Even though the place where he was standing and the command post they were going to go to were also quite far away.

'Or did he disappear into the forest there?' thought Ghaya again. She was guessing. Her heart was still pounding because of their gaze earlier.

What is this? This is crazy. She never felt anything like this before.

Why did Ghaya feel so eager to meet that mysterious man again?

Weird. Very weird!

The desire that suddenly appeared in her was so great. Like she is missing the man. Miss him so much.

'Come on, Ghaya. You don't even know him!' Ghaya cursed herself in her heart. Before finally following the steps of his two best friends towards the post.