
"So you've been stabbing in the back, Vey?" Ujang looked so angry at Vey with a roaring breath he spoke.
"it's not so, Ujang. I. i..." Plaaaakk." once again Ujang's punch landed on Vey's face.
Me, Usep and the rest of the friends immediately separated the fight. "Stoooo." I closed my ears and shouted loudly.
"I... Imas... Not a special girl, not a Celebrity, not a movie star, why do you guys fight for my love?" I was getting angry and angry at the behavior of both of them.
Usep who held Vey's body was surprised to see my anger rising.
"I'm sick of all this!" I continued while staring at Ujang and Vey. "The two of you have been best friends with me all this time, but your actions are very inappropriate. Why fight only for love?"
Vey who looked hurt and upset then said, "Gold is right, this is all my fault. I shouldn't be involved in this kind of competition. I'm sorry, Imas."
I feel sad to see Vey hurt and also feel guilty for letting this happen. "Vey, I'm sorry too. I should have more clearly expressed my feelings to you. But that's no excuse for Ujang and you hurting each other."
The still full of anger tried to sneak up on me, but Usep and the other friends got in the way. "Ujang, stop. Stop everything right now. Not only was Imas hurt, but all of our friendship."
Ujang pondered for a moment, seemingly realizing his mistake. He let out a long breath and then looked at Vey. "I'm sorry, Vey. I shouldn't have taken this wrong path. Our friendship is worth more than love."
Vey, who was still feeling pain from Ujang's punch, stared intently and said, "You think you can easily apologize after that punch?"
Vey got up and left in a bad mood and looked vengeful. I tried to chase Vey, but Usep pulled my arm and said, "Let him, Imas. Your efforts would be in vain in a situation like this. Let him calm down, let's talk."
I nodded, "Rightly what Usep said, to be forced will be free." I speak for myself in my heart.
I turned towards Ujang who looked down embarrassed and regretful. "What do you mean, Ujang? you're making things even more complicated, be it for me or for you." I feel like my emotions peak every time I see Ujang.
Usep then told the other friends to take Ujang away, then he pulled me and took me to a place behind the school garden.
The chaotic situation finally subsided, everyone dispersed. Usep sat me on a brown bench, he sat down and squatted in front of me. "Gold, take a deep breath and let it out."
I followed Usep's instructions and my heart started to feel calm. The more I catch my breath, the more I can control myself.
"Thank you, Usep. Thank you for not participating in the emotions during the commotion earlier." I said in a slow voice.
Usep looked at me softly, "Gold, we're all emotional, but it's important that we can control it. I know you're mad at Ujang, but moments like that, letting our emotions rule will only make things worse."
I nodded in understanding, appreciating Usep's advice and support. "You're right, Usep. I had to learn to control my emotions, especially when the situation became difficult. But sometimes, it feels so hard not to get carried away by anger and disappointment."
Usep smiled gently, "Here you go, Imas. Emotions are natural and human. What matters is how we respond to it wisely. When you feel your emotions are starting to peak, try to find space and time to calm down. Breathe in, focus on positive feelings, and think about the consequences of impulsive actions."
Usep laughed out loud. "Hahaha.you if you are confused do make a gemes ya." He said while pinching my cheek.
I smiled shyly at Usep's words. "Ah, sorry yes, Usep. Sometimes I'm a little slow at understanding certain things. But, now please explain to me, what did you mean earlier?"
Usep was still laughing, but he then took a deep breath to calm himself down. "Sorry, Imas. I didn't mean to confuse you. All I'm saying is, when the fire country starts attacking, that's where the Avatar will come."
Usep replied with a joke that I thought was crisp. "Huh, Funny!" I replied with a cynical smile and left Usep laughing alone.
In the school corridor, Ujang passed me. He spontaneously bowed his head, probably out of embarrassment, while I, still irritated by his attitude, turned my head away and would not look at Ujang.
As I walked away, Ujang's voice called out to me from behind, "Gold, wait a minute!"
I stopped my steps, but did not turn to face him. "What's up, Ujang?" ask me in a cold tone.
Ujang approached me with doubtful steps. "Gold, I'm sorry for everything that's happened. I know I made you angry and disappointed. I didn't mean to hurt your heart."
I still refused to face him, but I listened to what he said. "Ujang, your actions have hurt not only me, but Vey as well. Our friendship is tarnished because of this unfair competition."
Ujang was silent for a moment, as if he was contemplating. "You're right, Imas. I realize my mistake now. I was stuck in jealousy and did not think clearly. I'm sorry."
I turned around and looked at Ujang seriously. "Sorry is not enough, Ujang. You have to fix your relationship and Vey. I know it takes time and effort to rebuild lost trust."
Ujang nodded sincerely. "I'm willing to do anything to improve our relationship, Imas. I'm gonna learn from this mistake and try to be a better friend."
I did not answer, I just left because I was still upset with Ujang.Usep suddenly startled me by appearing suddenly beside my left. "Daaarrr." He said while laughing.
"Dueh... Useeeeeepp!" I hit Usep hard.
"Duh, Imas. Don't hit it hard, dong!" Usep grimaced in pain holding his wrist.
"Why are you?" I pretended to be jutek and turned my face away.
"Find yuk eel!" Usep suddenly invited me to do a hobby that I had not done for a few days.
My eyes sparkled, my heart felt bright and forgot for a moment my anger towards Ujang. "Siaaaappa! Come on, how many days have I been hunting eels." I'm excited.
Usep really know and expert how to melt the atmosphere. That's why I'm attracted to Usep, and maybe this feeling is more than just the word interested as a friend, this vibration feels very different, is it possible that this is called Love?