Hatori Imas
We Soan?

"Treeengg.. treeeengg." As the school bell rang, a sign of the start of the first lesson, all the students were busy taking out their books. But, as I fumbled through my bag, I was immediately shocked to realize that the math book that was supposed to be there was left at home. "Astaghfiullah! Why did I forget?" I panicked, my heart pounding.

"What's up, Imas?" asked Anis with a confused face.

I tried to calm myself down and explained to Anis, "I forgot to bring a math book, Anis. I don't know what to do, PR work hasn't been done yet!" I said with overflowing anxiety.

Anis, my friend who was always smart and reliable, gave a smile and patted her shoulder. "Just calm down, Imas. I have an idea. We can borrow a book from the library or ask the teacher's permission to use a classmate's book."

"laahh.. borrow how? it's a book of duties, Anis." My panic began to peak.

"It's okay, Imas. I have other ideas" Anis said with passion. "You know, Mr. Iswanto, our math teacher, is a fan of unique foods, right? How about you offer him some eels? Maybe he's willing to lend me the book in return."

"Aelaahh, a missed textbook, Anis. Not the textbook." My answer is getting upset.

Anis understood my anxiety and tried to provide another alternative. "Gold, calm down. We can find another solution. How about we ask permission from our classmates who have a spare book? Maybe they're willing to lend him the book for one lesson."

"Good too, but what's the PR? I haven't done it, Anis." I try to be more calm.

Anis smiled understandingly. "No need to worry, Imas. We still have time before the lesson starts. We can use the break time to do PR. I'll help you finish it."

My heart was relieved to hear the support and offer of assistance from Anis. After the first lesson hour was over, we both moved quickly, looking for a quiet place to work on PR assignments. In a short time, we managed to solve unfinished math PR.

"Waahh, thank you, Anis. Finally out too." I smiled with satisfaction at the work of both of us.

Anis smiled mischievously at me, then she said, "good, free mace. Treat me to eat meatballs." Said Anis while patting me on the shoulder.

"Based on immoral friends!" I joked to Anis.

We both laughed cheerfully, enjoying the moment of togetherness after successfully completing the task well. I did feel indebted to Anis for his help and support, so Anis's invitation to eat meatballs as an expression of gratitude sounded natural.

"Alright, I'll treat you to your favorite meatballs" I said with a smile. "But don't forget, this is only once!" Then we both stepped into our favorite meatball stalls.

After eating meatballs, we returned to class with a new spirit. However, at the school corridor, we were confronted by Ujang who looked very sad.

"Why are you, Ujang?" I asked while glancing at Anis, the code asked. Anis just shook her head.

"I can't move on, Imas." Answer's short.

"Ujaaaannng, dong already! I don't think about love, I focus on learning." I'm upset.

"But, the same Usep is different?" He replied with a cynical smile on his face.

"You mean?" I was surprised by Ujang's words.

"You're so familiar with Usep, you even look like you're dating." Ujang uttered a sentence that made me instantly speechless.

It was unexpected, it turned out that behind me Usep was listening to our chat.

"Ohh. I was wrong, I was too hopeful." The voice shocked me and immediately looked back.

"Nice?" I asked, getting nervous and going wrong. I'm afraid Usep misjudged me.

Usep looked at me with a mixed expression of disappointment and confusion. My heart began to beat faster, afraid that my words had made him hurt.

"Gold, I think we have a relationship that is more than just friends" Usep said in a hoarse voice. "I thought we had the same feeling, but maybe I was wrong."

I feel like my heart is almost stopped. It felt like there was a thin thread ready to break up between our relationships. I tried to explain quickly, not wanting this misunderstanding to drag on.

"Seep, I'm sorry if there's a misunderstanding. I really think of you as my best friend. But I've never seen you more than that. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings" I said in a trembling voice.

Usep looked at me with a difficult look. I hope he can understand my position and keep our friendly relationship. However, he only smiled bitterly and turned away without saying anything.

I feel empty and sorry to see Usep leave. I tried to call out his name, but my voice was stuck in my throat. It was like something broke up between us.

Anis who saw the incident approached me with a face full of worry. "Gold, what's going on? Are you all right?"

I could only shake my head, too shocked and hurt to be able to express my feelings in words. Anis clasped my hand tightly and gave support without saying much. He knew that right now I needed someone who listened and understood without many words.

The following days felt empty without the presence of Usep. Although we were still in the same class, our togetherness was tense and awkward. I miss the laughs and stories we used to have so familiar.

One day, during a break, Usep approached me with a face that looked a little soft. "Gold, I'm sorry if I overreact. I was too caught up in my own feelings and misinterpreted your attitude. I cherish our friendship and want us to be back to how we used to be."

I was relieved to hear those words. My heart still feels a little fragile.

"I'm the one who's apologizing, actually, I like you too, Usep. But, I don't want to make Ujang or Vey jealous" I said sincerely.

Usep was shocked to hear the confession. His gaze was hopeful, but there was also confusion in his eyes. He tried to understand my words carefully.

"Gold, I understand your concern. But, can't we determine our own feelings? If there really is a feeling between us, it's not fair to cover it up just for fear of hurting others" Usep said gently.

I paused for a moment, pondering on Usep's words. It's true, I can't control the feelings that are inside me. However, my respect for the other friends made me hesitate to express it.

"Gold, I just want us to be honest with each other. Let us solve this problem well. Don't worry about other people, what matters is how we maintain our relationships well" Usep said gently.

I felt overwhelmed by the mature attitude and understanding shown by Usep. Maybe it was time for me to face the truth and make the right decision. I took a deep breath, trying to gather courage within myself.

"In this case, I agree with you, Usep. I also have feelings that are more than just friendship towards you. And I want to have an honest and sincere relationship with you" I said steadily.

Usep smiled happily, "So...? we being?" Usep waited for an answer with anxious expectation.