Hatori Imas
Eternal Jealousy

I saw a positive change from Vey, now he can start smiling and joking with his friends. "Thank God, even if Vey doesn't want to talk to me, at least he's not upset anymore." I said in my heart.

Usep who saw me daydreaming alone suddenly came to surprise me. He slapped my back. "Gold, what do you think, hayoooo???" Usep asked with curiosity.

"Eh... Anu's... Anu's... Eel run." I was half shocked.

"Haha.. Imas, you are there. Where there's an eel that can run." Usep said with a chuckle.

"It's been a long time since we've joked like this, Imas," said Usep, clasping my hand tightly.

I smiled and agreed. "Yes, Usep. The last time we were able to relax like this it seemed like it had been a few months ago. I miss moments like this."

Usep looked at me with warmth. "I miss you too, Amas. Our busy running an eel business online makes us forget about small things like this." Usep hugged me full of warmth.

We arrived at the cafeteria and looked for a seat with our friends. The table we usually choose is full, but our friends let us sit with them.

"Have lunch yet, Imas?" asked Rina, one of our friends.

"No, Rina. I just got here" I replied with a smile.

Lina smiled and said, "You and Usep look happy today. What's going on?"

I looked at Usep for a moment before replying, "We just enjoyed our time together and were happy to see Vey doing well. Sometimes, a little moment like this can make us happy, right?"

Our friends nodded and greeted me with a smile. We ordered food and started joking around and telling stories about the funny events at school. The atmosphere of the canteen became increasingly boisterous, filled with laughter and jokes.

When I saw Vey from a distance, I waved to him. Even though he won't talk to me, I still hope that one day our relationship will improve. In the meantime, I'm grateful for the positive changes I've seen in him. May this happiness and joy persist in all of our lives.

"Oya, Rokayah yesterday recounted a ridiculous incident. Vey was often daydreaming, well when Rokayah greeted him, Vey was shocked and forgot that he had stepped on the tai cat." Rina told a story interspersed with the carefree laughter of her other friends.

A carefree laugh broke out on our table as Lina recounted the hilarious incident involving Vey. I couldn't help but laugh when I imagined Vey's shocked expression and the incident of stepping on a cat's tai. All our friends were involved in jokes and silly stories, creating joyful moments between us.

"Oh, pity Vey," I said with a laugh. "But it must be very entertaining. At least he could be surprised from his daydream."

Usep added, "Yes, it is important to be able to laugh and enjoy small moments like this. Sometimes, life can be too serious, and we need to take a moment to have fun with friends."

We enjoyed our lunch with great joy. During that time, Vey looked more relaxed and smiled as we all laughed. Even though she hasn't spoken to me yet, seeing her happy makes my heart happy.

After lunch was over, we all parted ways to continue our activities. Usep and I walked together to our class, holding hands. The cheerful atmosphere of lunch with friends still felt in our minds.

When we got to class, Usep paused for a moment and looked at me gently. "Gold, I'm happy to see you smiling and laughing like this. I love you, and I promise to always be there for you, to support you in everything."

We hugged each other for a moment before entering the class. I did not realize, it turned out that the moment when I hugged Usep was witnessed by Vey who was also about to enter the classroom.

Vey was silent for a moment in front of us and with a cynical look he turned his way into the classroom.

In class, an awkward atmosphere came to us. Vey looked so disappointed and really didn't pay attention to school lessons.

"Good, kids. Who invented the steam engine?" Ms. Ratna threw out all the students. However, Vey who looked dreamy it turned out to invite the attention of Mother Ratna, then Mother Ratna continued her sentence. "Vey, you answer. Who invented the steam engine?"

"Vey who was shocked when he got an impromptu question answered spontaneously, "Gold, Mom."

Laughter filled the classroom as Vey spontaneously replied that the inventor of the steam engine was "Gold". All the students, including Bu Ratna, laughed out loud at Vey's silly answer.

"What's? A gem? Not James Watt?" said Ms. Ratna while laughing.

Vey felt a little embarrassed by his wrong answer and embarrassing situation. He rubbed the back of his head while smiling shyly.

I couldn't help but laugh at Vey's funny expression. Then, I raised my hand and said, "Sorry, Miss Ratna. I never felt like I was making a steam engine. James Watt found it."

Ms. Ratna smiled and nodded. "Of course, Imas. Thanks for fixing Vey's answer. Hehe."

Classes returned to normal and the lessons continued with a more relaxed atmosphere. Although Vey answered the question wrongly, everyone knew that it was just a funny incident and there was no intention to offend or make him feel uncomfortable.

After the lesson was over, Vey approached me with a face that was still a little red from embarrassment. "Sorry, Imas. I wasn't focused on the lesson. I didn't mean it that way."

I smiled and patted her shoulder. "Just relax, Vey. It was just a funny incident. We all make mistakes. The important thing is, we can laugh and cheer each other up."

Vey nodded and smiled. "Thank you, Imas. I'm happy to see you happy and having fun with your girlfriend. Maybe someday, I can also join in such moments."

I felt I needed to hear Vey's words. "Of course, Vey. I'm sure someday we'll be able to talk again and be friends like we used to be. Don't worry, I'll always be there for you."

I saw Usep watching me while talking to Vey. I didn't want any misunderstandings, then I waved to Usep to come join us.

However, when Usep approached, Vey suddenly left. I felt that Vey did not like the presence of Usep between us.

"Gold, Vey why? why is it that when I come, he just leaves without saying a word?" Usep looked confused while scratching his head.

"You know why, Usep. He's jealous of our relationship." I answered while lifting both my shoulders.

"I feel bad about Vey." Usep said still with a scratching motion of his head.