Hatori Imas
Ujang Story

This time we talked about the Ujang. That afternoon Ujang was sitting beside the river near his house. Ujang felt heavy hearted and disappointed after hearing Imas's curses about Usep. He never imagined that Imas could be attracted to another guy, let alone a new guy who had just moved to their school.

Ujang's mind drifted backwards, recalling all the wonderful moments they spent together. Ujang always thought that he had a special relationship with Imas, that Imas only saw him as his closest friend. But now everything feels different.

Ujang looked at the photo of the two of them taken at the school event a few months ago. He saw the smile of Imas who was so sincere, and he felt his heart crumble. He felt like there was something missing in him.

"From the first time I liked you, Imas," Ujang murmured in his heart. He wishes he could express his feelings to Imas, but he is afraid of rejection. He was afraid of losing the friendship they had built all this time.

Ujang lifted his head from the table and looked at Imas who was talking with his friends across the room. Imas looks happy, and Ujang does not want to disturb his happiness.

"From tomorrow, I don't want to see Imas. It hurts too much to see Imas happy imagining thinking of others." Ujang was determined in his heart.

Without Ujang realized, from behind him there was Vey who was paying attention to the attitude of Ujang who looked sad.

Vey, Ujang's new neighbor, sees Ujang's uneasiness and feels concerned. He realizes that something is wrong with Ujang, and he wants to help.

With a careful step, Vey approached Ujang who was still silent with his gaze fixed on the photo of Imas. He sat down next to Ujang and gave a warm smile.

"Ujang, what's going on?" vey asked in a soft voice, trying to embrace Ujang in caring.

Ujang was surprised by Vey's presence and quickly wiped away the tears that had started to flow on his cheeks. He does not want to show his weakness to others, including Vey.

"It's okay, Vey. I just feel a little tired," replied Ujang with a smiling ordeal.

However, Vey is not fooled by Ujang's attempts to hide his feelings. He feels something deeper is going on, and he is determined to help Ujang through this difficult time.

"Ujang, I know something is hurting you. We are friends, and I want to hear you. Don't be afraid to share it with me" Vey said attentively.

Hearing Vey's attentive words, Ujang felt warmth in his heart. He knew that he could entrust his feelings to Vey.

After a moment of thought, Ujang finally decided to share his feelings with Vey. He tells about Imas, his hurt feelings after being rejected by Imas, and his fear of losing their friendship.

Vey listened with understanding and empathy. "Ujang, I know how difficult it is to deal with a situation like this. However, you are a Ujang man. Don't be that weak, there are still a lot of beautiful women out there" Vey said gently.

Vey's words surprised Ujang. He didn't expect Vey to say such a thing. Ujang looked at Vey in confusion.

"Vey, I appreciate your concern and your advice, but it's not that simple for me" Ujang replied in a trembling voice. "My feelings for Imas can't be taken for granted. I really love her, and it's not easy for me to forget."

Vey felt despair in Ujang's voice and realized that he did not fully understand his feelings. He regretted having expressed his opinion with less sensitivity.

"Sorry, Ujang. I may not fully understand your feelings," Vey admitted sincerely. "But, as a friend, I want to support you. If your feelings for Imas are so strong, maybe you should consider talking to him again and expressing your feelings once again."

Ujang shook his head. "I'm scared, Vey. I was afraid of rejection again and lost Imas as a friend. I don't want to ruin the relationship we've been building all along."

Vey felt sorry to see Ujang's despair. He wanted to help her find a way out of this situation. Empathetically, Vey patted Ujang on the shoulder.

"Ujang, I can feel how difficult it is for you right now. But sometimes, we have to take risks in love. If we do not express our feelings, we will always live in uncertainty. Don't let fear control your life" Vey said gently.

Ujang pondered over Vey's words and slowly began to open up to the idea. He realized that if he did not take a step forward, he would continue to be in a stalemate and never know what could happen.

Vey gave a full smile. "Tell me what's in your heart, Ujang. Be honest about your feelings. Let Imas know what you've been keeping all this time."

"But, Imas already knew and already rejected me yesterday.Alright, I'll try to tell Imas once again when we look for eels." replied Ujang straight.

The next day, with newfound determination, Ujang and Vey search for eels along the river. Ujang was still nervous, but Vey's support made him feel a little more confident.

As they walked along the river, the calm atmosphere and beautiful nature provided an opportunity for Ujang to gather his thoughts. He began to prepare the words he wanted to convey to Imas.

After a while, they found a spot on the edge of the river that was quite calm. Ujang saw me who was sitting pensively on the side of the rock playing and throwing it.

"Gold," call Ujang with a quivering voice. I turned and looked at him in wonder.

"Yes, Ujang. Is there something you want to talk about?" I asked, still confused.

Ujang took a deep breath, gathering all the courage that was in him. He looked at me sincerely.

"Gold, there's something I want to tell you. From a long time ago, I felt I had more feelings than friendship towards you. I love you, Imas," said Ujang honestly.

I was silent for a moment, my eyes showing astonishment and confusion. Ujang felt his heart pounding with hope. Will I accept her feelings or reject her again?

After a few seconds that felt like hours, I finally replied in a soft voice, "Ujang, I don't know what to say. I told you yesterday, I don't have any feelings and I think of you as a friend that means a lot to me."

"So you prefer that new student?" Disappointed with my answer.

"No, I don't know what love is, all I know is, I'm happy when we're looking for eels together." Speak Imas still with a soft voice, wrapped in sadness.

Ujang paused for a moment, digesting my words. She realized that I did not think of her as a potential boyfriend, but she also felt warmth in my words. They can still be together as friends, and that's important to him.

"With you, I am happy too, Imas. I don't want to ruin our friendship. Maybe I just need some time to understand my own feelings," Ujang said gently.

I nodded, understanding Ujang's decision. "I appreciate your honesty, Ujang. And I hope we can still be supportive friends. If there's anything you need, I'm here for you."

Ujang smiled, relieved that we could still maintain our friendship. She felt warmth and support from me, even though her feelings of love were unrequited.

"Thank you, Imas. I'm lucky to have a friend like you" Ujang said sincerely.

Vey, who was quietly listening to their conversation, was pleased to see a good settlement between Ujang and Imas. He approached them with a smile.

"I'm proud of you, Ujang. You have dared to express your feelings, and you are also wise in accepting his response. It shows your strength and maturity" Vey said with admiration.

Ujang smiled at Vey, feeling grateful for his support and attention. "Thank you, Vey. I don't know what I'd do without you here."

The three of us sat together by the river, enjoying the beauty of nature around us. Despite the disappointment and uncertainty, Ujang felt even more relieved after sharing his feelings with me and getting support from Vey.

One thing that Ujang and I don't know. Vey secretly has a crush on me too. "hahahaa. sukurin Ujang, you are rejected again. Now is my chance to get close to Imas." Vey thought in his heart.