It's been two weeks since Niel and Zee got back together. They are back in a relationship like lovers who meet anywhere and anytime. Zee also admitted that he tapped Niel's cell phone so that he always knew where Niel was. But it didn't matter. After all, he also never went to obscure places.
As for Intan, don't ask, she could even smile contemptuously at the woman who had thrown her away. Of course, only when they accidentally met.
[Honey, the day after tomorrow I'm inviting you to dinner at my house. Look handsome,] a message from Zee that she named "My Girl".
Niel excitedly replied to the message, [ready, dear.]
Niel didn't know what Niel's mom would talk about. This was the first time they would meet again after being beaten by Aunt Lisna. She hoped that Aunt Lisna would invite her to meet to make up and give her blessing. While she was texting with Zee half-jokingly, suddenly a shout almost broke her eardrums.
"Niel, what are you doing? Let's eat!" Mama shouted, breaking his reverie.
Gosh, Mama really resembled Dali who was grumpy and liked to yell at will.
***
Niel's heart was pounding as he waited for Zee's door to open. This was probably the first time Niel had ever been to Zee's house. He never thought it would come this soon.
"Zee," Niel whispered, smiling as he watched Zeevanka Bella's beautiful face peek out from behind the door.
The woman without hesitation immediately took Niel's hand in her arm. They were like a dance party couple who were both charming and happy. Moreover, Zee was also completely back to her old self, dressed in feminine yet polite clothes.
"Good evening, Om, Tante," Niel greeted politely to Zee's parents who had sat down in the dining room first.
Niel didn't know what look these two people were actually giving him. They were just silent as they showed flat yet hopeful faces.
"Yes," Lisna replied flatly.
It was Zee's father who greeted him better. Om Zio smiled kindly as he welcomed her. Perhaps, Aunt Lisna was still upset because she thought Niel had hurt her daughter.
"You finally came too, Niel. Sit down."
Zee smiled widely as she pulled Niel's arm more vigorously. She led him to sit next to her while across from his father. She also attentively went to get Niel some food since Om and Aunty had already done it first.
"Eat, Niel," offered her lover gently.
Niel himself did not dare to start before Auntie ate first. Moreover, Auntie's eyes also still looked flat without a sound.
"Do you promise not to play with Zee again this time and next?" Lisna asked to the point.
"Ma, let her eat first," criticized the husband who felt reluctant.
However, Lisna's eyes got even angrier as her concerns were wiped away by her husband.
In fact, she dared to reply to her husband no less annoyed, "Never mind, let me solve this problem first!"
Hearing Aunt Lisna's deep anger, Niel without hesitation replied, "I promise, Aunt. I will not make Zee hurt again. Especially to the point of hurting her. Because I love her very much."
There was already hope in Aunt Lisna's eyes, but not satisfaction. A moment later Tante asked again, "What do you have to guarantee my child's future? You are much younger than Zeevanka, so I won't mess around in considering a partner for her."
Niel was silent. He had not had time to think about the future of himself and Zee. Including what he would give to Zee. All of this felt sudden to him because he was still a child yesterday afternoon who could only rely on his parents' wealth.
However, Zee suddenly grasped Niel's free hand firmly. As if trying to give Niel the strength not to be afraid to face his mother.
"Take it easy, Ma. We're starting a business together. Right, sweetie?" Zee asked, smiling sweetly at him.
Niel gasped until he coughed. All this happened because Zee dared to hold her hand in front of her mom, looked at her lovingly, and made a completely unexpected excuse. Business together? Since when? What business? Niel had no money.
"I-yes, Tante."
Niel could only reply stammeringly. Making Tante Lisna not entirely convinced by what these two people were saying.
"What kind of business is it?"
Optimistically, Zee answered, "A business selling thrift clothes, Ma. This kind of business is really popular among young people nowadays, Ma. Besides being cool, it's also relatively cheap. So, the brand also benefits."
Zeevanka's answer really amazed Niel. How could she think so quickly and give such logical reasons? In fact, even Aunt Lisna had to smile with satisfaction to hear it.
"Oh yeah? That's good, you can get married and build a house together when you're financially established," said her mother.
The remark reminded Niel of some inspiring stories of young couples on TikTok and Instagram who successfully built businesses with their partners. Can Niel do the same? I think so. After all, he has parents whose connections and wealth are no joke. Moreover, Aunt Lisna had also mentioned the word "married", which didn't mean that their relationship had been approved?
"Yes, Auntie. We'll try, yes," Niel replied excitedly.
This made his heart pound even more as Zee looked at him proudly. For the first time, Niel felt he had pride as a couple. His new dream hadn't even been realized yet and he was already highly appreciated by his partner and in-laws. What if it had actually materialized? This is a bit reminiscent of his stupidity that Intan wanted to milk without being given any appreciation. Really, the figures of Intan and Zee are completely opposite.
"Good. I pray it goes well. Now, let's finish the meal first."
Everyone smiled as they ate the remaining dishes. When it was over, Zee asked her mama for permission to chat with Niel first before letting him go home. The two of them were in the front garden, enjoying the moonlight that was dominated by black clouds and a few points of stars.
"Honey, thank you for protecting me," Niel said as he grasped Zee's cold hand that was blown away by the wind.
"Always. I will always protect and support you, Niel."
Zee's words, which sounded so sincere, touched Niel's heart. He was a man, but he was being protected. Meanwhile, he might even still be like a child who can't think maturely. However, in a small heart, Niel was determined not to disappoint the trust of the woman he loved and also loved him.
Niel grasped Zee's hand tighter, using both hands as he said with determination, "thank you, dear. I promise I will try to realize our dream. I'll build a thrift business like you suggested, and we'll make our dreams come true together."
Niel may not have the capital yet. However, he was not afraid. He also won't be ashamed if he has to borrow capital from his parents first. One thing for sure, he would learn to be independent and make the woman beside him happy.
The woman suddenly gave him a quick peck on the cheek. Making Niel stand still until his mouth dropped open.
"Thank you, dear. Let's fight together."
And after that, a warm embrace landed on his body. It was beautiful, because the cold night brought happiness and the woman who was able to warm his body and heart.