The two of them standing there facing each other slowly Marchell approached him and then he seemed to be saying something to himself. Alice who was surprised because her friend suddenly said words that made her feel foreign. Not long after, the two of them were seen saying goodbye because Alice had to go home soon. Seeing Alice who was leaving in front of him, Marchell actually smiled at him while waving his hand and not long after that Alice went straight to the bus. He was on the bus, then felt something that made him look uncomfortable. Even so, his face seemed to show that he was worried. However, despite the fact that it was he still tried to calm down and begin to understand the situation as before. Alice who had arrived in front of the bus stop, then she walked from there towards her house and not long after that she arrived. Slowly enter the house and it turns out that everyone is not home. He seemed to sigh and then went to his room. Right inside her room, Alice laid her tired self on her bed and then she looked at her cell phone. It turned out that there were several messages from his group of friends and he then read them one by one. The message contains those who are still thinking about the task and the rest is just bullshit.
Alice then thought about what Marchell had said to her and that made her feel even more confused. He who wasn't like this before and was only thinking about what was in his head suddenly received an infinite amount of shock. With a face that showed doubt within him, he then took a deep breath and tried to close his eyes for a while. Alice who was still ringing in his words and then she got up from her bed and started to feel sadness in her head. His words did sound horrifying and made him feel uncomfortable for a moment even though in front of him, he was trying to look normal.
"Alice," Marchell said
"Yes? What is it? why are you running around in such a hurry?”
“Ah, actually… there's something I want to say.”
"What?"
"This may sound terrible. But, I've been thinking about this for quite a while.”
"What are you going to say then?" said Alice who sounded flat.
"Do you know? What if we met before by accident at a bookstore? At that time we were still in high school. Do you remember it?”
"Oh, I remember. And I didn't think I'd be able to meet you again on campus. is this a coincidence?”
"Who knows. But, at that time I…”
'I don't know why I don't want to hear it. His next words somehow I feel like saying something will be disastrous,' Alice thought
"What are you going to say? it's late. I must return immediately.”
"How about we meet at the usual cafe next weekend?"
"Okay."
'Oh shit. Why is that what I said? It sucks,' thought Marchell
"I'll go first," Alice said as she left and waved at him.
"Yes. Be careful."
Alice who felt strange why she seemed surprised to hear Marchell's words were just ordinary. And now he was contemplating himself. After everything felt fine, Alice then looked in the mirror and it turned out that she was starting to realize one thing. He remembers his oath all this time which requires him to only focus on his goals and not look at other things. With full confidence in herself, Alice then sighed again and not long after that she left the room. It was a pretty tiring day for him and everything went as it should. In a different place, this time Marchell was sitting on a chair at a bar. He looked somber and kept his alcohol to a minimum until finally a bartender in front of him asked him. the bartender is a man who loves to interact with the visitors who are there. Right now, in front of him was Marchell.
"You thought of something?" the bartender asked Marchell who was in front of him in a relaxed and friendly manner.
"Ah, it seems obvious."
"Well, that is just it is. By the way, what are you thinking about?”
"It is nothing."
"It doesn't look like it. Let me guess, were you rejected?”
"What? what kind of bullshit is that?”
“Hmm… otherwise, did you fail to tell him?”
Marchell who then felt surprised by his words and he immediately fell silent while looking at the bartender.
"Wow, so that's right," said the bartender in a tone that seemed to be making fun of him.
"What are you talking about?"
"Admit it. Oh yeah, it seems you don't look like someone who would do such a casual act.”
"Shallow," said Marchell in an annoyed tone
“Let me tell you one thing. You're too naive to show your cowardice. If I were you, I would say it clearly and afterwards I would feel relieved even though the answer might be different from expectations. You understand what I mean right?”
“If I had that kind of courage, I think it would be even better.”
“That's why, stop being cowardly and just say it. The result is not important.”
"You are right."
"So, are you going to give it another try?"
"I'll try to think about it."
"Okay. Up to you. Oh yeah, what's he like? What's so interesting? It's hard to believe someone like you would be…”
"Noisy."
"All right. I won't say much more. Wow, your glass is empty. Do you want more?”
"Certain."
The bartender then added more alcohol to Marchell's glass and he was still drinking late into the night. Hearing a lecture from a senior who worked part-time at this bar made him instantly feel depressed because this was not like him. Marchell who was a pretty popular kid but he was quite cold compared to most people. He will only be nice to people who he thinks are suitable for him. Just a moment ago, Marchell who was at his residence he seemed to be thinking about something and he then saw some photos of him with Alice and his other friends. He slowly remembers those days and it turns out that without realizing it he just smiled happily. Marchell then imagined that his current self felt a little freedom within him but it didn't last long. With a few memories etched in his head as well as the words of someone he would always remember and subconsciously start to like him. His attitude which then realized it, he just fell silent in surprise and his face looked red. Marchell then covered his mouth as a sign of not believing what had happened to him.
'Unlucky. What is this?' Marchell thought
The rejection that was in him then appeared slowly and began to deny his true feelings. He then tried to stay calm even though it was torturing him. Day after day made him feel almost crazy and he finally admitted it. It was getting stronger and stronger until it seemed as if he was at the end of the road of determination. Marchell began to accept what was happening to him and he casually tried to hide it from others. The longer he kept it hidden and then he started to realize something since he passed that person. he didn't expect that person to return to this city so soon.
"Oh, shit. I could go crazy,” Marchell mumbled
"What are you talking about?" asked his friend who had just overheard his words and surprised him.
"Good grief. It just surprises me."
"You thought of something?"
"Not."
"You lie."
"What?"
"Okay. If you don't want to share. I guess I should tell Alice," said her friend as she stood up and then started to leave.
"Hey, idiots! You are crazy?" said Marchell as he tugged at his shirt.
"Wow, that's how it looks. I understand," said his friend who was teasing him.
"Oh fuck."
"Come on. I already knew and now you don't have to hide it."
"Noisy. Go away."
"Are you sure you're not going to say that? Even though you used to go to the same school and were never honest with each other?”
"You want to die huh?!"
"It's so scary. oh yeah, I heard that the guy came back?”
"Yes."
"What's with your reaction?"
"What's the matter?"
"Hear. That person, is dangerous.”
"What?"
"You better say it quickly or you'll regret it."
"You really want to die?"
Marchell who is currently in his club room and then he feels bored so he immediately checks his cellphone. Today there is no news to shock everyone. He looked frustrated because of his friend's words just now and now he was playing an online game for a while. In the club room there were only him and one of his friends. this time everyone seemed busy and they didn't come there to just practice or just sit around in there. Right now it was at the exact same time in a place that was none other than Grace's workplace. He didn't look too busy and was enjoying his break. There, Theresia and Alice were also working on a project. They both looked busy and Grace started to come over to them and chat together.
"What's that?" Grace asked curiously and approached.
“Our massive project,” said Theresia
"Does it only apply to one major?"
"That's right," said Alice
"Wow, you guys are really busy."
"Yes it is. And how else. this all has to be done.”
"Oh yeah, have you guys heard any news recently?"
"What news?" ask Alice
“There were a few people in sight… this might open an old wound. But, I think you should also know," said Grace with a gloomy face.
"What is it?"
"Don't make us curious."
Grace looked still contemplating and then she tried to say something to both of them and it made them look surprised at what Grace said. They both looked at each other and then fell silent. This time it was like what Grace had said earlier. It will really open old wounds and it turns out to be true. Not long after, someone spread a rumor and it turned out that there was also someone who spread a news like what Grace said just now. Seeing the article and some of the other comments left them both in disbelief. His look that looked so surprised that then made him take a deep breath. Alice was still in shock and she was now silent just like Theresia.
"Are you guys okay?" ask Grace
"Is this real?" said theresa
"What? impossible,” Alice said as she silently looked down and at that moment she couldn't believe this.
They were both silent and at the same time, apparently Grace had to go back to work. He then left in front of the two of them and began to resume his work. Alice then looked at Theresia who looked surprised and the two of them were forced to continue working on the project until it was nearing completion. They both look busy and finally their work has started to finish. Alice exhaled and then stretched her arms because all of her work was done, now she was trying to rest for a while while waiting for Theresia's part to finish as well. And now they both look relaxed.
“This is really unexpected,” said Alice
"Did I hear wrong? Why do they want to destroy it so badly?” Theresa grumbled
"I also don't understand their shallow mindset."
"Oh yeah, is he afraid of being a threat?"
"Sounds reasonable."
"This is crazy. However, it shouldn't be like that. doesn't that clearly show that he's the trash one."
“Oh, that's right. but, if he doesn't do it doesn't it go back to the first guess?”
"Gross. There's always a human like that."
“Oh yeah, I wonder how those who handle it will respond? Did they take bribes that they had to keep their mouths shut?”
"I'm not sure about that."
The two of them were still discussing the rumors that had just spread and then they started to understand what happened and not long after, someone sent Alice a text message. He was the one who was surprised by that and it turned out to be Adeline who wanted to cooperate with him in making the news this time. Alice who felt something was wrong, she then tried to contact Adeline and was not picked up. After three attempts to contact him, finally the person immediately called him back and they began to discuss with each other about what was previously offered by him.
“Hello Alice, it's me Adeline. There's something I want to talk to you about," Adeline said over the phone.
"Yes. Just say it. By the way, does this have anything to do with the rumors that happened?”
"Eh? You really know that? but so far everyone is keeping it as secret as possible.”
“Some people in the chat group have already spread it. And again, it's going to be as excited as it was before."
“What happened before? Wait, you mean Janette?”
"Yes. Which one else?"
"You see. I'll just get to the point, honestly I need your help in handling some situations and the second is that you want to help me report it to the authorities?"
"What?"
“There are several reasons why I can't do it myself. This time I begged. Alice, I need your help just this once.”
Alice just stayed silent without saying anything and then the call ended. He who had previously called Alice, was now at his residence and looked so desperate. A while ago, his friends told him to spread the news but he didn't have to bear all of it. Adeline, who was feeling frustrated, then thought about whom to ask for help and it immediately crossed her mind to ask for help from Alice, who was clearly very intelligent and could be willing to help her in her current problem which was on the brink.
"What did he say?" asked Theresa
"He asked for my help."
"What for?"
"Deal with the problem. What should I do?"
"Better, don't accept it."
"What?"
"This may sound like mere opinion. But, to be honest. The boy didn't sound like he needed any help at all. He was just trying to run away and looking for someone to sacrifice. Do you want it like that?”
“Ah, there is indeed something strange. And again I'm not close to the child."
"Isn't she Adeline?"
"Your guess is correct."
"Do not. Just let him handle it himself. You can't just involve yourself in bullshit like that. To be honest, I have a feeling that something bad is about to happen.”
"Okay. This time I agree.”
"Good. Oh yeah, we're busy too right? So, you shouldn't have to deal with such troublesome things.
Alice and Theresia then returned from the cafe and now they are heading to their respective homes. On the way, Alice then felt something that made her feel uncomfortable and she kept showing an uncomfortable face. A few moments later, he had arrived at his house and was now heading to his room. At this time, Antoni also happened to be home and he was sitting on the sofa watching a movie. At the same time, Antoni then asked him something who had just returned.
"Alice. Have other relatives contacted you?”
"What? no."
"Don't lie, did they really contact you too?"
Alice then remembered that time, where that person kept calling her but she never once responded and immediately turned off her cell phone. With a look that looks reassuring, he then tells what really happened to Antoni and he immediately listens to it.
“Yes, a while ago. The cousin called me and wanted to see me," Alice said to Antoni.
"Don't meet him."
"I really don't want to meet him. It will not happen."
“Oh yeah, that damn idiot also contacted me.”
"Did you respond?"
"Of course not. What for? no profit for me. Trash looks like it's best to just leave."
"Good."
Alice then went to her room and now she is enjoying alone time in her room. A lot of things happened and it made him feel tired. Nothing made him better these days except sleep. That's the only really fun way. Not long after that, Alice then began to feel sleepy and without realizing it she fell asleep right away, in contrast to Antoni who was busy watching a movie alone in the living room of his house. This time, in a different place, precisely on the road that Grace passed when she returned home. It was nighttime and he was not afraid at all and now he felt normal. Before he finally met someone waiting for him in front of his house. Slowly, he came there and met that person who was none other than Philip. The two of them then chatted inside his house and Philip immediately said his intention and purpose of coming to visit Grace at this time. Grace who looked calm actually made him feel awkward and he tried to speak to Grace who was in front of him slowly.
“Actually, I came here to say something,” Philip said to Grace a little awkwardly.
"Just say it. What do you need me for?" said Grace in a friendly and polite manner.
"I apologize."
"What? what for?"
"Do you know? Maybe this does sound rude. But I really don't want to do that."
“Ah, you mean hacking my account?”
"Yes. Forgive me. I'm really sorry."
“I knew you would tell me this. But, that's all in the past so forget it."
"What? are you really going to forget it? But I drained all your money."
"Enough. Don't make me repeat it."
"Eh?"
"I know why you did it. Even though it made me suffer a lot, I honestly understand everything so forget it.”
"I just don't want to be haunted by this guilt. That's why I brought this," said Philip while showing a briefcase that had a lot of money in it and it surprised Grace because there were so many.
"What is this?"
“This is my apologies. So take it."
“How did you get this much? What are you doing?"
"I worked hard."
"Seriously? What are you working on?”
"In that case, I can't tell you. I'll just give you this."
"Not. Just bring it back, I don't need it."
"Do not lie."
"What are you saying?"
"It is clear. You have a dangerous disease that attacks your nervous system. If you relapse again, everything will make you suffer and maybe even you will end. That's what Janette told me."
"What? when did he tell you?”
"When he was still with me. It's been a long time. However, I just realized that what I did was unforgivable. And again, you must suffer because of that. don't protest and just take this. I'm sorry."
"Hey wait," Grace said to Philip who then left Grace's house waving.
"You are crazy?"
Seeing this, Grace then sat silently remembering herself who was suffering so much at that time. And when he found out that the culprit was his friend's girlfriend , it broke him even more. Even so, she didn't report it to the authorities for one reason other than that her friend Janette would suffer even more than herself who only lost some of the amount that was still to be found. Now, Grace who was still silent then got up and was about to do something with the pile of papers in front of her. At the same time, Philip who was heading to his house then he checked his cellphone and several times got offers to do his job hacking data on a dark website.