Silent Night. Everyone is now resting. Alice is no exception. Tonight he couldn't sleep because his mind was so full of things that he couldn't feel comfortable. Right now, Alice was lying on her bed and she felt the emptiness inside her slowly. It's not like he usually just always feels good about things. But this time it was different. He felt the anxiety that made him feel unable to sleep and even now he came out of his room and went to the kitchen to get a glass of water. His eyes filled with irritation, not long after he managed to get a glass of water and then returned to his room. Once in her room, Alice looked at her cell phone and several times read an article about today's news. At the same time, he also saw the chat messages in his class group and they apparently still haven't slept even though many seem to be still joking. Alice then lay back down on her bed and now she had previously taken a sedative to put her to sleep. Until finally he managed to go to dreamland.
Currently in a different place, none other than Marchell's residence he looked so happy because the next day he would meet Alice. A few hours ago, Billy called him and lectured him several times. At first he was very annoyed, but in the end he listened to the end and it gave him that brilliant idea that popped into his head. Previously they also discussed something quite important. A few hours ago when Billy called him and they both started saying something on the back of the phone call.
“Hello Marchell, coward sir are you asleep?” said Billy
"Noisy. What's going on at this time of night?"
"Are you all right? Yesterday you looked pathetic and how are you doing now?”
"Just fine. What do you want?"
"There are some tips from me. You want to hear it? It's really powerful, isn't it?"
"What tips?"
"Aren't you going on a date tomorrow? That's why I'll tell you."
"What?"
"Don't be so surprised. As a friend, I deserve to tell you this trick. Sir coward."
“Stop calling me lord coward, you crazy playboy.”
"Wow. Wow, don't carry the name of the party, it's not cool at all."
"What tips do you want to say?"
"You seem curious too."
"Unlucky."
"Okay. I'll tell you, so just listen."
Billy then said his tips and that of course took him by surprise and again scolded him to hang up the phone. Marchell kept cursing and he decided to just go to sleep because it didn't really matter to him. Billy who saw the call ended before he even said all the tips could only sigh and immediately put his cellphone on the table near his computer. Not long after, he looked at some of the data that was in the broadcast file that Adeline had previously sent. In that format he had a lot to do and now he had to start again because it was getting late and he was only active at night like a bat. Billy who was focused then heard the sound of his cellphone and when he saw it, it was from Adeline. So he picked it up right away.
“Hello, is something wrong Adeline?” ask Billy
"You're awake."
"Of course. Karen I have to do my job. What is it?"
"Then sorry to interrupt."
"Hey, wait a minute. Don't hang up the call. Did something happen? You don't sound all right."
"Not. I'm fine. Do not worry."
"Okay. Then go to sleep. Don't you really hate staying up late?"
"Yes. You are right. I'll be sleeping soon."
"Okay. Oh yeah, are you really okay? I don't believe you."
"I told you it's okay."
"Okay. Sleep over there."
"Yes. Good night."
'What's with that kid,' thought Billy and then continued on with his work.
Tonight at Adeline's place. He was now in a place that was none other than a bar. This time there weren't too many people here and he just sat alone near the bartender. Some people look drunk and even many of them continue to talk nonsense. Adeline kept pensive and drank the alcohol in front of her. a bartender who previously knew Marchell very well then tried to get him to talk.
"Are you having a problem?" asked the bartender in a friendly manner and Adeline looked at him.
"Ah, I found out."
“It was plain to see on your face. Is the problem really that big?”
"You could say yes or no."
"Oh, I see. Then, what are you going to do?”
"I do not know. So far I've been thinking about a contingency plan and just came up with it but it looks like it's just going to fail.”
“Why are you so sure it will fail? Haven't you tried it at all?"
"That's because, I lost the ace."
"Why don't you look for a new ace?"
“If it was easy. I have done. However, the reality is very different.”
"Maybe you're the only one who's not convinced. What if all that changes?”
"What? what did you just say?”
“A while ago, someone was also suffering from the same thing and of course I couldn't just let him get depressed in front of my eyes it was really distracting. That's why I gave an enlightenment."
"Who are you really?"
"Well, good question. My name is Michael Cronin. Just call me by my first name."
"Michael. What do you think? What is a solution? Or just want to make fun of me?”
“The answer depends on you. If you think the other is like that and again if you think otherwise then that's what happens."
"Bother."
"Oh, I see. Too bad."
"Are you going to take another route?"
"Yes?"
“Right now I only have one way and it's still gray. I'm not sure what the future will be like. That's why it's going to take a long time and make me even more devastated.”
"Is that so important to you?"
"Of course. I felt myself having to be there as a news writer, reporter and chairman of this broadcasting club would be very important. For me they are very important so I can't lose them."
'Broadcasting club? Oh, interesting,' Michael thought
"That's really heavy."
"You're right, right?"
"Instead of you constantly thinking about how to survive, why don't you start making something fun."
"What?"
“For example, making news that sounds positive and even attracts the hearts of others. You shouldn't be fixated on the rumors circulating."
"Oh, that's right. I just realized it was stupid only realized it now. Honestly, I'm grateful."
"You're welcome. And don't forget if you want to go home to drink the antidote for hangovers," Michael said while giving the drug to Adeline.
Not long after, Adeline went straight home from that place and on her way she drank the liquid medicine and slowly her head didn't hurt anymore and she didn't want to vomit. That person gave him a piece of advice that he desperately needed. Adeline then walked down the sidewalk and would return to her house which was not far from the place. Meanwhile, at the bar the bartender then felt relieved with a smile on his face.
"Michael."
"Oh, you. What do you want to order?"
"As usual, you always listen to drunk people's useless talk."
"Not really. You could say it's actually useful. You really are like this, Jay. Long time no see."
“Ah, it's because I just returned to this town.”
"Did you move?"
"Yes. Honestly I feel disappointed but what can I do. this is the final decision," Jay said as he sat down on the chair in front of the bartender.
"Then come and visit me often. There are plenty of drinks for you to taste.”
"That doesn't sound bad."
"Oh yeah, do you know that girl?"
"Not. So what?"
"I'm just asking. It is nothing."
"Looks like he's going to be..."
"I do not care. It's none of my business and again why are you telling me?”
“Hmm… it's nothing. I just didn't realize I told you."
"Base."
The very cold night behind this chill looks a lot of gray. Adeline, who had arrived in front of her house, then entered it and as soon as she turned on the light she saw a very empty room. Everyone had never returned to this city and was the only one left. Adeline then went to her room and she lay down on her bed while looking closed her eyes and trying to look calm. Behind everything that happened today made him feel at the edge of the abyss of despair. Everything he was holding on to and even what he was about to do was not going well. unlike usual he always gets anything in his achievements and is always in a happy state. This time it was all gone. The club is no longer giving good news and the worst thing is when it tries to do something new and it fails. Hope had been buried and now his frustration was making him sink even more.
"Oh yeah, Jay. Have you memorized everything?” ask Michael
"What?"
"You really forgot about it?"
"No kidding. Do you want to die?”
"Wow. Terrifying. no it's not like that. I just wanted to make sure.”
"Don't make me repeat it. You just need to keep your mouth shut like usual right?” Jay said with a smirk.
"Ah. I already guessed. As usual, I always do."
"Good. And how about your college? Are you really in a safe position?”
"Of course. Even though it's night I have to guard this place."
"Sounds like you're not lying this time."
"Why should I lie anyway?"
"For one reason."
'As usual this person is dangerous,' Michael thought
The next day. Currently at Alice's residence. He seemed to be tidying his room before he finally left. After everything was done, he then left his house to go somewhere to meet someone. Alice walked slowly until she finally arrived at a place they usually visited, namely the cafe across from the city park. When he got there, he saw it was already coming and then waved at him. Alice immediately sat across from him as soon as she arrived at the place. The atmosphere was looking good and now he and Marchell had started doing their respective tasks and chatting occasionally. Not only that, Marchell who listened to Billy's words last night almost drove him crazy and now he was in front of Alice and didn't want to make her feel sick of her friend's suggestion. they both looked busy with their work and also occasionally Marchell looked at him and noticed him. Alice who looked busy then she heard her phone ringing, then she just checked it and let it go again.
"You're not going to reply?" asked Marchell who was curious about it so he asked.
"No need. These are just people bothering me.”
"What? who's bothering you?"
"Not in the sense of a stalker but a troublesome relative."
"Oh, I see. By the way, you are not close to them?”
"Not."
"Why? Is there something?”
“They don't like me and just want to take advantage of me. That's why I hate them."
"What? why are they like that to you?”
"I do not know. They're definitely not good people."
"Then your way of not dealing with them isn't wrong."
"I know it. therefore I always avoid them.”
"Oh yeah, do you have a lot of work?"
"Not too. What is it?"
"I'm just asking."
"That's how it looks."
"If you feel you need help, you can ask me for help."
"I won't bother anyone else so forget it."
"You really never change."
"Yes. You're absolutely right. I can't change."
"Oh yes. Have you been in trouble lately?”
"Not really. So what? Don't tell me you're just asking too."
"Yes, your answer is correct. oh yeah, are you really going on vacation this summer with your friends?”
"Of course. I've thought about it."
"In that case, okay."
"So what? Will you come with my friends?”
"Is that okay?"
"I can talk to them about it. You should also just bring your friends.”
"In that case, I'll take him too."
The two of them were seen chatting as soon as they finished their work. Meanwhile, outside the place there was Rona who was about to enter the place with her friends but she decided to just leave when she saw that Marchell was with someone inside. Rona started to turn around and she was about to leave but her friend said something to her and made her silent for a moment.
"Where are you going? Didn't we promise to come here?" asked his friend to Rona
"We'd better find another place. it's uncomfortable here," said Rona as she left from there and left her friend.
"Hey, wait for me."
The two of them then didn't enter the place and not long after, Alice saw Rona who was seen from the glass going somewhere and she just watched it from a distance. Right now, Alice who was still sitting opposite Marchell then she started to look at the clock and it was already noon. He then decided to go home early because he had things to do at home. Seeing Alice who said that, Marchell also then left from there and he headed to the internet cafe to meet Billy. The two of them then separated from each other and now Alice was walking towards a place which was none other than Theresia's house. Arriving in front of her house, Alice rang the bell and she immediately opened the door to her apartment.
“Alice, you really didn't tell me beforehand. Come in," said Theresia
“Sorry that I came here without telling you.”
"It's okay, I'm just glad you're here. Now I feel like I have a friend to chat with.”
"Thank you."
“Wow, no need to thank me. Oh yeah, a few minutes ago I ordered chicken delivery do you want?”
"Can. Okay wait a minute I'll get it."
"Oh yes Theresa. I'm working on an assignment here, maybe it will take a long time."
"Does not matter. Go ahead, by the way is that a part-time job?”
"Yes. I'm working on it."
“What about that cake shop? do you really work there now?”
“In that case, I just need to wait for the email to be received or not. Until now there is still nothing so while waiting, I am working on another task.”
"Good idea."
“Do you think there is something wrong with that child? His behavior looked different from before. It makes me uncomfortable.”
"Who are you talking about?"
"Marchel."
"What?"
"I was working on an assignment with him at the place where we used to drink coffee."
"Ah, maybe he likes you."
"What are you saying?"
“This is just a simple opinion. First his demeanor looks different and secondly he is eager to meet you and do the work with you. That's pretty obvious. how can you be insensitive?”
"I thought he was just like a normal friend."
"You're the only one who thinks like that. Honestly, if he heard that he would really like it though.”
"What are you talking about? we're just friends."
"Good grief. How do I explain it huh. So you see, he's just doing things that make you feel comfortable. If it's too much then everything will be messed up and eventually you will hate it. Because that's probably what will happen."
"I don't care about things like that. So, I won't be affected.”
"Wow, you're so mean."
"Not evil. I just want to focus on my goal alone.”
“Once you reach your goal, what will you do next?”
"Surely survival."
"What kind of answer is that."
"Oh yeah, how about you? Are you dating?”
"Ah, you just reminded me of that nightmare again."
"What? weren't you the one who told me earlier at the park?”
“You have a good memory too. But, in reality it is not that easy as it turns out.”
"What do you mean?"
"I really don't want to remember it anymore and just want to live alone without dealing with things like that is very troublesome."
"I see what you mean. Didn't I tell you it's not important. You just need to focus on what your life goal is even though it's also a basic human need."
"It's confusing."
"You are right. very confusing."
This time at an internet cafe. There, Marchell came to meet Billy who was busy playing online games and that made him play too. During the game they look serious and continue to do battle royale battles. Not long after, Billy lost and now he had to start again from the start of the battle. They both continue to play and feel the happiness seen on their faces. When the battle was over and the mission started, Billy suddenly asked Marchell who was beside him something.
"How?" asked Billy curiously
"What?"
"Hey, why are you suddenly having amnesia. I mean your date."
"Oh, you just asked about that."
"Whoa, whoa, who's dating?" said someone who had just arrived and it was none other than Jay. He immediately sat down next to Billy and started playing the game.
“That boy. he's on a date," Billy said, pointing at Marchell and then Jay just chuckled.
"Really? Wow, good luck. Is she pretty?” Jay said
"Don't eat that bullshit. I'm not dating at all."
"Wow, how are you doing? Haven't you liked him since school?"
"Oh really? During the?"
"Yeah he said it."
“When did I say it,” Marchell said slightly annoyed to Billy
"Not. I mean the look on his face. You can't lie."
"If it's like that, why are you holding back? Are you afraid of being rejected?”
"Wow Jay."
"Not. It's not like that," Marchell said calmly.
"So what?"
"You don't need to know."
"No kidding. You suck so we have to find out. Right Jay?" said Billy to Jay.
"Yes. You are right."
"Gosh these two people."
"Oh yeah, you weren't surprised when I came to this town?" Jay asked them both.
"What for? isn't it obvious you'll come back. And you're not the type to go along with them that easily, are you?” said Marchell with a sharp look at Jay
"Your guess is always right. So I feel I have to be vigilant, "said Jay
“Hey-hey, what kind of situation is this?”
"What about everyone?"
"You're asking me?" Jay said
"Yes. Did I ask Billy?"
“Everything is the same. And again I don't want to talk about it."
"I already guessed."
"Hey. What are you talking about?" ask Billy
“Some kind of trick for dealing with boss monsters on the 100th floor.”
"What the hell."
Their conversation lasted a long time and they also played games for hours in this place until it was getting dark. Meanwhile, Alice who was now at Theresia's house and the two of them were talking about many things to eating delivery food. That night, Alice felt that she had to go back soon, but soon Theresia began to reveal what really happened to her so she decided to become an independent woman and not depend on romance as in romantic stories. Alice who was going home had to stay here for a while and listen to what he had to say. the two of them who already trusted each other made him feel comfortable in talking about anything. And both of them this time quite felt a real empathy within themselves. Alice and Theresia began to tell stories and they seemed to be carried away by the atmosphere.