As days passed , my friendship with Ariel and Aria grew stronger . There were others working with us , but those two treated me like their own little brother .
"Boys , what do you think about taking a day off tomorrow ?" Aria asked , Ariel was munching on some snacks at the store's small seating area . "I'm free , but who's gonna watch the store ?" Ariel asked . "I already asked my friend to fill in for us if we decide to go ," Aria replied confidently , "Wait, you're inviting Aizat too ?" Ariel asked , "Yeah , he's with us now . He should come , don't you think ?" Aria replied , "So we're just taking some kid out at night now ?" Ariel complained , slightly annoyed by her idea , "It's just a movie and a little shopping ," Aria said , rolling her eyes .
Ariel gave me a cold glance — it was clear he expected me to back him up , "Well , I don't really have any plans . My parents trust me to take care of myself , so I think I'm free ," I said .
Ariel sighed , looked down , then back up . "When are we going ?" , "After our shift ends . Is that okay ?" Aria asked , "Sure ," we both answered .
When our shift ended , I went home , parked my bike , and got ready to go out again . I called Ariel to pick me up , and he arrived shortly after . "I never knew you could actually dress well . You look insane , bro ," he said , grinning . "Sure ," I replied , getting into the car and scrolling through my phone . He shook his head and started driving .
"Aria's waiting , so we should get there fast ," Ariel said , trying to start a conversation , "You're the one driving . Don't tell me that you can't," I teased , he laughed shortly and focused back on the road .
When we arrived , Aria texted Ariel to meet her inside . "She's already in — a café ," he said , looking at his phone , not noticing I was already walking ahead , "Noted , and maybe drive faster next time ," I said , letting out a faint laugh , "Hey , wait ! You're leaving the guy who gave you a ride ?" he shouted .
As soon as we stepped into the café , Ariel stopped at the door , I turned around , "Why'd you stop ?" , "Didn't you see her ?" he said . I looked around and spotted Aria sitting alone at a table for three . I walked over . "Hi , Aria ," I said , smiling . "Hi , Aizat . I'm impressed , and a little shocked . I didn't know you could actually dress yourself properly and look this good ," she said . Praise or insult ? I couldn't tell . "So you're saying I usually look bad ?" I asked , just wanting an honest answer from her , "No, I mean … you're cuter than usual . I kind of like this look . Why can't you dress like this every day ?" she replied .
"So you two start chatting and leave me out already ?" Ariel cut in .
Aria finished her drink , stood up , and tugged at my sleeve . "We should get going . The movie's starting soon ." She pulled me along while Ariel followed behind .
"Do you actually have to run ?" Ariel panted , catching his breath ."We're here !" Aria said , her voice bright with excitement .
It had been a while since I last came to a cinema . I rarely watched movies outside ."Have you been here before ?" Aria asked ."Yeah , a couple of times ," I replied . "Was it for a date ?" she asked again , tilting her head slightly . "Get in already — there's a long line behind us ," Ariel cut her off before I could answer .
We found our seats . Aria sat between me and Ariel , the glow from the big screen reflecting in her eyes ."Oops , I forgot the popcorn and drinks ," Ariel said , pretending to panic before standing up ."Typical ," Aria sighed with a grin . "He always forgets something ."
While we waited , she leaned closer . "So … what kind of movies do you like ? Please don't say horror — I'll scream before the title even shows ." , I chuckled . "Then let's hope it's not one ." , "Seriously , if it is , I'm glad I didn't let you choose what movie we're watching today ," she said , crossing her arms but smiling .
"It's cold in here ," Aria said , hugging herself ."Duh, it's a cinema . A room filled with aircon ," I teased .
She clicked her tongue , lips pursed in mock annoyance ."Take this ," I said , handing her my jacket .
"Oh … thanks ," she replied softly ."Ariel told me you're not good with cold ," I explained .
Her face shifted — somewhere between surprised and disappointed ."By the way —" I started ."Hm ? What is it ? You need something ?" she asked , glancing at me .
"Ariel interrupted us earlier ," I said ."When ?" she frowned ."At the café . I actually wanted to say … your outfit tonight really suits you better than your work uniform . And that jacket makes it even better — it kinda makes you look … cuter ."
Her bag immediately flew toward my head . "Ouch !" I groaned .She looked worried for a moment , then let out a small laugh .
"You're cuter this way , you know ," I muttered .
"You want another go ?" Aria said , raising her hand with the bag , pretending to hit me again .
"Woah , woah , what's going on here ?" Ariel said , sliding into the seat next to Aria with popcorn and drinks . "You two having a divorce or something ?"
Aria's face turned bright red . "W – what are you talking about ?!" she snapped , glaring at Ariel before crossing her arms and facing the screen .
I tried to hold back a laugh but failed . "Divorce ? We weren't even married to begin with ," I said , grinning . "Keep talking and I'll make sure you won't live to see the end of this movie ," Aria muttered without looking at me , still flustered . Ariel just chuckled . "Man , this is better than the movie already ."
We had fun watching the movie . It ran for almost two hours , and afterward , Aria led us to her favorite café in the mall .
"What do you want ? My treat ," she said with a smile , still holding my sleeve . "Only him ? What about me ?" Ariel teased , raising an eyebrow . "You already have your own money . I'm only treating my kid ," she said proudly . "Your kid ? Since when am I your kid ?" I asked , pretending to be offended . "You're mine from the moment you stepped into this mall until you walk out and go home ," she replied with a grin . "I guess you left me no choice then ," I muttered , giving up , she smiled even brighter while ordering for me . Ariel walked beside her to order his drink too .
"Seriously , you two look like a couple on a date and I'm just the extra guy tagging along ," I said , half-joking . Aria blinked , caught off guard . "W – what ? Don't be ridiculous ." Ariel smirked . "Oh ? You wish you were just tagging along . Pretty sure Aria dragged you here ." , I sighed . "Exactly my point . Kidnapped into third-wheeling ." , Aria narrowed her eyes and lifted her bag threateningly . "You're impossible , Aizat ." , Ariel leaned back , chuckling . "Admit it though — you two look cute arguing ." Thud . Her bag hit his arm this time . "Keep talking and you'll be next ," she warned . I tried not to laugh . "See ? This is why I said I'm the extra guy . It's dangerous in this couple ."
The café only had small tables , two seats each . It was cozy , dimly lit , the kind of place that smelled like roasted beans and soft pastries . I sat down first while waiting for them to order . From my spot , I could see Aria laughing quietly at something Ariel said at the counter . She always had this bright way of lighting up a place without even trying .
After a while , she came over and sat right in front of me . "Uh… excuse me?" I asked , half teasing , half curious . "What?" she tilted her head , pretending to be innocent . "Can't I sit here?" , I smirked . "Well , your boyfriend over there is sitting all alone ." , She rolled her eyes . "Boyfriend ? Please ." Ariel look at us . "Yeah , right ," he said . "From what I'm seeing , most people probably think you two are the couple . I'm just the third wheel here ." , "What do you mean ?" Aria asked , frowning slightly . "Look around ," Ariel nodded toward the other tables . "People are literally glancing over . I swear I heard someone whisper , 'They look so cute together .'"
I leaned back in my seat , trying not to grin . "I don't mind what others think about me ," I said . Ariel raised an eyebrow . "You don't mind what ? Being Aria's boyfriend for the night ?" He smirked , then looked down at his phone as if that made his words less obvious . "whatever ," I said , keeping my tone calm .
Aria blinked , then glanced at me , her cheeks turning slightly red . "Really ? You don't mind ?" she asked quietly , eyes fixed on her drink as she stirred it with the straw . "Alright , lovebirds ," Ariel cut in , stretching his arms . "I'm gonna go play bowling or something . Need some me - time , you know ."
I frowned . "What about us ?" , He grinned . "You're dating , go do couple stuff . You'll thank me later ." With that , he waved and walked off , disappearing into the mall crowd .
I turned back to Aria . "Is he serious ?" , she looked at me , a mix of embarrassment and amusement in her expression . "He's just trying to mess with us ." , "Well ," I said , leaning slightly forward , "if we're really going on a date , you can't be all shy like this . I want you to act like you usually do ."
She exhaled softly , then met my eyes . "Fine , this normal enough for you ?"
"Better ," I said , smiling . "See ? You're cuter this way ."
That caught her off guard . She coughed mid-sip , almost spilling her drink , quickly looking away as she covered her mouth with a tissue . Then , she made that familiar annoyed face she always had when she didn't know how to react .
"Stop saying weird things ," she muttered .
I chuckled . "So , where are we going after this ?"
She looked at me for a moment , then smirked slightly . "You'll see , but this time , I'm choosing . No complaints ." then she suddenly stood up . "Come on , there's this shop I really want to visit ," she said , tugging at my sleeve .
The shop she meant was a small , brightly lit store filled with plush toys and cute dolls lining every wall. It looked like a dream world for her ."They're so cute !" Aria squealed the moment we stepped in , still holding onto my sleeve as if I might run away . "Yeah , yeah , you've said that five times already ," I said , pretending to be annoyed but smiling anyway , she didn't even notice me — too focused on the shelves . She picked up a fluffy white bear . "Oh , this one's so cute ! Don't you think so too ?" , I glanced at it . "You like that one ?" , "Yeah ," she said softly , hugging it for a moment while making a cute face — maybe trying to get my attention .
I glanced at another doll nearby — one that , for some reason , felt like looking into a mirror , "That one ?" I murmured . "Can you wait for me outside for a bit ? I need to do something real quick ." , "Eh ? Where are you going ?" she asked , confused . "Just wait outside ," I said and slipped away before she could ask more .
I entered the store again without her noticing . I grabbed both dolls and brought them to the counter . After paying , I stepped outside and saw her sitting on a bench , scrolling through her phone , looking a little down .
She notice me and ask "Why'd you suddenly leave me ?" , her voice quiet but slightly pouty . "Here ." I handed her a small paper bag . She blinked . "What's this ?" When she peeked inside , her eyes widened . "You actually bought it for me ?!" , I sigh . " i use ariel's money " , her smile softened — not her usual teasing one , but a warm , honest one . "Thanks ." she said with a smile , "Come here ," she said suddenly , holding up her phone . "Let's take a picture before Ariel comes back ." , I leaned closer , and she snapped the photo , laughing quietly when I smiled awkwardly . I glanced down at the other paper bag in my hand — the one with the doll I'd bought for someone else .
The rest of the night went smoothly . We wandered around the mall , played claw machines , and had dessert . Time passed faster than I expected .
By 11 , we finally decided to go home . Ariel helped Aria load all her shopping bags into the front seat . "Uh, bro?" I pointed at the seat . He smirked . "What ? You're sitting in the back with your girlfriend . You're not seriously gonna leave a lady sitting alone , are you ?" , "Wouldn't that be better , honestly ? Whatever . Are you fine with that , Aria ?" I asked . "Yeah , I'm cool ," she said with a shy smile . I sighed — guess Ariel left me no choice . I just didn't want to get home any later than this .
On the way back , I asked Ariel to stop by at a friend house. I got out for a moment and placed a paper bag by the gate . "Why'd you leave it there ?" Aria asked . "It's for a friend . They asked me to get something , so I'll tell them where it is later ," I explained . "Hmm … weird , but okay ," she said , giving me a suspicious look .
We continued the ride , but Ariel suddenly took a different turn . "You're going the wrong way ," I said . "I know . We're going to the beach . Just for a bit ," he replied casually .
The air near the coast was cool and salty . Ariel ran toward the water like a kid , while Aria and I sat quietly on a bench facing the waves . "You know ," she said softly , "today was really wonderful ." , I leaned back , listening to the waves crash and fade . My eyelids grew heavier each second . That was the last thing I heard before everything went black .
When I woke up , we were already parked in front of my house . Aria was looking at me with an amused smile . "Oh, there you are . Awake now ?" she said . "You really have a cute sleeping face , you know ?" she teased . "Yeah , right ," I muttered , still half - asleep . "See you tomorrow ," I said , waving as I stepped out .
Inside , my siblings were still up , playing loudly . The smell of fried rice filled the kitchen . "Mom , what are you cooking this late ?" I asked . "They got hungry again ," she said with a tired laugh . I smiled faintly . "I'll just have the leftovers later . I'm not really hungry ."
In my room , I unlocked my phone and opened the chat with Nadia, you got the stuff? I hang it by the gate ." , Then I locked my phone , laid back , and stared at the ceiling .
What should I do tomorrow … ? The question lingered in the dark , heavier than I expected . The quiet hum of the ceiling fan filled the room as my thoughts drifted back — her smile , the waves , the laughter that still echoed faintly in my head . I turned to my side , staring at the faint glow of my phone screen on the desk .
Tomorrow … maybe things won't feel the same anymore .