The midday sun beat fiercely on the sports field. The sound of a bouncing basketball and the loud cheers of children echoed, but Rey sat alone on the sidelines. His gaze was vacant, his face gloomy.
Lately, for some reason, Ratna seemed to be distancing herself from him. He couldn't understand what he had done wrong.
"Am I wrong for approaching her?" Rey muttered softly. "Hasn't Ratna always seemed to pay attention to me? Or was I just imagining things?"
He sighed deeply, then forced a bitter smile. "Ah, what an idiot I am. Maybe I was just too confident. But why does it hurt so much?"
Rey looked down, staring at his reflection in a puddle on the ground. "I thought every girl noticed me... but it turns out I'm just delusional."
He tried to laugh, but only a small exhale escaped.
Suddenly, a mocking laugh rang out.
"How funny, Rey the handsome one is having a meltdown?" the voice was cynical. Harold stood in front of him, leaning back casually with his hands in his pockets, while his friends lined up behind him, chuckling.
Rey looked up. "What do you want?" he asked irritably.
Harold smirked. His gaze was sharp, but beneath it was something indefinable—maybe envy, maybe hatred. Or perhaps... because he himself was secretly interested in Ratna, the girl who was now making Rey lose his spirit.
"Your taste is terrible, bro," Harold said with a small laugh.
"What are you talking about?" Rey glared.
"Ratna, you know... the weird girl you're chasing after. How could a guy like you fall for her?" Harold mocked again, his tone cold but full of enjoyment at seeing Rey get angry.
Harold's friends also laughed, patting each other's shoulders, fueling the tension.
Rey clenched his fist. "Watch your mouth, Harold."
"Whatever. But honestly, Rey, you're an idiot if you're in love with a girl like that," Harold continued, his voice now low but piercing. He knew exactly how to wound someone—especially a vulnerable Rey.
Rey's anger exploded. He stood up and punched Harold squarely in the jaw.
But unfortunately, Rey was alone that day. Tim and Aryo weren't by his side. An uneven fight erupted in the middle of the field.
Although Rey was skilled at fighting, this time he didn't fully resist. He allowed himself to be beaten—not out of fear, but because his heart was already too shattered.
It wasn't just because of Harold's punches, but because of those words. About Ratna. About himself. About a love that was clearly one-sided.
___
🩺— HospitalizedThe hospital corridor was bustling that afternoon. The sounds of footsteps, the clinking of spoons from the patient dining area, and family conversations blended together. Visiting hours had just begun.
Rey lay weakly on the bed, his left hand connected to an IV drip. He was handsome, but now looked pale and slightly bruised. Sitting beside him was a neatly dressed, middle-aged woman—his aunt, his late mother's younger sister—gently feeding him porridge.
Rey had been living with his aunt for several months now, ever since both his parents died in an accident. It was also since then that he moved to a new city and transferred to the same school as Ratna and her friends.
A soft knock sounded on the door.
"Excuse me..." a gentle voice greeted them. Helen, Julia, Tim, and Aryo appeared from behind the door.
"Good afternoon, Rey. Good afternoon, Auntie," they greeted politely.
The aunt turned and smiled warmly, then put the spoon down in the bowl.
"It's alright, you all just keep Rey company, okay. I'm going out for a minute to get some warm water," she said softly.
"Of course, Auntie," Julia replied quickly.
The woman nodded, then slowly left the room.
As soon as the door closed, Tim immediately leaned closer and whispered, "Rey, why did Harold and his gang beat you up like this?"
"Yeah, that's messed up, bro. Why would you fight without inviting us?" Aryo added, half-joking but clearly worried.
Rey only managed a weak smile, staring at the ceiling.
Julia looked at him intently. "This is because of yesterday, isn't it? I thought that issue was resolved?"
Rey remained silent, only giving a small smile.
Helen leaned in slightly. "Is this a matter of the heart, Rey? I heard Harold was messing with you because of Ratna. Is that true?"
Rey didn't answer, just smiled shyly.
"So it is true?" Tim asked excitedly.
Julia laughed instead. "Of course, it is! I was already suspicious. Every time we hang out, he always suddenly disappears somewhere."
Aryo shook his head. "That's weird, Rey. How could you like Ratna? Isn't she odd?"
Tim immediately chimed in, "Rey must be blind." He laughed, then dropped onto the sofa. Deep down, however, Tim knew Ratna was pretty. He just wanted to tease Rey.
"Don't say that..." Rey said softly, his voice hoarse. His chest still ached every time he breathed.
Helen gently patted Rey's hand. "That's enough, just rest for now. I'll bring Ratna here tomorrow so you can feel motivated again, okay?"
Hearing that, Rey's cheeks flushed slightly. He just nodded a little.
They still had time to joke around before visiting hours ended. The originally gloomy atmosphere of the patient room warmed up with their laughter.
However, the news of the fight eventually reached Ratna's ears.
"Rey hasn't been to school for a few days," Helen whispered during the break in the cafeteria.
Ratna immediately turned. "Is Rey sick?" her voice sounded anxious.
"Yeah. They say Harold and his gang beat him up after school."
Ratna froze. Her heart pounded rapidly. "How could that happen? Rey is good at karate..."
"Maybe because he was alone that time," Helen replied softly. "The guys and I are going to visit this afternoon. You should come too, okay?"
Ratna stared at the table, her fingers gripping tightly. "I can't today, Hel. I have to ask my parents for permission first."
"How about tomorrow after school?"
Ratna looked at Helen and gave a small smile. "Alright. Tomorrow, then."
Helen smiled in relief. "Perfect. We'll go together tomorrow."
Ratna just nodded. But in her heart, something was churning—guilt, worry, and maybe... something else.