It started raining in Bandung at exactly 5 p.m. today, just as Ara and Haidar were returning from their busy schedule. They had no choice but to take shelter until the rain eased off.
"Bandung often suddenly rains like this now, huh? Later, prepare to bring a raincoat so that-- Idar?" Ara was confused because it seemed like Haidar was still by her side.
"Here, drink this so you don't catch a cold." Haidar came from behind, offering a glass of warm tea for Ara and himself. Without being asked, Haidar was a sensitive person.
Back when Ara was still living in the boarding school, Ara once jokingly told Haidar that it was rare for a baso maker to come by there.
Until that night, Ara's roommate handed her a plastic bag with five packages of meatballs inside. When asked who they were from, she said they were from Idar. Why so many? There's enough for all of Ara's friends, she said. "Let's eat together, okay? Starting tomorrow, the uncle will be passing by your boarding house."
"Drink the tea, don't look at things that are sweeter than the tea," Haidar meant.
"Duh, tea is warm, but Idar's is cold," Ara teased.
"But you prefer the cold one, right?" Ara just chuckled at Haidar's defense.
The two of them were lost in the cold rain and the warmth of their hands from the cups of tea they were holding. Until finally, the rain eased off a bit.
"It's calmed down a bit, let's go home? It's almost Maghrib time, and it's taboo for virgins to be outside during Maghrib. Just wear a sweater, it's okay if it gets a little wet, right?" Haidar explained.
"Yeah, it's okay, Idar's clothes will get wet too."
"Well, who knows, if the headscarf is messy and you blame the rain, it'll be a disaster," Haidar mocked.
"Okay, come on, hurry up, put on your helmet... Hey, wait a minute." Haidar took off Ara's helmet again and then pulled the string on the hood of the white sweater Ara was wearing.
"Okay, it's safe," said Haidar while patting Ara's head.
What are you doing? Just smile.