Chapter 5 PART 5

Part 5 – Riyadh, Novi's Friend

Anin seemed to have predicted how her family would react to Setia's presence. Who could resist Setia's charm in their home? Especially her mother, who clearly showed her approval every time Setia visited on Saturday nights, even if it was just sitting together and chatting with the family, or coming along with Wina's family.

Anin herself was still uncertain about her feelings for Setia. Honestly, she still had feelings for Arjuna. It was natural since they had been in a relationship for a considerable time. However, lately, Anin had started to feel a sense of boredom during their chats or video calls. Perhaps Arjuna was also busy there, as sometimes Anin's messages went unanswered for a while.

Truthfully, Anin wanted to ask Arjuna about the future of their relationship, but she couldn't bring herself to force Arjuna to propose just because she was afraid of being left behind. She wanted Arjuna to propose when he was ready, not out of obligation.

Anin was also aware of Setia's evident interest in her. However, Anin wasn't the type of woman to be easily swayed by the attention of the opposite sex. She needed a long time to get to know someone, especially for a more serious relationship.

***

That night, Setia once again invited Anin out for dinner, and once again, Anin couldn't refuse, seeing how much joy it brought his mother.

They chose Café Lestari, a newly established café that was frequently talked about due to its delicious grilled chicken menu. Setia chose a table with four chairs since the two-seater tables were all occupied.

Anin suddenly felt the need to use the restroom, perhaps due to the drinks she had consumed earlier at home. She excused herself and headed to the restroom.

As she walked along, about to turn a corner, Anin saw a couple embracing each other. Huh? No, mistaken?

As she got closer, she breathed a sigh of relief. From a distance, it did seem like they were hugging, but upon closer inspection, a taller man was consoling a weeping woman.

Anin could've turned back, but she really needed to use the restroom.

The crying woman had her back to Anin, so she was unaware of Anin's presence. Anin's eyes met with the man's gaze. Talk about an unromantic place – a public restroom?

Anin gave a fleeting smile before entering the restroom. She caught a glimpse of the man fixing the woman's hair and heard him saying something to her.

"Alright, you can go home now."

When Anin left the restroom, the couple was nowhere to be seen. She returned to Setia's table and saw the food was already served. Anin sat across from Setia. They ate in silence.

"Nin, would you mind if I pick you up and drop you off at work every day?" Setia broke the silence.

Anin struggled to swallow her food.

"What do you mean, Mr.?"

"I mean, it's on my way to work, so would you be okay with that?"

Anin couldn't say no, and she didn't know what to say either.

***

They had just finished their meal when a figure stood before them.

"Hey, having dinner here?" the person said.

Anin looked up in surprise as Novi stood before them, taking a seat next to Setia without asking.

"Oh, Novi, you're here too?" Setia tried to make small talk with Novi.

"Don't call me '', I'm still young, you know. Not 'Pak'." Novi waved her hand.

"Okay, you can just call me without the 'Pak', since you're not my child."

"What should I call you then? 'Mr.'? People might comment, you know?" Novi teased Anin.

"Calling me Setia is fine too, our ages probably aren't too far apart," Setia replied amiably.

"It's probably better to call you 'Mr. Setia', right? Is that okay, Nin?" Novi seemed to still enjoy teasing her friend.

"What are you doing here, Nov? With whom?" Anin changed the subject to divert Novi's chatter that was getting on her nerves.

"Well, you see, Nin, I'm single. So, on weekends like this, I don't have any specific plans. I just go here and there and end up wherever. Oh yeah, by the way, this café belongs to my friend. Wait a moment, let me introduce him."

Novi waved her hand, and someone approached. As the person got closer, Anin furrowed her brow. It was him...

"Riyadh," he introduced himself as he shook Anin's hand, his eyes fixed deep into hers. Riyadh's brown eyes momentarily captivated Anin. He was the man from the restroom.

"Anindya," Anin quickly broke the contact. The man then introduced himself to Setia.

Automatically, Riyadh took a seat beside Anin, facing Novi.

"Mr. Riyadh owns this café, so if you guys want to go on a date, feel free to drop by here. Mr. Riyadh will give you a discount, right, Mr.?" Novi started advertising.

Anin turned to the side again, her gaze meeting Riyadh's. Seeing him smile and looking handsome... why did her heart flutter? Wait, how is that possible? She thought. Anin quickly averted her eyes to her glass.

"How long have you been in the culinary business?" Setia initiated a conversation.

"Hmm... not long, I'm just trying it out. Because it seems like the culinary business is promising in Jakarta."

And thus, a conversation between the men started, naturally veering into the business realm. Novi and Anin remained attentive listeners.