Highschool Sweetheart

The students in class XI MIPA 2 were starting to get restless and looked at the clock on the wall that was displayed in the corner of the classroom. They hoped that the bell for recess would soon ring and math class would end soon. It can be seen that most of them are getting lethargic but trying to stay focused facing the blackboard because they don't want to be hit by an eraser.

Teng... Teng... Teng...

"Okay, I think that's enough for today's Algebra material. For homework, please do the exercise book on page 34 and collect it on my desk next week before 07.00, if it's more than that I will give you a score of 0 for daily assignments," said the Mathematics teacher then walked out of the class.

The bell finally rang, and all the students breathed a sigh of relief. They immediately rushed out of the classroom to the canteen to fill their empty stomachs after two hours of struggling with Algebra material. Another case with Rindi who is still busy cleaning up her books. Suddenly Cheryn, Gina and Laila approached Rindi's table and kicked it so that Rindi was surprised.

"Hey kiddo, don't you have another uniform? Your clothes really smell real," Cheryn said while covering her nose.

"You know, I'm just uncomfortable looking at it, why don't you wear soaked clothes like this to go to school," said Gina, looking disgusted at Rindi.

"Understandably poor people, how can you afford to buy new uniforms, having just one uniform is already lucky," said Laila.

Today Rindi had to go to school with a wet uniform because this morning she got caught in the rain on her way to school. He forgot to bring an umbrella and didn't have time to take shelter for fear that he would be late. Rindi only looked down when the Cruvella Gang bullied her because the classroom smelled musty because of Rindi's wet clothes.

"Ma... Sorry if you guys are distracted," Rindi said, looking down.

"Eh, do you know that this classroom smells musty because of you! Already poor, bring bad luck again!" Cheryl snapped.

"Just pull him out instead of smelling the classroom," said Laila, who actually provoked him.

Cheryn, who was affected by Laila's words, then forcibly pulled Rindi's hand and dragged her out of the classroom. The Cruvella gang pushed Rindi's body until she fell to the ground which injured her legs and elbows. Rindi winced in pain holding her elbow while staring intently at the Cruvela Gang and not daring to fight back. He didn't want to cause trouble at the school, because he was self-aware that he could go to Pelita Bangsa High School because he got a scholarship.

"You're just a trashy kid who doesn't deserve to go to school with the rich kids at this school! What's there, you're just making a mess here!" Cheryn said.

"Why are you so mean to me? I have something wrong with you, "said Rindi in a low voice.

Cheryn only looked cynically at Rindi, there was not the slightest sense of compassion in Cheryn for the poor girl in front of her. Instantly it occurred to him to order his friends to work on Rindi. Laila and Gina nodded in agreement with Cheryn's invitation. They then pulled Rindi and took her to the bathroom, they intended to trick Rindi by dousing her body with water.

"Don't! Please let me go," Rindi pleaded.

"Shut up Lo! Here, it's better for you to take a shower as well," said Laila.

"Let's all get wet, your body!" said Gina.

From the direction of the hall leading to the bathroom, Cintya, who was about to go to the canteen, heard a commotion from the bathroom and immediately became curious. He immediately looked for the source of the sound and found the Cruvella Gang who were about to wash Rindi with water. Cintya saw what happened and was immediately shocked. He finally ran over to Rindi and helped her. Cintya pushed Cheryn away from Rindi.

"Stop! What's wrong with you guys?" cried Cintya with emotion.

"Lo, it's better to just stay quiet and don't interfere in our affairs!" said Cheryn.

"Rindi is my friend, so anyone who bothers him will have to deal with me, do you understand?" Cintya snapped.

"You think we're scared?" said Laila.

Cintya doesn't run out of ideas, she threatens to report the Cruvella Gang to Teacher BK if she keeps bothering Rindi. Even Cintya would not hesitate to report Cheryn to the school's code of ethics board for bullying. However, Cheryn actually cornered Cintya even more because she preferred to be friends with Rindi, the poor child.

"Just imagine, if your parents, who are the chairmen of the school committee, know that their child is a bully at school, your parents' self-esteem will definitely drop," Cintya threatened.

"I'm not afraid of your threats! Why are you anyway, Cin, preferring the country bumpkin to us, Lo's friends," said Cheryn.

"That's true, you have chosen the wrong friend and there are no benefits for you to be friends with a poor child like him. You'd better join our gang again," said Gina.

Cintya flatly refused their invitation to rejoinwith the Cruvella Gang. He actually drove them away from Rindi. At first Cheryn didn't want to stop bullying Rindi, but because Cintya threatened to scream if she dared to touch Rindi, the Cruvella Gang finally decided to stay away from them.

Cheryn, Gina and Laila walked towards the cafeteria, snorting in annoyance because they failed to prank Rindi. Kevin and Brian were already in the cafeteria, who had apparently been waiting for them. Kevin and Brian looked at the three of them who came with a sour face.

"Well, it's been a really long time, Lo," said Kevin.

"Why are the three of you, really bored it seems?" asked Brian while enjoying a bowl of noodles.

"Because of that country bumpkin," Gina said with a snort of annoyance.

"Rinda? Why again son?" he asked.

"I can't stop thinking that Cintya would go all out to defend this village boy, even though we almost managed to do her earlier," said Cheryn.

"Yes, let's just do it again with the villager if Cintya isn't with him anymore," said Kevin.

Cheryn was silent for a moment, she agreed with Kevin's invitation because she was not satisfied with venting her frustration on Rindi. Kevin and Brian, who are members of the Cruvella Gang, finally came up with the idea to go back to pranking and teaching Rindi a lesson. They didn't like Rindi's presence at this school because they thought this school was inappropriate for a poor child like her.

"That's a great idea, just wait and see, I'm not going to let that country bumpkin live in peace as long as he's still studying here," said Cheryn.

Meanwhile, Cintya supported Rindi and took her to the UKS room because she saw her legs and arms were injured and were treating the wounds from the bullying earlier. Rindi was silent, didn't say much, her face looked pale with fear. Cintya feels sorry to see Rindi who continues to be a victim of bullying from the Cruvella Gang.

"Are you okay?" asked Cintya while supporting Rindi.

"I'm okay, thank you for helping me," said Rindi, smiling bitterly.

"Why are your clothes soaking wet like this? They were the ones who poured water on Lo?" asked Cintya.

"Eh... No, it's not because of them. This morning I went to school in the rain and didn't have time to take shelter because I was afraid I would be late, so I got wet like this," Rindi explained.

As soon as they arrived at the UKS room, Cintya immediately washed Rindi's wounds with antiseptic fluid. Rindi's face was pale from the pain. The wounds on Rindi's feet and elbows weren't too bad but they were enough to make Rindi wince in pain when Cintya treated her wounds.

"Hold on, Rin, it won't hurt," Cintya said while treating Rindi's wound with red medicinal liquid.

"Ouch..." Rindi shouted.

While Cintya was treating Rindi's wound, suddenly a UKS caretaker teacher came in. The teacher was a little surprised when he saw the many bruises on Rindi's accomplices. Cintya actually wanted to take advantage of the situation to complain to the teacher about what actually happened. But Rindi immediately grabbed Cintya's arm and prevented her from telling her about the bullying she had experienced.

"Rinda, what happened to you? Why are there so many bruises on your hands and feet?" asked the Master.

"Mom, Rindi was finished..." Cintya said but then cut off by Rindi.

"Ah, it's nothing, ma'am," said Rindi, smiling bitterly.

"What is it?" asked the teacher trying to push.

"No ma'am, I'm fine. I fell because I slipped in the rain," said Rindi lying.

Cintya suddenly glared at Rindi because she was surprised why Rindi had to lie and cover up the real incident. But Rindi gave Cintya a code to stay silent. Finally Cintya just nodded and the teacher helped Cintya to treat Rindi's wound. At first the teacher told Rindi to just rest in the UKS room because her face looked pale. However, Rindi refused and chose to return to class instead.

"Are you sure you don't want to rest here first?" said the UKS caretaker teacher.

"No ma'am, I'm fine," said Rindi.

"Rin, I think you should just rest at the UKS, your face looks really pale," said Cintya.

"It's already Cin, I'm fine, I just want to go back to class," said Rindi.

While supporting Rindi, Cintya realized that Rindi's clothes were soaked. He then took the initiative to buy new uniforms at the school cooperative because he was worried that Rindi would get sick. At first Rindi refused because she didn't want to be a bother, but Cintya kept forcing her until she finally agreed.

"Well, if you like this, you won't be cold anymore," said Cintya.

"Thank you Cin, I always make it difficult for you," said Rindi.

"Just relax," said Cintya.

Finally Cintya and Rindi returned to class, Rindi's steps faltered a little because suddenly her body felt weak. Cintya asked again to make sure that her best friend was all right, once again she even offered to go back to the UKS. Rindi smiled again and refused C's offerintya.

"Rin, just go back to the UKS, I'm worried that Lo will suddenly faint in class," Cintya said worriedly.

"No, it's okay, just calm down, don't worry too much about me, at least the bell will ring soon," said Rindi.

Rindi's guess was right, finally the bell for recess was over. All the students rushed into their respective classrooms. When they were about to return to class because recess was over, Cintya returned to discussing the incident earlier in the UKS room. Rindi was silent for a moment, actually she didn't want to talk about it anymore, but in the end gave an explanation why Rindi lied to the UKS officer.

"Rin, why did you have to lie to the UKS guard earlier? You should just tell the truth that the Cruvella Gang did all of this to you," said Cintya.

"Cin, there's no need to talk about it anymore, I've forgotten everything too," said Rindi.

"Forgot? Rin, what they did to Lo was evil. Just look at your feet and hands, they are injured like this, it's because of them," said Cintya.

Rindi stopped and was silent for a moment, she realized that what the Cruvella Gang was doing was evil. But there was nothing Rindi could do, she could only accept all those actions without being able to fight them. Cintya patted Rindi's shoulder, she seemed to understand what Rindi was feeling. However, Rindi always tries to look tough in front of everyone including her best friend.

"What can I do, Chin? It's useless, I'm nobody at this school, "said Rindi.

"But you have the right to fight Rin, what they are doing is bullying. I'm willing to be a witness if I really need it," said Cintya.

"Cin, there's no need to exaggerate the matter earlier. And you don't have to worry about them either. You know that Cheryn's parents are the heads of the school committee who contribute a lot to our school," said Rindi.

"Precisely because he is a member of the school committee, he should be able to maintain his attitude and behavior so that he can be an example for others," answered Cintya.

Rindi chose to remain silent and continued walking towards her class. He knew that Cintya's intentions were good, wanting to defend him, but on the one hand, Rindi also didn't want to get into trouble and make a fuss with Cheryn because she knew it would threaten her scholarship here. According to Rindi, as long as he can hold it all in, he chooses to keep quiet.

"Then, will you just stay silent forever?" asked Cintya.

"If silence can keep me safe, why not? Come on Cin, let's just forget about everything that happened today," Rindi said then walked towards the classroom.

The two of them walked towards the class in silence with each other. When she arrived at class, Rindi just looked down, not daring to look at the Cruvelle gang who looked at her with a sneer. Cintya felt sad and annoyed that her best friend had to experience this, without her being able to do anything about it. Cintya then turned to the backseat with a hateful gaze on Cheryn. He could have guessed from the start that Cheryn was the provocateur of his gang.

The school bell rang, all students immediately packed their books and got ready to go home. The class halls were immediately filled with the frenzied sounds of students who couldn't wait to get out of school. Rindi is seen walking alone while carrying several books for him to return to the library. Suddenly a hand tapped his shoulder from behind which made him jump in surprise.

"Rin, where are you going?" asked Cintya surprising Rindi.

"Gosh Ta, if you come tell me first why the heck? It just surprised people, luckily I don't have heart disease," said Rindi.

"Hehehe... Yes, sorry, I'm still walking while daydreaming. Eh, you haven't answered my question, where are you going?" asked Cintya.

"I want to return the book to the library first before going home," said Rindi.

Cintya finally follows Rindi to the library to return the books. As we were leaving the library, it suddenly started to rain heavily again. Cintya offers to drive Rindi home in his pickup truck. Cintya feels sorry for Rindi if she has to go home in the rain on public transportation with her hands and feet injured, moreover she doesn't have an umbrella with her. At first, Rindi refused and wanted to go home by public transportation because he didn't want to bother Cintya.

"Rin, today you just go home with me okay. Instead of waiting for public transportation for a long time, where is the rain really heavy again," Cintya offered.

"No need Ta, thanks I'll just take public transportation, I don't want to bother you," said Rindi politely refusing.

"Don't bother really, come on Rin, do you want it? Once in a while I play at Lo's place," Cintya said, trying to persuade Rindi.

Because Cintya kept insisting, finally Rindi accepted Cintya's offer to take her home. The two of them ran towards the school gate through the raindrops. Apparently Cintya's personal driver was waiting for him at the front and immediately approached them to give them an umbrella. Pak Wardi is a personal driver entrusted by his father to take Cintya wherever he goes.

"We're going straight home, right? asked Mr. Wardi.

"Erm... Pak Rindi will take you home first, because his house is quite far from school, I'm sorry," said Cintya.

"What's the address, Non? Pak Wardi asked Rindi.

"In the Ciwidey area, sir," said Rindi.

Pak Wardi complied with Cintya's request to accompany Rindi to the outskirts of Bandung, which is quite far from the city center. During the trip, they were engrossed in chatting while enjoying the view of the expanse of tea gardens covered in a thin mist. This is the first time for Cintya to visit Rindi's house.

"Rin, Lo's home area is nice too huh. Where's the cold, it's still really beautiful again, I think I'll feel at home if I live here," said Cintya.

"Hahaha ... Really, will you feel at home? It's far from the city, you know, it'll be hard for you to go to the mall later," said Rindi jokingly.

"I'm tired of going to the mall, instead I want to spend time in the countryside like this," answered Cintya.

After a long journey, the car that brought them had stopped in front of a simple house with peeling wall paint. Cintya looks around Rindi's house which is flanked by the residents' gardens. Cintya opens her car door and takes Rindi to the house.

"Assalamualaikum," Rindi said when he opened the door of his house.

"Waalaikumsalam. Oh, who do you miss going home with?" said his mother out of the living room.

"Hello Aunt, I Cintya Rindi's school friend," Cintya said, introducing herself while kissing Ambar's hand, Rindi's mother.

Ambar smiles kindly welcoming Cintya's arrival, but is immediately shocked when he sees Rindi being brought home in a state of bandages on his hands and feet due to injuries. Ambar, who was immediately worried, immediately ordered Rindi and Cintya to come in because it was cold outside because the rain was accompanied by strong winds. Ambar's face suddenly looks worried and asks why Rindi's hands and feet can get hurt like this.

"Son, why do you get your hands and feet full of wounds like this?" asked Mrs. Amber.

"Emm... It's okay, ma'am, this morning I went to school in the rain and was in a hurry because I was afraid to be late, now Miss is walking, don't be careful and keep slipping," said Rindi again lying, not wanting to tell the truth.

"Gosh, next time you have to be careful, at this rate I'll be worried about you," said Mrs. Ambar.

"Hehehe... Yes, Mom, Rindi will be careful," said Rindi.

Rindi nodded smiling at his mother's words. Cintya just stood silent staring at the sight in front of him. He understands why Rindi lied about his injury because he doesn't want his mother to be sad to hear that Rindi was a victim of bullying at school. Somehow he felt jealous to see Rindi's mother's Cintya for him.

Cintya then bowed her head down because she had no mother who could give her warmth. All of that happened because his father divorced his mother who was caught having an affair with a colleaguethe business. But now it's not only jealousy that Cintya is feeling, on the one hand she is also amazed by Rindi's hard life because the condition of her house is actually no longer fit for habitation. When it rains heavily like this there are lots of puddles in the corners of the room because the roof leaks everywhere, it looks dilapidated and apprehensive.

"Ta, why don't you just shut up?" asked Rindi to awaken Cintya from his reverie.

"What? Eh... I'm okay," Cintya said nervously.

"Son Cintya, wait here for a while, let Aunt make hot tea," said Mrs. Ambar kindly.

"Don't bother Aunt," replied Cintya.

"It doesn't bother you, it's just water," said Mrs. Ambar with a chuckle.

While waiting to make hot tea for Cintya, Ambar told Rindi to change clothes and then have lunch. He also offered Cintya to join him for lunch here. Rindi then invites Cintya to an old dining table in the living room. Cintya darted her eyes around this room, her condition was far more apprehensive than the front room.

"Ta, you come and eat together aja here. But please understand, yes, you can only eat sober, "said Rindi.

"Yes ..." Instantly, Cintya's throat constricted when she saw the food under the old serving hood.

At first, Cintya is not happy if she refuses Mrs. Ambar's offer, but immediately she wants to discourage her from eating at Rindi's house because she sees only a small amount of rice in the basket and the side dishes are thinly fried tempeh with vegetable soup, which has more gravy than the vegetables. Cintya was silent for a moment frozen wanting to refuse. but he was looking for the right excuse not to offend Rindi and his mother.

"Rin, I just had lunch at home, it just so happened that Papa asked me to have lunch together. It's okay right?" said Cintya lied to find a reason.

"Oh, that's it, it's okay, it's okay. You want to go home now? The rain is still really heavy, it's also dangerous even if you bring a car. It's better to wait a while until it subsides a bit," said Rindi.

"Emm, okay, I told Papa to wait until the rain subsided a bit," said Cintya.

I don't know why Cintya, who usually talks a lot and even likes to joke, suddenly stays quiet at Rindi's house more often. He feels concerned and compassionate with the life that Rindi and his mother live. Suddenly he remembered all the bad things that the Cruvella Gang had done to Rindi, they shouldn't have treated Rindi that badly. Cintya can't imagine how hard it is to be Rindi, she has to endure the burden of bullying at school and when she is at home she has to help her mother.

When Cintya and Rindi were chatting in the living room, they saw Mrs. Ambar carrying a large plastic bag filled with lots of dirty clothes. Rindi immediately helps his mother carry the customer's bag of dirty clothes to the back. Cintya just found out that Mrs. Ambar actually works as a laborer washing clothes for people in a residential complex not far from where they live. Every day after school, Rindi always helps his mother, starting from picking up dirty clothes, washing them, to delivering the laundry to customer homes.

"Here Ma'am, let Rindi help bring it back. After this, I'll just rest in my room later so that Rindi can wash the customers' clothes," said Rindi while carrying the bags.

"No need son, just let mom do everything. Besides, there is Cintya here, don't you want to live alone, "said Mrs. Ambar.

"You can do it this afternoon, right, ma'am. Anyway, mom, just calm down, today's work will definitely be done," Rindi said.

Now Cintya understands why Rindi always rushes home when the school bell rings, apparently she has to help her mother do all this. Because Cintya felt bad about hindering Rindi's work, she finally said goodbye to go home because it happened that the rain had stopped.

"Thank you, Ta, for taking me home," Rindi said.

"Yes, you're welcome Rin. Auntie, I'm saying goodbye to you," Cintya said, kissing Mrs. Ambar's hand.

The sound of cars roaring away from Rindi's yard, through the thin fog after the heavy rain. A few moments later, Cintya arrived at her magnificent house and was greeted by Bi Inah, their house maid. Cintya threw the bag and threw her body on the sofa in the living room with a long sigh.

"Eh Non Cintya is already home, eat first Non. Auntie has prepared Non's favorite lunch," said Bi Inah who emerged from the kitchen.

"Yes Bi," Cintya said then got up from the sofa.

When he reached the dining room, he looked around him, invisible bridge of his father's nose. Again Cintya feels alone and lonely. Even though the food on the dining table at this time was far more luxurious than the food offered by Mrs. Ambar at Rindi's house earlier, the food at Rindi's house felt more warm than the food at this house. Cintya also refused to eat and asked her father.

"Mom, where's Papa?" asked Cintya.

"Oh, Mr. Hardi just got home but it's gonethey left again, he said there was an appointment," said Bi Inah.

"Ah! It's always like that, office matters are always number one, there's never time for their children," Cintya muttered indignantly.

"Non, don't want to eat first?" asked Bi Inah.

"No! I'm not in lust," Cintya said then took her bag and went up to the room.

Cintya who is annoyed with her father then enters the room. He didn't understand why his father was so workaholic and never spared even a bit of time to accompany him. They can only meet on weekends, and even then if their father doesn't get an impromptu call from work. Cintya silently stood looking at the gray sky, today's weather seemed to represent her mood. He felt his chest so tight, all the sadness, anger and disappointment collided into one within him. Cintya then glanced at the corner of her bed and looked at an old photo that was plastered on the table. He then took a photo of his mother in the desk drawer, slowly tears dripping down his cheeks.

"Mama, why did you have the heart to betray Papa and leave Cintya for another man? Cintya feels alone here, I'm jealous to see that my other friends can spend time with their mother, have friends to tell stories to, while me? I'm lonely here, I feel like I don't have anyone," Cintya said while crying, she felt her chest was so tight.

Cintya cried until he felt his eyes so heavy. Exhausted from crying, Cintya felt her vision blurry, she was unconscious and fell asleep until evening. The wall clock showed 17.00 pm, from outside the sound of a car parked in the yard came from outside. Today it so happened that Papa Cintya came home early. He immediately went into the house and looked for Cintya because usually at this time Cintya was watching her favorite television series in the living room.

"Bi, where Cintya how come it's not visible?" asked Hardy.

"Oh Non Cintya is in her room sir. He hasn't eaten since he came home from school," said Bi Inah.

"Why is that so? Bi Inah didn't tell him to eat?" asked Hardy.

"Yes sir, I told Non Cintya to eat, but she didn't want to and instead went into her room," said Bi Inah.

Hardi took a deep breath, then went upstairs to Cintya's room. He repeatedly knocked on Cintya's room but there was no answer. Hardi was suddenly worried, so he finally decided to enter and found Cintya sleeping soundly while hugging a photo of her mother.

Knock ... Knock ... Knock ...

"Ta, open the door dear, this is Papa," said Hardi.

Hardi sat down beside Cintya's bed, looking at her daughter's puffy face. Hardi rubbed Cintya's head and he felt sad to see his beCintyad daughter have to feel all this. Instantly Hardi was overcome with guilt because he couldn't be a good father to Cintya.

"Forgive Papa, Cintya," whispered Hardi then kissed Cintya's forehead.

He then got out of Cintya's bed and went out to tell Bi Inah to wake Cintya because he could not bear to wake Cintya directly. Hardi sat waiting at the dining table with a frantic heart and mind.

"Bi, please wake up Cintya, tell me that her father has come home and asked her to eat together," said Hardi.

"Okay, sir," said Bi Inah then went up to Cintya's room.

The morning sun shone through Cintya's bedroom window, the sound of the alarm ringing from her cell phone woke Cintya from her deep sleep last night. From her room, the smell of fried rice made by Bi Inah, which was her favorite, made Cintya even more excited to get up. He quickly got up from his bed and headed to the bathroom. After he finished taking a shower, he immediately packed up his books and went downstairs to have breakfast with his father.

Meanwhile, Hardi was waiting at the dining table reading the newspaper and enjoying a cup of coffee. Occasionally she looked towards the stairs because it was already 6:15 a.m. Cintya had not yet come out of her room. Bi Inah came out of the kitchen carrying fried rice which was placed in a large bowl, a plate of fresh vegetables and an omelette. This is Cintya's favorite breakfast menu since childhood.

"Morning Pa," Cintya said, kissing Hardi on the cheek.

"Good morning too dear. Papa thought you woke up late, and he also wanted Papa to come upstairs," said Hardi with a chuckle.

"No, how could a Cintya wake up late. Wow... What a coincidence, Bi Inah made fried rice, I've been wanting to eat fried rice since yesterday," Cintya chirped while swallowing hard at the dish in front of her eyes.

"Well, if you want, why didn't you tell Aunt yesterday, Non? Auntie can make it," said Bi Inah while pouring orange juice for Cintya.

"Yes, yesterday I had no appetite, I just wanted to," said Cintya.

Hardi smiled happily to see Cintya, who was starting to return to her usual cheerfulness. Likewise with Cintya, finally now she has the opportunity to eat with her father even if only for a moment. But at least he has the time and place to just tell his father about his daily life. While enjoying breakfast, Hardi invited Cintya to talk about his school.

"How was your day at school, Ta?" asked Hardy.

"Erm... It's just plain monotonous," said Cintya.

"Oh, why is that? Is your school not fun or what? For example, like participating in extracurricular activities?" asked Hardi curiously.

"Yes, come on, it's just like that, Pa. Eh, but now I have a new friend who makes my days at school a bit colorful," said Cintya.

"Oh yes? Who?" asked Hardy.

"His name is Rindi, he is a very good person, smart too. Sometime I'll invite Rindi to play here so Papa knows," said Cintya.

After finishing breakfast, as usual Cintya was escorted by Pak Wardi because Cintya's school was located in a different direction from her father's office. Cintya went to school this morning excited because last night she had dinner alone with her father. Plus this morning her father again took the time to have breakfast together, even though usually Cintya had breakfast alone because her father had already left for work first. For Cintya this is a rare moment in her life since her father divorced from her mother several years ago.

Cintya stared silently at the streets of Bandung in the morning, which were bustling with the hustle and bustle of the sea of humans and walking robots, aka cars. He couldn't wait to get to school to meet Rindi and tell him all these things. Indeed, since they were friends, Cintya and Rindi often told each other stories about each other's hobbies and interests. But they never talked about anything personal or each other's sadness.

"Non, we have arrived," said Pak Wardi, waking Cintya from her reverie.

"Uh, yes sir," said Cintya then got out of the car.

Cintya walked hurriedly to her classroom because she wanted to meet Rindi immediately. The class halls weren't too crowded and Cintya's guess was true, Rindi was already in the classroom busy reading a book. Rindi was surprised by Cintya's arrival, because it was unusual for her to come this early. As for Rindi, she is used to leaving early in the morning because the distance from home to school is quite far and she wants to anticipate traffic jams so she won't be late.

"Ta, you really leave early?" Rindi asked curiously.

"Yes, I want to be a diligent student like you," said Cintya, laughing.

"Erm... Don't you leave early because you haven't done your homework yet?" asked Rindi teasingly.

"It's okay, I'm diligent like this when I'm told to do homework," answered Cintya.

Luckily that day the Cruvella Gang arrived late so Rindi was safe from their bullying in the morning. Even though usually all day at school from morning to noon Rindi never escapes their attacks. Not realizing that the entry bell rang, the Cruvella Gang was still nowhere to be seen. The first lesson this morning was History, ten minutes later they were seen entering class. But even though it was too late, Mr. Ganjar didn't even reprimand him or even punish him because they were children of important people in this school's foundation.

"Sorry sir, we're late," said Cheryn and her gang friends without any guilt.

"Immediately go to tePlease sit down and attend today's lesson in an orderly manner," said Pak Ganjar.

Cintya looked cynically at them, she felt disgusted by the behavior of those who pretended to be the rulers in this school. Today Cintya chose to sit on the bench with Rindi in the front row, before she always sat at the back when she was still with the Cruvella Gang. However, now Cintya has chosen to move to the front so she can follow her studies well.

Today Cintya talked a lot about her father and Rindi got so carried away that she forgot that it was still class time. They told each other stories during class hours until they were reprimanded by the teacher who was teaching. Rindi was shocked, she had never been bullied by a teacher before.

"Love! Rindi! What are you talking about?" asked Mr. Ganjar.

"Uh... We...." said Rindi and Cintya nervously.

"You guys didn't pay attention when I explained, instead you were engrossed in chatting to yourself. This is a classroom not a café!" said Mr. Ganjar.

"Ma... I'm sorry we paid attention, sir," Rindi said in a trembling voice.

"Then answer my question, what is the oldest Hindu kingdom in the archipelago?" asked Mr. Ganjar.

Cintya and Rindi looked at each other because they didn't know the answer to that question. Now all eyes were on the two of them. Since they couldn't answer, as punishment, they were both asked to provide a handmade banner to use for their school festival next week. Rindi and Cintya were a little relieved not to be asked to leave the class, even though they ended up with quite a troublesome assignment.

Time kept ticking, until the bell rang for recess. The classroom aisles were crowded with students who spent their break time just enjoying snacks while having directionless discussions. The field was also no less crowded filled with students playing ball. Cintya and Rindi are enjoying a bowl of noodles in the canteen, since Cintya is always with Rindi, the Cruvella Gang rarely bothers Rindi.

"It feels like the villager is always going everywhere with Cintya," said Kevin, who was sitting with other members of the Cruvella Gang at the canteen table not far from where Rindi and Cintya sat.

"You know, Cintya has now switched professions to become a bodyguard," Cheryn said curtly.

"I swear, what's in it for Cintya to be friends with poor kids like Rindi, it's true that she has joined our gang again," said Gina.

"Just watch, I will make Cintya join our gang again and Rindi will no longer have friends at this school like the first time she came here," said Cheryn.

"Do we need to teach Rindi a lesson now?" she asked.

"Calm down, guys, don't be hasty. You all don't want to be accused of bullying at school, do you? We will still teach Rindi a lesson, but secretly," said Cheryn.

Meanwhile, Rindi and Cintya were still confused about the punishment assignment given by Mr. Ganjar during the History lesson earlier. Rindi's face looked panicked because as long as she was at school this was the first time she had received punishment. Cintya actually laughed at Rindi, she then tried to calm Rindi that this punishment would not affect her academic grades.

"Rin, just relax, this punishment won't make you leave class," said Cintya.

"Duh... But what about Ta, I've never been punished in my life in school, so when are we going to do the work?" asked Rindy.

"Emm, how about we do it after school after school at my house. As far as I remember, in the warehouse there was still a blank banner with some paint that we didn't use anymore, so we don't need to buy any more materials," said Cintya.

Rindi agreed, but she was only able to come after she finished her duties helping her mother at home. Cintya understood that and didn't mind it. Not realizing the time for recess was over, the entrance bell had rung and all the students returned to their respective classes. They continued to attend the next lesson until the bell rang for the end of school.

"Rin, I'll pick you up later this afternoon at home, so you don't need to take public transportation." said Cintya before leaving.

"Oh, that's it, okay Ta, you'll just let me know if you want to go home," said Rindi then walked across the street to wait for public transportation.

Arriving home, Rindi immediately did her job to help her mother wash the customer's dirty clothes. Today the amount of laundry is twice as much as usual. Rindi has to race against time to finish this job, before Cintya arrives at her house.

"Mom, Rindi wants to do group work at Cintya's house this afternoon," said Rindi while rinsing the clothes that had been washed.

"Yeah, but don't come home too late. The problem is when it's late, public transportation going to Ciwidey is a bit difficult, I'm afraid you won't be able to go home later," said Mrs. Ambar.

"Yes, ma'am, I did not take long to do my job," he saidRindi.

In the afternoon around 16.00 Cintya came to pick up Rindi to her house. He chatted briefly with Mrs. Ambar then immediately left so he could quickly complete their assignment. Rindi had never been to Cintya's house before, she was stunned when she entered the gate of Cintya's residence. This housing is one of the elite housing in Bandung. Even at the entrance gate, it is guarded strictly by a security guard on standby 24 hours.

"Ta, you really live here?" Rindi asked, looking at the row of luxurious houses stretching from east to west through the car window.

"Yes Rin, why is that?" asked Cintya.

"The houses here are nice, right, the ones that are owned by rich people must be," said Rindi.

Cintya just smiled hearing Cintya's words. Not long after, the car that brought them stopped in front of a luxurious house with a garden in the front yard decorated with various kinds of flowers, on the west side there was a fish pond with fountains and statues designed in Balinese style, and on the east side parked several collections Cintya's father's luxury car. Rindi was surprised to see how grand and luxurious Cintya's house was, far more luxurious than the houses she had seen during the trip earlier.

"Rin, come on in why are you still standing there?" said Cintya.

"Ah... Yes, I really admire your house, Ta," said Rindi, still stunned at the splendor of Cintya's house.

Before doing the banner assignment, Cintya invited Rindi to eat first. Bi Inah emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray of loyal maccaroni schotel that had just been cooked from the oven. Rindi had never eaten such delicious food, she had only seen a glimpse of the picture displayed in a restaurant in the city of Bandung.

"Isn't Rin the food made by Bi Inah?" asked Cintya.

"This is really good, Tae. I've never even eaten this before," said Rindi.

"Yeah, you can eat all you want. Oh yeah, don't forget to bring it home for your mother later, OK?" said Cintya.

"Oh, there's no need for Ta to be a bother," Rindi replied.

"No, I'm already relaxed, it's just me eating here and it's impossible for me to eat everything like this," said Cintya.

After eating they immediately did their job of coloring the banner cloth with paint. Because while chatting, he didn't realize that the paint was dripping on Rindi's shirt, which happened to be white. Rindi immediately panicked for fear of being scolded by her mother. Cintya then calmed Rindi and gave her a change of clothes, while she put Rindi's dirty clothes in the washing machine.

"All right, Lo, calm down, now we'd better wash your clothes. Now, while you wear my clothes first," said Cintya.

"Want to wash now? It won't dry, Ta," Rindi said in a panic.

"You can, at least it's dry for an hour," said Cintya.

Rindi was amazed to see that the washing machine could work faster to wash clothes. He thought for a moment that he could buy a washing machine for his mother so he wouldn't have to spend a lot of energy washing the clothes of the customers. However, how shocked Rindi was when she found out the price was expensive. Even so, he was determined to save money to buy a washing machine for his mother. Cintya was moved to see Rindi's sincerity in the midst of the suffering she was experiencing. Secretly thanks to Rindi, he can be grateful for his life, which is still all-sufficient and can even be said to be far more capable than Rindi.