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Siska noticed that her students starting to get along with Akito, which is strange because she never seen them like this. It made her curious on how did that happen, so she decided to pry into the group. "Okay, I saw that you guys were getting along now," she said with a smile, Haruna nodded with a smile as he was playing poker cards with them. "Yup, we already get to know each other! He's a nice guy, just that his environment in his workplace made him like this..." he whispered at the second line to the end, making her nodded--she was aware of the workplace in Nirvana Organization and turns out Akito became like that due to his workplace environment.

However, she wondered why did he attend Garuda University for? Seriously, there's so many Nirvana-stationed university that employs the strongest Phantom Raiders that can defeat Phantom Beasts. However, out of all options--he choose to enroll here. What for? Did his superior ordered him here? As much she wanted to ask Akito about that--she decided to save that for later and feared that she might made him unwilling to answer nor cooperate with her.

Then, she received a news about a lecturer who will be teaching in their faculty.

Few hours later...

"Sanju, Raiden, who do you expect our new lecturer in our faculty to be?"

Juha asked while sitting across them, they stared at each other before they gulped anxiously. "Uhm..." Raiden fidgeting his fingers as he was anxious about it, while Sanju scrunched his eyebrows with a frown. Akito slumped his head into his folded arms on the desk, while Kanae was napping like usual and lastly Damian was being an ass to Haruna who was too busy with the money of the class for the activity on this week to be excited. "I don't want to talk about it, dude."

Masaki hummed when he thought about the tutors in their study program, he was busy reading his book while Kirana just got inside the class. "I bet it's the infamous Professor Winata, who always gave difficult tasks," he replied, folding his arms and leaning his back against the chair listening to them. "Nope, not listening," Damian grumbled, folding his arms firmly. Akito huffed, as he nudged Masaki's arm--making the bookworm-archer wanted to smack a book into his head.

"Prof. Angelina Hartanto? Heh, I don't think so, since she will be a bit of a sadist for us," Kirana said while cackling softly.

"Can you teach me statistics after this, Masaki?"

Raiden asked, he was super bad at math and he was too lazy to count shit. "Sure, which part is it?" Masaki asked, he loves helping him as long as he helps him with history next time. "Probability, I can't even understand this fucking lecture," he grumbled, Masaki took out some books and notebook, he patted Raiden's shoulder with a supportive tone of his calm voice. "Don't worry, we learn them together, okay?" Masaki reassured him.

Akito was so damn envious with Masaki, not only the archer who excelled in performing 'perfect aim' at archery club in the university, he found him always get the highest grade because of his hardwork and intelligence--THAT NEVER HAPPENED TO HIM BEFORE. In his own defense, he can just do it if he wants and get Masaki jealous for a change, isn't it a tempting opportunity? But, Masaki just ignored Akito who tried so hard to be like him but looking like a child who was jealous of him when he was complimented for his talents. He didn't want to respond if his grades aren't good, anyway.

Sanju was busy checking his laptop, before glancing to the rest of the guys. He checked his phone from the messages of his lecturer, since he's the class monitor--he's in charge of giving his class an announcement. "Is that true?" he asked as she showed the announcement paper, approved by their rector of the university. "True, apparently he's quite young after he graduated last year but he's very smart," Sanju explained, before his face grimaced. "But after knowing him and seeing the new supervisor, you know who that is... right?"

The whole class went grimace when he said that, they know who it was and scared to know to learn about him. "Also, there will be new professor in our campus... this one is rather... unexpected, I never heard of him before--but why he sounds... familiar to me for some reason?"

Few minutes later...

The seminar was in preparation when the students are entering the auditorium, sitting together on their seats facing the podium of the auditorium. The presenters open the ceremony with the national anthem and soon they sat down to listen to three of the presenters has appearing with the two new lecturers or professors. "I wanna die," Damian murmured, there are so many students who looks uncomfortable about this man that could be seen with their expression; who makes his way to his chair. One hand was clenched on the spine of a journal book of his career, and one held a folder and a clipboard--along with a glass of tea.

Mahatma Kartawinata or known as Professor Maha or Maha himself; the lecturer in his late-thirties with youthful face came inside with radiating and charismatic smile, waving at them as they applauded him and greeting them back with his clip-on. Having a platinum-blonde short hair with a ponytail at the end of his short hair with messy streaks, long bangs almost covering his teal-blue eyes and snowy complexion. Wearing a formal uniform consists of black necktie formal shirt under his white blazer, a red banner on his shoulder over to his waist with the black belt as he was muscular and slender-with white pants tucked into his black boots and wears a black pair of gloves. He appears to be similar to Izana when it comes to appearance, from his platinum blonde hair, snowy complexion and teal-blue eyes that Izana has--and she was surprised by this too.

Maha is charismatic and down-to-earth lecturer, he is nice and kind-hearted with the students despite his seriousness during the tasks given--which the students and especially the faculty members had respect to him. Laid-back and friendly, despite his savageness--not that intimidating unlike other lecturers (except Siska) who thinks highly of their intellects. It doesn't mean he wasn't sassy and salty at some points, which made him respected even for the students who doesn't study their course.

"Greetings to all the students and freshmen who just became sophomore this year. I hope you and hope we will have a great year with all of us!" he greeted cheerfully and it gained a few giggles and chuckled from the students.

Sanju found him interestingly and strangely charismatic when he saw him for the first time, with handsome smile that swoons all ladies and he cleared his throat by that and pretend he didn't see that. He saw his best friend Raiden was sliding into the floor while covering his face after hiding it, even if Professor Maha is friendly--when he says he's terrifying, he meant... really terrifying. Just a mere glimpse of his stoic face can bring the chill on their back, and one glare towards them--will be shunned or made sure to listen to him. Akito was petrified while listening, while Masaki kept reading his book and there was Izana who just yawned quietly. Damian basically close his eyes and pretend like nothing happened, even Haruna refuse to listen as he folded his arms. Kirana just sighing softly and Kanae was busy napping like a sloth, Juha was taking notes or something.

"... and before we present them, I have prepared something for this upcoming week. I have plan for all of you to register yourselves in their field work."

Professor Haruse Nakashima was standing beside him with a nod, he was a twenty-five years old Japanese-American lecturer twenties for being the youngest professor from United States--contracted to the university for lectures. He appeared to be youthful and muscular but slender young man with auburn messy hair, his bangs almost covering his crystal blue eyes with snowy complexion and appears to be handsome and good-looking for a tutor. His attire consists of black collared formal shirt with rolled sleeves to his elbows, purple and yellow tie with red pen attached on his chest pocket, khaki pants with the black belt and black leather shoes.

The audience were giving them an applause except Sanju and his friends, they're lazy as hell because they know this guy is already a pain in the ass for them. "Uh oh, please spare me..." Raiden grumbled, the professors didn't even pay attention and all Masaki do is sighing and glanced to the others. More worse, Izana knew who the hell Professor Maha is; he was her father! She felt sick to see him, knowing that her father is actually a lecturer here and she cannot do anything because of the contract she signed. She felt lucky she won't run into him anymore after this.

Few minutes later...

"Sorry about that..." Izana apologized to her friends, seeing Sanju was tidying up his stuff inside his locker--she couldn't believe her father Professor Maha is in this university, not only in this university but also here in this campus. It feels like she's going to faint just looking at him. Her classmates kept whispering about him and how good-looking he is, they are having fun gossiping about him behind her back. Akito on the other hand, he felt jealous because the girls he flirted due to his playboy nature turned their backs on him just to see the lecturer.

It's like he's getting defeated, outsmarted and... OUTMANEUVERED BY THE MAN HIMSELF, for sure he knows!

Haruna couldn't be bothered, putting all his things into his bag neatly when he remember something about his English 2 course that making him sigh in defeat; before he slumped on Masaki's lap. "Man, I'm tired as hell. Seriously, this is tiring! I think this assignment will be easy--"

Haruna whined, rubbing his forehead. "Wait until they give it to you," Demian growled, in a deep voice. Like usual, he's being a spoilsport like usual and since they still don't forgive him... they still find him 'trustworthy', in fact; this is not what they see in him--just waiting for the worst outcome to happen. "It's alright, Izana.”

Sanju replied to her, he placed his hands on top of his head as he closed his locker and sighed heavily. "Just let him ruin the day for me," she answered with a frown, while Izana stretched her arms from napping. “Well, technically Professor Maha isn't my biological father, he's my adoptive father," Izana murmured, before she continued. "It's a long story to tell you guys but..."

"Wait... you're adopted?" Juha blurted out, the only one who understands what Izana was talking about. "Goddamnit, Juha. Thanks, thanks a lot," Akito thanked him very sarcastically, and all they received is a middle finger.

"Guys!"

Kirana shouted at them with a smile, she brought twelve paper bags of the snacks for them while Izana and Kanae helped her with the bags. "Thanks, Kirana..." Sanju thanked her, he also paid her back for these. "Woah, you bought us Nasi padang? Thanks!" Raiden shouted happily, since they were in the mood for spicy food.

Yup, everyone is hungry as hell from the seminar. "Kirana, thank you again, you're so sweet," Sanju said, patting Kirana on her back which caused her to blush while they were eating their brunch. Sanju heard one of the female students greeted the professor when they encountered him, he was walking down the path to the gazebo where the other lecturers are. Well fuck, seeing a certain lecturer he doesn't recognize is NOT helping them to not panic more.

"Well well well, our fellow international students are eating now?"

"Good lord, please help me," Demian whispered so only the guys can hear him (plus Izana as she moved a little), they realized it was Professor Maha--WHERE DID HE CAME FROM AND WHEN?!

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

They stared at Sanju (since he's the class monitor), waiting for him to respond until Kirana and Izana realized this is the end, since all of them are panicking.

"Yes sir, we're eating Nasi padang because Kirana and Kanae brought them to us," he muttered his response, holding the fork and looking up. "Oh, I see then. I saw the two girls dropped the same pack of noodles I ate, but since they were having fun--I didn't want to bother, it'd be a miracle if I got some free time from my job just to give me a headache of you guys partying on the desk without my permission," the man said, before pushing back his platinum blonde bangs.

They stared at Raiden, who started the whole ass prank and party himself, suddenly Masaki wanted to shut him up and possibly hide him--even better if they can run away like a maniac and hide. "Sorry sir, we didn't know you were suffering from your job and had a deadline too," Haruna said nervously, while Damian rolled his eyes. "It's fine, at least you guys are having fun for today," the man greeted back, before turning around and walked towards the gazebo.

Kanae was swallowing her food--until Akito noticed the rice on the corner of her lips so he leaned closer beside her. "Stay still," he said and that made Kanae blinked for a moment, until she felt his fingers wiped the corner of her lips to remove the rice off from her. It was caught red-handed by Haruna who had his phone to record their moment, and that moment when Raiden showed the video to them made them jaw-dropped and he put it in the WhatsApp group. "You did it now," Izana stated, folding her arms and raised her eyebrows as if she saw this coming but alas--Akito noticed that shit-looking face Haruna and Juha laughed about it.

"YOU SON OF BITCH--THIS IS WHAT YOU GET IN FEEDING FIRE TO MY PLAN!"

Kirana recorded that as well so does Izana and Raiden who did the same with his phone, laughing maniacally. 'Oh no, boys' they thought simultaneously as they watched Akito started chasing them down while Juha's shit-eating scowl got narrower as Haruna bolted away, Akito's dark brown eyes stared with anger. "Get back here!"

The twenty-five years old tall youthful Indonesian man came into the entrance of the campus, taking off his sunglasses when he checked the time that it was morning when he arrived in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. His crimson hair that styled in the similar overgrown mullet reaching almost his neck, porcelain complexion and orange eyes-he wears a single silver earring on the right earlobe with the teardrop ruby diamond. Wearing his attire similar to the Indiana Jones; consists of black turtleneck underneath his khaki trench coat, wearing a black pants with black boots reaching his calves.

"You must be Fayrouz Althair al-Khalifa, right?"

Althair smiled at the professor, before he folded his arms. "Yes, that's me, I've been looking for someone--just like what I appointed last week," he replied, Haruse was making sure Professor Maha didn't know about this yet; so he nodded at him. "Sure, let me take you to a detour."

After a while, Althair was listening to Haruse when he was looking at him, he noticed a glimpse of the college student--none other than Sanjaya Adinata or Sanju himself. This Indonesian student that caught his eyes from the distance, he has been looking for him the whole time . Sanju narrowed his eyes at the young mysterious archaeologist, an unreadable expression with a smile that seems to be vague--something that made Sanju feel uncomfortable for a moment.

“--that's the program we've been doing, any questions?" Haruse asked after explaining the whole details of the event, looking back at Althair who began to ask him with normal smile.

"I have a question."

Haruse cocked his head to the side a little and straighten back up again, mostly gesturing him that he allowed that. "Is there any students with achievements and a skills who have brought success? Not only the name of the campus but both the nation and the representation, and I want to know about the major because I'm curious," Althair made it less obvious because he knew they're still strangers to him in this private campus, that's why he didn't want to take a wrong step.

"Yes, there is."

Althair lifted his eyebrows when he heard his answer, it was common for them even the ones in this campus who have made an excellent accomplishment. "Do you know that one…?" Haruse turn around when he was looking over his shoulder, until he find out what he meant. "He's from international class major in History, Archaeological and Cultural Science Studies and he's quite talented with digital arts, history research and foreign languages--his name is Sanjaya Adinata."

"Sanjaya Adinata…"

Haruse could see the hint of formidable interest from Althair's eyes, he could tell if he was either interested or he was just astonished by his sudden question. "Should I call him?" he asked, Althair nodded when he smiled at him. "I don't mind," he said as Haruse seems to wonder what was on his mind, but he decided to do what he said to him and turn around to yell at him. "Oi, Adinata!"

Sanju jumped a little when he was about to stand up from the ground, turning around to see Haruse was calling him. "Okay!" Raiden wondered why did he call him to go there for, which made him even more curious about the guest. "Don't worry, we'll be here because we still have time," Masaki said to him, which made him nod with a smile saying.

"Let them know that I'll be back soon."

Althair watched Sanju catch up on him when he was running towards the two of them, and Sanju was surprised to see the guest beside him. "What is it?" he asked politely, even if he's confused. "Nothing," Haruse chuckled, staring at Althair who was curious to see him in front of him.

"By the way, Mr. Althair here is an archaeologist. I didn't know you're quite a celebrity when he wanted to see you," he said as Sanju became quiet, almost took a step back for a moment--in his defense; he was the same height as Althair and not exactly too far from his muscular body build. "Fayrouz Althair al-Khalifa, nice to meet you... Sanjaya," Althair greeted, lending him a hand.

Sanju was taken aback that someone recognize him even his name, but he nodded as he held his hand. "Nice to meet you too, uhm... Mr. Althair," he greeted him back, before he felt a radiating fire-like heat from his hand, Sanju sensed as if there's something he was hiding from Althair--his attitude, his life, his ability as an archaeologist and other facts he found suspicious from him. He was an enigma, being the same height as Sanju and surprisingly looks a bit similar to him with their handsome face and built. "Please, it's Althair."

"Right... Althair."

Althair goes to fold his arms, before he smiled at him. "I would like to have a friendly talk with you, I heard about your achievements with your contributions in translating ancient Indonesian scriptures and more," he said, all Sanju could do was being down-to-earth and responded politely to him (kinda hoping to). "Of course, that would be an honor for me to tell you about them."

'Well, this may lead to our meeting again and this time... we'll meet each other on our level,' Sanju thought, but it was interrupted when the whistle announced their remaining free time is over, so he smiled at Althair with an assuring look.

Bingo.

Akito observed the guest from the distance that he was still sitting with them, until he watched Sanju came back and he asked. "What was that all about?" he asked, Sanju sighed when he sat down, looking at him and the others around him. "His guest want to have interview with me after his seminar, his name is…"

The rest of the group was sitting there when their minds began to think something around him, suspicious yet determined to know. Akito frowned in confusion, watching the conversation between them as they were talking about something that didn't concern them. He doesn't understand anything of what they talked about, nor the reason why he was called there. Juhaku knitted his eyebrows together after seeing his breath hitched after that, for some reason that made Sanju confused by that.

Sanju tried to say his name, but for some reason... he didn't have the words to pronounce it. "Fayrouz Althair... al-Khalifa, that's his name. He's an Indonesian, but currently working in Cairo," he answered, blinking upon remembering his name. "Anyway, he invited me for a talk," he said, showing them a card.

"Woah! He recognize you?!"

Haruna asked, he didn't expect that Althair guy seems to 'know' Sanju either personally or perhaps learning about his profile. But, what is he for? Perhaps for seminar and meeting with the counsellor? He couldn't help but curious of him. However, Akito knitted his eyebrows together at that man--that archaeologist... why is he here? Crap, he looks like he need to inform the higher-ups about this--but not when his friends are around.

Few hours later...

Sanju has arrived in the Garuda University Resource Center, a library with several floors, beautiful garden surrounding the building with waterfall and birds... the perfect spot to make a project or research work. It is located to the east of the campus and sometimes the students would find themselves wandering the place for inspiration, just as the new friend--Haruse is.

However, he went to the backyard of the library which is the campus park with trees around the small hill, he was greeting one of the trees after he climbed it--before the light appeared around him as he stood at the corner where he can see the sun going down behind the forest, while the sunlight is piercing through the foliage of the tree.

"Hello there."

Althair addressed him when he spotted him, almost shocked for a moment but when the surprise wore off, he kept his face passive. Sanju's dark brown eyes widened, before he turn around to face him.

Sanju immediately approached him and followed the archaeologist to the edge of the highest building of the academy. "Listen. You do know the importance of my research here, we have the information that helps us about the past," he began as Sanju crossed his arms, waiting for him to continue. "What is it about?" he asked.

"Phantom Samsara."

Sanju lifted his eyebrows, he recalled the book that made by Chelsea Wijaya about the Phantom Beasts he read has something to do with it. "Oh, that? Isn't that the series of bubble universes under time bubble phenomenon similar to a railing stars?" he asked, tilting his head curiously. "It is actually what you said," Althair remarked as Sanju pressed his lips into a line.

"You know the world I'm talking about?"

Holy shit, this is way serious than Sanju initially thought. "Yeah, that's about right," Sanju replied. "I'm planning to dig them to have the access on each Samsara, from heuristics, external criticism, internal criticism, interpretation, and historiography--these are the important process to figure the history of our existence.”

Althair continued--as Sanju began to have a hint of suspecting him, although he can't pinpoint the reason why. Perhaps it's because of the name, if that's the case--that is understandable.

"I'm interested..."

Sanju wanted to tell more, but he immediately changed his mind because he doesn't trust him very much. And again, he still conflicted with trusting him or not. 'Why am I suddenly found him interesting to hang out with, I only recognize him earlier just now. Why does his smile was fascinating for me? He's... this is different,' Sanju thought, before Althair turned to him. 'Is it just me or he really suspects me? Even if there's no reason I can have with him, what's up with him?' the archaeologist wondered, confused with his antics and behavior.

Sanju felt his head steaming as he was having a moment of a heated debate in his head, both of them were suspicious of each other--without thinking the things that seem true that would drive them apart. 'I give up, suspecting him won't be a good sign if he's...' Sanju sighed and calm himself first, he decided to not to be passive-aggressive to him.

'Calm down, Sanjaya. Do not let the others know how vulnerable you're currently. Don't forget to bring a blanket.'

He's good with his emotional management, like how to cool himself down from being tense or just calm himself. However, the side effect is…

Well fuck, Sanju ended up fainted because of the 'overheated' (due to thinking with brainstorming) and he landed on the ground, it was really in fact, he overheated on the head. "HUH!?" Althair shrieked, seeing Sanju has suddenly collapsed due to being overheated as he stared at his body before checking his pulse.

"Hey, are you okay?!"

He yelled, kneeling down in front of him. "I'm fine... just too much brainstorming, that's all... well fuck, what have I done. This is embarrassing," he grunted, feeling embarrassed of his current state. He looked down when Althair lend him his hand, it was just an offer for him to lift him up and help him stand, therefore Sanju took his hand and so the archaeologist lifted him up.

"You look not fine, all that thinking you'd want to keep your mouth shut to prevent talking and focus on it," he said and this is when Sanju frowned at him. "I'm sorry, I was just... doubting your presence. It's not that I don't trust you, Althair... it's just... why did you choose me, out of all students in this campus?" Sanju asked, before he looked at him seriously.

"Do I know you?"

"My apologize," Althair whispered and turn to Sanju, before he adjusted the collar of his shirt. 'Should I tell him? Probably later... I can't let this chance to escape from me...' he thought, before he spoke to Sanju. "Not really, but I would like to be your friend so we can do historical and archaeological research project together, Professor Haruse seems to trust you."

Sanju's orbs glanced at him, before they gleamed a bit--oh fuck. And those puppy eyes make him feel guilty to say no, even the two times when he used his sadden look with pout made Althair shook his head at him.

"Nice try, we can be friends... if you have an interest to know about me, then I am warning you; I will not sugarcoat everything. Once you've known me, I've always thought of this of me; will you trust me, will you tell me secrets... would you die for me or hate me for the rest of your life. I will not force you or anything, you can decide for yourself.”

Althair said to him as Sanju listened to him carefully, this is when his 'interest' to this archaeologist began to bloom.

However, Siska listens as she was standing behind the wall--eavesdropping their conversations.

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