December 25th, Sunday, the last day of the semester break. Even though it was only for a moment, it turned out that I could appreciate being given time to rest. Though, I only use these break times to relax at home, except for two days ago, when I returned to soothe at my private place. In my opinion, it's better to use this time to rest yourself and your mind after the exam than to wander aimlessly.

So, since this morning for 4 days, I've just been in my room, reading novels.

"How is she?". I said while closing the cover of the novel because I had finished reading it. I remember a girl named Hana Binatha, and I wonder how she's doing these days.

"Well... she didn't come to my place. Maybe she forgot".

My digital clock on a wall selves shows the time of 8:05 AM, it is time for dinner. I got up from my armchair and walked out of the room. I open the door and a squeak sound can be heard.

I keep walking down the stairs because my house is a two-story and my room is on the second floor.

After arriving at the dining room. I saw Mom wiping white plates in the kitchen, and preparing clean plates.

"Mom, what are we eating tonight?". I asked as I pulled a chair under the dining table and sat down.

"Tonight we eat canned sardines, tofu, and several other small dishes".

It's not too fancy, but if it's my Mom's, it's definitely delicious. That's how every child feels about his mother's cooking.

"Where's Dad?" I asked.

"Dad is sitting in the living room, watching TV. Please call him because it's almost dinner time".

"Hmmm". I answered vaguely and got up from my chair and start to walk towards the living room.

I see Dad sitting and watching the news channel. When I heard it, it turned out to be about our city.

"Look Arkan, our City is on TV" Says Dad.

"Is there anything strange about that?" I answer.

A city that is featured in a story is nothing out of the ordinary. The news can include things like disasters, corrupt politicians who happen to be from the city, or even rain of gold. Whatever the news, what is focused on is what makes the phenomenon in the news interesting, not because of where the phenomenon occurs.

"Not really, they only talk about the beauty of our city at night during festivals, and they exaggerate a bit".

"Ah... that's really valid news and it's okay if it's exaggerated".

The beauty of our city can indeed be compared with the view of the sky showing the Milky Way galaxy. It can only be exaggerated, right, because it will surely fulfill its expectations.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

"Come on, Mom has prepared dinner. Go to the dining room, or I'll eat your share" I'm just kidding but using a serious tone.

"... Okay".

We all gathered in the dining room and Father lead the prayer meal.

After we finished praying, we ate Mom's cooking. The food is delicious. She didn't overdo it with the seasoning. I enjoy it with pleasure.

After finished, my father turned to me and asked, "Arkan, do you have a girlfriend yet?".

I, who heard the sudden question, was shocked and almost choked on the water I was drinking.

After swallowing the water, I replied, "W-what, so suddenly?".

"Well... when Dad went to the electronics shop in front of the forest route yesterday, Dad was told by the shopkeeper that you came out of the forest with a girl".

The shopkeeper and Dad are good friends, Dad always goes there if there are problems related to home electronics and it just so happened that our wall clock yesterday was broken and it was brought there by Dad.

"Hufftt..." I sighed. "Did he see the two of us enter together?"I answered Dad's question with a question.

"What do you mean?" Dad asked. Of course, he asked back when his question was answered with a question too.

"As I asked, did he sees us both entering the forest together in the first place?" Dad goes silent as if he was remembering.

"... Probably not...".

"I knew it".

I continue to explain. "I went first into the forest because I wanted to chill there, as I usually do. While that girl, she entered after me and got lost even though her own reason for getting lost was rather stupid".

"Hmmm...".

"Still don't believe it?".

"Yeah, I just thought you already have someone and want to take him to that place without our permission. That's actually our place, you know".

"Yes, Arkan, you should have our permission first hehehe~" Mother continued in a mocking tone.

"Give me a break. Why would I bring an innocent girl into a pitch-dark forest?".

"Because you're a high school student now?" He answered like he was joking.

My forehead started to wrinkle.

"Yesterday Tomi and now you Dad, why are you people asking about my personal life? I'm still a high school freshman, it's still too early for something like this" I said sullenly.

In my opinion, someone who is always in a hurry with something will only end up being disappointed with the result. It's like a child who wants an apple on a tree, but the apple is not yet ripe, he will only get half the potential of the apple.

Father sighed and said, "Yeah, I'm sorry for getting into your personal matters. However, we're just worried that you've taken the wrong path".

"That's true, Arkan". Mom finally joined our conversation. She continue, "We only want the best for you, that's our wish as parents" Mom said.

"Tell me that when it's time, and now is not" I said.

After that, we went silent for a while.

Dad, who finally cleans his plates says, "Well... with your hard-to-approach nature, it's certain that you will be the one that approaches someone. And that person must be really great to be able to interest you. Therefore, we will trust your decision".

Parents who trust their child too much and give them freedom usually doesn't end well, but they know my character well. I won't do anything that will tarnish my family's name. Therefore, they believe in me.

"You could say that he doesn't have any friends at school" Mom said jokingly.

“Oi, don't have to bring that up. I do have friends back in junior and even now”.

"Now, that's really a surprise" She continued.

"Ugh...".

That's some serious knockback.

"Nevermind, I'm going to wash my face and sleep. Tomorrow is the first day of the second semester" I used this fact to run away.

"Oh yes, all right, wash your face and brush your teeth. If you don't have homework, hurry up and go to sleep" Mom said.

I tidy up my desk and push the chair under the table then go to the bathroom.

"Good night" Said Mom who saw me turn towards the corridor of the stairs.

Oh yea, Tonight is also Christmas Night.