29 Break Up

Hendo had to drive at extra speed to the cafe where he and Yola usually met. He wasn't the kind of guy who liked to drive at high speed, but since Yola forced him to come in five minutes, he couldn't help but add speed to his car.

It was unusual for Yola to ask him to meet during exam times like this. Usually, Yola studies hard and doesn't even want to be disturbed. Therefore, Hendo thought it was important and urgent. Especially, when he heard Yola's voice which sounded very urgent about this meeting today. Hendo hastily left his room which was still messy with his thesis sheets.

When he got there, Yola was already waiting at her usual table. Yola didn't order a drink, Hendo became suspicious whether this meeting would be long, fine, or what. He remembered the events of the day that made Yola sad. Yola's emotions had subsided for a few days. They are fine at the moment. Then what does Yola want to talk about? Hendo was curious about it.

"Honey, I'm not late, am I?" Hendo asked as he sat across from Yola.

"No. Sorry I didn't order a drink for you. Because I don't want to drink anything right now. But, if you want to order a drink, just go on. I'm waiting," said Yola calmly.

Hendo grew suspicious. What does Yola want? Because Hendo already knew what Yola was like (she would be cranky if she didn't comply), Hendo went to the cashier to order a cappuccino. After paying for it, Hendo returned to his desk. Yola calmly looked at him.

"Why did you call me earlier? Is there an important matter?" asked Hendo.

"Yes, very important," Yola replied calmly.

"What's the problem, honey?" asked Hendo curiously.

"I want us to break up," Yola answered firmly without any doubt or regret in it.

Hendo was very surprised by the words his girlfriend had just said. "Try again!"

"I want to break up. Anyway, I want to break up," said Yola.

Hendo's heart felt like it was sinking. Did he hear wrong? Yola asked to break up, but what did Hendo do to her? Their relationship is fine. Why did his girlfriend want to break up?

"But what did I do wrong? Why did you ask to break up? We're fine," Hendo asked repeatedly.

He was confused about what was wrong, so Yola wanted to break up. He felt he had done nothing wrong. Is Yola still angry about his advice the other day? He doesn't know. Hendo doesn't understand this condition. He thought Yola had understood his words.

"You didn't do anything wrong. I only want to focus on my studies and my organization," said Yola.

"Study and organization focus? Have I been interrupting your time?" Hendo asked patiently.

He tried to restrain himself. Hendo is patient and level-headed. He wouldn't be angry with Yola right now.

"I feel like that lately. We often meet even though I have many assignments and meetings at SEB," answered Yola.

"Isn't that what you wanted? You asked us to meet and walk because you were bored, right? Because you are tired. I didn't ask about it. I know you are busy. That's why I never asked us to meet because I am also busy with my thesis. How many times have I late given a draft to my lecturer because I was busy taking care of you..."

Yola looked sick with Hendo's words. Hendo quickly continued his words.

"I didn't mean to say that it burdened me or made me nervous, no. I didn't mean to say that. I just want you to understand me. I'm not the only one who understands you. Like, I'm interrupting your time?" asked Hendo again.

Yola rolled her eyes lazily, "Never mind. The point is I want to break up. I want to focus on study and organization. I want to be alone right now."

Hendo is still trying to be patient. Yola is not usually like this. Something must have made her think that he was intruding on her time.

"We can talk about this properly. If you think that I bother you with my time, we can talk about it when we meet. You can also limit contact with me. But I don't want us to break up, okay," Hendo pleaded to Yola.

"Sorry, but I can't anymore. The point is I want to be alone, and I want to break up," said Yola as if she didn't want to be denied.

Hendo was silent for a moment. He then thought about what might be the root of their relationship problems. He then remembered what happened that day.

"Is this all because of what happened that day? About your friend named Ardilo?" Hendo asked carefully.

Yola seemed taken aback by Hendo's question. But she remained calm. She tried to be okay, even though Hendo could read her movements.

"No. It has nothing to do with Ardilo," answered Yola.

But Hendo is sensitive and memorizes his lover. He knew Yola was lying.

"I know you have feelings for Ardilo, right? Just be honest. I won't be angry," said Hendo calmly.

"No. I told you this has nothing to do with Ardilo. Why don't you understand?" said Yola annoyed.

Hendo grabbed Yola's hand, but Yola pulled her hand away. She didn't want Hendo to hold her hand.

"Honey, listen to me. I know you have feelings for Ardilo. I know you're the type of person who has ambitions to get something. I'm saying this for your goodness, dear. You won't be able to find Ardilo. He already has a girlfriend, right. You can't interfere with their relationship. You're a good girl. I don't want to talk about you stealing someone's boyfriend later. You can't do that..."

"I said it's not because of Ardilo. The point is I want to break up and don't have to see me again," Yola interrupted, then got up from her chair and left the cafe.

Hendo immediately followed Yola, but she was already in her car.

"Honey, wait... Yola..."

***

On Monday at 08.30 a.m, Ardilo stopped by the secretariat of the SEB of the Faculty of Economics before taking the first day of the Final Semester Examination. He deliberately came there to wait for the exam, which will be held at 10.00 a.m later. The SEB secretariat was quiet because everyone was busy preparing for the exam. Ardilo was there alone. He reads a book while pacing, memorizing the material to be tested.

Yola suddenly came and was crying. Ardilo just wanted to ask what happened, but Yola then hugged him. Ardilo was automatically very surprised by Yola's sudden hug. Yola didn't want to let go of her arms and continued to cry. Inevitably Ardilo tried to calm her down.

It felt like it was Ardilo's unlucky day. Putra and Yuna, who had also come and were waiting for the exams, went to the SEB secretariat. But their steps stopped in front of the window when they saw Yola hugging Ardilo while crying. Both of them were very surprised at the sight. They didn't even realize that behind them was Taera.