31 Leave Me Alone

"I want to break up," said Taera.

Ardilo was surprised by Taera's words which made him focus on Taera again.

"What did you say?"

"I want us to break up," Taera repeated.

Ardilo grabbed Taera's hand and held it. But Taera with all her might let go of the grip.

"Taera, please, we can talk this through. I don't want to lose you," said Ardilo desperately. He didn't know that the result of the hug made Taera think of breaking up with him.

"Then leave me alone. I need time to think," said Taera.

"Thinking about what, Taera? It wasn't me who hugged her first, but Yola. And even then, because she was in shock, she was sad. She needed support," explained Ardilo.

"Then, if all the girls who are close to you are sad and need support, do you just let them hug you like that? Don't you remember that you already have a girlfriend?" Taera asked then her tears flowed again.

Ardilo couldn't bear to see Taera cry like this. He never wanted to see Taera cry. Suddenly he felt stupid and sorry. Why had he let Yola hug him? Without knowing that Taera was there. Ardilo thought for a moment. Taera had a point too. Why did Ardilo have to let Yola hug him?

"It's not like that, Taera. But, how can I do that? I know I was wrong. I should have been firm with Yola's attitude. I've tried to let go of her hug, but she doesn't want to let go of her hug to me. I'm confused. I know I was wrong. Sorry," Ardilo said sincerely. He was so sorry.

Taera wiped her tears.

"Yes... I know. Maybe you are closer to Yola than I am. I shouldn't be jealous either. I have to know myself," Taera said, which made Ardilo's heart pierce even more.

"Tae, it's not like that..."

"It's okay. I understand. Now let's take a break for a while. I want to be alone first. It is also the final exam period. I want us to both foci on our grades. When the final exam is over, let's finish it. I still need some time alone," said Taera.

"Okay. But I beg you once again. Don't let us break up. I love you, Taera. Yola and I are just friends. We've discussed this a lot. I beg you to understand," asked Ardilo.

"Yes. I understand. I'm going home first. Keep spirit for the exam. For the time being, don't call me first. I want to be alone," Taera said, then walked away.

While Ardilo was still there, confused about what he had to do again to make Taera come back.

***

"Are you serious?" Stefa asked in disbelief.

"Yes, Putra and I saw Yola hugging Ardilo, and he just kept quiet. She hugged him for a long time and two more times. How can Taera not be surprised and sad? I feel sorry for Taera. She must be disappointed with Ardi," Yuna replied when they arrived at the boarding house.

After the incident, Stefa, who was confused by what had happened, couldn't find Taera on campus. Looks like she's back home. Stefa has also tried to contact Taera, but her handphone is off. Stefa became more and more curious about what was going on. Luckily Yuna asked Stefa about Taera's condition. She finally found out what happened to Taera and Ardilo.

"Why is Yola like that? From the first time I met Yola, I suspected that she had feelings for Ardilo," said Stefa to Yuna.

"Back when we used to often go out together, it was true that Yola was the closest to Ardilo. Yola is a very active person in the organization, that's what made Yola quickly connect with Ardi, who also really likes the organization. But since Yola has been dating Hendo, Ardilo has just kept the distance and thought of Yola as an ordinary friend. I don't know if Yola misunderstood their closeness before and until something like this happened. I was surprised and felt sorry for Taera," Yuna explained.

"So, what about Yola when Taera found out?" Stefa asked curiously.

"She just kept quiet. Putra and I were also confused because they were shocked. When we looked at the SEB secretariat, Yola had already gone to the exam room. She didn't say anything," Yuna replied.

"She doesn't feel guilty, does she?" Stefa asked indignantly.

"Looks like she's really sad. She doesn't seem to be focused like that. She just stays silent. After Ardilo returned to the exam room, he was silent too. He seemed so gloomy," Yuna answered trying to remember Yola's attitude this afternoon.

"Well, I'm going to Taera's boarding house first. She must be really sad. I want to cheer her up," said Stefa.

"Well, be careful, okay. Greetings to her," said Yuna.

Stefa nodded and prepared to go to Taera's boarding house. Taera had never been like this before. Stefa was worried. She hoped Taera didn't do anything weird.

***

Stefa arrived at Taera's boarding house bringing food for dinner and fresh drinks to calm her down. Taera still can't be reached. Finally, Stefa asked the security guard to go to her room. On the 2nd floor, there is Sella, who is studying. Sella knows Stefa because Taera often tells about Stefa to her friends, her boarding friend.

"Taera, what's wrong? She comes home crying. She hasn't left the room at all," Sella asked.

"Looks like she has a problem. This is what I want to try to help her too," said Stefa.

"Well, please help her. The thing is, if she has a problem with her boyfriend, we can't interfere because she rarely talks about it," said Sella.

"Yes. I hope she will tell me, and I can help her," said Stefa.

Stefa and Sella knocked on Taera's door many times. No answer. After Sella said that it was Stefa who came, Taera finally opened the door to her room and let Stefa in. After that, Taera closed the door to her room again. Stefa was very surprised to see Taera's puffy eyes. Taera has been crying. Remembering Yuna's story, Taera must be sad about what happened earlier.

"I already knew what happened from Yuna. Yuna and Putra were also shocked when they saw you earlier," said Stefa.

"It's not their fault that they don't know I'm there. It's okay, Stef. I'm just shocked," said Taera.

"But seeing your puffy eyes, I can't bear it, Tae. You must have been crying. What were you talking to Ardilo about earlier?" Stefa asked carefully.

"I want to break up with him, Stef. I can't do it anymore," Taera said, then started crying again.

"What? Break up? Why, Taera? I'm sure you guys can sort this out," said Stefa.

Taera shook her head.

"Come on, Stef. I need some time to myself right now. I want to be alone. Sorry, Stef, you have to go home now," Taera said.

"But..."

"Please, leave me alone first, okay," said Taera.

"Okay. I'll say goodbye. This is food for you. Eat it, don't miss it. Remember, tomorrow is still an exam. You have to eat, so you don't get sick," said Stefa.

"Yes," said Tara.

Stefa then said goodbye. Along the way, Stefa felt like she wanted to be angry. Actually, what does Yola want to make her best friend want to break up with her boyfriend? Suddenly, Stefa wanted to confront Yola.