Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia]
One day, a man was getting ready to go to work. Very early in the morning, he was already prepared. Many might ask, "Why so early?" Well, maybe because he had a small spark of light that kept him motivated.
His name was Kenzy Aldrian, 28 years old. He had short black hair, black eyes, a height of 188 cm, and an average build. He was a smart and diligent man. He always achieved good grades when he was in school, but he didn't continue his education after vocational high school and immediately applied for a job.
His fiancée's name was Aura Verdi, 25 years old. She had long straight black hair, a beautiful face, fair skin, and a height of 170 cm. She was a kind and caring woman.
And this was the beginning of everything.
Kenzy went to his office with a smile and enthusiasm. He walked along the sidewalk, passing tall buildings and stores that were also preparing to open. The calm morning atmosphere made him feel more comfortable and motivated to work.
When he arrived at the office around 8:00 in the morning, he walked to his desk, greeting and being greeted by his juniors and seniors. Oh, and he also stopped by his favorite store to get breakfast.
Kenzy sat at his desk and tidied it up before working. After checking that everything was complete, he immediately touched the keyboard, mouse, and the stack of documents. There was a meeting today, so Kenzy was preparing ideas for it.
When it was time for the meeting, Kenzy went straight to the meeting room. He presented his idea and explained the results and potential profits if they used his plan. The managers and superiors were satisfied with his proposal. Not only that, but Kenzy was also often asked for help by his juniors and seniors, yet he always just smiled and said yes.
Why? Because he was, well… someone with high empathy. Maybe too high.
While Kenzy was working on some documents, suddenly the manager came and said that the boss was calling him. Hearing that made Kenzy a bit nervous, but he still went to the boss's office. Once there, he talked with his boss.
Boss:
"Kenzy, come in. Have a seat. Every time I see you, I'm reminded of my younger days — full of energy and big ideas."
Kenzy:
"Thank you, Sir. Is there something you wanted to discuss?"
Boss:
(Smiling politely, speaking slowly but sharply)
"Listen, Kenzy… The company is going through restructuring. There are many adjustments to make — including, well… personnel matters."
Kenzy:
"Does this have something to do with my position, Sir?"
Boss:
(Leaning back, pretending to look regretful)
"I want you to know… you're one of our brightest employees. But sometimes, companies have to make decisions that don't always align with individual performance."
Kenzy:
(Raising an eyebrow, confused but calm)
"Sorry, but I need a clear explanation. I've always met my targets, contributed ideas used across divisions, and never caused any issues. If that's not enough, then what is the basis for this evaluation?"
Boss:
(Laughing lightly, mocking subtly)
"Kenzy, the working world isn't as simple as charts and weekly reports. There's politics, there's pressure. Sometimes, standing out too much can backfire. Being too straightforward can make others uncomfortable."
Kenzy:
(Staring straight, tone turning cold)
"So, I'm being dismissed because I worked too properly?"
Boss:
(Smirking, pretending to be wise)
"You're too naive, Kenzy. The world isn't about who's right. It's about who adapts best."
Kenzy:
(Standing slowly, taking a deep breath)
"I'll stay true to myself. If honesty and hard work are considered troublesome, then maybe this place is what's wrong. But I have no regrets. At least I leave with my head held high."
Boss:
(Still smiling falsely)
"You'll learn someday. This world isn't made for idealists."
Kenzy:
(Giving one last sharp look)
"And that's exactly why this world needs people who refuse to get dirty. Goodbye, Sir."
Kenzy left the room without looking back. His footsteps were calm but full of determination. Meanwhile, the boss sat back down, smiling slyly.
When he left, no one greeted him anymore. Even when he asked for help, people acted as if he didn't exist, giving vague excuses. Kenzy just smiled and thought, maybe this was for the best. He still had some savings, so he decided to look for a new job.
He finally went home, feeling sad and disappointed. But when he looked up, he saw a tiny star in the night sky. He immediately thought of Aura, and that made him feel a bit better, giving him a small spark of hope again. He hurried home.
However, while walking along the sidewalk, he saw Aura coming out of a building with another man, holding hands. Aura was smiling — a wide, genuine smile. Kenzy looked at the building's sign, and to his shock, it was a motel.
Anger, sadness, and disappointment mixed all at once. Kenzy didn't know what to do. He had never seen Aura smile like that before, but he couldn't just stay silent either.
He finally approached them and grabbed Aura's wrist. Aura looked surprised and uncomfortable, trying to pull away, and the man immediately punched Kenzy on the cheek.
"Who the hell are you? Why are you suddenly touching my girlfriend's hand?" said the man.
"Girlfriend?.. Aura, explain why this man just said you're his girlfriend?" said Kenzy, eyes wide open.
Aura panicked and froze, then the man said,
"Wait a minute… oh, so you're the fiancé she talked about? You're pretty plain, huh. Hey, Aura and I have been dating for a long time, you know. We've done a lot together — and what we just did was pretty fun too, right babe?"
Aura only nodded and smiled nervously, cold sweat running down her face.
"Aura… wha— who is he, Aura?" asked Kenzy.
"He's the son of a construction director, Hyura Abaki. I'm sorry, Kenzy… I like him more. He's capable, rich, and… you have nothing compared to him. So, I'm sorry. We can't be together. I'll write a letter to cancel our engagement," said Aura with a trembling voice and a forced smile.
Kenzy just stood there, frozen, his eyes wide open before he lowered his head and said, "Seven years… haha… well, that's how it goes. The winner takes all, and the loser must fall. Fine, Aura… I hope you'll be happy with him," said Kenzy heavily, then he walked away.
Kenzy didn't cry, but his heart and mind did. He thought, "Hah, my life really sucks, huh. Nothing ever goes right in this world, even when I've done my best… Humans can only plan, but fate always does its own."
When Kenzy was far from them, Hyura said, "Is that enough?"
Aura replied softly, "Yes, thank you."
Hyura asked, "Why did you do this?"
Aura answered, "It's for the best. I couldn't stand seeing it anymore. That's why I've been planning all this since the beginning. I don't know… whether Kenzy will be happy or hate me…" Aura looked at the sky with a blank smile. Hyura just didn't understand her way of thinking.
And at that moment, they both heard a very loud noise. Instantly, they searched for the source. When they found it, they saw a mother and child crying, bleeding under a fallen beam. The loud noise earlier came from that falling beam. Aura noticed something familiar — a glowing object. When she picked it up, her eyes widened. It was Kenzy's.
What made her so shocked?
Because she saw the ring — covered in blood, Kenzy's blood, dripping from under the collapsed beam. Aura froze in horror… and what happened next?