The campus announced a student exchange program to Japan. A rare opportunity that many students had been waiting for.
Arkan wanted it badly. He had researched everything, prepared the documents, and imagined how the experience could change his life.
But there was one problem: living expenses. The scholarship only covered airfare and tuition, not daily living costs. It was estimated that at least fifteen million rupiah would be needed for three months.
Fifteen million. An impossible number for Arkan.
He tried applying for a loan, but was rejected for lack of collateral. He tried looking for sponsors, but had no connections. He even tried online crowdfunding, but only managed to collect two million.
Meanwhile, Rendra applied and was accepted immediately. His father transferred fifty million "just in case you need anything over there."
"You're not joining, Arkan?" Senja asked at the campus cafeteria.
"There's no money," Arkan replied briefly, forcing a smile so the bitterness wouldn't show.
Senja fell silent. She knew exactly how much the program cost—an amount that, for her family, was like pocket change, but for Arkan was an unreachable mountain.
"If I lend you—"
"No, thank you, Senja," Arkan cut in quickly. "I don't want to be in debt."
Not out of pride. But because he knew he wouldn't be able to pay it back anytime soon. And debt would only add another weight to the burden he was already carrying.