Kaivan swallowed hard, his mind racing for a way out of the awkward situation. Without thinking, he made a reckless choice. The towel slipped from his hands.
Thivi froze, eyes widening. "Waaah!"
Before she could react further, Kaivan quickly wrapped the towel around her instead, pushing her out of the bathroom.
"Give it back when I'm done," he said curtly, shutting and locking the door.
Outside, Thivi stood motionless, still swathed in the towel. Her face burned red, yet a smile tugged at her lips. Inside, Kaivan finally found a moment's peace to shower, though his thoughts spun endlessly. He knew, this coming week would be anything but ordinary.
Night descended. The house fell quiet once more. At the dinner table, Kaivan and Thivi sat across from each other. A simple meal lay between them, but the silence carried a weight, louder than any words. Thivi's cheerful smile never faltered, though something unspoken lingered, like laughter trapped in her throat.
Kaivan ate slowly, occasionally stealing glances at Thivi as she enjoyed her meal. He chose to hold back, while she seemed intent on pretending nothing had happened. Still, curiosity flickered in Kaivan's eyes, impossible to hide.
When they finished, Kaivan let out a breath. He needed air.
"Thivi," he called, his voice low but firm. She lifted her head.
"Bring your cigarettes. Let's go to the rooftop."
Her brows rose in surprise, but she didn't object. Reaching into her bag, she pulled them out. "You first, Kaivan," she said with a small smile, trying to ease the sudden seriousness in the air.
Beneath a star-scattered sky, they sat side by side on the roof, letting the night wind brush against their faces. Kaivan lit a cigarette, exhaling smoke as if trying to chase away the weight pressing down on him. Beside him, Thivi watched intently. "Why didn't you let me scrub your back earlier?" she asked lightly, though her words carried a hidden edge.
Kaivan only smiled faintly. "Forget it. That's not what I want to talk about." His tone shifted.
Thivi offered her cigarette. "Then what is it, Kaivan?"
He inhaled deeply, smoke trailing into the night sky. "I have to leave again," he said flatly, though the weight in his voice was clear. His gaze sharpened. "The Omnicent Tome gave me a lead. I have to find someone in Purwakarta."
Thivi turned quickly. "Someone? Who?" Her voice dropped, tinged with unease.
"His name is Raphael. I won't be alone. Ethan will help." Kaivan's eyes lingered on the fading glow of his cigarette.
Thivi leaned back, staring at the heavens. "Ethan? Is he really that important?"
"He's a former gangster. Knows the underworld better than most. Raphael isn't just anyone, he's tied to terrorists. The Tome says he's the key to something bigger."
Silence wrapped around them. Thivi's expression hardened. "So this isn't just another mission. You know it's dangerous."
Kaivan nodded slowly. "I can't turn back. The Tome has never been wrong. All I can do is follow."
With a swift motion, Thivi lit her cigarette, exhaling sharply. "If you ask me, this is no longer something kids should be handling. It looks more dangerous by the day."
Kaivan met her eyes, saying nothing. Only a slow, heavy nod. The night reclaimed their silence, and in that stillness, the seeds of weighty decisions began to take root.
When they finally descended from the rooftop, the atmosphere inside the house felt heavier. Without a word, Thivi slipped into Kaivan's room, while he drifted wearily toward the living room. His steps echoed exhaustion, the sound of someone already burdened by what lay ahead.
Lying across the sofa, Kaivan stared at the ceiling. His eyes remained open, mind tangled with visions of Raphael and Ethan. Their names circled in his head, puzzles waiting to be solved. At last, his eyelids fell shut. In the darkness, he searched for calm, even as tomorrow loomed like a storm.
Morning crept in gently, soft light filtering through the gap in the curtains. The glow brushed against Kaivan's sleeping face, stirring him awake. He stretched, rubbing his eyes, though the fatigue of yesterday still lingered. With a sluggish motion, he rose, fixed his messy hair, and trudged toward the bathroom.
From the kitchen came the cheerful voices of Thivi and Teh Kira, mingling with the clatter of cookware. The air carried the warmth of breakfast, filling the house with a comforting scent. Peeking in, Kaivan saw Thivi standing by the stove, her short hair tousled yet charming, while Teh Kira busied herself with plates.
"This is for lunch, okay? Don't forget to eat it," Thivi said brightly, handing him a lunchbox.
Kaivan accepted it hesitantly, but a small smile slipped onto his lips. "Thanks, Thivi," he replied softly. Simple, yet sincere.
After a warm breakfast, Kaivan prepared to leave for school. His steps were steady, though his mind still lingered on the guidance of the Omnicent Tome. Yet that morning, the warmth of home and the small kindnesses of those around him were enough to soothe his restless heart.
That morning, school was as lively as ever, filled with laughter, chatter, and hurried footsteps. Kaivan walked slowly through the corridor, seeking a moment of calm within the chaos of his tangled life.
But at the front gate, new footsteps entered. Felicia stood gracefully in her high school uniform, her long black hair flowing, crimson eyes sweeping across the courtyard. A gentle smile bloomed as she stepped forward, today, she officially became part of Kaivan's world.