the Mystery of Caraka Family

 "Let me introduce myself!" said a young man with a military-like performance. He stood behind the ticket counter of the Pajajaran Sports Arena (GOR), Bogor. His teeth were so white and clean. In contrast to his dark skin that was burnt by the sun.

 Rani stared straight at his friendly face. His short hair was decorated with a small tuft. Then, she asked coldly, "For what?" Actually, she didn't mean to be unfriendly, but Rani was still traumatized by men after her first love story ended tragically. Asep, her annoying ex-lover, had successfully etched a sense of distrust in men. Even now, the shameless man still terrorized her by blocking her in front of her house, school, or even the housing park where Rani usually do jogging.

 The man, who was about 20 years old, chuckled. His light brown eyes still shone warmly. "So fierce. Haven't had breakfast yet, huh?"

 "I've had it."

 "What did you eat?"

 "Meistjes (chocolate rice(-bread."

 "Ah, rich kids are different, huh. They eat bread like Europeans."

 "Not really. What did you have for breakfast?"

 "Why?"

 "Why what?"

 "Why do you want to know what I ate?"

 "Okay, okay. If you don't want to tell me. Where's my ticket? The basketball game is about to start. I won't get a seat if you are so slow," Rani said while pouting. This man seemed playing with her.

 The young man chuckled. "Quick to get angry, huh? The spoiled type. But I like you." Then, he handed over a ticket which Rani immediately snatched. As the man still held the ticket, their hands touched each other. "This morning I ate boiled cassava. And if you become my girlfriend, I want you to feed me."

 Rani's face was as red as a boiled crab. She stared at the strange man with wide eyes. Then, she immediately ran towards the GOR building which was roaring by spectators. From a distance, her classmates waved excitedly.

 "Rani, is that counter attendant your acquaintance?" asked Linda, one of Rani's classmates.

 "No. I don't know him."

 "But I saw both of you were talking for quite a while. Were you disturbed by the soldier?" Linda asked worriedly.

 "Is he really a soldier?"

 Linda nodded her head. "There was also a friend of his who was wearing a military uniform. They both helped guard the counter. He was teasing you? Be careful, okay?"

 Rani forced herself to laugh. "Ugh, what's that? It's nothing special. He just asked about our school's basketball team. Come on, let's find a place to sit."

Linda looked at her friend suspiciously. Rani was always like that. Not wanting to share secrets. Even though Linda was always ready to share secrets. It felt like a DC electric current that was in the same direction when she was friends with Rani whose lips were tightly closed like an oyster.

***

 Rani looked around. Why hadn't Mr. Wisnu, the Caraka family's driver for half a century, picked her up yet? Mr. Wisnu's cellphone was also inactive when contacted. Even though the GOR yard was completely empty because it was almost 4 pm. Rani's friends had gone home an hour ago. Only the fried food vendor and the siomay seller were left.

 Sighing, Rani rummaged through her pink sling bag. Damn! She left her wallet behind. She was so careless. How could she get home? She should have checked her bag and borrowed money from one of her friends.

 Without Rani realizing, someone was standing behind her. The person cleared his throat, making her flinch.

 "Sweet lady, how can I help you?"

 "No, nothing," Rani answered quickly.

 "Where are your friends? Why they aren't with you?"

 "Already home."

 The young man chuckled. "Aren't you going home? Waiting for me, huh?"

 "Why are you waiting? That's really cool."

 The flirtatious young man stroked his crest. "It's okay. You have to be optimistic when you're close to a beautiful lady. Then, why don't you go home?"

 "My pick-up car hasn't arrived yet."

 "Aren't you going home by yourself by public transportation?"

 "I left my wallet behind."

 "Do you want me to take you home?" the young man asked enthusiastically.

 Rani looked at the young man suspiciously. "I don't know you."

 "Oh, we already met. Have you forgotten?"

 "I don't even know your name."

 The young man laughed as crispy as potato chips. "Hamid. That's an old-fashioned name, huh? What's your name, pretty girl?"

 "Rani."

 "Firstly, shake our hands, please. So, we officially meet."

 Reluctantly, Rani extended her right hand. "Why won't you let go of my hand?"

 "Your hands are so soft. Like baby's hands."

 "So cheesy."

 "It's normal to be flirty when you meet a pretty girl. I fell in love with you at first sight. How about you being my girlfriend?"

 "We just met, and already confessed your love? Maybe you usually ask out girls you just met."

 "Ah, why is that? I really do fall in love with you. Don't you believe me? Come on, I'll take you home. Wait a minute. I'll get my motorbike first."

 "No way. I'm afraid of being kidnapped."

 "I would kidnap you in broad daylight like this."

 Rani did not move. Her eyes were full of suspicion.

 Hamid sighed. He reached for his wallet in his trouser pocket and took out a card. "If you don't believe me, hold my ID card. Return it when we arrive at your house or return it during our marriage ceremony."

 Rani was shocked. "So sweet-tongue."

 "It's okay! You're still too young to understand my feeling."

***

 "Wow, your house is really big."

 "My parents' house. Not my house," Rani corrected.

 Hamid clicked his tongue. "Just the same. Later you will also inherit it."

 "Who is he, Rani?" Mrs. Caraka asked. "Didn't you go home with Mr. Wisnu? Oh, yeah, I forgot, earlier Mr. Caraka asked Mr. Wisnu to deliver a document to Jakarta."

 "This is Hamid, my new friend, Mom. We met at the GOR."

 "Good afternoon, Madame. I'm Hamid."

 "Galuh Caraka," said Mrs. Caraka while shaking hands. "Thank you very much for taking Rani home. How did you two meet?"

 "Today is my day off from military service. So, I'm guarding the GOR ticket counter. I saw this beautiful daughter of yours. Okay. I'll just introduce myself. Who knows, I might become your daughter-in-law."

 Mrs. Caraka burst out laughing. This young man was so brave in expressing his feelings. But she liked this friendly young man. Although he was not as handsome as Asep, his behavior was more charming and warm. In addition, Mrs. Caraka did like everything that relates to military. Understandably, she almost married a policeman. Unfortunately, the 7-year love story failed because Mrs. Caraka's mother did not approve of her choice. Finally, she was matched with Adi Caraka, a cold man she did not like.

 "Then, I will stay away for now, okay? I'll tell Mbok to make snacks and drinks. You two just chat."

 "Don't bother, Ma'am!" Hamid said. He felt bad. Before anything else, he had already troubled his future in-laws. When Mrs. Caraka had disappeared into the kitchen, he stared at Rani intently until the target felt annoyed.

 "What the heck? Why are you looking at me like that?"

 "You're so beautiful. Your lips are small, but thick. They must be nice to kiss."

 Rani's cheeks were as red as ripe tomatoes. "I don't want to date yet. I'm still annoyed with my mean ex."

 "I can wait. I told you, I'm in love with you."

_____

Note

Mbok= a calling for Javanese household assistant.