FRIEND WITH BENEFIT

5. Love Conversation

Being dropped off by Damar was a huge blessing for Suuzan. She'd been crushing on him for almost two years. She tried to play it cool, even though she secretly wanted to burst out laughing from pure joy. Deep down, she was grateful Leo's motorbike broke down. She knew Leo could handle his own problems.

On the ride, she was shy about holding onto Damar's waist. Tonight wasn't too busy. After passing the Pandanaran area, the road towards upper Semarang was already clear. In 2008, Semarang wasn't an overly busy city. That's why many liked living in Semarang, even though people said it was hot and the people were outspoken.

"Are you sleepy yet, Zan?"

"Not yet. Why?"

Of course she wasn't sleepy. Her heart was just beating way too fast. If she didn't keep mumbling prayers the whole way, her heart might just leap out onto the street.

"Honestly, I wanted to ask you to hang out," Damar said. "But you're not allowed home after nine, right?"

Suuzan was also annoyed with her mom's rule. It was modern times now. Why did she have to be home before nine? She was still going home anyway. Nothing weird was going to happen.

"It's okay, as long as it's not too late. Where do you want to go?"

Suuzan had her own idea. She could make an excuse that Leo's motorbike broke down and needed time to fix. A chance to be with Damar wouldn't come again.

"Hold on. I'm afraid you'll fall."

Suuzan was flustered. Was she allowed to hold onto Damar? What if his fangirls found out! She'd be the talk of the school. Before she could decide, Damar reached for Suuzan's hand, guiding her to hug his waist from behind. Suuzan instantly froze like a statue. Her heart wasn't just beating fast; it had completely dropped out.

What was this? Was this really Damar? Damar, the Student Council President and basketball player? Oh my god. Damar's perfume was so distinct. Suuzan made up her mind; she was never going to fall for anyone else. Let them gossip, let the girls at school make fun of her, as long as she was with Damar.

Damar took Suuzan to the Mijen area, known for being quite cool and a popular hangout spot for young people back then. There was an artificial lake that actually belonged to a famous real estate company in the area. They sat on a bench facing the lake. Suuzan never knew what "romantic" meant, but tonight, she felt like her life was being overwhelmed by that word.

"Where's your house, Damar? How do you know this place?"

"Tlogosari. I often come here with my friends."

"Tlogosari? That's so far. Why would you drive me here? It's really far. How will you get home later?"

"Oh, it's nothing. Just ride the motorbike, hit the gas. What's so hard about it? This place is also the closest to your house. So it won't be too late."

As Damar spoke, Suuzan couldn't stop staring at him. From any angle, he was indeed handsome. The soft-boy type that girls swooned over.

"So why did you invite me here?"

"How should I say this..." Damar started scratching his head. "Actually, I was a bit annoyed earlier during the movie. We were supposed to watch it alone. My friends suddenly wanted to join. And then we happened to be with Leo too. I didn't get any moments with you."

Suuzan felt nervous because of Damar's words that struck her heart.

"Mo-moments with me?"

"Yeah. I just found out there's such a cute girl like you. I can't believe I met you because of a basketball. Where have I been all this time, huh? Why were you hiding?"

"I wasn't hiding. I often watch basketball. I also joined LDK and Scouts. Mas Damar was there. Mas Damar just never saw me. Mas Damar was busy with girls..."

Feeling like she had said too much, Suuzan didn't continue her words.

"Why? What about me and other girls?"

Suuzan was so embarrassed. She was sure she'd been caught crushing on Damar. Ugh, the shame was unbearable.

"No, nothing."

"You must think I'm a playboy, right?"

Suuzan didn't want to deny it. Who wouldn't think that? Damar was adored by so many girls. Any gossip about Damar spread incredibly fast among the girls at school.

"Well, yeah. The girls likes you so much."

"What about you?" Damar immediately shot his question.

"Huh? What about me?" Suuzan's face turned red.

"Do you like me too?"

What was this? This wasn't a dream, right? Just a few days ago, Damar seemed like someone unreachable. Why could they talk this closely now?

"Ummm..." Suuzan wanted to answer shyly.

"Wanna be my girlfriend?"

Suddenly, a statement like lightning struck Suuzan's head.

"W-what?"

"Be my girlfriend. I've liked you ever since I helped you on the basketball court. I'm not asking you to answer now, but I want you to consider this, Suuzan."

Suuzan wasn't hesitant at all. Her heart desperately wanted to say 'yes.' The problem was her mouth had already blurted out something she hadn't thought through.

"I can't give you an answer yet. This is too sudden," Suuzan replied.

"Is it true that there's something going on between you and Leo?" Damar asked about something else instead. "Is that why you're hesitating?"

"Leo?" Suuzan immediately waved both her palms in denial. "We're just friends. Leo and I always go everywhere together. Ugh. He's such an annoying playboy. Even if I didn't know him, I wouldn't date him. He's a pain. Not at all."

"If that's the case, then will you date me? Please. I'm graduating soon. I don't have enough time to wait."

"Does it really have to be?"

"It has to be. When else will I meet a girl like you?"

"What's wrong with me? There are so many girls who have a crush on Mas Damar. And they're all pretty. Why do you like me instead?"

"Because you're the only one who didn't chase me. I didn't even know you were at this school. I just clicked when I saw you faint on the basketball court."

Suuzan felt that reason didn't make sense, but she didn't care. This was a rare opportunity. Even if it was for a Peterpan concert ticket, she wouldn't trade it.

Suuzan's phone suddenly rang. Leo's name appeared on the screen. Immediately, Suuzan answered the call from her best friend.

"What's up, Leo? Is your motorbike fixed?"

"What time is it? Why aren't you home yet?"

Suuzan was surprised. How did Leo know she wasn't home yet?

"I'm on my way home."

"Don't lie. I'm behind the bench where you're sitting with Damar. You're an i***t. It's super late. Your mom could have a panic attack if you're not home by now."

Suuzan turned around, and sure enough, Leo was sitting on his motorbike, watching her and Damar.