That afternoon, Ratna was in the school's bathroom, meticulously applying eyelid tape, mascara on her brows, eyelashes, and a faint smear of lipstick that was quickly wiped off—exactly as Tomi had taught her.
Karate extracurricular was scheduled for this afternoon, and... Rey would be there.
Ratna wanted to look beautiful. She decided she would take off her glasses during the practice.
—-
The sports hall was buzzing that afternoon with the sound of footsteps hitting the mats.
"Hiyaa!"
Dozens of voices echoed in unison, filling the room with the distinct aroma of sweat and tatami.
All students stood in long lines. Boys on the left, girls on the right.
In front of them, Sensei Anton stood tall in a clean white uniform and a black belt that had begun to fade.
Today's agenda was basic moves tests and stance strength.
"Children, you will come forward five people at a time. Those who haven't had their turn, watch carefully!" Sensei Anton's voice boomed.
Reynardi stood in the front row of the boys' line. The black belt on his waist immediately made him stand out. Moreover, his tall stature and handsome face added to his appeal.
His movements were fast and steady, yet his face remained relaxed.
For Rey, karate was not just a sport—it was pride.
But this afternoon, his thoughts were slightly distracted.
From the right side of the hall, his eyes caught sight of Ratna, the odd girl with a white belt that still looked stiff. Ratna tried to stand straight, but her eyes occasionally darted left and right, nervously.
Usually, the girl looked... strange.
Her uniform was often too loose, her glasses thick. But this time, without her glasses, her shoulder-length hair fell softly around her face. Her face was different from usual, like two different people—Ratna looked beautiful, with thick eyebrows and faint red lips, contrasting with her fair skin.
Unconsciously, Rey stared at Ratna for a long time.
"Turns out... she's pretty too, huh," he muttered softly with a slight smile.
"Rey, focus!" Sensei Anton reprimanded, startling Rey. Rey quickly bowed his head in embarrassment.
The other students chuckled softly.
Ratna, who was looking down adjusting her belt, suddenly felt observed. She looked up—and their eyes met.
Just one second, but enough to make Ratna panic. Ratna quickly looked down, her heart pounding erratically. She pretended to busy herself correcting her stance, though her face was flushing red.
Rey almost let out a small laugh seeing her.
There was something different about this girl—not like the others. Innocent, yet attractive in her own way.
"Rey, it's your turn to demonstrate the move," Sensei Anton called.
Rey stepped forward. His movements were fast, steady...
"Yaa!"
His loud shout echoed, earning the admiration of several students—including Ratna.
Rey returned to the line with his chest gently thumping.
Whether it was because of the practice... or because of the brief glance with Ratna.
—Rey looked at Ratna again for a moment—and somehow, this time Rey felt the girl's smile meant more.
That afternoon, amidst the shouts of "Hiyaa!" and the steps on the mat, something began to change in Rey's heart.
—
The afternoon practice finally ended.
"Alright, students. That's enough for today. Don't forget, next week we start practicing combination moves. Os!"
"Os, Sensei!"
The students' voices echoed in unison, before one by one they started packing up.
The mats were lifted, belts were taken off, and some kids immediately ran to the water fountain.
The hall began to quiet down, but Ratna was still busy tidying her white belt's knot. Her movements were slow, as if afraid of folding it incorrectly. Her shoulder-length hair was slightly damp, sticking to her cheeks.
Rey was sitting on the left side of the hall, changing his dojo sandals. He glanced over—and saw Ratna standing alone, still trying to put her belt into her bag.
Without thinking twice, Rey stood up and walked towards her.
"Still here?" he asked casually.
Ratna turned quickly, slightly surprised. Her heart was beating wildly. "Uh... yeah, this... the belt is tangled," she answered haltingly.
Rey smiled slightly, "Here, let me help."
Ratna hesitated for a moment, then handed the belt over. Rey folded it slowly, his hands skillful.
"If you fold it carelessly, the belt will quickly get wrinkled," he said lightly.
Ratna nodded slightly. Her brain was trying as fast as possible to find words for a topic.
"You've been practicing for a long time, haven't you?" Ratna asked cautiously.
"Since elementary school," Rey answered. "I transferred dojos, so when I joined here, I immediately went into the advanced class."
Ratna looked at Rey for a moment, then smiled shyly, saying softly and a little shaky, "No wonder. Your movement was really cool earlier during the attack move."
Rey chuckled. "It's nothing. You're pretty good too, just don't rush your stance."
Rey smiled. "That's normal. I used to get scolded by Sensei too, but you get used to it."
Ratna looked down, her face turning slightly red. Shyly, Ratna tried to piece together words, "You were so fast earlier, during the block and counter move. I was confused trying to follow."
Rey laughed softly. "If you keep practicing, you'll be able to do it too. Don't worry, I'll help."
Ratna looked up, staring at Rey for a moment. "Help?" Ratna asked, surprised.
"Yeah. If you want, let's practice together during free time. I'll teach you the basic moves so you won't be stiff."
His tone was casual, but his eyes were sincere.
Ratna looked at Rey, confused for a few seconds, then smiled shyly. "Thank you,Rey."
Before Rey could continue, a voice came from behind.
"Ratnaaa! Are you done? Romi's waiting outside!"
Ratna turned—Ratmi stood near the hall door, tying up her long hair.
"Yes, coming, Sis!" Ratna answered quickly.
Rey stood up, handing the neatly folded belt. "Here."
"Thanks, Rey."
Rey nodded. "You're welcome. Be careful on the way, okay."
Ratna smiled happily, then ran lightly towards her sister. Before leaving the hall, Ratmi briefly glanced at Rey—the curious look typical of an older sister. Rey simply returned it with a polite nod.
As the two left, the hall felt quieter. Rey picked up his bag and walked slowly. A smile appeared without him realizing it.