Miya Faced with a Choice
The next morning, when Miya went home, Roni noticed a package placed on the chair in front of his room.
"Who put this here?" Roni muttered in curiosity.
He opened the package and found that it contained a boxed meal.
"Wow, food! Bayu must be the one who put this here," he thought.
Roni walked toward Bayu's room and knocked on the door, but there was no answer from inside. He glanced at his watch and was startled.
"Good grief, it's already 10 a.m.! Bayu must have gone to work already," he said as he turned away.
After taking a shower, Roni decided to go to the warehouse. Since his classes would only start in the afternoon, he chose to go there rather than staying idle at the boarding house with nothing to do.
At Miya's House
When Miya arrived home, her father was already waiting for her on the sofa. As soon as she entered, her father immediately asked, "Miya, where have you been? I've tried calling you several times, but there was no answer."
Miya smiled and replied casually, "Last night there was an event with friends, so I didn't have time to check my phone, Dad."
Her father sighed and looked at her seriously. "You've been staying out overnight quite often lately. You're a woman, don't wander around too much. That's not good for you."
Miya shook her head. "No, Dad. Last night was the first time."
"Alright then, go take a shower first. After that, come see me. There's something important I want to talk to you about," her father said.
Miya nodded and immediately went to the bathroom. After finishing her shower, she returned to meet her father, who was now accompanied by her mother.
Miya looked at both of her parents curiously. "What is it, Dad? This is unusual," she asked.
Her mother smiled gently and said, "Come sit down first, dear. There's something Mama and Papa want to talk about."
Miya sat down, feeling curious.
"Well, dear," her father began, "This morning, Papa received news from Mr. Betro. He wants to introduce you to his son. He said his son is very fond of you. But the decision is entirely up to you, whether you want to or not. They are a respectable family, and Papa thinks you won't regret it if you marry his son."
Miya was shocked. "Married? No, Dad! Even Brother Bobby isn't married yet, how could Miya get married first? Besides, Miya already has someone Miya likes," she answered honestly.
Her father smiled faintly. "Oh, really? But you still have to consider Mr. Betro's son first. They are a prominent family, Miya. You won't regret it."
Miya looked deeply at her father, then said softly, "Papa, may I express what's in my heart?"
Her father nodded. "Of course, dear. Just say it. Papa and Mama will listen."
Miya took a deep breath before finally speaking.
"Have Papa and Mama ever thought about Miya's feelings? Back then, Miya was a cheerful girl, had many friends, and always felt understood. But Miya was willing to leave everything for Papa and Mama, to move to this city. Miya didn't know anyone here, yet Miya endured it. And now, after Miya has found someone who can accompany and understand Miya, you ask Miya to leave him and marry a man Miya doesn't even know the character of. Have you ever thought, even a little, about Miya's feelings?"
Her father frowned. Instead of understanding Miya's outpouring, he asked, "Are you serious that you already know Mr. Betro's son? If so, tell us what kind of person he is, according to you."
Miya felt even more disappointed. "Let alone Miya, even Brother Bobby knows him. He's not like what Papa and Mama imagine. Their family may be respectable, but he's very different from what you think," Miya said in a disappointed tone.
Unable to continue speaking, she immediately ran to her room, leaving her parents confused.
Her father was about to chase after her, but her mother stopped him. "Let Mama handle it," she said gently.
Serli, her mother, followed Miya into the room and saw her daughter crying while hugging her favorite doll.
"Miya, dear. All of this is not as you think. Papa and Mama love you very much. We only want you to have a proper life. But if you don't want it, we won't force you," her mother said softly.
Miya shook her head while sobbing. "You only think about yourselves. Miya is disappointed. Please leave Miya alone, Mom. What Miya needs is just someone who can understand and be sincere with Miya. Miya doesn't need a rich man or anything you think," she said with a trembling voice.
Her mother felt sad seeing her daughter like that. She understood Miya's wishes, but she and her husband only wanted the best for her future. They wanted Miya to have a partner who could protect her when they were gone, because Miya was their only daughter.
After a while, Miya finally said, "Just tell Papa, don't bother thinking about a husband for Miya. Because you don't understand Miya at all. Miya can find one herself, and Miya already has. So let's stop discussing this today, Mom."
Serli could only nod softly, then left Miya alone in her room.
After leaving Miya's room, Serli found her husband, Mr. Bram, waiting in the living room with a questioning expression.
"How is it, Mom? Is Miya okay?" Mr. Bram asked anxiously.
Serli sighed and shook her head slowly. "Pa, we'd better not bring up that matter again. Mama is afraid Miya will become a gloomy girl again like before. Just seeing her cheerful again lately has already made Mama very happy. Mama doesn't want her to go back to being like that again. Miya is right, we never truly considered her feelings properly. We should have asked for her approval before deciding to move to this city," she said softly.
Mr. Bram nodded in agreement. "Yes, Papa thinks so too. From now on, we must understand our children better," he said, clearing his throat.
At that moment, Mr. Bram's phone rang. He immediately answered it.
"Hello, who is this?" he asked.
From the other end came a familiar voice. "So, have you spoken to your daughter about the matchmaking?" the voice asked—it was Mr. Betro calling.
"Oh, my goodness, Mr. Betro! Sorry, I thought it wasn't you earlier. Regarding that matter, I have spoken with Miya. However, according to her decision, I cannot force her to accept or reject it," Mr. Bram replied politely.
"I see. Alright then. I apologize if I troubled you and disturbed your afternoon. Actually, I'm not used to doing things like this, but for the sake of my only son, I had to do it," Mr. Betro said with a slightly pleading tone.
Mr. Bram smiled slightly. "I understand, Sir. We've worked together for quite some time, and I know you well. I will help as much as I can, but regarding matchmaking, I can't do much. This is all for my daughter's happiness. Let's do this instead—let your son meet Miya and talk to her directly. The decision remains with Miya," he said firmly.
"Alright, I'll try to talk to my son. Children always trouble their parents, don't they? Haha… Thank you for your time, Mr. Bram. See you," Mr. Betro said with a small laugh.
"Yes, see you," Mr. Bram replied before ending the call.
Meanwhile, at Mr. Betro's residence, Jack immediately approached his father as soon as he saw that the call had ended.
"How was it, Dad? What did they say? Come on, tell me quickly!" Jack asked enthusiastically.
Mr. Betro glared sharply at his son. "You brat! Always troubling your parents. Because of you, I feel ashamed like this. What if their family thinks I can't educate my child properly? To the point that you have to rely on me for your love affairs! Damn it!" he grumbled angrily.
Jack smiled awkwardly. "Sorry, Dad… But I did all this because I can't do much to get close to Miya. I know her family is far richer than ours," he replied helplessly.
Mr. Betro let out a heavy sigh. "Enough. Tomorrow you must meet Miya yourself and talk to her directly. From now on, you must rely on yourself. Who told you to fall for Mr. Bram's daughter, whom I respect so much," he said irritably.
Jack nodded. "Alright, Dad. I'll think of the best way. But Dad, do you know why it's so hard for me to get Miya that I had to involve you?"
Mr. Betro looked at Jack curiously. "Why? Tell me!"
Jack leaned closer and whispered, "It's because of a village youth. I don't know why, but Miya likes him so much. I want to get rid of him, Dad. Can you help me?"
Mr. Betro's eyes widened in shock. "What? You're losing to a poor village youth? Good grief! Where am I supposed to put my face? How could I have such an embarrassing son like you!" he shouted angrily.
"But, Dad… He's different. He's very brave. I've never faced an opponent like him before. All this time, my rival was only Bobby, Mr. Bram's son. But this is different, Dad," Jack said, trying to defend himself.
Mr. Betro stared at Jack sharply. "For now, use your abilities. You must be able to defeat that poor youth. Don't embarrass me again! Damn it, my head hurts because of your actions!" he grumbled before walking away, leaving Jack standing there, still lost in thought.
Jack's Challenge
That afternoon on campus, Jack approached Roni, who was walking toward class with Miya. His heart hurt even more seeing their togetherness. Unlike his attitude in front of his parents, outside Jack appeared more confident and arrogant.
Roni, realizing Jack's presence, immediately looked at him. He knew that whenever Jack approached him, there would surely be trouble.
Trying to act indifferent, Roni chose not to pay attention to Jack, who was trying to greet him.
"Hey, poor boy! How are you this morning?" Jack sneered in a demeaning tone, as he often did before. However, as usual, Roni did not respond.
Feeling ignored, Jack grew more irritated. "Hey! Wait! How dare you ignore me!" he shouted while chasing after Roni, who kept walking.
Before Roni could respond, Miya, who could no longer tolerate Jack's attitude, finally spoke up. "What is it now? Not satisfied with insulting Roni? Why do you always look for trouble with him?" Miya asked angrily.
Jack stared at Miya sharply. "Trouble? Of course I have trouble! The problem is that you choose him over me! He's a poor man, Miya! What can you expect from him? While I have everything! I can take you anywhere you want!" Jack said emotionally.
Miya smiled sarcastically. "Is that so? Unfortunately, you don't have the right to force me to love you or be with you. So please, don't bother us anymore," Miya replied firmly.
Hearing Miya's answer, Jack clenched his teeth and tightened his fists in anger. Meanwhile, Roni remained calm and only smiled faintly.
Jack then approached Roni and said challengingly, "Fine, I have a challenge for you, poor boy! Tomorrow night there will be a street fight among fighters. I challenge you to take part in it. We will meet there! If you lose, you must leave Miya forever. But if you win, I promise to forget about you and not bother you anymore. Dare to accept my challenge? Or are you just a coward hiding behind a woman?" he challenged mockingly.
Without hesitation, Roni answered calmly, "Alright, I accept your challenge."
Miya was shocked by Roni's decision. "Why did you accept it? It's just Jack's trap!" she said worriedly.
"Don't worry, I can handle it," Roni replied confidently.
"But he's very cunning! He has insiders in that competition, and moreover, this isn't an official event," Miya said, trying to convince Roni to cancel his intention.
Roni smiled reassuringly. "I can't refuse it. Someone like him needs to be taught a lesson. Don't worry, after this, he won't bother you again," Roni said, reassuring Miya.
Miya sighed and finally said, "Alright, if that's your decision, I will support you. But I don't want to lose you if something happens to you," she said with a face full of worry.
Miya didn't care whether Roni would win or lose. She still loved Roni, but the agreement made with Jack frightened her. If Roni lost, he might have to leave Miya forever.