Indeed, a lot has changed in Erin. It feels like she loves herself more for who she is.

The giant mirror in her room reflects the Erin of her junior high school days—a sweet girl with light makeup in soft pink and light brown tones. Her long hair is tied to the side, and she wears a knee-length dress that resembles a tank top with wide straps, a stark contrast to the party dresses she used to don to attract the eyes and hearts of men. She even dares to wear ivory white, unconcerned about whether it makes her skin look peculiar.


She has stopped dyeing her hair and has also ceased trying to darken her skin. To her own surprise, she no longer visits the salon for eyelash extensions or eyebrow embroidery—practices she once felt compelled to engage in to meet others' beauty standards.

But what do beauty standards really mean?

Erin believes Amir is sincere. His honesty has instilled confidence in her natural beauty. In this newfound state, she realizes she doesn't need anything else. Her instincts were right: Amir is worth fighting for. The qualities he possesses are enduring, allowing him to be himself without pretense.


Erin feels this is the pinnacle of self-acceptance—having a partner who supports us just as we are, who encourages us to embrace our imperfections, knowing that we will never fully satisfy all our desires.

Even though they aren't officially a couple yet, Erin finds herself buoyed by this connection. Nathan, on the other hand, is exasperated when he hears his brother's half-hearted love story.


This afternoon, Erin had just finished her Muay Thai session and was sitting relaxed on a rocking chair in her private gym near the pool while Nathan casually walked on the treadmill.

'What's with that smile, bro? When are you going to date?" Nathan teased.

'Calm down. Amir is different from the guys I usually deal with. That's why my approach has to be special." Erin feigned disinterest, focused on Amir's messages, deliberately teasing him without intending to reply.

'But according to your analysis, why hasn't he asked you out yet?"

'From what I can tell, he's looking for ‘the one,' which is why he's careful in his choices. My gut tells me that if he does ask someone out, it's likely to lead to a serious commitment—maybe even marriage."

'Are you ready for that, sis?" Nathan asked.

Erin tilted her chair toward him, smiling. 'Honestly, it's funny if you think about it. I used to get goosebumps at the thought of marriage, even though my boyfriend and I often lived together. But with Amir, I can actually envision a life filled with safety, peace, and happiness."

'Careful, sis! You don't want to get carried away with expectations!"

'This isn't just any expectation, Nate! My observations tell me he's mature. First, his indifferent demeanor shows he's not easily swayed by other women, even the beautiful ones. Second, he's a hard worker and a genuine family man. When I look into his eyes, I see green flags everywhere."

'What do you mean by green flags?"

'Yes! Super green flags."

'Aren't you suspicious? From my perspective, he seems like a guy who's afraid of commitment."

'It's not that simple! He's just selective about his commitments; he doesn't want to rush into anything with the wrong person. That's why his approach is slow, which is a bit of a culture shock for me. But so far, I feel everything I've experienced with him has been worth it."

Like tonight, for instance.

Only Amir could make Erin happy in such a simple way. In the past, she had difficulty accepting what she had; she always craved more. With Amir, she learned that sometimes, just having enough could bring joy.

Erin's black purse vibrated with a call. Recognizing it was Amir, she rushed downstairs.

'Thank you, sir!" she exclaimed, helping Mr. Jalal pull the gate closed with all her might, leaving the old man astonished while he held the remote for the automatic gate.

As she noticed the driver's door of the white Toyota Rush beginning to open, she quickly pushed it shut, making an X sign with her hand to indicate that Amir should stay put. Instead, she hurried to the passenger seat and opened the door.

'Why? Am I not allowed to get out?" Amir asked, confusion evident on his face.

'Of course not. Look," Erin pointed to the CCTV camera aimed at them, 'My dad is complicated! Just yesterday, I nearly ended up in court for cooking pasta. Thankfully, Mom took him out of town." Erin's rambling halted as she noticed a familiar scent of perfume.

The scent of Nathan's perfume lingered in the air, so distinct it felt as if it had just been sprayed before Erin entered. It was clear that this was not the fragrance Amir typically wore to the office. Erin glanced into the back seat, noticing a backpack and a pile of McDonald's brown tote bags.

Her eyes narrowed as she took in Amir, dressed in a short black shirt and long brown pants. His outfit seemed too neat for someone who had just come home from exercising.

'What's going on?" Amir started the car.

'Did you really just go wall climbing? Not another type of climb, right?"

'What do you mean? Why do you ask?"

'You look so put together! And you smell good too! Did you just go out with a girl?"

'Gosh, Erin…"

'Logically, if you just finished exercising, you'd look more relaxed, at least with damp hair. This is too pristine! Where did you come from?"

'I went indoor climbing, Riin."

'So you weren't hot while climbing? Didn't you sweat?"

'Erin, in this world, there's a modern activity known as bathing. After bathing, there's a handy little gadget called a hairdryer. Do you know what a hairdryer is? Should I explain it again?"

'Why are you using a hairdryer? And why the perfume? You're so flirtatious! There must be plenty of girls there, right?"

'Yes. Lots of girls. Beautiful ones, too."

'That's just terrible!" Erin's anger flared, and she forced the locked door open. 'Let me out!"

'Are you crazy?"

'You still dare to call me crazy?" Erin shot him a glare.

'Yes. Crazy. Absolutely."

Erin playfully hit Amir's shoulder. 'Mean! You really don't care about my feelings, do you? Am I nothing to you?"

'Oh Lord! Why do I have to deal with this short-tempered person?"

'Hey!" Erin hit Amir's shoulder again.

'Look, look at my shoes."

Erin did as he instructed. With his shirt and pants coordinating nicely, it was odd that he was still wearing his blue sneakers like the pic he sent on Whatsapp.

'I bought this shirt earlier, and I bought these pants. But I couldn't possibly buy new shoes because I have plenty at home. I wore this perfume because I knew I was going out with a girl. I got ready and dressed nicely because I didn't want her to feel belittled. I wanted to make an effort so this girl would know that she influences my life with her rudeness and that I like it. Are you satisfied?"

Erin felt as if she had been slapped twice. How could she have been so angry? How could she not realize that everything Amir did was for her?

'Is that okay? Is it cool now? Should I go?"

Amir began to drive the car forward.

Erin felt mortified. Her body stiffened, and she pressed against the window, attempting to merge with the seat. She didn't respond when Amir mentioned that the restaurant they were headed to was full. She merely nodded when he suggested moving to a ramen restaurant instead.

In a quiet parking lot, Amir stopped the car. Erin glanced timidly, feeling trapped. She had to shove her embarrassment aside; this was her fault!

'Amir… I'm sorry," Erin said, rubbing Amir's shoulder. 'Did that hurt?"

Amir paused, turning to face her. 'Yes, it hurt. But not because of your blow. It hurts because you think I'd be seeing another girl besides you. Do you really think so little of me?"

'Oh, it's not like that! You're not my boyfriend yet. Technically, it's still legal for you to hang out with anyone, right? That's why I'm worried about someone snatching you away…"

'No, Erin. You can take my word for it—there are no other women besides you. What do I have to do to convince you?"

'Then when are you going to ask me out, Amir? I'm dying to know how it feels. I want to claim you. I want to tell the whole world that you are mine!" Erin whined.

'What's the difference between what we're doing now and dating?"

'What we're doing now has too many limitations, Amir. We don't have a status, and we can't be affectionate. Well, we can, but I don't get a response from you."

'Then what happens after that? You want us to be affectionate, but then what?"

'Why does it matter? Have you ever dated?"

'Erin… Dating is like eating blaster candy. It's slightly sweet for a moment, then it explodes and slowly fades away. What I want is for the sweetness to be stable. I want our relationship to feel the same, regardless of status—warm and consistent, so the ups and downs aren't too drastic."

'You mean our courtship isn't long enough? How much longer do you need to convince me of your feelings?"

'Erin, you need to know that as the days go by, I love you more and more. I'm sure you can see that. I just need a little more time, okay?"

What did he just say? Erin blinked, wondering if this moment was just a dream that would vanish.

But Amir's gaze remained steady, the sweet man meeting her eyes with sincerity that Erin could sense.

So… Amir really loves her?

Erin felt her face flush, almost blistering from embarrassment! Clearing her throat, she tried to shake off the overwhelming feeling.

Erin forced the words out, 'Really, Amir? Really soon?"

Amir didn't respond immediately. He continued to stare at Erin for a few seconds, until she awkwardly fixed her hair, which had fallen over her face. 'Yes, Rin. It's true."

'if you lie! I'll drag you to our wedding, whether you like it or not!" Erin thought to herself.

'Is there any chance you'll back down, Amir? Any possibility you'll change your mind and distance yourself from me?"

'I don't see that possibility, Rin." Amir replied firmly, the words spilling out without a second thought.

The two of them remained unaware that their hearts were already intoxicated with love, their deep gazes piercing into each other's souls, each managing a shy smile at the same time.

*

Monday night felt like a new version of Saturday night for Kia. Her husband, Fiki, had just had a day off. Since eight o'clock the previous night, he had taken their one-year-old son, Gio, outside to watch a badminton match between the fathers in the front yard. It felt as if her life was almost normal, like any typical housewife's.

With cheer, she tossed in five freshly cut silken tofu cubes. She didn't particularly like tofu, but her husband did. Just for tonight, she wanted to serve something that would make them both smile.

The front door swung open, and the loud strains of dangdut music filled the air, quickly silencing as the door closed again.

'Look at this, Gio! How can you be a band member if you fall asleep, even with music that loud? You clearly don't have the soul of a musician." Fiki entered, cradling their son, who was fast asleep in his arms.

'Please put him to bed in the room. I'll finish cooking for a while." Kia turned the tofu over. It didn't take long for the skin to turn golden brown, and she drained it.

'Is the chili sauce here?"

'In the fridge, sir. Today, my favorite squid and torch ginger chili sauce arrived."

'Oh wow." Fiki opened the fridge and retrieved the glass jar. 'Thank you."

'Anytime." Kia smiled slightly. It felt like it had been ages since they had spoken in such a relaxed tone.

After finishing the fritters, she moved a plate of silken tofu, a small empty plate, a basket of rice, and two sets of utensils to the dining table. Fiki was already seated, casually munching on shrimp crackers from the jar.

'Let's eat."

Kia dished two ladles of rice onto her husband's plate, as was customary.

'Oh, by the way, Mrs. Berta contacted me two days ago. She asked my band to perform at your office's family gathering event."

Kia's hand froze as she was about to spoon chili sauce onto a small plate. 'Contact you directly? For a family gathering?"

'Yes, the one in two weeks."

'What did you tell her?"

'I told her to reach out to my manager. It wouldn't be ethical for me to discuss the price."

'Do you agree? Do you want to do it?"

'Yes, why?"

'Hun, last year you couldn't come because of work. This family gathering is a family event. If you take the job, it's just like working. As the HRD, I'll be dismissed that day," Kia said, her voice laced with disagreement.

'Isn't it better this way, Kia? We can hang out and earn money at the same time."

'But you'll be busy with your bandmates! When they're around, you always have to hang out with them. There's always a reason—discussing improvisation, not practicing enough, changing songs…"

'How busy are you? We only hang out when we have a performance. We've practiced often. Mrs. Berta wants us to play relaxed acoustic songs to fill the bonfire night."

'Hun, that night is the most important of the entire series of events! We could gather as a family, have deep conversations, and relax together…"

'Why act like we never get to do that? We have endless nights to talk, but you're the one who finds it hard to open up, right?"

'Why me?"

'Who else? Me? You're the one who has the most complaints, Kia. You're the one who always feels pressured. The one who…"

'Fiki, my request is simple. I want our whole family to enjoy a relaxed gathering!"

'That means you're still being selfish, Kia. Think about it—we can earn money while spending time together!"

'Ah, is that so?" Kia's hands clenched the surface of the table, the food she had hoped would warm their relationship now a silent witness to their feud.

'Where is this going?" Fiki set the jar of shrimp crackers back on the table.

'I don't know, maybe something going on with your vocalist? You should have asked his permission first! Tell him you need just one day to be with your wife and child!"

'Shall we revisit this? Discuss your delusions again?"

'What delusions, sir?"

'Yes, those vague delusions that always make you feel hurt!"

At that moment, Kia's eyes burned with anger, while Fiki's mirrored the same intensity. He was skilled at concealing his pain, but the hurt was evident in his gaze. 'Fiki, if you don't believe you're hurting me, at least don't break…"

'You need to be reminded of this, Kia. All our problems, all your pain, wouldn't exist if you could fight your own battles! You've dragged me and Gio into your past, into your traumas! Why don't you just change your religion and marry the man you love?"

'STOP! We won't drag Amir into our problems anymore. It's enough that Amir is already entangled in your emotions!" Kia stood up, pushing her chair back. She pointed at her husband, her emotions tightening every muscle in her body.

'You need to look in the mirror, Kia," Fiki replied, slowly rising to his feet. 'Stop expecting and assuming! Everything you imagine might not be as beautiful as you think. While you're stuck in the past, you're losing the people who are right here with you in the present!"

Without a second thought, Fiki stormed toward the bedroom. Kia had predicted his reaction but waited nonetheless.

Sure enough...

Fiki emerged, carrying Gio. This time, his steps were fast and wide.

Kia wasn't about to back down. She grabbed Fiki's arm, not caring how her movement might affect their child. 'Don't come to your Mama's house again!"

'Let me go!"

'Fiki! AH!"

In a moment of frustration, Fiki flung Kia to the floor.

He swore he hadn't meant to hurt her, but the force of his anger had overwhelmed him.

As he opened the front door, he paused for a moment to look back at her. His heart ached, his chest tightened at the sight of Kia lying there, tears beginning to streak down her cheeks. But he knew he couldn't afford to be too gentle. He needed to teach Kia a lesson about appreciating what she had.

It was a bitter irony: on one side of the world, a hand was thrown down in anger, while on the other, a couple held each other's hands tightly, smiling warmly as they entered the ramen restaurant they had chosen.

***