Gala’s house in Kemang is buzzing with life tonight. Some are seen coming in and out, and few securities are on standby in front of the gate. Haven looks up to see the big pillars and enormous balcony on the front part of the house. “Jujur, gue lupa kalo temen kita ini anak orang penting. Bahkan gue liat Om Adrian di TV aja sering lupa, kalau beliau Papanya Gala.”

Julius laughs. “To be honest, gue seneng sih waktu kemarin dia bilang mau ngadain party disini. It means he’s talking again with his father.”

“Separah apa sih, emang?”

Julius sighs. They don’t talk about this often, if never—as it’s quite a forbidden topic for Gala. “After what happened to Tante Nana… I think Gala refused to talk to his dad. He blamed everything on him, saying that the death of his mother is his father’s fault and all. To be honest sampe sekarang kasusnya juga di-hushed kan, Ven. Like no one actually knows what happened.”

“Sometimes I forgot… As he always looks happy, dan nggak pernah mention apapun tentang Papa sama Mamanya. I forgot that he went through such tragedy.”

“Kemauan dia juga buat ngetreat dia normally kan, Ven? Jujur kadang gue berharap skenarionya kayak di Mission Impossible aja. Kalau Tante Nana sebenernya gapapa, she’s somewhere safe, bukan jadi korban balas dendam cuma karena suaminya ngejeblosin mega koruptor ke penjara.”

Haven sighs. Suddenly she’s reminded of Ramiel. Surge of emotion suddenly swallows her somehow—she’s reminded of her promises, his grief, his effort to get better, and everything else.

It was never his fault—and now she’s adding insult to his injury.

“Jules… I think I’m gonna come back.”

Julius’ hand stops at the door handle. “What do you mean? Ada yang ketinggalan?”

“Nope… I mean, to Ramiel.”

Julius shoots his best friend an understanding look, before he eventually curves a warm smile. “I know that. Then come back to him, but maybe, let’s attend our best friend’s birthday party first?”

—

Despite the buzz outside, chiller vibes can be sensed right away when Haven and Julius enter the room. The smell of grilled meat and alcohol swirl in the air, and lo-fi music can be heard across the room. She catches a glimpse of Dara in the corner of the room, talking with Tania, and when she sees Haven she waves her hand.

“KURANG LAMA TELATNYAAAA.”

Haven laughs as she throws herself to Galadriel’s giant-bear hug. “Happy birthday, my ride and die. Hope you’ll always be surrounded with so much love it heals every part of you.”

Gala looks down at Haven upon hearing her remarks, then he hugs Haven even tighter. “You’re one of that love, you know that? Thank you.” He messes with Haven’s hair, before a hesitant look appears on his eyes. “Actually, I have to tell you something… Do you want to drink something first, or can I just tell you now?”

“Hah? Apaan kok serius banget Gal? Takut gue.”

Gala signals his eyes to his side, and Haven follows.

She then sees him on the corner, talking to Gala’s father.