I touched my cheek, then looked at my hand.
"?!"
Oh no, why didn't I realize this? No wonder they all looked so panicked. Damn, I must've gotten carried away with the moment.
"Sahabi?" Betania asked, worried, waiting for my response.
"Well..." I said while wiping away my tears.
Alright, now I need to come up with something—fast. But what kind of reason would they accept?
"...."
I'm screwed. I have no idea. The situation is totally against me—I've really messed up.
"...Don't think so much and let yourself act naturally..."
Suddenly, I remembered Mr. Estiawan's words. That's right—I just need to act like I normally would.
"This is kind of embarrassing, so I didn't want to say it..."
"Sahabi, just spit it out already," said Fitria seriously.
"Well, for some reason, seeing all of you gathered in class like this, chatting together—it moved me. I've been having nightmares lately, so seeing the class in such peace really touched me, hehe," I said while blushing.
"Ugh, hearing that gave me chills for some reason," said Cornelia, disturbed.
"Man, is that really it?" Najam asked curiously.
"Yeah, so let's just forget it. It's embarrassing."
"Well, that's our Sahabi—always getting sentimental over the little things," said Diana with a smile.
"Is that the same with you, Diana? Getting angry over little things?" Darmaji whispered.
"Did you say something, Dar-ma-ji—?" Diana asked with an aggressive tone.
"No, madam!!!" Darmaji replied panicked.
"Phew, thank goodness—I thought something had happened to you. Tsk tsk, Sahabi, you're a boy, so don't suddenly cry like that," said Almira, giving me a lecture.
"Yeah, Sahabi, you made everyone worry. I even thought I had scolded you too harshly," said Bahuwirya, looking relieved.
"Haha, I'm sorry, everyone. Well, at that moment, even if it's embarrassing, I have to admit that Bahuwirya's scolding did make me cry," I said, smiling.
Suddenly, the classroom fell silent and Bahuwirya looked pale.
"Ouch, he said it," Najam sighed.
"Ahaha…" Harjasa laughed nervously.
"Oh, you hit the spot, Sahabi," said Zalindra gleefully.
"Hm..." Rangga looked amused.
"Looks like Wirya's future is looking dark," said Kambali, worried.
"Huh? What's wrong?" I asked, curious.
"It's nothing, Sahabi. Everything's fine," Betania said with a smile.
She walked over to the pale-faced Bahuwirya. I didn't understand, but they seemed to be having a casual chat. Then I saw Natalia and Fitria leave the classroom. A few moments later, Bahuwirya passed in front of me looking even paler than before.
"Ah, Bahuwirya. Are you alright?" I asked concerned.
"Well, yeah. This is my punishment—I have to face it. It's justice."
Then he slowly walked out of the classroom. I didn't understand what he meant.
"Sahabi!" Najam shouted.
"Najam, what's up?"
"Well, I just wanted to make sure you're okay. Wirya's always like that, but I hope you can forgive him."
"Hahaha, don't worry. I was just emotional at the time, so it's not really his fault."
"Hmm… Alright, that's good to hear—even if I think it's already too late for him."
"Eh, what do you mean? Honestly, I don't get what's going on."
"Well, it's probably better that you don't. So stay strong, Sahabi," Najam said, patting my shoulder before walking away.
For some reason, I felt like something wasn't right… but I guess it's not important.
"..."
Okay, I think the classroom atmosphere is back to normal now. Hopefully, I won't mess up again. Now I need to figure out my next move. For now, I should gather as much information as possible—especially about the current situation at Starlight Academy. Ms. Qori said we're in a critical state, so I can probably assume they've already started moving.
"..."
I glanced at Cornelia. She looked happy, chatting with Diana and occasionally teasing Darmaji. Cornelia Nasyidah—the mastermind behind the entire chain of events that led to the world's destruction through the illusions she created. She's a fashion design genius, but behind that, she has an extreme obsession with chaos. According to investigations, Cornelia possesses a high level of analytical ability, allowing her to not only excel in fashion design but also to quickly learn other people's techniques and even predict the future. Using her abilities and charisma, she plunged the world into unimaginable chaos.
"..."
Even though she's the mastermind, she's still one of my friends. I know what she did is unforgivable, but… for some reason, I just can't say I hate her. I don't know if she can be saved, but I will stop her.
"Sahabi?"
"Oh, Betania—what's up?" I said, startled.
"You seemed to be staring at Cornelia just now," she muttered, eyes flicking to the side.
"Really? Don't worry, I wasn't thinking anything weird, haha."
"Hee... okay, I hope that's true. By the way, Sahabi, do you have any plans after school?"
"Hmm… not really."
"Then, would you mind coming with me somewhere?"
"Eh, me?"
"Yeah."
"Well, if you don't mind, I'll go with you."
"Alright then, let's meet at the usual place after school," she said while smiling happily.
"Okay."
She walked away and rejoined Diana and Cornelia.
"...."
She seems fine for now, so I guess I don't have to worry.
Now what should I do? I tried to recall any major events that could give me clues on how to proceed, and my thoughts focused on The Incident—a deadly conflict between student council members. If Starlight is in a critical condition, that incident has likely already happened. But it would be better if I could confirm it myself and get a clearer picture of them.
"If I want to know more about it, the fastest way would be to talk directly to Bahuwirya. He's a flag bearer and probably communicates with them often."
I left the classroom and went to find him. After walking through the hall for a while, I saw him at the end of the corridor with… Fitria and Natalia? What's going on? Ah, whatever—my business is more important.
"Bahuwirya."
"Oh, Sahabi?!" he said, startled.
"Well, um… are you alright? You look even paler now," I said, concerned.
"Don't worry, Sahabi. He's fine," said Fitria.
"Really? By the way, what are you guys doing here?" I asked curiously.
"We're just chatting. Right, Wirya?" Fitria asked. Her voice was calm, but there was something about the way she asked that made Bahuwirya stiffen.
Bahuwirya went completely silent.
"Wirya," Natalia said flatly.
"Ah, yes. We were just talking, haha. Don't worry, Sahabi—everything's under control," he said, flustered.
"Well, okay. So… are you done? If so, I want to ask Bahuwirya for a favor."
Bahuwirya's expression suddenly brightened.
"What do you need him for?" Fitria asked curiously.
"Mm, nothing important, but I think he's the right person for this. If he doesn't mind, that is."
"Not at all! I'm ready to help you, Sahabi! Let's do this now!" said Bahuwirya eagerly.
"Tch."
Eh? Did I just hear that? I think Fitria just clicked her tongue.
"Alright then, I'll head back to class," said Fitria, leaving us.
She looked irritated as she left. I wonder why.
"Um, Sahabi"
"Natalia—what is it?"
"Do you need any extra help?" Natalia asked.
"I think Bahuwirya alone is enough. Thank you, Natalia," I said with a smile.
"...."
"Hm?"
"Alright then, I'll go back to class too," said Natalia and walked away.
Unlike Fitria, I felt like Natalia seemed happy, even though her expression didn't change. But I'm sorry, Natalia—I'm glad you offered to help, but you're the one person I hope doesn't get involved right now. There's a chance you're involved in all of this, and asking for your help now would be suicide.
"Phew, you saved me, Sahabi."
"Eh? Why?"
"Well, I can't say... but if you hadn't shown up, I might've gone insane, hahaha," he said gratefully.
"Oh, really? Good for you."
He looked better now. I didn't understand everything, but if he felt okay again, then I guess it was fine.
"Alright, so what can I help you with?"
"Oh yeah—I want you to take me to the student council room."
"Hah?!"
Bahuwirya's expression turned serious.
"Sahabi, are you sure about what you're saying?"
"Yes. And if possible, I want you to tell me everything you know about our student council."
"Hm…"
"..."
I felt his eyes on me, not just watching—but searching. There was something uneasy in his stare like he was trying to make sense of what didn't add up. When I met his gaze, he didn't look away. His expression wasn't cold, but it was tight, guarded like he was torn between doubt and concern. It wasn't just that he didn't trust me—it was that he was afraid of what it might mean if he did. For a moment, neither of us spoke, but the question behind his eyes pressed against me like a weight: What are you hiding?
"Phew... alright. You really are serious about this. But first—can I ask your reason?" he asked curiously.
"I want to do something to save my friends," I answered confidently.
"Well said, Sahabi. Alright, let's go."
"Yeah."
Relief washed over me the moment he agreed. He believed me—I could see it in the way his shoulders eased and the tension slipped from his face. I hadn't expected that. Not so quickly. I thought I'd have to explain more and prove every detail. But instead, he just accepted it, like his mind was already made up. I was grateful, yes—but part of me couldn't help wondering why it had been so easy for him to decide. It was comforting… and a little unsettling.