Yawning persistently, Iyaan found himself struggling to shake off the remnants of sleep as he lay on the bed next to Tenuk, who was soundly sleeping. Despite their prior conversation about the merits of waking up early, Iyaan couldn't resist teasing his friend. With a playful nudge, he applied just enough pressure to rouse Tenuk from his slumber.

Tenuk's eyes fluttered open immediately, revealing a drowsy expression and a faint hint of drool on his lips. "Don't tell me..." he mumbled groggily, sitting up with a pout, embarrassment evident in his demeanor.

Suppressing a laugh, Iyaan leaned in closer to Tenuk, his finger hovering teasingly close to Tenuk's lips. "W-what?" Tenuk stammered, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment at being caught in such a vulnerable state.

Unable to contain his amusement, Iyaan couldn't resist teasing further. "Someone has a drooling habit," he remarked playfully, relishing Tenuk's flustered reaction.

Tenuk, feeling utterly mortified, retreated, hiding his face behind his hands. "I wanna hide now," he muttered sheepishly.

Iyaan's mischievous grin widened as he teased Tenuk, but he soon shifted gears, considering their plans for the day. "You will shower first, right?" he inquired, already anticipating a playful banter.

In response, Tenuk countered with a question of his own, "You can go first. Do you want to?"

Iyaan shook his head, letting out a resigned sigh. "This will take long. Let's go together," he suggested.

Tenuk sat up, retrieving his towel from the nearby wardrobe. "You love teasing me, don't you," he remarked with a playful pout, though there was a hint of affection in his tone.

Iyaan chuckled softly, acknowledging the truth in Tenuk's statement. "It's all in good fun," he replied, as Tenuk stomped towards the bathroom, his cheeks still flushed with embarrassment.

***

Clad in his sleek black graduation gown, Iyaan emerged from the bedroom, his attention immediately drawn to fixing the ropes of his attire as he walked, inadvertently forgetting to shut the door behind him. Tenuk, observing the scene with a resigned sigh, took it upon himself to remedy the oversight. With a quick motion, he shut the door behind Iyaan before turning his focus to assisting his friend.

Approaching Iyaan, Tenuk deftly adjusted the ropes of the graduation gown, ensuring they lay perfectly in place. "All set," he declared, giving Iyaan's shoulders an encouraging pat, a small smile playing on his lips.

Surveying their appearance with satisfaction, Iyaan nodded in agreement. "We look good. Let's go now," he suggested, slipping his feet into his shoes and preparing to embark on the day's adventures.

Together, they closed the door behind them, locking it securely before setting off on their journey. Tenuk, ever the embodiment of exuberance, skipped certain steps, his excitement palpable as he leaped onto the pavement and dashed ahead. Iyaan, however, trailed behind with a hint of concern etched on his features, his pace more measured as he followed Tenuk's energetic lead.

Despite Iyaan's reservations, they reached the bus station in record time, the hustle and bustle of the morning commuters surrounding them as they made their way toward their destination.

***

As the green-blue bus screeched to a halt near their university, Iyaan and Tenuk disembarked, the rush of wind accompanying the departure of the vehicle. With a sense of anticipation hanging in the air, they took a moment to inhale the familiar scent of the campus, a mixture of freshly cut grass and the promise of new beginnings.

Sharing a nod of mutual understanding, they exchanged a glance before setting foot onto the grounds of their alma mater. Each step forward felt like a symbolic leap into the realm of adulthood, a threshold they had long awaited to cross.

For Tenuk, this moment held particular significance. It represented not only the beginning of his academic journey but also a personal milestone—a chance to prove to his mother just how much he had grown since the last time she had seen him. With a determined resolve burning within him, he was eager to show her the man he had become, far removed from the image she held of him in her mind.

As they entered the campus, a wave of nostalgia washed over them, mingling with the excitement of the present moment. The familiar sights and sounds of university life greeted them, from the chatter of students to the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.

With each passing moment, the weight of responsibility and possibility hung in the air, a tangible reminder of the journey that lay ahead. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, there was a sense of unity and camaraderie between Iyaan and Tenuk, a silent acknowledgment of the bond that had carried them this far.

As they ventured further into the campus, their footsteps echoing against the pavement, they couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation for the adventures that awaited them.

***

As the announcements concluded and the certificates were distributed, Iyaan finally allowed himself to relax, slumping slightly in his chair. His gaze swept across the sea of faces filling the auditorium, observing the jubilant students capturing moments with their families. A flicker of frustration crossed his features as he glanced up at the ceiling, grappling with the absence of someone significant.

Approaching him with tentative steps, Tenuk broke the silence that enveloped them. "Your mother won't be visiting...right?" he inquired softly. Iyaan simply nodded in response, his expression a mixture of resignation and longing. Without exchanging further words, Tenuk settled into the chair beside him, a silent but steadfast presence offering a semblance of comfort.

Fiddling with his thumbs and idly toying with his certificate, Tenuk attempted to distract himself from the heaviness of the moment. Suddenly, his attention was diverted when Hawani, Tenuk's mother, appeared before him. With a startled jolt, he rose to his feet, a mixture of surprise and anticipation coloring his features. Iyaan followed suit, offering a vague smile of acknowledgment as Hawani approached them.

With a nod of recognition, Hawani's stern demeanor softened slightly, her gaze shifting between the two boys. Tenuk could sense that she was here for a genuine reason, beyond the formalities of the graduation ceremony. As she drew nearer, her smile grew warmer, a glimmer of pride shining in her eyes. Tenuk's heart swelled with emotion, longing to embrace his mother and share this moment of triumph with her.

However, to Tenuk's surprise, Hawani's attention turned to Iyaan, her gesture catching him off guard. "Good job, Iyaan," she commended, reaching out to grasp his hands. The use of his name instead of his family name alone resonated deeply with Iyaan, a subtle indication of her genuine appreciation for his achievement.

Overwhelmed by the unexpected kindness, Iyaan found himself overcome with emotion, his carefully guarded façade crumbling in the face of Hawani's sincerity. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and enveloped her in a tight embrace, tears of gratitude and relief streaming down his cheeks. Hawani responded with a tender pat on his head, her maternal instincts kicking in as she comforted him like her own child.

Witnessing the poignant scene unfolding before him, Tenuk too felt tears prickling at the corners of his eyes, moved by the genuine bond between Iyaan and his mother.

***

° Tenuk on the left, Hawani in the centre and Iyaan on the right °

° Graduation photograph °

***

As the one-year mark following their graduation approached, a significant decision loomed on the horizon for Iyaan. After much contemplation, he had resolved to take a step towards independence, opting to move out of Tenuk's house and into his own place closer to his workplace. While he was excited about the prospect of pursuing his career goals and carving out his own path, the impending departure weighed heavily on Tenuk's heart.

On the day of Iyaan's departure, the atmosphere in Tenuk's house was tinged with bittersweet emotions. Despite knowing that he shouldn't stand in the way of his friend's aspirations, Tenuk found it difficult to mask the sadness that threatened to consume him. Watching as Iyaan gathered his belongings and prepared to embark on this new chapter of his life, Tenuk struggled to contain the flood of emotions welling up inside him.

As Iyaan stepped out of the house, a mixture of excitement and apprehension evident in his demeanor, Tenuk felt his resolve waver. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes, threatening to spill over as he grappled with the reality of Iyaan's departure. Despite his best efforts to put on a brave face, Tenuk couldn't suppress the overwhelming sense of loss that washed over him.

Unable to hold back any longer, Tenuk's composure crumbled, tears streaming down his cheeks as he embraced Iyaan one last time. "I'm so proud of you," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "But I'll miss you."

Iyaan, sensing his friend's anguish, pulled him into a tight embrace, offering what comfort he could in the face of their impending separation. "I'll miss you too," he admitted, his own voice tinged with sadness. "But this isn't goodbye forever. We'll still see each other."

With a heavy heart, Tenuk watched as Iyaan finally stepped out onto the threshold, his silhouette disappearing into the distance. As the door closed behind him, Tenuk was left grappling with the emptiness that lingered in his friend's absence.

***

With determination and perseverance, Tenuk and Iyaan embarked on their individual journeys, each pursuing their dreams with unwavering commitment.

For Tenuk, every day brought new opportunities to pursue his passion and make a meaningful impact in the world. Whether it was through his chosen career path or personal endeavors, he approached each endeavor with enthusiasm and dedication, determined to leave his mark on the world in a positive way.

Meanwhile, Iyaan thrived in his newfound independence, reveling in the freedom to chart his own course and pursue his ambitions without constraint. With each milestone reached and goal achieved, he found fulfillment in knowing that his hard work and determination were paying off, propelling him closer to his aspirations.

***

As Iyaan stepped into the cozy warmth of the cafe, a blast of chilly winter air followed him in, causing him to shiver slightly beneath his brown winter coat. Ignoring the chill, he made his way to the counter, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloping him in its comforting embrace. With a quick glance at the menu board, he placed an order for a steaming hot coffee, craving its warmth to ward off the winter chill.

With his order placed, Iyaan scanned the cafe for an empty seat, his eyes landing on a spot near one of the large windows. The inviting glow of natural light streaming through the glass beckoned him, and he quickly made his way to the vacant chair, settling himself in its comforting embrace.

As he waited for his coffee to arrive, a faint jingle echoed through the cafe, signaling the arrival of another patron. Iyaan's curiosity piqued, he glanced up, his gaze falling upon a figure cloaked in black, their features obscured by a matching hat that concealed their face from view. The sight sent a shiver down his spine, a sense of unease settling in the pit of his stomach.

Despite the mysterious aura surrounding the newcomer, Iyaan couldn't tear his gaze away, his eyes lingering on the enigmatic figure seated opposite him. In a sudden and unexpected gesture, the stranger removed their hat, revealing a face that sent a jolt of hidden recognition coursing through Iyaan's veins.

"Nur...?" he whispered incredulously, his voice barely above a murmur as he struggled to comprehend the surreal encounter unfolding before him. Before he could process the implications of their unexpected reunion, a deafening clap of thunder reverberated through the air, the sound mirroring the tumultuous storm raging outside the confines of the cafe.

As lightning illuminated the sky, casting eerie shadows across the room, Iyaan found himself locked in a tense exchange of gazes with Nur, their eyes meeting in a silent exchange fraught with unspoken questions and unresolved emotions. With a chilling smile playing at the corners of her lips, Nur's presence seemed to imbue the air with an otherworldly energy, leaving Iyaan shaken, holding onto his trembling limbs.

*2030 words*