Part 1

A beautiful girl with long hair down her back hums softly in front of the mirror to adorn herself, aiming to look more beautiful than usual. She applies various types of makeup to her face, enhancing the natural beauty she was born with. The girl, named Airin, smiles as she observes the subtle Korean-style makeup on her face, further perfecting her beauty.

"Perfect!" she praises herself inwardly before reaching for the sling bag on the nightstand, draping it over her shoulder, and stepping out. She is about to meet a man known through social media.

Airin, commonly called Airin, strides with high spirits to meet Zidan, a man she has known for almost six months through social media. This evening, Zidan has invited her to a fast-food restaurant to get to know each other better and perhaps establish a relationship beyond being social media friends.

On this bright afternoon, Airin enters the fast-food restaurant they agreed upon the night before. While scanning the room, she places her phone to her ear, listening to Zidan's instructions for their meeting.

"I'm sitting alone at a table in one corner, wearing a short-sleeved black shirt, and now waving to a beautiful girl near the cashier," Zidan narrates at the other end. As his gaze meets Airin, now near the cashier, the twenty-year-old student in her third semester waves back in response to Zidan's greeting.

"I didn't expect you to be even more beautiful in real life than in your filtered social media photos," Zidan playfully teases as Airin approaches his table.

Very politely, Zidan pulls out a chair for Airin to sit. His sincere compliments and simple gestures make Airin blush, feeling a bit awkward as it's her first time meeting him in person and receiving such flattering praise. Zidan's words lift her spirits to the clouds.

"I didn't expect your flattery to be more potent than on social media," Airin responds, squinting her eyes playfully as she glances at Zidan, who chuckles at her remark.

"Haha, it turns out your sarcasm matches that on social media too," Zidan wipes the corner of his slightly teary eyes from laughing.

"Ugh, don't talk about that part here," Airin grumbles, pursing her lips, pretending not to like what Zidan said.

Zidan, still chuckling, tries to restrain himself from laughing again, afraid that Airin might take offense and escape from him.

"Okay, okay, I won't bring that up again. Especially not to tease you. Although it's tough, I have to do it for you."

Oh my. Once again, sweet words flow from Zidan's mouth, sending Airin even higher into the clouds. She hopes it's not just jokes or compliments. It seems Airin genuinely likes Zidan for his charismatic and kind personality.

The man skillfully lightens the mood, ensuring there's no awkwardness when they're together. There's always a topic to discuss so that Airin doesn't feel dull in front of Zidan.

"I hope someday we can meet again, considering you're busy working and living far away from the city."

Airin says after finishing the crispy chicken in front of her, trying to prompt Zidan to share more about himself. She wants to know a bit more to avoid stepping into uncertain territory. She fears Zidan might be someone else's lover or, worse, someone else's husband. Airin definitely doesn't want to be labeled as a husband-stealer, tarnishing her reputation. She also fears the issue might get dragged into social media, becoming the feast of netizens across Indonesia. It would be terrifying if that happened.

"I'll try my best to come and see you. Even if it's just to meet and alleviate the longing. But that's more than enough as long as I can see you in person like now."

Why? Airin is so happy to hear what Zidan says. It makes her fly even higher into the clouds, not knowing how to come down. Zidan's sweet talk surpasses the sweetness of sugar and honey.

Nevertheless, Airin must still maintain self-control to uphold her dignity and avoid being labeled as a woman easily swayed by emotions, all because of sweet words from Zidan.

"Ahem," Airin straightens her back, gazing intently at Zidan, who never stops smiling at her. "I don't want you to travel back and forth from your city to here just to see me."

"Why though? Don't you like it? Or is it because you already have a boyfriend or husband, so you're afraid I'll come here to visit?" Zidan raises both eyebrows, locking Airin's movements with his gaze.

"Oh no... not like that!" Airin grumbles. "I'm the one who's afraid that you might already have a boyfriend or wife. It would cause significant problems if we meet frequently. Besides, I've already told you about my status. Meanwhile, you haven't told me anything about yourself," she says while stirring her half-full orange juice.

"Ah, status, right?" Zidan adjusts his posture to sit a bit straighter and speak more firmly. "I don't have anyone in my life or heart. So, you don't need to worry about anyone getting jealous or angry if we're together."

Whether what Zidan said is true or not, one thing is clear: Airin is completely melting with his attitude and words. Especially with Zidan's admission that he doesn't have a partner. In other words, he's single.

"Unless, after this, you want to be my girlfriend, so I have a woman who will get jealous and angry if I'm close to other women. What do you think?" Zidan continues, reaching for Airin's hand and holding it, expressing feelings that may not be entirely true about loving Airin.

They've only just met for the first time and only knew each other through social media. Airin's posts caught Zidan's attention, making him curious about her. After a few months of getting to know each other, exchanging attention like typical young people in a relationship, they finally meet.

"How about it?" Airin asks, nervous about Zidan's question. Although she knows where the question is leading, she still asks to confirm the essence of Zidan's question. She wants to avoid misunderstandings and confidently rely on her own analysis.

"I want you to be jealous and angry if I'm close to other women. Or... in short, will you be my girlfriend?" Zidan asks loudly, staring deeply into Airin's black eyes. He demands an answer now, and from Zidan's sharp gaze, it seems he doesn't want any rejection at all.

Zidan's question makes Airin's breath seem to stop instantly. Her heart thunders, and cold sweat starts to form on her temples.

She wants to scream right now to express her happiness because Zidan wants her to be his girlfriend. She also wants to immediately accept Zidan's confession of love now, as her playful side desires the same.

However, Airin's common sense is still functioning well. She doesn't want to rush to say 'yes' before testing Zidan's patience and sincerity in asking her to be his girlfriend.

As a woman, Airin must play a little hard to get when a man invites her to a relationship. She also deserves to test the man's sincerity to know if he's serious or just playing around.

Airin is afraid of accepting too quickly, only to find out that Zidan hides many flaws and secrets. It's not impossible that he already has a wife and intends to use her. There's nothing wrong with being cautious for one's safety.

Therefore, Airin immediately pulls her hand from Zidan's grip. In a soft voice, she says, "I apologize in advance. It's not that I don't want to accept your request. But, allow me a moment to think and see the evidence of your sincerity in asking me to be a girlfriend. So that I can solidify my decision, whether to accept or decline. At the same time, it allows us to get to know each other better, doesn't it?"

Zidan fell silent, sealing his lips tightly and thinking quickly about what words to say that wouldn't offend Airin's feelings. When Zidan found the right answer, a nod served as the opener.

"I will prove that I am truly serious about what I said to you. And I will demonstrate that seriousness. Hopefully, you'll be convinced soon, so I won't be left hanging for too long," he says.

Airin nods in agreement. "Exactly. I won't keep you hanging. Once my heart is certain, and I feel satisfied with all your proofs, I'll definitely give you an answer."

Relief. One word that both Airin and Zidan feel right now. After expressing their feelings, there's no longer a burden shadowing their minds. Now, they can continue the delayed meal, joking and asking questions about each other's personalities. This will help them get to know each other better and eventually formalize their relationship into something more serious.