9. Change Around

It is still from the Bhennika residence where the four friends live. This elite area of 3000 Ha adopts the concept of city and nature, equipped with countless luxury facilities. The family of Anthony, William and James had lived there long before they were born, only Carol joined just before entering kindergarten. During that time, they also knew each other very well.

William returned to the study chair to face the book he was studying earlier before the intrusion of James's presence in his room. James relaxed as he lazed on the bed of the owner of the room who seemed not to mind or may not care about what happened to his resting place.

“Will, you should do outdoor activities more often. Even at school, your job is just to lock yourself in the student council room, right?"James guessed that even without William's confession, he knew the right answer.

“Leave me alone, I'm comfortable with what I'm doing.” 

Nowadays with the help of technology, staying still in the room anyone can do many things. More importantly William was comfortable with his pattern of life so far.

“But now that I'm home, I want to hang out outside with you more." James feels lonely whether he's near or far like this. “Why is it so hard to meet you all guys in one place now? Before, without an appointment, we would have gone to the same place and met."

After returning James has not seen all his friends gathered together, also a little awkward why they were scattered like this.

“So, is that why you came to ask me?" Said William, his voice sounding flat. 

The study chair turned towards James, William's eyes seemed to change. “About the place we used to hang out and the club room. That what are you curious about?” 

Now he understands, the person who has ignited Anthony's mood lately is the one in front of him right now. James sat in an upright posture waiting for William to share his story. 

“Is that what Anthony did? Our gathering place and also a club room. What's wrong with you guys? Did something happen?”

“Nothing." Replied William not wanting to make a long talk about the issue. He also did not want to worsen the atmosphere between them considering that James had just returned.

But James had too many questions on his mind that needed answers. "The accident that happened to Anthony 3 months ago too,” when he got the news about Anthony's accident due to a motorcycle race, he was abroad. 

Due to his busy schedule, he couldn't go back to see Anthony. James has already fulfilled his school schedule so that he can finish faster. 

“Is it because of what happened a year ago? Because Of Alan?”

“Enough." William couldn't bear to hear James babble any further, the good news is that he heard it all himself and not Anthony. “Don't you ever say that name again. Not in front of Anthony or Carol! When you leave― " William stopped. No, he doesn't want to bring this up. William just wanted and hoped the passage of time could erase all.

"Tell me! What ist? What happened when I left?"James was getting impatient because William seemed to be covering up. "Tell me Will, is there anything else I don't know? Why did you stop? You want to hide from me too?" he Insisted until cornered William.

William stared intently at his friend's face, there was seriousness in his eyes. “I have nothing to hide from you, from Anthony or Carol.”

“So what is your reason for being emotional like this? Why is Alan's name taboo? Alan's our best friend, too, remember?"

James understands what happened to Alan left scars and disappointments for the four of them, but that doesn't mean they have to erase Alan's presence. 

"To be honest today I was planning to meet Anthony to ask him the same thing―” James jumped up as William quickly got up and walked up to him.

"James, listen!” he grabbed James by the shoulder, emphasizing. “Do as I ask. Stay away from Anthony or let him do whatever he wants. And never discuss Alan again between us, understand?”

James simply could not understand William's attitude at this time. “Will, you know, it's not like you. What makes you so anxious? What about Anthony and Carol?" As if James had entered a labyrinth, he was lost in what William was trying to hide.

“I just want everything to stay under control. Even though Anthony's actions are getting more and more disturbing by the day, I can still handle it." 

William looks very tired and has a lot of weight. And James only realized that when they were this close.

"Anthony unsettling?"James' mind, remembering the incident in the school cafeteria the other day. “Isn't that just a coincidence?” The more thoughts burden him.

Indeed the state of his friends has changed drastically with the moment before James left first. How he should express with the right words, such a tenuous relationship. For example, by looking at William's condition which has become unstable now when James takes him to talk.

“Okay Willy, I understand. I won't do anything as you say, as long as you can feel calm." Promise James. Before finding out more, it feels like he has to observe further the change in the situation of his friends around him first.

***

A major crisis hit Elyn, from the first before transferring schools she was not a student type who excelled in academic performance or grades. Even if she is a diligent student and has a high sense of justice, that aspect only adds value to the personality. Unfortunately, this elite school highly upholds the talents and advantages of each student, both in academic and non-academic achievement. SOPA is famous for the best students from the elite class, especially in academics. So when asked what advantages Elyn has only her passion in following science, was it enough to help Elyn face the exam later in her report card.

“Elyn can we talk?" Vivian deliberately pursued Elyn's steps towards somewhere.

“Hm, now?” still answered without stopping her footsteps even though was intercepted by Vivian.

“Yes. Are you busy?" Asked Vivian again, still accompanying Elyn's steps.

“I'm going to the library, what's going on?” Now it was Elyn who asked because Vivian didn't give up on whatever she was planning.

“I want to ask you to do an interview for the school newspaper." Vivian can be seen carrying her digital camera along with a flash that is ready to be installed.

“Huh! The school newspaper?" Elyn was surprised. 

She wondered why she had to enter the news column of the school newspaper while she did not remember doing anything.

“You're interested?” Vivian is happy to see Elyn's reaction change.

“Absolutely not!” Push Elyn firmly.

It's not like Vivian just gave up. Why Vivian, who was originally a member of the photography club, could be recruited by the school newspaper club. The reason is because Vivian has a reporter's instinct talent and she never gives up if caught interest in something. 

“Wait, Don't reject my offer yet. Let me explain to you first.”

Elyn also remained focused on her goal. “But I have an urgent need to go to the library. I'll listen to your offer later. Okay, Vivian.”

“I'll go to the library with you. If you need help, let me help you. And while we're at it together, I'm gonna explain this interview to you. How?" 

Vivian's offer to persuade Elyn to take her time despite busy schedule. But Vivian didn't know what Elyn needed to come to the library. The girl thought for a moment considering Vivian's offer. 

“Do as you wish.” Said Elyn giving Vivian her consent.