Novel & Cerita Dada Tengah Seperti Tertekan

*KARMA'S A BITCH* DERRICK I paced my office, my jaw clenched so tightly it ached. The tension in my body was unbearable, like a coiled spring ready to snap. My fingers drummed impatiently against my phone as I stared at the unanswered message on the screen. Hours had passed since I’d sent it, and still, nothing from Bridget. Not a single word.

Dada stood up slowly, walking over to the bar and pouring himself a drink like this was just another complicated business problem that needed solving. “I don’t like things I don’t understand,” he muttered, taking a sip. “Same,” I replied under my breath. Because that’s the truth. I don’t like gaps. I don’t like missing pieces. And right now? This whole situation feels like someone is ten steps ahead… and I can’t see the board clearly. That’s not acceptable. A soft buzz pulled my attention to my phone, and I picked it up immediately, my eyes scanning the screen. A message.

As we stayed still for several seconds, the background noise from the main lobby turned into a dull hum. Takoda lowered his head, his shoulders drooping as the tightness around his mouth finally loosened. Pressing his palms into his temples, breathing hard; he looked totally done. To keep my hands steady, I grabbed the strap of my bag, at the same time asking, “What does that mean?” Takoda’s jaw tightened up immediately…a small muscle jumping near his ear.