Chapter 2 – After the Dream, the Deal Begins | Part B

Kaivan walked with steady steps, his hands tucked into the pockets of his school uniform trousers. Ahead of him, Radit strolled at a slightly slower pace, swinging his backpack casually, though the look on his face betrayed a deep curiosity. The sound of their shoes against the asphalt was the only thing filling the quiet afternoon.

“Radit,” Kaivan’s voice broke the silence, calm yet firm. “Meet me later at the old Palaguna mall. Downtown.”

Radit halted mid-step and turned, his brows furrowing. Confusion flickered across his face. “Why are we going there?” he asked, tilting his head slightly. That abandoned building was infamous for being haunted; not many dared to get close. Its ruins stood like a monument to past failures.

Kaivan met his eyes with a serious gaze, his sharp look locking onto Radit. “We need a larger place to take apart the phones today,” Kaivan explained, his tone still composed yet convincing. “I’ll be bringing quite a few old phones. My place is too cramped to store them.”

Radit nodded slowly, finally grasping Kaivan’s reasoning. He knew his friend always had a logical purpose behind every choice. “Alright, I’ll meet you there,” he replied firmly, trying to match Kaivan’s seriousness.

In the distance, a girl stood beneath the shade of a large tree — Tania. Her piercing eyes watched Kaivan and Radit’s movements with thinly veiled hatred. Her lips curled into a faint, mocking smile.

“Why does he look happy?” Tania muttered softly, a voice meant only for herself. She used to relish seeing Kaivan broken. But now, everything seemed different. There was something new in the way Kaivan walked, the way he spoke, even in how he befriended Radit. All of it unsettled her, as though the control she once held over Kaivan’s life had shattered completely.
---

Tania’s hesitant steps grew firmer as she approached Kaivan. But before she could speak, the low growl of an engine froze her in place. A sleek black SUV rolled toward Kaivan, its polished body catching the afternoon light. Behind the wheel, a young man lowered the window.

“Yo, Kaivan!” Frans’s cheerful voice matched his charismatic presence. His neatly kept red hair and broad smile radiated an unshakable confidence.

Kaivan offered a faint smile and stepped closer. “Yo, Frans. So, we’re heading to that place I mentioned earlier, right?”

Frans nodded, drumming his fingers lightly on the steering wheel. “Hop in. We’ve got some gadgets to hunt,” he replied with an easy tone.

Tania froze where she stood. Her eyes widened as Kaivan climbed into Frans’s car. Questions mixed with a burning jealousy in her chest.

“What is this?” she muttered, barely audible. Her hands clenched as she fought the storm inside her. Kaivan was supposed to remain broken, someone she could control. But the scene before her said otherwise.

---

Inside the car, Kaivan and Frans exchanged light conversation. Frans drove with casual grace while Kaivan’s thoughts swirled with the next steps of his plan. They visited electronics shops and flea markets, searching for used phones. Frans, with his bright smile, often struck up conversations with shopkeepers, using his easygoing charm to bargain for better prices.

“Why this one, Kaivan?” Frans asked, holding up an old phone with little appeal.

Kaivan’s lips curved slightly as he took it from Frans’s hand. “Because sometimes the ones that look worn hold something valuable inside.”

Frans chuckled softly, patting Kaivan’s shoulder. “Precious things, hidden beneath the surface.”

Kaivan said nothing, his focus returning to the device in his grasp. Afternoon blurred into evening as they roamed the city, gathering fragments of discarded phones. He knew these small steps were keys to unlocking a greater future.

Amid the lively hum of dusk, Kaivan slipped his own phone from his pocket. His slender fingers danced swiftly across the screen as he called Zinnia — an essential piece of his intricate plan. Determination sharpened his gaze.

“Zinnia,” he said, voice calm yet firm, steady with quiet confidence. “Meet me later at the old mall downtown. I’ve told Radit too. We’ll handle it there.”

On the other end, Zinnia’s gentle voice replied, steady and sure. “Got it. I’ll head there now.”

Kaivan nodded, though she couldn’t see him. “Yeah, see you soon.” With a soundless motion, he ended the call, ensuring every detail stayed aligned.

After a stretch of time — brief yet weighted with calculation — they arrived at their destination. The once-proud mall loomed before them, abandoned and hollow. Cracks ran along its walls; shattered glass clung to window frames like wounds that refused to heal. Outside, Radit and Zinnia waited. Radit waved lazily, while Zinnia stood composed and still.

Frans parked carefully, gravel crunching beneath the tires. Kaivan exited first, opened the back door, and began lifting boxes filled with salvaged phones.

“Everything set?” he asked, voice calm but carrying authority.

Radit gave a firm nod, hands tucked into his pockets. “Ready. Just waiting on your lead.”

Zinnia added softly yet decisively, “I’ve checked inside — there’s a room we can use to store the phones.”

Within, the building felt like another world. Neon lights that once gleamed were now dull shadows on a dust-caked ceiling. Walls once lined with bright posters now bore layers of graffiti, silent stories of time gone by. Kaivan paused, surveying the scene with eyes that held meaning far deeper than words.

"Let's start here," Kaivan said, his voice echoing softly through the vast, silent room. Radit and Frans began unpacking the boxes, while Zinnia carefully laid out the small tools she had brought to extract gold from the discarded phones. Her movements were precise and fluid, every touch of her fingers radiating intense focus.

"Kaivan, how much do you think we can get from this sack?" Zinnia asked, her eyes never leaving her work.

Kaivan stepped closer, observing the careful progress she was making. "If we’re lucky, it should be enough to buy another batch of used phones—and still leave plenty. But let’s see first."

Radit, busy arranging components, cut in with a casual tone. "Hey, Kaivan. Don’t forget to split it evenly later, okay? I’m treating myself to a fancy steak once this is done." Kaivan offered a faint smile and nodded. "Don’t worry, everything will be divided fairly."

After hours of steady work, Zinnia finally raised her hand. Resting in her small palm, golden flecks gleamed under the lamp’s glow. "Only nineteen grams so far," she said quietly, though a trace of satisfaction warmed her face.

Kaivan carefully took the flecks, studying them briefly before slipping them into a small pouch. "Good. Let’s sell this batch first, then decide our next step."

Zinnia nodded, handing over her work without hesitation. Meanwhile, Frans and Radit began repacking the leftover tools, making sure nothing was forgotten. The sale went smoothly—Kaivan, with his trademark composure, led the transaction and made sure every detail was recorded with precision.

When they returned to the workshop, Kaivan gathered the team. In their hands lay 5,600,000 rupiah: the fruit of their hard work, a sum that felt like the first step toward something far larger.

"Radit, Zinnia, you each get one million. We’ll save the rest for the next trip," Kaivan said as he handed out the money, making it clear that everyone’s contribution was deeply valued.

Radit grinned. "Got it, Kaivan. This makes me even more fired up." Zinnia’s thin smile held a quiet spark in her eyes.

Kaivan nodded gently. In the silence that once again settled over the abandoned building, he felt something he rarely allowed himself to feel—a quiet, growing hope. To him, this was just the beginning of a journey that would test them all, yet he knew that with this team, nothing was impossible.

That afternoon, Kaivan stood before the door of his home, eyes shadowed with experiences far heavier than his age suggested. He adjusted the jacket draped over his thin frame. Before leaving, he glanced back at his mother, who stood in the living room with a warm smile. Her face was filled with a love so genuine it almost felt like a shelter.

“Mom, I’m going out for a bit,” he said softly. His voice was calm, yet laced with an invisible sense of responsibility, as if he carried a burden no one else could see.

Sensing even the smallest changes in her son, his mother asked gently, “Alright, but be careful on the road, okay? Are you going with someone?” Her gaze searched Kaivan’s face, as though trying to read the words he hadn’t spoken.

Kaivan gave a faint smile, as if to ease her heart. “Just by myself, Mom. If I’m late, I might stay over at a friend’s place.” His answer was brief, but there was firmness in his tone. This decision wasn’t truly his—it was a direction from the Tome Omnicent.

His mother nodded slowly, giving her silent blessing. With a careful motion, Kaivan stepped outside, closing the door behind him. Outside, his motorcycle—a simple gift from his parents—waited patiently.

He rode calmly, leaving the bustle of the city for the untouched countryside. The winding road was surrounded by lush scenery, a soothing balm for the eyes. Tall trees along the roadside stood like silent sentinels, guarding the secrets of his journey. Occasionally, a soft breeze carried the scent of damp grass, filling Kaivan with a strange blend of peace and anticipation.

After a while, he stopped in front of an old elementary school at a three-way junction. The building was quiet but radiated a sense of nostalgia. A large tree stood proudly in the schoolyard, its leaves rustling gently in the late-afternoon wind. Kaivan dismounted and walked toward the tree, his gaze distant.

From his bag, he drew out the Tome Omnicent. The book opened its pages on its own, revealing new words forming in an otherworldly script:

“Buy bandages and antiseptic.”

Kaivan furrowed his brow. “Why do I need these?” he murmured. Though uncertain, he knew the Tome’s guidance always had meaning. Without hesitation, he walked to a nearby mini-mart, bought the bandages and antiseptic, and carefully placed them inside his bag.

---

Three hours on the road brought Kaivan to a quiet crossroads in a small village. Rows of trees and modest houses lined the street, their stillness wrapping the scene in peace. The sky shifted colors—deep reds and soft oranges washed over the horizon, painting a breathtaking sunset. Near the intersection, a coconut vendor was busy serving his last customer.

Tome Omnicent whispered again: “Rest near the coconut seller.” Kaivan steered his motorcycle toward the stall. He ordered a fresh coconut and sat under a large tree. As the evening breeze cooled the air, he opened the Tome once more. This time, the words etched across the page were startlingly specific:

“A girl with short hair and blue eyes, named Thivi, will fall from her motorcycle. Help her when she does.”

Time passed quietly. Kaivan wandered toward the rice fields and parked his bike. Then came the distant growl of an engine. He turned toward the sound. A young woman matching the Tome’s description sped down the road, but something was off—her bike veered wildly, skidding toward the bend ahead.

“Damn!” Kaivan shot forward without thinking. His body moved on instinct, sprinting toward her as the motorcycle hurtled toward the roadside barrier. In a precise, desperate leap, he grabbed her, pulling her clear of the impending crash.

They tumbled across the dirt, dust swirling around them in chaotic spirals. Behind them, her bike slammed into the guardrail with a metallic crash, scattering shards of chrome and steel like falling stars. Kaivan shielded her with his body, absorbing the worst of the impact.

When their motion finally ceased, Kaivan raised his head, steadying his breath. He looked down at the girl—at her vivid blue eyes, wide with shock but glinting with relief. Sunlight pooled in her gaze, catching every hue of the fading day.

“Are you alright?” Kaivan asked softly, his voice cutting through the haze of fear.

The girl—Thivi—hesitated, chest rising and falling as she fought for composure. “I… I’m okay,” she said at last. Her voice trembled, but a faint resilience flickered beneath the words, like embers resisting a storm. “Who are you?”

Kaivan offered a faint smile. It wasn’t entirely confident, but it carried warmth and calm. From his bag, he quickly but carefully retrieved neatly rolled bandages.

“I’m Kaivan,” he said, rolling up his sleeve, his movements steady and deliberate. His gaze held hers, earnest and reassuring. “I brought bandages—we can stop any bleeding if you’re hurt. You’re Thivi, right?”

Thivi nodded slowly, her mind still processing everything. A tentative smile tugged at her lips as her eyes drifted toward her bike, now lying mangled at the roadside. Shards of glass and metal surrounded it like a sleeping beast shedding its scales.

“But… my bike’s ruined,” she murmured. “My brother’s going to be so mad.”

Kaivan glanced at the wreck, then back at her, his smile softening into something gentle and resolute. “Don’t worry,” he said, voice calm as twilight wind. “We’ll find a repair shop nearby—or I’ll take you home if we can’t. What matters now is that you’re safe. That’s the only thing that truly counts.”

Kaivan’s words seemed to wash away the weight pressing down on Thivi’s heart. Her blue eyes met his once more, this time filled with a quiet gratitude. She smiled faintly, shifting into a more relaxed position with her legs folded in front of her, brushing the dust from her light clothing before looking up at him. “Do you have a phone? I need to call my parents.”

Before she could continue, something lying beside Kaivan caught her attention—the Tome Omnicent, now open on one of its pages. Kaivan glanced at the book, frowning slightly. The text on its paper shifted, forming clear words laced with impatience:

I told you to wait. If you get yourself killed, I’ll be the one inconvenienced later.

Kaivan let out a wry smile and traced the edge of the page with a light touch. “Inconvenienced how?” he muttered, half-joking, tilting his head to one side.

Before any answer could come, Thivi—now calmer—suddenly held out a phone. “Your phone rang. No one answered,” she said, her voice a mix of confusion and worry.

Kaivan turned his attention back to her, taking the phone with a small, reassuring smile. “Then let me take you home,” he said, his tone more serious now but still gentle. “I’ll explain everything to your family. Maybe I can help keep the trouble from getting too big.”

By the time the sun had nearly set, Kaivan and Thivi were riding back on his motorbike. Above them, the first stars of evening sparkled, casting a soft light as if blessing their journey. Thivi sat behind him, her hands at first barely brushing the fabric of his jacket. As the ride went on, the space between them slowly disappeared. Hesitant at first, Thivi inched closer to Kaivan’s back, tension lingering in her tentative movements.

---

“Kaivan,” she whispered at last, her voice a thread of sound against the gentle hum of the engine. “You’re not from this village, are you? I can’t help wondering… who are you, really? And why were you here, at that exact moment?”

Kaivan stayed quiet for a moment, his gaze fixed on the road stretching out into the silent countryside. He knew there was a truth he couldn’t reveal—not yet. At length, he spoke, voice calm and measured. “I’m just passing through,” he said. “Taking a break from the city, enjoying the quiet of the village.”

Thivi looked at his back, curiosity softening her expression. “But isn’t life in the city more comfortable? Everything you need is there,” she said, her tone gentle but brimming with honest questions.

Kaivan nodded faintly, though she couldn’t see it. His eyes wandered briefly to the starlit sky. “Maybe,” he murmured. “But here, the air feels different—cleaner, freer.”

Thivi stayed silent, letting his words settle. Something in Kaivan’s voice told her that, for now, this was all he was willing to share.

Their journey ended at Thivi’s home, a modest house bathed in the warm glow spilling from its windows. Beneath the star-filled sky, a new bond had begun to form between them—a fragile thread woven from curiosity, trust, and fleeting moments destined to linger in memory.

But the quiet didn’t last. As the door swung open, a man stepped into view, older than Thivi, his face etched with worry and restrained anger. Her older brother stood at the threshold, eyes sharp with concern and barely-contained frustration. His posture was tense, as if bracing for something unpredictable.

“I told you not to ride alone! You should’ve waited for me to pick you up!” he scolded, his voice slicing through the evening calm. The cool air turned heavy with the weight of his words, his sharp gaze fixed firmly on Thivi.

She lowered her head, guilt written plainly across her features. Her fingers tightened around the hem of her shirt, searching for comfort in the midst of her unease. Before she could speak, Kaivan stepped forward, calm and steady.

“Perhaps this was my fault,” he said, voice low but unwavering. “I should have stopped her sooner—I saw her from a distance.” His eyes met Thivi’s brother’s directly, quiet strength behind his gaze.

Thivi’s brother regarded Kaivan for a moment, torn between irritation and confusion. “What matters is that she’s safe,” he muttered at last, though a hint of displeasure still clung to his words. Crossing his arms, he seemed to wrestle with emotions too tangled to name.

A faint smile touched Kaivan’s lips. He knew this night was more than a mere chance encounter between him and Thivi—there was something hidden beneath the stillness. His glance flicked briefly toward her, finding her eyes full of relief and lingering guilt, an unspoken conversation passing silently between them.

The tension broke when another figure appeared: Thivi’s father, an older man with silver beginning to thread through his hair, his face lined with the wisdom of years. His keen gaze settled on Kaivan, watchful and appraising.

"So, what exactly are you doing in this village?" His voice was low and deep, carrying an authority that could not be ignored. He sat with his back straight, radiating quiet confidence. The question felt like a challenge, piercing through the protective layers Kaivan had built around himself.

Carefully, Kaivan chose to reveal part of the truth. “I came to this village for a school project. We’re researching electronic waste and looking for broken phones,” he said, his voice calm and deliberate, trying to appear relaxed.

Thivi’s father, with years of experience working with electronic waste, instantly recognized the ethical pitfalls hidden behind Kaivan’s words. “Giving e-waste to civilians is illegal,” he warned, his tone firm.

Not wanting to complicate the situation, Kaivan replied cautiously, “We’re not asking for donations, sir. We’d like to buy them legally — just old phones, nothing more.” He tried to bridge the gap between his curiosity and the legal boundaries he might be crossing. Deep down, Kaivan knew there was still a truth he hadn’t shared — his plan to extract gold from the broken components.

The quiet moral debate hidden in their exchange grew more tangible as evening settled. The tension slowly softened, and after some discussion, Thivi’s father finally agreed to let Kaivan purchase the discarded phones, on the condition that Kaivan would pick them up himself.

As thanks for helping Thivi earlier, Kaivan was invited to stay the night at their home. That night, under a sky thick with stars, Kaivan reflected on everything that had happened. Something had shifted — in himself, and in the fragile bond forming with Thivi’s family.

Late that evening in the tranquil Kalapa Village, beneath a sky strewn with stars, Kaivan sat alone on Thivi’s porch. The stillness wrapped around him, yet his thoughts churned like restless tides. The starlight above seemed to hold the answers he sought.

Soft footsteps approached from behind, unhurried and light. Kaivan knew who it was before the figure emerged from the shadows. Thivi stepped into the moonlight, her figure bathed in its gentle glow. She moved with calm assurance, as if the night belonged to her. “Why are you still out here? It’s late,” she asked softly, almost whispering, careful not to disturb the quiet.

Kaivan didn’t answer right away, his eyes still on the sky. “I’m not sleepy yet,” he murmured. “The night here is too beautiful to waste. What about you? Why are you still awake?”

Thivi sat beside him, silent for a moment before letting out a long breath. “Actually…” she began, her voice tinged with hesitation. “I smoke.” She pulled a pack of cigarettes from her jacket pocket. “I don’t want my family to know, so I usually sneak out at night to smoke where they won’t see.”

Kaivan regarded her quietly, no trace of shock or judgment on his face. He simply listened, respecting her honesty. “I don’t smoke,” he said lightly, without reproach. Instead, there was understanding in his tone.

Thivi gave a small, relieved smile. She offered him a cigarette. “Try one. Just this once, it’s okay. Keep me company tonight,” she said, her words casual, yet carrying warmth.

Kaivan accepted without hesitation. For him, it wasn’t about smoking, but about sharing the moment. Thivi struck a match, lighting the cigarette between Kaivan’s fingers. The first curl of smoke drifted lazily into the night, tracing abstract patterns in the air between them.

“Night feels different out here, doesn’t it?” Thivi finally spoke, her voice as gentle as the evening breeze. She exhaled slowly, watching the smoke dissolve into the dark. Her tone was steady but soft, as though her words carried deeper meaning.

They sank back into silence, accompanied only by the wind and the faint hiss of burning tobacco. Kaivan studied the cigarette in his hand for a moment, then decided to break the quiet once more. “By the way, Thivi… can I have your phone number?” he asked calmly.

Thivi offered a small smile, her gaze resting on Kaivan. “Sure,” she replied softly. She recited her phone number, and Kaivan quickly noted it down. A gentle smile lingered between them, making the quiet night feel even warmer.

“Next time, take me to Bandung,” Thivi said suddenly. “I’ve always wondered what the city is like.”

Kaivan returned her smile, the corners of his lips lifting with calm assurance. “Of course,” he answered simply, yet there was a quiet certainty in his voice.

---

That night ended with a quiet warmth lingering in the air. When dawn began to break, Kaivan bid farewell to Thivi’s family.

“Thank you so much for your hospitality. I really appreciate this opportunity. Please send my regards to Thivi—she’s still asleep,” he said with a gentle smile.

“Of course. Take care on your way home, and let us know if you’re coming back,” Thivi’s father replied, his voice sincere. The words floated in the cool morning air, a parting filled with kindness.

Kaivan smiled, gratitude shining in his eyes though unspoken on his lips. He stepped away from the house with a light heart, though a trace of reluctance lingered—he was leaving behind a place that felt unusually warm and welcoming. Mounting his motorcycle, he rode back toward reality, toward a world so different from the comfort of Thivi’s home.

On that bright morning, sunlight streamed softly through gaps in the foliage, casting a gentle glow on the village road still damp with dew. The cheerful songs of birds provided a natural backdrop, completing the serenity of the new day.

School Canteen Scene

When Kaivan arrived at school, the cafeteria buzzed with the lively hum of students. The aroma of food mingled with laughter and cheerful chatter, weaving an atmosphere full of life. He sat at a corner table with Radit, who seemed brimming with excitement over a new story.

Radit gestured animatedly, as if trying to paint his tale in the air. “Kaivan!” he called, his voice bright with enthusiasm. “Yesterday I dismantled a few old phones, and the results were amazing! I managed to take them apart and found components we can melt down later!” His eyes sparkled with pride.

Kaivan chuckled softly, warmed by Radit’s enthusiasm. Leaning back in his chair, he watched his friend’s expression with quiet fondness. “That’s great, Radit. I knew you’ve always had a knack for things like that,” he replied with genuine admiration. “Oh, by the way, I’m heading to the workshop today to talk about some new ideas from my trip. There’s a lot to plan.”

Across the room, someone was watching them with an unreadable gaze. Tania sat with Dandi and Rina, her loyal companions. Her eyes narrowed slightly, full of quiet skepticism. “Taking apart phones? What are they even up to?” she murmured under her breath.

Dandi, seated beside her, caught her words and snickered. “Why, Tania? Are you suddenly interested in that nerd?” he teased, grinning wide.

Tania scoffed, brushing off the jibe. “Interested? Of course not. I’m just curious about why he’s so close to Radit, that’s all,” she replied coolly. Yet her eyes lingered on Kaivan, betraying a curiosity she couldn’t quite hide.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere shifted slightly. Radit, just summoned by a group of classmates, rose from his seat. Before leaving, he inclined his head politely toward Kaivan. “Yo, Kaivan. I’ll see you later,” he said briefly.

Kaivan raised an eyebrow, surprised by Radit’s uncharacteristic formality. “Okay, Radit. Catch you later,” he answered, though a question stirred quietly in his mind. Radit strode off with easy confidence.

From another corner, Tania, Dandi, and Rina tracked Radit’s every move. Dandi rubbed his chin, studying the scene. “What was that? Did Radit… bow to Kaivan? Am I dreaming?” he joked.

Rina, usually the quiet one, nodded while adjusting her glasses. “That was strange. Radit doesn’t usually care about anyone. But just now… it felt like he respected Kaivan,” she observed softly.

Tania rolled her eyes, trying to mask the unease blooming within. “Radit’s just acting weird. There’s nothing special about Kaivan,” she said flatly, though her thoughts were busy untangling the moment she had just witnessed.

Dandi smirked slyly, eager to stir the pot. “Hey, Tania. If you’re that curious, why don’t you just ask Kaivan? Didn’t he confess to you once? Maybe he still has feelings.”

The remark pulled a faint smile from Tania, though she worked hard to keep her face composed. “That was ages ago. Don’t bring up something so silly,” she replied, her voice betraying the faintest tremor.

But Dandi’s words planted a seed in her mind. She rose, moving slowly toward Kaivan, who was quietly savoring a moment of solitude. Sunlight poured into the cafeteria, casting long shadows across the floor. Each step she took felt deliberate, her usual cheerful smile replaced by one slightly tense.

“Hi, Kaivan,” Tania greeted as she reached him, lifting a hand with a hint of hesitation, hoping to catch his attention.

Yet Kaivan didn’t respond. He kept walking, eyes fixed ahead, as though Tania were no more than a passing breeze. His stride was calm but sure, leaving an impression that made Tania feel suddenly invisible.

She froze, eyes wide in disbelief. Her heart pounded, a strange feeling curling in her chest. “Did I… just get ignored?” she whispered. Her face twisted with confusion and a flicker of indignation. “Me? Ignored?!” she blurted, her voice rising before she could stop herself.

Returning to the table where Dandi and Rina waited, Tania tried to compose herself. Yet each step felt heavier than the last, her thoughts tangled with images of Kaivan. Moments from their past replayed in her mind, leaving her wondering if she had overlooked something important.

The setting sun bathed the city in a gentle golden hue. In a quiet corner, where few ever passed, stood an old building—majestic yet silent, as though keeping the secrets of time. Inside, a hidden warehouse served as Kaivan and his friends’ sanctuary: a place where ambition, hard work, and friendship blended into an unexpected harmony.

---

The rolling door groaned as Kaivan pushed it up, the sound echoing down the dim corridor like the opening note of a mysterious story. A sharp scent of metal mixed with dust filled the air, joined by the low hum of machines and the soft rustle of scattered electronic parts. Dim lights cast long, restless shadows that danced across weathered walls.

“How’s the dismantling coming along?” Kaivan asked, his voice breaking the hush, alive only with the steady purr of equipment. His gaze swept the room, warm with quiet expectation as he searched for the faces that had become his family.

Zinnia looked up from her work, a tiny pair of tweezers in her hand. Her violet ponytail swayed lightly as she smiled. “We collected fifty-eight grams of gold today!” she reported, her voice bright with triumph. “And there’s still half a sack of old phones left.”

Nearby, Radit sat cross-legged, a battered calculator resting on his knee. He looked up, satisfaction tugging at his lips. “Not bad. At current prices, that’s about twelve million rupiah. Split four ways, that’s three million each.” Pride warmed his tone, like a strategist pleased to see his plan succeed.

Kaivan returned a small smile, though something deeper gleamed in his eyes—a hunger for more. “We’ll have to strip them all. I found a new supplier willing to sell us even more used phones at a bargain,” he said, words sparking fresh energy in the air.

From the corner, Fran glanced over from where he was checking a heavy piece of machinery. “So that’s where you disappeared yesterday? Chasing suppliers?” His voice teased, but admiration flickered behind his grin.

Kaivan nodded, brushing dust from his worn shirt. “Exactly. If we keep this pace, we’ll hit our goal sooner than we thought. And tonight,” he added with quiet certainty, “we celebrate our effort.”

Their glances met in shared resolve, and the room soon filled with the clatter of tools and the low rhythm of work. Zinnia moved nimbly, fingers dancing over tiny circuits. “Hey, Kaivan, we’re out of nitric acid,” she called lightly.

Radit, brow furrowed, continued recording each figure with care. “List anything else that’s low—I’ll grab it at the chemical shop on Kopo Street,” he said, wiping sweat from his forehead.

Fran hauled a sack of old phones toward the main table. Muscles strained beneath his shirt, yet his easy smile never faded. “If we want to work faster, we’ll need better gear. We could invest some of today’s earnings,” he suggested.

At the center, Kaivan seemed like the conductor of an orchestra. His movements were steady, his voice firm yet warm. “Zinnia, check how much nitric acid is left. Fran, help me bring in the next bag,” he instructed, never pausing. “We need everything sorted before nightfall.”

By evening, their haul exceeded all expectations. Kaivan held a pinch of gold in his hand, studying it with quiet pride. “Twenty-five grams in one day. Incredible, everyone,” he said, a smile softening his determined face.

When the work was done, they tidied the room and prepared for the next step. Kaivan and Radit carried the gold to a trusted buyer. The process felt like a ritual—proof of the struggle they shared. The money they earned wasn’t just a reward for their labor, but a symbol of the bond that tied them together.

---

That night, they celebrated their success at Ludwig Café—a place steeped in memories, where the aroma of warm coffee greeted them at every corner. Kaivan sat at the center of his friends, realizing they were no longer just a team, but a family bound by something deeper.

As dusk slowly melted into night, Kaivan stood once again in the warm glow of the old warehouse where he worked. The scent of metal and dust lingered, wrapping the room in a quiet, familiar comfort. It felt like home now—a place where struggle and the search for meaning found their harbor. In his hands rested the Tome Omnicent.

With trembling fingers full of hope, he opened its pages. The touch of the brittle paper sent a subtle pulse through him, as though magic stirred in its fibers. Under the dim light, letters formed words that seemed to come alive:

After dinner, go to Sukajadi Park, and be kind to the girl who is crying.

Kaivan read the line carefully, his brows knitting in thought.

“Be kind… without bringing anything today?” he murmured, curiosity mingling with doubt. Closing the book gently, he stared at the wall, trying to unravel the meaning behind the message.

“Whatever it means, I have to do it. This book has never been wrong,” he resolved, exhaling softly. Dusting off his worn clothes, he left the warehouse and headed to the café where his friends were waiting.

Perched above the city, Ludwig Café felt both rustic and elegant. Its simple décor radiated warmth and camaraderie. Soft lights hung from the ceiling, casting a golden glow over the tables, shaping an inviting, intimate space.

“Kaivan! Over here!” Frans called, waving enthusiastically.

Kaivan offered a small smile and walked toward them. “Sorry I’m a little late. I had something to finish,” he said, sliding into a seat.

Radit, lounging comfortably, gave him a nod and a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “No problem—we just got started. Come on, don’t let the food get cold!” He lifted his glass, ready for a toast.

“This is the first time I’ve tasted food this good,” Radit said quietly, eyes glistening with something unspoken. For a moment, he fell silent, as though replaying the hardships of his past.

Across the table, Zinnia smiled softly. “Me too,” she said, her voice warm and tender. “It might seem small to others, but for me, this is precious.”

Frans leaned in, a grin spreading across his face. “Seriously? You guys have never eaten at a place like this? Then we should order more! Tonight’s about celebrating our success, right?”

Kaivan listened quietly, a faint smile lingering on his lips. “It’s not my first time,” he replied, his tone laced with meaning. “But I agree. Let’s make this a tradition—maybe once a month, or even every week if we can.”

He watched them all closely: Radit with his firm yet gentle way of speaking, Zinnia with her attentive kindness, and Frans with his cheerful optimism. They were the people who made him feel less alone.

The calm moment was broken by the sound of Kaivan’s phone ringing. Its distinct chime drew everyone’s gaze. He picked it up, eyebrows rising at the unfamiliar number flashing on the screen. With quiet curiosity, he answered. “Hello?”

“Kaivan, there are two big sacks ready. my father said it’s twenty million,” Thivi’s voice came through, bright as ever, but with a trace of unease.

Kaivan paused, eyes drifting to the star-scattered sky beyond the window, as though searching for an answer there. At last, he replied in a calm, steady tone, “Alright… I’ll come on Saturday with my friends.”

Radit, seated across from him, set his spoon down with a quiet clink. Tilting his head, he tried to catch the words more clearly. Meanwhile, Zinnia sipped her drink in a relaxed manner, though her eyes followed Kaivan with quiet focus. Frans, with an easy smile, had already guessed something interesting from the look on Kaivan’s face.

“Where are you? Why do I hear music?” Thivi’s curious voice floated through the speaker.

Kaivan glanced at his friends, now fully attentive. He let out a short breath before replying.

“Ah, I’m at a rooftop restaurant. That’s why there’s music.”

A playful sigh came from the other end of the line.

“Unfair! You get to enjoy good food while I’m stuck here. Anyway, I’m coming to Bandung this Saturday!” Thivi declared, her voice half teasing, half determined.

Kaivan smiled faintly, shaking his head before giving a short reply.

“Yeah, yeah.”

The call ended, but his friends’ curious stares made him feel as if they had caught him red-handed.

Radit spoke first, his voice a little rough yet brimming with curiosity.

“That’s your phone supplier, isn’t it?” he asked, lifting an eyebrow while reaching for his glass. His gaze stayed fixed on Kaivan.

Zinnia, sitting straight with a look of quiet amusement, added:

“Why do you sound like you’re talking to someone your own age?” Her tone was half teasing, making Frans chuckle softly.

“Definitely a girl!” Frans chimed in with enthusiasm. “That’s obvious.” He leaned back in his chair with a lazy grace, twirling a napkin between his fingers. “What’s her name, Kaivan?” he asked, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Heat crept up Kaivan’s neck, but he tried to keep calm.

“Yeah… she’s the supplier’s daughter. Her name’s Thivi,” he admitted in a low, neutral voice.

Before he could add anything else, Zinnia cut in with a sly, sharp smile.

“Typical boy,” she said with a faintly sour smile, though her eyes were serious.

Radit burst out laughing, clapping Kaivan on the shoulder hard enough to make him almost choke on his drink.

“And to think you used to be that nerd everyone bullied. I remember helping you back in school!”

“Alright, alright, you’ve been repaid enough,” Kaivan shot back quickly, standing up.

“I have to go—something came up. Bye.”

He slipped away, his steps hurried, leaving his friends exchanging glances and laughter.

Frans leaned back, shaking his head with a satisfied grin.

“He’s such a mystery… yet somehow always slips out of moments like this.”

Zinnia shrugged, taking another sip of her drink.

“That’s Kaivan. Still, I’m curious about that girl—Thivi, right? Maybe there’s a story waiting there.”

Radit, still laughing softly, speared another piece of meat.

“He just couldn’t stand our teasing. Classic Kaivan.”

Outside, Kaivan inhaled the cool night air. The scent of food still lingered in the breeze, a warm echo of the lively café he had just left. His steps were calm, yet his thoughts remained heavy with the quiet enigma of the Tome Omnicent, clutched firmly in his hands. Streetlamps spilled soft light across the empty sidewalk, turning each footstep into a gentle echo that followed him into the night.

Inside, the laughter faded into a thoughtful hush. Zinnia stirred her drink, brows drawn together.

“I never asked what that book really is,” she murmured. “Maybe just a notebook?”

Frans, seated across from her, gave a small smile, though curiosity glimmered in his eyes.

“It looks like some old, impressive tome,” he said, sketching its shape in the air. “Sometimes I get chills just seeing it—like it has its own aura.”

Radit, who had been idly spinning his spoon, finally spoke.

“Then we’ll just ask him later. There’s no way he’d hide something like that if it wasn’t important.”