Puppy Love—perhaps that's the best way to describe the romantic tale that many would envy: the love story of Harwan and Jennifer.
"Excuse me... coming through!"
Panting and weaving skillfully through tight gaps between students, Harwan ran down the school corridor, trying to escape his friends in a game of tag they called 'cops and robbers,' shouting for people to give him room.
He darted down the stairs from the fourth to the second floor, looping around before sprinting back up to rescue his captured teammate—just a single tap on the hand and they were free.
"Fuck, next time he shouldn't be the robber," grumbled a winded student.
"But if he's the cop, we're doomed too. That guy catches everyone in no time," another chimed in, laughing in defeat.
Harwan—known as the 100-meter sprint champion at Mardud High School—freed all the 'robbers' in record time. Now he stood about fifteen steps from the exhausted 'cops' trying to catch their breath.
"Come on, that's all you've got?" he teased with a mischievous grin.
"Jeez, give us a second to breathe," one groaned, sprawling on the auditorium floor.
The game ended as the bell signaled the end of break. Harwan walked over to his best friend Salman and extended a hand to help him up.
"Let's go. We can't be late. You know how scary Mrs. Titien gets if anyone's late."
"What do you eat, man? You move like a ninja," Salman asked between breaths.
"Nothing special. Just avoid junk food."
Indeed, Harwan hardly touched snacks or fast food. Not just for health reasons, but because of his family's financial situation.
His father was a modest office worker struggling with the high cost of living in Jakarta. His mother had taken out a bank loan to open a small clothing store near their home. His older brother, after failing to become a civil servant, started an event organizing business.
Harwan often found himself deep in thought, wondering how he could help ease his parents' burden—especially with university looming next year, and the expenses that came with aiming for a top-tier institution.
"Stand up!" the class leader's voice snapped him out of it. "Greetings!"
"Good after..." His voice trailed off as his eyes landed on a girl walking behind Mrs. Titien, their physics teacher and homeroom advisor.
A slender face. Long hair neatly flowing with a cute headband on top. Her smile... made Harwan's heart race.
"Sit," said Mrs. Titien. "Today, we have a new friend joining us. I hope you'll help her settle in. Remember our class motto?"
"Siblings, even without blood ties," the class recited in unison.
"Good. Now, Jennifer, please introduce yourself."
Harwan couldn't look away. Her movements, the way she spoke—everything about Jennifer made his heart pound faster. When their eyes met, it was as if the world disappeared.
"Harwan!!"
Mrs. Titien's bark brought him crashing back to reality.
"Y-Yes, Ma'am!" He shot to his feet like a soldier at roll call. The class burst out laughing, including Jennifer who tried to suppress a smile.
"Did you hear what I just said?"
"Uhm..."
"Don't let me catch you daydreaming again."
"S–Sorry, Ma'am."
"Fine. Sit down." She gave a small nod. "Jennifer, the only empty seat is next to Harwan. Sit there for now, okay?"
"Lucky bastard," Salman muttered behind Harwan.
"Shut up..." Harwan mumbled, trying to hide his nerves.
As Jennifer took the seat beside him, Harwan froze. His mind raced, unsure how to start a conversation.
"Nice to meet you," Jennifer said first, extending her hand.
"Harwan," he replied briefly, shaking it.
Behind them, Salman held back laughter at his friend's sudden awkwardness—a stark contrast to his own reputation as a ladies' man since junior high.
Harwan had never dated. His focus had always been on academics, hoping to earn a spot at a prestigious university.
During class, their interaction was minimal—only when Jennifer asked him about school material.
During the next break, Harwan went to the canteen as usual. Sitting alone with his favorite fried noodles, he quietly observed the bustling students around him.
"Be honest. You like her, don't you?" Salman suddenly appeared and sat across from him.
Harwan frowned. "What are you talking about?"
"You need to act fast. Didn't you see how many guys showed up outside our class after word about Jennifer spread?"
Harwan didn't answer, but inside, he couldn't deny it. It would be a lie to say he wasn't interested.
"Should I just ask her out already?" he joked.
Salman shook his head. "Are you nuts?"
"What?"
The noodles arrived. Harwan thanked the canteen lady while still pondering.
"You might be popular, but going straight to the point? Idiotic!" Salman grumbled.
"Weren't you the one saying I need to move fast?"
"I give up on you, hopeless romantic," Salman stood and walked away.
Harwan chuckled quietly and continued eating.
In the restroom, Salman's words echoed again. Could this be love? He stared at his reflection, then splashed cold water on his face, hoping to clear the image of Jennifer stuck in his head.
But it wouldn't go away.
Then he heard voices outside the bathroom.
"Let's bet on who dates the new girl first!"
"Nah, that's too easy. Gotta seal it with a kiss too!"
His eyes widened. Rage surged inside him. Without thinking, he stormed out.
"Hey, scumbags! A kiss? Look in the mirror first—you're trash!"
One of them grabbed his collar. "What did you say?! You got a death wish?"
Harwan didn't flinch. "Even trash looks better than you. Want me to reduce you to crap?"
The guy threw a punch, but Harwan dodged, twisted his arm, and slammed him to the ground. Two others lunged, but he kicked them back. One screamed in pain as his arm was pinned.
As a crowd formed, Harwan released his grip, fixed his shirt, and walked away.
"If your face looks like that and all you can do is gang up, don't act handsome," he spat before leaving.
At the edge of the crowd, Salman stood smirking. Harwan ignored him and returned to the canteen before a teacher showed up.
After the second break, Harwan tried to compose himself. He greeted Jennifer with a smile, acting casual.
"Where did you transfer from?"
"Harapan Jaya High."
Harwan and Salman exchanged glances. That was an elite school, known for producing top alumni—from officials to celebrities.
"Why'd you transfer?"
"My dad got reassigned. Too far from my old school, so I had to move. What matters is the end result, right?"
"Can't argue with that," Harwan nodded.
Their conversation ended when Mr. Jimmy entered. A strict teacher. Everyone stood on cue.
"Good afternoon, sir."
"Sit down," he replied coldly.
"Hope he's in a good mood today," Salman whispered.
"Why?" Jennifer asked softly.
"Simple. He's a killer teacher," Harwan replied with a faint smile.
As he turned, he caught a side glance of Jennifer's blushing face.
A question echoed in his heart:
"Does she feel the same way I do?"