07. Alin Nadhiya

FOR the first time after staying here a few days I was able to get up early. Usually Daniel would wake me up—more precisely disturbing my sleep and insisting that immediately cook breakfast for both of us.

However, who knows what happened to him this morning. He didn't appear at all. I had intended to find him after cooking and showering, but my intentions failed when the apartment bell rang, right after I was done wearing a change of clothes.

"Fukumi-san, doushita?"

Fukumi smiled, he handed me a plastic bag. "For your breakfast."

"You shouldn't have bothered." I still accept gifts from him, because Fukumi is indeed a good person. Not only this time he shared breakfast with both Daniel and me, but several times already.

"Daniel ... did you see him?"

I shook my head. Honestly, not seeing him in the morning was a little strange, but he was invisible. Maybe still sleeping in his room, right?

"I knocked on the door and rang the bell repeatedly, but still no answer. I thought, he was here, because you two are so close."

His words made my cheeks flushed. Indirectly, he alleged that Daniel and I have more relationship, even though I don't have it, but Daniel is indeed very close to me here.

"I haven't seen him since before," I answered honestly.

Fukumi nodded. "Can I visit you?" He looked at my apartment unit, as if he wanted to enter.

I then opened the door wide and ushered him in. "Go ahead," I said. "What do you want to drink?"

"No need, I just ... wanted to ask you a little."

I looked at him warily. Maybe he would dig up information about Daniel or our relationship. It's nothing, but I don't know what the most appropriate name for our relationship is.

"About what?" I invited him to sit on the sofa, while I sat across from him.

"About women, because you are also a woman, I think, you understand the way my ex thinks."

I was silent, it seems like this is a personal matter and a bit sensitive.

"Want to ask about what? But I think, women's opinions will still be different from others."

True, although basically women have similar characteristics, their opinions will still differ. How they view and face this cruel world, all have their own mindsets and ways of living their own lives.

"Do ... all women really care about the nominal income of a man?"

I was silent, to be honest, for me, a partner's income is important, especially for the future. Especially with my hobby that gets bored easily and ends up having to travel. Obviously, a thin pocket wouldn't live up to my lifestyle standards.

"It's depends."

"Why?"

"If a woman is like me who likes traveling around the country, most likely she is. Because, a minimum income will not be able to fulfill my wishes in the future. However, not all women are like that. There are those who think more, loyalty and love above all else, money is just a bonus."

Fukumi suddenly chuckled. "You are right." He let out a harsh sigh. "I need to find a replacement for her."

"Did ... you break up for that reason?" I asked doubtfully.

Fukumi nodded. His expression didn't show that he was still sad, even though he should still be hurt if he really loved his lover.

"He was dating a specialist, not very handsome, but clearly thick pockets."

For a businessman like Fukumi, his pockets are not too thick, but physically enough to be used as a show off the boyfriend. Although not as handsome as Daniel who has a white face. Fukumi remains handsome typical of Asian men in general. With a pointed chin, small nose, narrow eyes, and clean, white skin without acne.

"You will have it soon," I said, cheering him on.

"Does that mean ... you want to be my lover?"

I gasped, my mouth dropped open. I had difficulty processing words when I saw his serious gaze, then he laughed in his clear voice.

"Don't joke around, Fukumi-san!" I snapped disgustedly, when I realized he was only kidding with his sentence.

I snapped not because I love him, but to play with expressions of love I think a little too much. Expressions of love should come from the heart, be said with feeling, not be used for a momentary joke.

"Sorry!" The man smiled. "Maybe you prefer a guy like Daniel."

I shook my head quickly. "I don't like anyone, especially to the point of being tied to a man from outside my country, Fukumi-san."

Fukumi tilted his head. "You mean?"

"I love more men from my home country, Indonesia. Men overseas do look attractive, but that's about it. I'm afraid, the differences between us will not be pushed away even with love."

"Ah, sou ka!" Fukumi smiled. "I thought, because you really don't like me."

"No." I tried to smile, although I started to dislike him a little because of his joke a while ago.

"Then, why don't you return to your home country?" the question sounded like a mockery as well as a subtle expulsion.

"I want to, but I can't."

"Why?"

"Lockdown, foreign tourists like me are locked in here. Until that case is over, I won't be able to leave."

I sighed roughly, he should understand that, right? Unless ... he wants to help me leave this country.

"If you want, I can find you an illegal way."

"Eh?" I looked at him with interest.

"My friend has a private plane, should it be used to go abroad. Do you want to use it? I can tell my best friend if you want."

"Will it not be a bother?" I asked curiously, if it's not a hassle, I can try it, right?

Fukumi shook his head. "Instead of the plane being unused, right?"

How is this?

This offer intrigued me. I want to go as soon as possible and private planes will not be accessible to terrorists who are ravaging Japan.

However, Daniel once forbade me to come out illegally. How is this? What should I do?

"If you really want it, call me."

Fukumi left a piece of his business card before leaving my apartment.

Do I have to accept this offer so I can leave as quickly as possible?