"Wow, Alfaeyza Alexander—once the feared bully—now sits helplessly in front of me like a coward!" said a voice Alfa knew all too well. Hearing it made a faint smile curl on his lips.
"Oh shit, so you were the one who hired those thugs? Too scared to face me yourself, huh? Had to send others to do your dirty work, Bagaskara?" Alfa scoffed, looking down on him. Who would've thought the freak he once bullied now had the guts to confront him?
"Screw you!"
Baugh.
Bagas slammed his fist across Alfa's cheek. He ripped the black cloth off Alfa's head, revealing Alfa's bloodied, yet smirking, face.
Alfa met Bagas's eyes directly—an unflinching, cold stare. Bagas averted his gaze. He still trembled with fear inside.
"That power… it's not supposed to scare me anymore, right?" Bagas thought.
He waved his hand to dismiss the three men beside him. Without a word, they left. Bagas stepped toward Alfa, who remained seated and bound. Bagas placed his foot on Alfa's knee, leaned forward, and grabbed the collar of Alfa's uniform, yanking his face close.
"It's payback time, Alfaeyza. For everything you did to me back in junior high. I'm not that pathetic Bagas anymore. This is the real Bagaskara," he declared with arrogance.
Alfa's eyes drifted to Bagas's hand gripping his collar. He sneered again.
"Oh? And this is the new Bagaskara? The one who throws money at criminals to feel powerful?" Alfa mocked.
Baugh.
Bagas kicked Alfa in the chest, sending him sprawling backward. Unbeknownst to Bagas, his kick had loosened the rope Alfa had discreetly been holding together. Now free, Alfa stood and casually brushed off his uniform. Bagas's eyes widened as he realized the rope was undone—by his own doing.
Alfa took a step forward. Bagas instinctively stepped back, until his back hit the wall. There was nowhere left to run.
Bagas threw a punch in desperation, but Alfa easily caught it. Then it was Alfa's turn.
Baugh.
Alfa's fist flew—landing just inches beside Bagas's head, punching the wall instead. Bagas flinched and opened his eyes slowly, staring at the hand that could have knocked him out.
His breathing grew rapid and shaky.
"Listen, Bagas," Alfa said, his voice low and steady, "I'm not the same Alfaeyza you knew. So relax. The old Alfa is gone. You'll never be bullied by me again."
He leaned in, leaving only five centimeters between their faces. Bagas froze, paralyzed except for his heaving breath. Alfa smiled faintly and turned away.
After a few steps, Alfa paused.
"Oh, and sorry for the junior high stuff. Heh. Think of it as... character development. You're welcome," he said nonchalantly, then walked off toward the exit. The three men who had stood guard at the gate tried to block his path—but Alfa fought them off effortlessly and disappeared into the night.
"Calm down, Sheila. I know Alfa. He'll be fine," said Tata soothingly, gently rubbing Sheila's shoulder and pulling her closer for comfort.
"But what if something bad happens to him? I'd be alone here. Mama's abroad for work," Sheila cried. She and Alfa were orphans—her father had died two years ago in an accident.
"I understand. But I'm here for you. Anytime you need someone, just call me, okay?" Tata reassured her.
"But really—this is Alfa we're talking about. I doubt any criminal could actually beat him." Tata couldn't believe someone had the nerve to mess with Alfa. Unthinkable.
Time passed in tense silence. Then—ding dong—the doorbell rang.
Sheila and Tata rushed to the door. When they opened it, there stood Alfa, lip split and bloodied—but standing. Without a word, Sheila threw her arms around him. He hugged her back.
"What are you doing, Sheila? Worried about me, huh?" Alfa teased with a weak laugh.
"Tsk. Don't you feel guilty, making people worry like that?" Tata scolded, arms folded.
"Oh, you're here too. Tata, do you have any money? The driver's waiting outside. I left my wallet and phone at home," Alfa said with a grin, still holding Sheila close.
"You're unbelievable," Tata muttered before going out to pay the driver. When she returned, she found Alfa sitting in the living room while Sheila brought out a first aid kit and warm water.
"Go shower first, then we'll treat your wounds!" Tata said with mock irritation. They were always bickering—about everything.
"What kind of friend are you? Look at me, hurt like this, and you still scold me?" Alfa huffed.
"I'm not even convinced you actually suffered," Tata replied coolly, locking eyes with him. Alfa rolled his eyes.
"Fine, I'm showering," Alfa muttered, heading to his room.
"Sheila, where's Alfa?" Tata asked when she saw her carrying the first aid kit and warm water.
"He's showering. Just put this here," Tata said, smiling at her and glancing toward Alfa's door.
A short while later, Alfa came out in a white T-shirt and knee-length jeans. Sheila sat beside him and began tending to his wounds.
"Don't press too hard, Sheila!" Alfa flinched, grabbing her hand.
"Sorry," Sheila said softly, continuing with more care.
Time ticked by. Tata glanced at the clock on the wall and stood up.
"Um, Alfa, Sheila... I should head home now. It's nearly midnight. My mom will be worried," she said.
"Don't you want to stay? You can sleep with me," Sheila offered hopefully.
"Sorry, I haven't asked permission. And my school uniform's at home," Tata replied, though she could've made it work if she really wanted.
"Then just go home," Alfa said bluntly.
"Okay, okay, I'm going," Tata picked up her bag. But after a few steps, Alfa called out.
"Tata! I'm kidding. It's not safe for girls to go out alone this late. I'll take you home—and I want to grab some food too," he said. It was already 11 P.M.
"You coming, Sheila?" Alfa turned to her.
"Yeah, I'm alone tonight anyway," Sheila said, since her maid had gone home and would return tomorrow.
"Alright, let's go. My mom's waiting," Tata said.
They stopped to buy food along the way, then dropped Tata off at her house. Alfa and Sheila didn't go inside—they said goodbye and headed home safely after that.