He's The Unaffordable
Chapter 24 - Mystery

*Mila*

A few days of inactivity gave me plenty of time to refine my research proposal title proposal. After studying hard and always taking the maximum credit given in accordance with the Achievement Index I got in the previous semester, I could use my last two semesters to work on proposals and thesis.

And I got some good news this afternoon from the head of the department. My proposed title was accepted and he gave the name of the lecturer who would guide me from the proposal to the thesis later. I read the name of the lecturer on the paper I used to apply for my title.

“Wow, Mila. If I were you, I would change my title and submit another title that had nothing to do with the field that was controlled by Mr. Agung. Listen, he always makes things difficult for his guidance students,” whispered Manda half-shudder.

“Manda right. You should change the title so that other lecturers, Mila,” timpal my other friend gave advice. He looked at me sympathetically after peeking at the name written on the paper in my hand.

I know that and have heard it often from our seniors. There are even seniors who have not finished yet because of this lecturer. Most annoyingly, no effort is made by the campus to help their own students.

But this man is wrong if he thinks he can do the same to me. Two semesters, that's the time I gave myself to finish my studies at this college. Anyone I wouldn't let ruin my plan. I want to be done so I can get to America and find my real parents.

After meeting the head of the department, I headed to the library and spent my time in that place to draft my proposal. Manda followed me and sat by my side without even talking to me. I don't know what he's doing, but as long as he doesn't interrupt, then I don't throw him away.

At nightfall, my stomach began to protest, disturbing my concentration. Manda let out a sigh of relief as I invited her home. He left in his private vehicle, while I waited for the bus at the stop. I purposely didn't live around campus so no one would know where I lived. Manda doesn't even know where my rent room is.

We were friends, but he didn't know everything about me. He knows everything that others know too. My name, place and date of birth, address of my adoptive parents, and the things listed on the identification. But he doesn't know about my background, my job, and my life plan going forward. Even whenever there was a problem, I didn't complain to him.

Instead, Manda told me all about herself. He also never hesitated to pour all his problems, happiness, and sadness on me like a friend. At first, she hated my closed-off attitude. But after our first quarrel, which was also our last fight, he never demanded that I do the same as he did to me.

Every time he pours out his problems, he stops hoping I'll tell him my problems too. And I never felt guilty doing that. I never asked him to tell me, nor did I ever ask him to be my best friend. He himself who took the initiative came to be a friend and remained friendly with me.

The family that adopted me has taught me a lot in taking care of myself and my feelings. When people who are initially so kind and consider us as part of their family can turn evil, especially those who do not have any relationship. That's why I don't make friends with anyone on campus or in a rented room.

At night, while lying in bed, I remembered the expressions of all the adults in Hadi's house. They seem to have a good relationship with many people. Dira is a birthday, but more adults are attending it.

Why did the woman named Lindsey and the man named Edu cry when he saw me? Until now I could not understand the meaning of their facial expressions. It was the first day we met, why did they act as if they knew me?

Waking up in the morning, my face looks lethargic due to lack of rest. I patted my cheeks to give a little red hue to my face. My skin is pale as a corpse. My blue eyes are not as bright as usual, even my hair looks tangled. But when I looked at my face, something made me realize.

Oh, dearGod. I get it now. What made them cry was this face. Why am I so stupid? What was I thinking all this time so I just realized that now? Idiotically. Of course that's the reason. Does that mean they know someone who looks like me? Do I look like my mom or dad? Or maybe I look like my brother or sister?

My heart was pounding fast and I couldn't prevent a great hope from growing in my chest. I have a family and they are not far from me. Maybe I don't have to go all the way to America to find them. My body trembled violently due to the overflowing sense of happiness. Could Aunt Lindsey and Om Edu be my parents? But I don't look like them. Then who are my parents?

There's only one person I can ask this. Hadi also looked at me just like them when he saw me for the first time. I understand now why he was observing me the moment Colin took me first to meet them. Dira, Colin, and the other invited guests on that night did not give the same reaction. Yeah, I'd rather talk to Hadi than that aunt and om.

“Mila, where are you going? The direction of the library through here,” said Manda who followed me, even though I had said goodbye to him after the last course.

“I have other business, so I'm not going to the library this afternoon.” I waved my hand and rushed towards the building where Hadi's major was.

Not knowing where to start looking for him, I immediately headed for the parking lot. It was easy for me to find the car. I sat on one of the benches available not far from the parking lot. So, I can see him when he comes later.

I forget. He was friends with Colin. As the two of them walked from the other direction towards Hadi's car, I argued with myself. Should I just postpone my intentions today or stick to my plan? But I can't wait until Monday. I won't be able to sleep if this thought still bothers me.

Hadi looked surprised as I greeted him, but Colin was even more surprised. He must have told everyone close to him that I was back in America. When Colin tried to keep me away from his friend, I refused to go with him. Our business is done, so he can't force me to do what he wants anymore.

Although Colin was still trying to dissuade me from talking to his best friend, Hadi helped me to get away from him. I knew that lunch with him and his sister was reckless, Colin's plan was totally ruined when Dira saw me still wandering around here. But Hadi's calm demeanor gave me the courage to keep going.

And I don't regret doing it. Dira is a girl far beyond my expectations. He is not angry or considers me his enemy. It even seems she knows that me and Colin are just playing a show. I want to know what their family knows about me.

When Hadi and I ended up alone in a cafe, my heart was pounding so fast that it made it difficult for me to concentrate. This is the first time I've been so close to my family and my true identity. So, I hope my guess is true.

As Hadi invited me to talk, I let out a long sigh calming the nervousness I was feeling. “At Dira's birthday celebration, some adults looked at me strangely. They also asked a very personal question that I couldn't answer because I had a deal with Colin.

“And I remember when we first met, you did the same. You look at me as if we've met before. You also invite me to talk and ask about things that are personal.” I stopped for a moment to write the right words. “Do you know who I am? Do you know who my parents are?”