Not the Dumpster-in-law
Awkward in Travel

Inside the chest of Abiyasa and Miss Anna, there was a hidden but undeniable feeling. They felt a growing warmth between them, but both were not ready to acknowledge the feeling directly.

When they were in one room, their heartbeats beat faster and an inevitable smile flashed across their faces. Every gaze that met each other brought an unspoken joy. Although no words were spoken, there was a familiarity created in every moment of their togetherness.

As they joked and shared stories, unexpressed feelings began to surface in each of their sentences and expressions. But they know that openly acknowledging those feelings is a big step that requires courage and reassurance.

As the night goes on, their jokes get more intimate and tucked away with expressions of mutual respect. Sometimes, they touch each other's arms gently, implying a desire to get closer. However, the fear of possible rejection or misunderstanding continued to circle their minds.

The two are caught in a complicated state, where their feelings are crammed into each other in silence. They are afraid to express those feelings, worried about what might happen if one of them takes the first step. Anxiety and enthusiasm mixed in their hearts, creating an unspoken tension.

However, even though they were not ready to acknowledge that feeling, the warmth they felt was undeniable.

Every second together strengthens their bond, building a strong foundation to perhaps become more than just a business partner. Although they cannot speak the words of love, their body language and the togetherness they share reveal more than can be spoken.

As the night approaches its end, the two feel an unexpressed sadness due to the inevitable parting. They know that tomorrow is a new day with their own duties and obligations. However, they also know that the warmth and interest they feel will not just fade away.

This situation happened after Abiyasa and Miss Anna finished dinner together. After dinner, Abiyasa took the initiative to escort Miss Anna back to the hotel where she was staying. Although the two felt awkward, they actually both wanted to strengthen the relationship and chat to eliminate the stiffness that existed between them.

However, as business associates, they feel the need to maintain a professional and authoritative attitude between them. This may be due to the limitations set by their working relationship. Therefore, they may hesitate to break these restrictions and change the atmosphere to be more relaxed and warm like at dinner last night.

This situation creates a somewhat stiff and tense atmosphere in the vehicle or along the way to the hotel. Both find it difficult to find the right topic of conversation or a way to start a more casual conversation. Although in their hearts they both want to talk, but they still keep their distance and try not to break the boundaries as business partners.

"So, what do you think Miss Anna, about our dinner last night?" abiyasa asked, breaking the silence between the two of them.

"Oh, yeah, dinner's great. Thank you for taking me, Mr. Abiyasa." Miss Anna was clearly nervous when she answered Abiyasa's question just now.

Nonetheless, this awkwardness does not mean that they are uncomfortable with each other. Rather, it may reflect their prudence in maintaining their professional relationships. Both may have respect and appreciation for each other as business partners that may hinder them from going beyond their existing boundaries.

This situation shows the complexity in maintaining a balance between professional relationships and personal relationships. Both may strive to keep their professionalism but also yearn for the relaxing moments and warmth they experienced before.

"It's okay, Miss Anna. You know, it's part of our business plan to strengthen relationships with partners. We have to make sure everything goes well, don't we?" Abiyasa tried to warm the atmosphere between the two of them again.

Miss Anna nodded in agreement. "Yes, of course. It's important to maintain a strong professional relationship."

But unfortunately, things went quiet again even for a moment, because Abiyasa began looking for another topic of conversation.

Actually, Miss Anna wanted to call a taxi and go home to the hotel herself. But it couldn't have been let go by Abiyasa. He would escort Miss Anna back to the hotel where she was staying as a form of courtesy, even though it was ultimately what it was now. The two of them looked out for each other while on the way.

Miss Anna replied nervously. "Oh, yes, the presentation was good. You did a great job."

The praise given by Miss Anna, made Abiyasa smile at the diculum. He was hearing the compliment that Miss Anna had just said.

"Thank you, Miss. But we have to stay focused and face the challenges."

Miss Anna nodded her head, then the atmosphere went quiet again. Until Miss Anna who started talking first broke the silence.

"What other business plans should we discuss after construction has begun?" tanyanya.

"We will continue the discussion on the development of new products. I'll send you some proposals by email, once everything's ready."

Miss Anna nodded. "Well, I'll wait for the proposal."

After that, it was quiet again until it arrived in front of the hotel.

The awkward atmosphere is seen from limited conversation and seems formal. Both try to keep the conversation on professional and business topics, without deepening or expressing their personal feelings.

They spoke in a slightly tense tone and there was sometimes a less comfortable silence between their conversations. This reflects their efforts to keep their distance as business associates and maintain a professional attitude.

In the darkness of the night, when they stood up to part, their eyes contained an unspoken desire. Both of them felt an inexplicable vibration of emotion, indicating that there was something precious between them. With a warm smile, they hugged each other for a moment, expressing their gratitude and appreciation for each other.

With a heavy heart, they embrace the fact that they are two free individuals and must respect each other without having to force themselves.

***

Inside the hotel room, Miss Anna daydreams for herself about Abiyasa. He admired the figure of the widower who was still alone. There was a sense of admiration but also shame with himself who admired the figure of Abiyasa. I have only met a few times.

Finally Miss Anna dodged a few times, trying to shake off the different flavors in her heart.

"Why do I feel like this? We have only met a few times and only in a business context. But why does the figure of Abiyasa make my heart flutter?"

Inside the quiet hotel room, Miss Anna sat alone, contemplating the feelings she was experiencing. There was confusion and mixed feelings within him.