Back in Silence

Aidan Syahreza stood in front of the school gate, his eyes tracing the high school building that towered before him. The steps were slow, as usual. He was not in a hurry. Every day was always the same—a routine that was comfortable for him. But today was a little different, something was disturbing in his mind. A name she never forgot—Naya.

Aidan and Naya are childhood friends. In the past, they were neighbors, and Naya always managed to drag her out of the house to play. Aidan, who is quiet, always enjoys their company in silence. Naya is a cheerful figure who fills her days with laughter and small adventures. However, everything changed when his family moved to another city when he was in the fifth grade of elementary school. Since then, they have lost contact.

Now, the first year of high school begins, and for some reason, the memories of Naya fill her mind again. Could it be that he was also in this school?

In the midst of his daydream, a cheerful voice greeted from behind. "Aidan? Is this really you?"

Aidan turned around slowly, and there, stood a girl with a big smile and a passionate gaze. The face that used to be so familiar, has now changed to be more mature, but the energy is still the same—Naya Dikuntami.

"Ah... Naya?" Aidan replied, his voice a little surprised but still soft.

Naya chuckled, approaching her with light steps. "Long time no meeting! How are you quiet Aidan? Are you ready for high school?"

Aidan nodded, still a little confused. His presence brought back all the old memories, and it felt like nothing had changed. Naya is still the same—cheerful, brave, and fearless in the face of anything, including the people around her.

Naya smiled, her eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Hey, do you still like to be alone? Or do you want to go with me on a walk around the school this time?"

Aidan only smiled faintly. "Of course, Naya."

And just like before, Naya pulled her hand, inviting her to run to the school yard. Idan's heart rustled slowly. Perhaps, even though time has long passed, some things have never really changed.

Naya was still holding Aidan's hand as they walked down the school corridor. Although Aidan didn't say much, he felt comfortable with the energy that Naya carried, just like in their childhood.

"So, you didn't say you were moving to this city, did you?" Naya started the conversation in a seductive tone. "I thought you would tell me, but it didn't."

Aidan lowered his head slightly, then smiled faintly. "I'm sorry, I didn't know if we'd see each other again."

Naya paused, looking at Aidan's face with a smile that was still attached. "It's been a long time, yes. I almost forgot what it felt like to play with you," he said. "You still like to be alone, right?"

Aidan just nodded quietly. "Still. But maybe now it's changed a little."

Naya chuckled. "Wow, what kind of change is that? Aren't you already a now?"

Aidan laughed faintly—something he rarely did in front of others. "Not really, Naya."

They arrived at the shady school park, a place that looked calm and comfortable. Large trees shade them, and underneath them are neatly arranged wooden benches. Naya sat on one of the benches, signaling for Aidan to sit next to her.

"This school looks exciting, huh?" said Naya while looking around. "I'm sure there will be a lot of exciting adventures here."

Aidan just smiled, letting Naya continue talking. He always felt comfortable listening to Naya's non-stop chatter. Ever since she was a child, Naya had been like that—her energy never ran out.

However, behind Naya's smile, Aidan felt something a little different. Maybe they are no longer children who play together without burden. They are now teenagers, with more complex lives, deeper feelings, and perhaps problems they never imagined before.

"Aidan," Naya's voice suddenly turned a little more serious, "you don't mind, do you, if we go back to the way we used to?"

Aidan was silent for a moment, then looked at Naya deeply. The question is so simple, but also full of meaning. "I never mind, Naya."

Naya smiled again, this time more gently. "Alright, then, let's make this year an unforgettable memory!"

Aidan stared at the blue sky above them, imagining what the years ahead would be like. With Naya, she knows that her life will never be monotonous again.

The break bell rang, marking the end of the new student introduction session. Naya immediately rose with a spirit that seemed to never end.

"Come on, Aid! Canteen!" he said enthusiastically, without waiting for Aidan's answer.

Aidan just nodded and followed from behind. Seeing Naya so excited, she remembered their childhood, when Naya always took the lead in every game. Even though they are now teenagers, Naya is still the same—tireless, full of energy, and always taking the initiative.

They arrived at the cafeteria, which was crowded with other new students. Naya immediately ordered two cold drinks, then handed one of them to Aidan.

"I know you like this!" he said as he handed her a cold lemonade.

Aidan smiled slightly, taking his drink. He was impressed because Naya still remembered small things like this. "Thank you."

They sat in one corner of the canteen, enjoying the crowded atmosphere. Naya, as always, started a conversation about anything—about her new teacher, her classmates, and her plans to try to get into the drama club.

"I think joining a drama club will be exciting. You should try to come along, Aid! Maybe you can be a scriptwriter or... male lead?" Naya laughed, as if the quiet figure of Aidan on stage was something funny.

Aidan shook his head quietly. "I'd rather watch from behind."

"Come on, you can definitely do it!" Naya continued to persuade, but then paused, looking at Aidan with a more serious expression. "But seriously, Aid. I'm glad we can meet again. It feels like a dream."

Aidan looked at Naya, feeling the same way. Although he wasn't the type who liked to express his feelings with words, in his heart he also felt grateful. Naya's presence back in her life was something she never expected, but now, she realized how much she missed their time together.

"Yes, I am also happy," he said quietly, but with undeniable sincerity.

They were silent for a moment, enjoying the togetherness. There is no need for many words, as both of them know that this is just the beginning. The high school years may be challenging, but with Naya by his side, Aidan knows that his life will be more colorful. Perhaps, for the first time, she no longer wanted to be alone.

"Come on, let's start our adventure, Aid," Naya raised her drinking glass into the air, as if to cheer up the moment.

Aidan smiled and lifted his glass, crashing it gently into Naya's glass.

"A new adventure," he muttered.

And so, a new chapter in their lives begins—in this high school, with all the untold stories and feelings slowly growing.