That evening, the Jakarta sky glowed golden-orange. From the high balcony of the Direndra Group office, the city sounds were faint.
Alana leaned against the glass railing, her hair blowing in the wind, eyes fixed on the sky, wordless.
Heavy footsteps approached from behind.
Alaska appeared in a sharp black suit, his expression cold as always. But this time, there was something different in his eyes: calm, not angry.
"Do you always like watching sunsets?"
His voice was deep and soft.
"I like things humans can't control," Alana replied casually, without turning.
"Like the sky… or feelings."
Alaska gave a small, subtle smile.
"Feelings can be controlled if you're strong enough."
"Including love?"
Alana finally looked at him.
"Or the obsession you call love?"
Alaska paused for a few seconds.
"I didn't know the difference before," he admitted.
"But now… I do. Love isn't about possession. It's about protecting without locking someone away."
Alana smiled faintly.
"You learn fast too, Mr. Mafia."
"You're the teacher."
Flashes of Pain
The wind blew fiercely, carrying the scent of rain.
Alana stared at Alaska, trying to read his face, always full of secrets.
"Still nightmares?" she asked suddenly.
"Every night," he answered.
"But this time… you're there. And the dream isn't as dark as before."
"You realize you always talk like the main character of a traumatized mafia drama?" Alana chuckled softly.
"And you realize you talk like a girl who's fallen for that character?" Alaska shot back quickly.
Alana fell silent, her cheeks warming.
She tried to hide a small smile behind her coffee cup.
"You're still trying to control everything," Alana muttered.
"The world is chaotic enough without you making it worse."
"If chaos brings me closer to you," Alaska stepped closer, lowering his voice, "I don't mind."
A Real Moment
Silence hung for a few seconds.
Only the wind and their heartbeats could be heard.
Alaska stopped half a meter away from Alana close enough for their breaths to mingle.
"Alana…" he whispered.
"I know I've done a lot of stupid things. But let me make it right, not with words, but with time."
"And if I don't trust promises anymore?"
"Then I'll prove it not with promises, but with presence."
Alana looked into his eyes sharp, yet fragile.
She realized the man in front of her was no longer the one who had trapped her in a dark world.
Now, Alaska seemed like someone trying to live a normal life, even if his past haunted him.
"You realize," Alana whispered,
"every time you speak honestly, your voice isn't as terrifying as usual?"
Alaska chuckled softly, stepping closer.
"And every time you say that, it becomes harder for me not to touch you."
Alana held her breath.
"Don't get too close."
"Why?"