Chapter 27: How You Changed Me (Part III, End)

Ding. A WhatsApp message popped up.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm reading about the theory of relativity. You?" I replied.

"Just about to text you. Tell me about what you're reading."

I was too lazy to type, so I just called my new girlfriend—we'd been together for exactly seven days.

"Do you even think you'll understand if I explain it?" I teased.

"Not really. You know how my math and science grades are—always between seventy and eighty. And that's after studying all night."

"Haha, that's already good. Don't underestimate yourself."

"Yes, Mr. Wisnu. You sound like a guidance counselor."

"Of course. Back at my old school, I was basically a regular in the guidance counselor's office. Pretty much mastered all their life lectures."

"Hmm... Bad boy. But you're unique, Wisnu."

"Unique how?" I asked, curious.

"Hmm... From what I see, you have your own kind of charisma. A special aura. Cold, mysterious. And I feel incredibly comfortable when I'm with you."

"Does that mean you love me?"

"Since the cafeteria incident."

"I'm flattered. You're unique too."

"How so?" she asked eagerly.

"I was never really interested in any girl I met or those who tried to get close to me. I kept my heart closed to all of them. And then you came along. Only you could do this—make me feel this way. Make me open my heart."

Through the phone, I could tell she was smiling.

"Wisnu."

"Yeah?"

"If another guy tries to hit on me, would you be mad?"

"If another girl tried to hit on me, would you be mad?"

"I'd be jealous. What about you?"

"I'd be happy."

"What? Why?"

"That means my girlfriend is truly a catch."

"What if someone tries to text me, trying to steal me away from you?"

"That's fine."

"Ugh, why are you like this? Do you even care about me?"

"Haha. That's the risk, Rachel, of dating someone as beautiful as you. Of course many guys would like you. But it all comes down to how you respond to them. I trust you—you're a good, smart woman who knows her boundaries. Now let me ask you, are you worried about having a boyfriend like me?"

"No."

"Why not?" I asked rhetorically.

"Lots of girls admire you. Lots of girls like you. But you don't even notice. You're indifferent. You're a bad boy, but not a playboy. And most importantly, you respect women. So I know you'd never hurt my feelings."

I smiled, feeling a little proud hearing that.

"Wisnu."

"Yeah?"

"Thank you for opening your heart to me."

"Rachel."

"Yeah?"

"Thank you for accepting me."

"Goodnight, love. Thank you for tonight. See you tomorrow at school."

"Goodnight, love. See you tomorrow at school."

***

Turns out, dating isn't so bad. I feel more alive, happier going through each day with a partner. A lot has changed between when we were just friends and now that we're dating.

For me, as a guy in love, there's a deeper sense of belonging—a protective instinct, worried if anything happens to her. But not overly so—not possessive. Because that's suffocating, and I don't like feeling trapped either.

Then there's the extra attention from my partner. Now I don't just get breakfast; she packs me lunch too. I asked,

"Don't you get tired of cooking like this all the time?"

"Not at all. In fact, I love it even more, cooking for you. And you always eat with such enthusiasm—it makes me even more excited to cook."

I always finish every bite, down to the last grain of rice. It's a way to show gratitude for the food and respect for the person who prepared it. Mom taught me that.

Our way of speaking also changed—from casual 'lu–gue' to the more affectionate 'aku–kamu,' and now we call each other 'sayang' (love). The first woman to ever call me 'sayang' was my mom. The second was Rachel. And 'sayang' holds different meanings between them.

I think I'm starting to understand what it means to fall in love. Though, I still can't fully describe how it feels, since it's all so new. I just hope things stay good and keep getting better.

Sorry if I sound a bit sappy.

But this is how I feel.

Haha.

***

Senior Year of High School.

After school, I waited in front of class 12 Science 4 for the girl I'd grown close to over the past seven months.

Five minutes later, Mira, Rachel's new deskmate, walked out of the classroom carrying a familiar drawstring bag. I started to wonder. What's going on?

"Rachel's missing, Nu. Since around two this afternoon. I tried calling her, but her number's not active." She handed me the bag.

Suddenly, my phone rang. Rachel's name flashed on the screen.

"Chel, where are you?"

"Hello, Wisnu darling." A sickeningly sweet voice came through—the voice of the worthless guy I'd beaten up before. My ears burned hearing it. I quickly walked to the far corner of the third-floor terrace, looking for some privacy.

"Where's Rachel?"

"She's right here, darling. Why don't you come to see me?"

"YOU SON OF A BITCH! I'M ASKING WHERE RACHEL IS!" My voice rose, but I kept it low enough not to attract attention. My anger was boiling.

"Hahaha. Wisnu, Wisnu. Relax, man. She's fine. Sitting right next to me. Tied to a chair, hands and feet bound, mouth taped shut."

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT?! WASN'T THE BEATING I GAVE YOU ENOUGH?!"

"I want you to come over. Settle our unfinished business. Payback. I'll send the location from your sweetie's phone."

"FUCK YOU!!!" My fury exploded.

Within seconds, a location was shared with me.

The call was still connected. "I want to hear Rachel's voice."

"Okay, invincible Wisnu. Hold on." Just hearing him say that made me want to break his face again.

From the other end, I heard the sound of tape being ripped off.

"WISNU, DON'T COME HERE! THEY'RE GOING TO—" Her voice was muffled again.

"You heard your little sweetheart, right? I'll be waiting." The call ended.

Fear, anxiety, and rage twisted inside my chest. Without another thought, I jumped on my bike, speeding toward the location. It was somewhere on the outskirts of the western part of the city.

Twenty minutes later, I arrived. I parked my bike in front of a rusty steel rolling gate. The place was an old, abandoned textile factory. Tall weeds, nearly as high as me, lined the narrow path leading to the front terrace. Standing at the entrance—a rusted iron door—was someone familiar.

Murni, one of Darwin's lackeys, greeted me. He wasn't in his school uniform but dressed casually.

"Where's Rachel?" I asked sharply.

"Follow me."

Murni led me inside the building, its walls covered in graffiti. A faint stench of urine and decay lingered in the air—whether from inside or drifting through the shattered windows, I couldn't tell.

We climbed a zigzagging staircase to the second floor. In the corner of the room, I saw Rachel, tied to a chair with duct tape over her mouth. Her face was streaked with tears, and she groaned in protest when she saw me—regretful that I'd come.

Then I saw him. A big, burly guy with a wild mop of curly hair, his physique almost unreal, like a beast. From his build, I guessed he was from the eastern part of the country. Dori—another of Darwin's cronies. And there was Darwin himself.

But then—

"Nico?!"

His head hung low, filled with anxiety. He was wearing his school uniform, just like me and Rachel. But he hadn't been in class today. So this was why. A mix of confusion and rage surged through me. Why was he here with Darwin?

"What the hell are you doing here?"

***

He stayed silent, his head hanging low, avoiding my gaze. I tried to understand the situation, and it started to make sense—the role Nico played between Darwin and Rachel. But I wanted Nico to say it himself.

"Co. Answer me." I stared at him sharply, coldly.

"He's the one who helped me bring Rachel here." Just as I suspected. But it wasn't Nico who spoke—it was Darwin.

"If it weren't for Nico, there's no way I could've dragged the prettiest girl in school here. Thanks to his stupidity..."

"Win. Please don't continue," Nico finally spoke, cutting him off.

"Now that Wisnu's here, I want my share, and then I'm out."

"YOU BASTARD! I THOUGHT OF YOU AS MY FRIEND, BUT TURNS OUT YOU'RE TRASH!" The anger I'd been holding back erupted. I charged toward Nico, ready to punch him. Suddenly, the big guy stepped in, blocking me. He swung a massive fist at me. Reflexively, I stepped back and blocked with my crossed arms. His fist was huge—twice the size of mine. I managed to block it, but the pain was sharp. I'd never felt anything like it. Maybe because I was caught off guard.

"Hahaha!" Darwin laughed, satisfied.

"Meet Sempra. The number one enforcer in West Jakarta. I hired him just for you. Finally, I get to end the legendary reputation of Wisnu."

"Too early to be satisfied. This is just the beginning," I replied.

"I'm sure of it, Nu. You're going down today. And I can't wait to see it."

"Win. Please. I feel really bad about this," Nico muttered.

"Feeling guilty, huh? Just enjoy watching your buddy get beaten up. Otherwise, you won't get the money for your mom's treatment."

Treatment? His mom?

"The rules are simple, Nu. If you can beat my guy, I'll let Rachel go. If not, you die. Ohhh, that would be so satisfying. Either Rachel's free, or you're dead. Simple, right?"

"I accept your challenge." I didn't expect Darwin to be this psychotic. He was different from when we first met.

I took off my jacket and school shirt, leaving only my black tank top.

The fight began. I took my stance. So did my opponent.

I moved forward, striking quickly. Left and right punches, kicks with both legs. He didn't dodge. Didn't block. He took every hit, unfazed. His body felt like solid steel.

He laughed mockingly. My attacks were nothing but tickles to him.

I tried my luck with a left punch aimed at his solar plexus. He caught it! Grabbed my arm. He choked me, smashing his forehead into mine. He shoved me against a pillar. Slammed his knee into me twice. Then yanked me forward and swept my legs out from under me.

Before I could even process the pain, a punch shot toward my face. Reflexively, I dodged and countered with a spinning kick. It hit his face. Still nothing. No reaction.

I staggered to my feet, dazed from the blow to my head. I forced adrenaline through my veins, ignoring the pain. Took my stance again.

I tried a powerful front kick with my right leg, as fast and strong as I could manage. He caught it! Gripped my foot tightly with both hands. Pulled me forward, probably expecting to hurt my groin. But no—I was used to doing splits.

Crack!

That spinning kick was lightning-fast. Pain exploded through me. If I'd dodged a second later, my neck could've snapped. One of my front teeth was gone. Two molars were barely hanging on. Blood poured from the inside of my torn mouth.

My vision blurred. My hearing faded. Darwin's laughter grew louder. Rachel was groaning behind the duct tape, her face twisted in horror at my battered state. This was the worst beating I'd ever taken.

Can I win? Can I turn this around? I can't give up.

I forced myself to stand. Focus. Gather energy. Analyze the situation. No matter how tough his body is, he must feel pain. No matter how strong he is, he has weak spots.

The head. The elbow nerves. The knee nerves. I need to close the distance.

He charged. His right leg swung from the left. I ducked. Slammed my right elbow into his left knee's nerve. His knee buckled to the ground. He groaned in pain. His right knee was still half-raised. I stabbed my left foot into its nerve with all my strength. Got him! Both knees hit the floor.

I moved behind him. Grabbed his thick hair, aiming to smash his face with my elbow.

Damn!

His hands moved faster, grabbing my head before my elbow could connect. He hurled me forward.

My back hit the ground hard. Damn again! Just as I stood up, his left leg crashed into my chest. I flew back a meter and a half, slamming into a pillar. No time to breathe—he rained punches on me. Left, right, left, right—hammering my chest and stomach relentlessly. Faster and faster. Twenty-one hits in total. Then, a spinning kick to my solar plexus ended the barrage. I collapsed, coughing up blood. Internal bleeding.

"WISNU!!!" Rachel screamed. My blurry eyes caught her crying in despair. Damn Darwin—he'd removed her gag for the drama. Nico tried to approach me, but the bastard held him back.

Blood soaked my chest. My gray pants were stained with dark red splotches. Am I going to die? Maybe. But if I die here, two people will carry guilt forever—Rachel and Nico. I can't let that happen.

I struggled to my feet. Leaned against a concrete block for support.

"Wow. I can't believe it, Nu. You're still not giving up? Looks like you really do want to die. Alright, Sempra. Finish him."

I didn't care about Darwin's taunts.

The day was fading, leaving only the dim light of dusk. For my friend and for love, I had to win this fight.

Deep breath. Close my eyes. Set my stance. Feel the texture and atmosphere around me. Focus every last bit of energy. This final attack must be precise, fast, and powerful.

Huff. I exhaled and opened my eyes.

A powerful punch shot toward my face. I ducked. Slammed both elbows into his left and right knee nerves. He collapsed. My right fist shot up—a fierce uppercut to his chin. Two of his teeth flew out. His neck was exposed. Without hesitation, my left fist smashed into his throat. He choked, gasping in pain.

Time for payback. I pummeled his face with rapid punches—right, left, right, left. Eighteen strikes landed. Two final jabs shoved his face back. Bruises and blood painted his dark skin. One last move—a devastating spinning kick to his nose. He flew backward and passed out cold.

Silence.

Shocked faces surrounded me. Especially Darwin's. He couldn't believe what he'd just witnessed.

"You're a monster, Nu. Freakin' insane. Let's get out of here." Darwin gave up. He dragged his cronies away, leaving his unconscious enforcer behind. But Nico didn't follow. Instead, he rushed to help Rachel untie her bonds.

Rachel immediately ran to me, catching my staggering body before I collapsed.

"Oh God, Wisnu. You're seriously hurt. Let's get you to the hospital." She struggled to support me. Nico stepped in to help her.

The three of us exchanged tense glances. There was an unspoken tension between me, Rachel, and Nico. But I chose to ignore it—for now—and accepted his help. Deep down, I understood why he did what he did.

Then, I blacked out.

***

I woke up, lying in bed, dressed in a patient's gown. Rachel was asleep beside me, her head resting on her arm. She was no longer in her school uniform. The wall clock above the door showed it was almost midnight.

Suddenly, the door creaked open.

"Hey, Nu. You're awake?" It was Nico. He wasn't in his school uniform either.

"..." I just nodded.

"Uh... The doctor said you need full rest for two weeks. Your internal bleeding was pretty bad, so you need proper recovery." Nico spoke hesitantly, guilt still heavy in his heart.

"What's wrong with your mom, Co?"

"Uh... She had a stroke, Nu. Her right arm is numb, and the right side of her face droops."

"..."

"I'm really sorry, Nu. I was desperate for money for my mom's treatment. I wasn't thinking clearly and didn't know who to ask for help."

"You got the money from Darwin?"

He shook his head.

"How much do you need, Co?"

"What do you mean, Nu?"

I struggled to sit up. Pain and soreness flared through my body, but I pushed myself to stand and walked toward the guy who was as tall as me.

"Yeah. How much do you need for your mom's treatment?"

"I... I need two million rupiah, Nu."

"Alright. I'll give it to you tomorrow."

"Are you serious, Nu?"

"Co, you're my friend. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me for help."

His eyes welled up with tears.

"Nu, I don't know what to say. I got you and Rachel into this mess. I shouldn't have pan—"

I hugged Nico to calm him down.

"I'm so sorry, Nu. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." His watery eyes turned into a flood, soaking my shoulder.

"It's okay. You are forgiven," I said, patting his back, hoping to ease his guilt.

***

Eventually, Nico told me everything. How it all happened. How Rachel ended up being held captive by Darwin.

His mother had a stroke, leaving the right side of her body numb. She was fired from her job as a secretary. The severance pay was enough for daily needs and her medication for about eight months. But eventually, the money ran out, barely enough to feed both of them.

Then Darwin came, offering Nico dirty work with tempting pay. He was desperate enough to betray me just to keep living.

Nico lured Rachel to meet him behind the school, saying he had something important to discuss about me. But it was all a trap. When Nico and Rachel were talking, Darwin's two goons covered Rachel's head with a black cloth, knocking her out, and shoved her into a car waiting outside the school's back gate.

That's how it happened. How Rachel got kidnapped. How Darwin set the bait—for revenge.

***

Nico realized he couldn't keep relying on me. It was enough that he'd asked for money once. He decided to start working after school to cover daily expenses and his mother's medical needs. He also promised to pay me back once he started earning. I told him that wasn't necessary. He and his mother were more important.

It didn't take long. He got a job as a barista at a newly opened café in the southern part of the city. At first, he was rejected because he was still in high school and could only work in the afternoons after classes. But after explaining his family situation, they hired him.

He's a smart kid, even though his academic grades might say otherwise. Hey, no one's perfect. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Nico was the kind of person who could get along with anyone. He was good-looking and a great communicator. I knew he'd do well at the café, especially in a job that required charm and hospitality.

Two, three months passed since that incident. Nico had become a different person—more mature, the backbone of his family, but still the fun guy I knew.

We grew even closer. We often hung out together—me, Rachel, and Nico. He'd share stories about work and his daily life. His salary, tips from customers, and bonuses from the café owner meant he no longer had to worry about his mother's medical bills. Plus, he could pay his school fees on his own. What I loved most was seeing Nico's happiness as his mother's condition gradually improved, even though she wasn't fully recovered yet.

But fate had other plans.

It all ended two months before graduation. Late one night after work, Nico was hit by a speeding car coming from the opposite direction at a curve. He was thrown seven meters, his helmet flew off, and his head struck the asphalt. He died on the spot.

Hearing the news devastated me. I lost my best friend. No more stories shared over our school desks. No more laughter in the corner of the classroom. It was the first time my heart felt truly shattered—losing a friend.

***

Time moved on, but Nico remained a part of my life that I would never forget. He was the friend who helped me find love—Rachel.

My relationship with Rachel remained solid after eighteen months. But college pulled us apart, putting a full day's flight between us. I got accepted into a university in the U.S., while Rachel stayed in Indonesia. We both applied to a university in Massachusetts. I got in, but Rachel didn't.

When I found out I'd been accepted, I immediately called her.

"Rachel, I got in! How about you?"

"Oh, really?! Congratulations, I'm so happy for you. I... I won't be able to go with you."

"Why? You got accepted too, right?"

"No, sweetheart."

"That's okay. We'll apply to other universities, whether here or abroad. The important thing is we study together, right?"

"Don't."

"Why?"

"This is a rare opportunity, and so many people would kill to have what you've got. Maybe it's better if I stay here, Nu. I can't leave my mom and dad."

Hearing that, I understood. Even though it hurt a little. Rachel was an only child. It must've been hard for her parents to let her study so far away.

"Okay. I understand."

"Thank you."

Eventually, Rachel focused on applying to top universities in Indonesia. She got into three out of four she applied to and chose the one in Depok, majoring in Management—just like me.

***

When September came, I had to leave Rachel behind and start my college journey. Tears streamed down her face as she hugged me at the airport. I was heartbroken too, but my pride kept me from crying.

"Don't forget to call me when you land."

"Yeah."

"Don't forget to call often."

"Yeah."

"Don't forget to Skype."

"Yeah, babe. And I'll come home every summer."

I let go of the hug, wiped her tears, kissed her forehead, and walked toward the departure gate.

***

We were in a long-distance relationship for twenty-four months. After that, in the early part of my third year in college, the relationship I thought would last forever ended. Rachel broke up with me—unilaterally. No reason. No signs. No explanation I could find.