4. Sebastian Begins to Launch Approach

The Saturday morning sun slipped through the gaps in the curtains of the Pratama family home. Fresh air flowed in, carrying the fragrant scent from the backyard garden. In the living room, Mr. Pratama was already sitting neatly, reading the newspaper with a cup of black coffee, while Mrs. Sekar busied herself tidying the table, occasionally glancing at the wall clock.

“Dad, Sebastian is here,” said Mrs. Sekar with a wide smile as she heard the sound of a car engine stopping in front of the gate.

“That boy is quick. He’s already here at this hour,” replied Mr. Pratama as he folded his newspaper.

“He’s really serious about approaching Diandra,” his wife added teasingly.

The door opened. Sebastian appeared, looking neat in a long sleeved white shirt rolled up to his elbows, gray chino pants, and leather loafers. His warm smile spread as he shook Mr. Pratama’s hand and respectfully greeted Mrs. Sekar.

“Good morning, Uncle, Auntie,” Sebastian greeted politely.

“Morning, Bas. Come in. It’s only nine o’clock,” said Mr. Pratama, gesturing for him to sit.

“Would you like some breakfast, Bas?” Mrs. Sekar offered kindly.

“Thank you, Auntie. I already had breakfast at home. I came here to pick up Diandra. I heard there’s an art exhibition at Senayan City today.”

Mr. Pratama nodded slightly, hiding a satisfied smile.

“That’s good. Diandra has loved art since she was little.”

Meanwhile, upstairs, Diandra was still curled up in bed, wearing pajamas and a face mask, when her bedroom door was knocked.

Knock … knock …

“Di … Sebastian is here,” Mrs. Sekar’s voice sounded gentle but firm.

Diandra sighed lazily.

“Huh, just tell him I’m still sleeping, Mom. I’m tired.”

“You can’t do that, dear. He came all the way here with good intentions. You can’t just refuse to meet him.”

“Ugh … I’m so tired of hearing his name,” Diandra muttered while removing the mask from her face.

But her mother’s next words immediately caught her attention.

“But he said he wants to take you to an art exhibition at Senayan City.”

Diandra’s eyes widened instantly.

“An art exhibition?” she repeated softly, almost in disbelief.

“Yes. He said you would like it, so he has been planning it since last week,” her mother added, amused by her daughter’s sudden change of expression.

Diandra’s grumpy face suddenly brightened. She immediately got out of bed energetically and rushed to her wardrobe.

“Mom! Please get me the blue dress I wore when we went to Jogja! I want to wear that!”

“What? You just said you were too lazy, and now you’re suddenly so excited?”

“Well, it’s different. This is about art!”

It didn’t take long before Diandra came downstairs wearing a simple light blue dress that highlighted her elegance. Her hair was half tied, and her lips were touched with a hint of lip gloss. Sebastian, who had been chatting with her parents, stood up, mesmerized.

“Wow, you look beautiful, Di,” Sebastian said spontaneously.

“Thanks. We’re leaving right away, right?” Diandra replied briefly, still trying to hide her interest behind her indifferent attitude.

Mrs. Sekar and Mr. Pratama exchanged glances, unable to hide their smiles at this development.

The journey to Senayan City took place in Sebastian’s black BMW. The interior felt luxurious, yet the atmosphere was not stiff. Diandra sat beside Sebastian, playing with her phone while occasionally glancing out the window.

“How did you know there’s an art exhibition at Senayan City?” Diandra asked suddenly.

“I found out. I did everything for you, Di,” Sebastian replied with a sweet smile.

“Oh yeah?” she responded, slightly surprised.

“Besides, the first time we met at your house, you were reading a book about Van Gogh. And your mom also told me you often attended art exhibitions in high school.”

Diandra glanced at him, slightly surprised.

“You noticed that?”

“Of course. I’m serious about you, Di. I’m not just following the family’s plan to set us up.”

“Hmm … but you know, I still don’t agree with this arrangement.”

Sebastian smiled faintly.

“That’s okay. I don’t expect you to like me right away. But at least, I want you to know me, not from other people’s stories.”

That answer made Diandra fall silent for a moment.

Their car entered the basement parking area of Senayan City, then drove up toward the VIP entrance. As they got out, Sebastian instinctively opened the door and offered his hand.

“May I, Miss Diandra Areta?”

“I can still walk on my own,” Diandra replied flatly, though she briefly touched his hand before pulling away.

“Okay, noted! Hehehe,” Sebastian said with a soft laugh.

The art exhibition was held in a ballroom, elegantly decorated with soft lighting highlighting each artwork on the walls. Diandra was instantly captivated. She walked from one painting to another, reading descriptions, observing brush strokes, and engaging in warm discussions with Sebastian.

“This painting feels like it represents emptiness after loss,” Diandra said in front of a large black canvas with golden dots.

“You can feel that from the texture?” Sebastian asked, impressed.

“Art isn’t just seen, Bas. It’s felt.”

Sebastian nodded. He didn’t fully understand art, but the way Diandra spoke about it made him even more fascinated, not only with the artwork, but with the woman before him.

After exploring the exhibition, they sat at a coffee lounge inside the venue. Diandra sipped her cappuccino while still talking about her favorite painting.

“Which one did you like the most?” Sebastian asked.

“The watercolor one in the corner. Simple but emotional. Like you.”

“Huh? Me?” Sebastian was surprised.

“Yes. You seem relaxed and calm, but apparently you’re quite determined in approaching me,” Diandra said with a slightly sour expression.

“He-he-he.”

Sebastian laughed softly.

“If I were a painting, would you buy me yet?”

“Not yet. Still in the bargaining process,” Diandra replied with a playful smile.

That smile warmed Sebastian’s heart. Today, he realized one thing, it was just the beginning, but he had already broken through one layer of Diandra’s defenses. And for him, that was more than enough.

After enjoying the exhibition and relaxing in the lounge, Sebastian glanced at his watch and looked at Diandra, who was still busy taking photos of some brochures.

“Di,” he called gently.

“Yes?”

“Do you still have time? I know a place you might like.”

“What place? Another art gallery?” Diandra asked, half hopeful.

Sebastian smiled mysteriously.

“No. But it’s still colorful and it might make you laugh.”

“Hmm … where are you taking me?” she asked, uninterested.

Sebastian stood and offered his hand.

“Just come with me.”

Diandra raised an eyebrow. Though hesitant, she followed him out of curiosity.

A few minutes later, they arrived on the upper floor of Senayan City, right in front of an indoor arcade filled with neon lights and retro game music. Diandra froze.

“Sebastian, are you seriously bringing me here?”

“Why? You don’t like it?”

“It’s not that I don’t like it. I’m just surprised. You seem so formal and serious, but you actually enjoy this,” she said.

“Well, I want you to know all sides of me,” Sebastian replied casually.

“If you’re comfortable, we play. If not, we can leave. But I’m really curious about your skills in Dance Dance Revolution.”

“He-he-he.”

Diandra laughed softly, her laughter freer this time.

“Alright, Sebastian. But don’t regret it if you lose!”

They started with a mini basketball game. Diandra laughed seeing Sebastian shooting seriously as if he were in an NBA match.

“Wow, such a style! That’s all the points you got?” she teased.

“Your turn. You may win at art exhibitions, but arcade basketball? Who knows?”

It turned out Diandra was quite skillful. One ball after another went in, and her final score surpassed Sebastian’s.

“I win!” she exclaimed, clapping her hands.

“Okay, I admit it. You’re secretly good.”

“Never underestimate a woman who can paint and play basketball,” she said proudly.

They moved on to a racing game. Diandra looked focused, gripping the wheel seriously while Sebastian tried to distract her.

“Watch out, sharp turn ahead!”

“I know!” she snapped.

“Wait, how do you know the track?”

“It’s all about instinct,” she replied as she overtook Sebastian’s car on the screen.

“Yeah, I lost again,” Sebastian muttered, laughing.

Diandra smiled wider. She was no longer stiff like in the morning. A sense of comfort had grown unexpectedly, Sebastian was fun to be around.

After trying several games, they arrived at the Dance Dance Revolution machine. Colorful lights illuminated the dance floor.

“Okay, now prove what you said earlier,” Sebastian challenged.

“Ready, Mr. Formal. Let’s see who has the coolest moves.”

The electronic music blasted as the game started. Diandra moved nimbly, following the arrows precisely. Sebastian tried to keep up but often lagged behind.

“Wow, you’re serious, Di!” Sebastian shouted.

“I told you don’t underestimate me!”

The game ended with Diandra winning decisively. They both laughed, out of breath.

“This is actually fun,” she said while sitting on a bench near a vending machine.

“I thought you’d say you were tired and bored,” Sebastian replied.

“I used to think you were stiff, boring, and too serious.”

Sebastian looked at her.

“Used to?”

“Yes. Now I’m confused,” Diandra admitted.

“Confused about what?”

She played with her water bottle before looking at him seriously.

“You’re attentive. You know what I like. You brought me here. You could have just followed the arrangement formally fancy dinners and boring conversations. But you didn’t.”

Sebastian smiled.

“I don’t want you to feel forced. I just want you to know that even though this started from a family plan, I want you to be happy when you’re with me.”

His words made Diandra pause. She lowered her head, trying to gather her thoughts.

“Today I’m really happy,” she said softly.

“Me too,” Sebastian replied.

“But that doesn’t mean I agree to this arrangement,” she added quickly.

Sebastian chuckled.

“He-he-he. I’m not asking for an answer now. I just want the chance to spend today with you. And maybe tomorrow or the day after. Who knows?”

Diandra smiled faintly.

“You’re good with words.”

“Not really. I’m just honest.”

They sat side by side in comfortable silence.

After a while, Diandra stood up and stretched.

“Let’s play one last game before we go home.”

“What game?”

“The claw machine! I want that teddy bear.”

They stood in front of the machine. Diandra pointed at a large brown bear inside.

“Target locked. Ready, Bas?”

“Ready, sweet lady!”

Sebastian took control, carefully positioning the claw. It descended, grabbed the bear, wobbled slightly—but successfully lifted it out.

“Yes!” Sebastian shouted.

“You did it!” Diandra exclaimed happily, hugging the teddy bear tightly.

“That’s for you.”

“Sebastian, you know, this is the first time I’ve received a stuffed toy from a guy,” she said softly.

“I hope it won’t be the last,” Sebastian replied gently.

They walked side by side toward the elevator, Diandra holding the teddy bear, while Sebastian quietly felt that his day was perfect.

That day, Sebastian didn’t just take Diandra out he broke through a layer of the walls around her heart.

And now, he knew… she was slowly beginning to open the door to her heart.