4. Promise to Never Give Up

Right after the reunion ended,

The warm sunlight brushed against Zera’s face as she stood near the pier at Ancol Beach, watching the calm waves chasing each other along the shore. Beside her, Farez smiled gently, observing Zera’s happy expression. They had just decided to spend time together, reminiscing about their high school days full of memories. Their relationship, which had once fallen apart, was now beautifully reconnected.

“I never get tired of looking at this sea, Farez,” Zera said as she let out a deep breath.

“It feels so peaceful here. It reminds me of when we were still in high school. We used to spend a lot of time here,” she continued.

Farez nodded.

“I know. This sea also witnessed the times we used to sneak away after school, remember?”

Zera laughed softly and nodded.

“Ha-ha-ha. You used to persuade me to come here all the time, even though we knew we’d get scolded by the school counselor if we got caught.”

“He-he-he. But they never found out, right?” Farez replied with a chuckle.

“But what I remember the most was when we sat on the sand, and you said that one day you wanted to become a successful entrepreneur.”

Zera turned to him, smiling meaningfully.

“And I’m still chasing that dream. But you, Farez? Have you achieved your dream?”

Farez looked down for a moment, then gazed at Zera seriously.

“My biggest dream now is just one, to make you happy.”

Farez’s words made Zera fall silent for a moment before she smiled, hiding her slightly blushing face.

“Your sweet talk never changes, does it?”

“Ha-ha-ha! Everything is just for you, Zera. Whatever it takes. This time, I will fight for our relationship, no matter what happens!” he said, full of hope.

They then walked along the beach, their feet touching the sand that was beginning to feel cool. The evening breeze blew gently, carrying the distinctive scent of the sea. Zera and Farez decided to stop for a moment, sitting on a large rock facing the ocean.

“You know, Farez?” Zera said while gazing at the beautiful horizon ahead.

“I once thought we would never meet again.”

“Me too,” Farez replied softly.

“When we separated back then, honestly, I regretted it so much. But now, I promise I won’t waste this chance,” he added.

Zera looked at him.

“Promise?”

“Promise!” Farez answered convincingly.

The day began to darken. The sun slowly set on the horizon, creating a golden orange glow reflecting beautifully on the surface of the sea. Farez stood up and extended his hand to Zera.

“Come on, I have a little surprise for you,” he said.

“What kind of surprise?” Zera looked at him suspiciously.

“Just come with me. Trust me,” Farez said with his signature smile.

They walked toward a small café by the beach. The dim café lights created a romantic atmosphere. In one corner, Farez chose a table facing directly toward the sea.

“This place is new, isn’t it?” Zera asked as she sat down.

“Yes, I just found out about it too. But when I saw it earlier, I thought it would be the perfect place for us.”

A waiter came with a menu, and Farez ordered orange juice for Zera and black coffee for himself. While waiting for their drinks, they continued talking.

“Do you still remember our favorite song from high school?” Farez asked suddenly.

Zera nodded.

“Of course. It’s still in my playlist.”

Farez smiled, then took out his phone. He played the song, and its soft melody began to fill the air. Zera smiled as she listened.

“Do you still like this song?” Farez asked.

“Very much,” Zera replied.

“You always know how to make me emotional.”

“Ha-ha-ha! Of course, Zera. Because you are the one who holds my heart,” Farez said sincerely.

Their drinks arrived, and they began enjoying the night atmosphere. The cool sea breeze added a peaceful feeling.

“Farez,” Zera said softly, breaking the silence.

“Yes?”

“Thank you,” Zera said, looking straight into his eyes.

“Thank you for choosing not to give up on our relationship.”

Farez held Zera’s hand on the table.

“I should be the one thanking you. Because you’re still willing to give me a second chance.”

Their conversation paused briefly when the waiter brought two plates of seafood pasta. Farez knew Zera loved seafood, and he had deliberately ordered her favorite.

“You really planned all of this, didn’t you?” Zera said with a smile.

“Of course. I want today to be a beautiful memory for both of us,” Farez replied as he took a bite of his food.

After eating, they decided to walk back to the pier. The calm night sea, accompanied by the sound of waves and the lights of ships in the distance, created an unforgettable atmosphere.

“I’m really happy today, Farez,” Zera said while holding onto his arm tightly.

“Me too,” Farez replied.

“And I hope this isn’t the last for us.”

Zera nodded, then rested her head on Farez’s shoulder. They stood there for quite a while, enjoying the night without needing to say much. In their hearts, each of them felt that this moment marked the beginning of a new journey they would walk together.

The night at Ancol Beach grew even more beautiful with the sound of gentle waves. Farez and Zera sat side by side on a wooden bench near the pier, enjoying the lingering romantic atmosphere after dinner at the seaside café. The cool sea breeze brushed against their faces, making the night feel perfect.

“You know, tonight really reminds me of our high school days,” Zera said, smiling as she looked at Farez.

Farez nodded, returning her gaze.

“I feel the same way. It’s as if nothing has changed, right? You’re still the one who makes me feel the most comfortable.”

Zera smiled softly, then shifted her gaze to the sea.

“I hope we can continue like this, Farez. Without anything disturbing our happiness.”

However, the warm atmosphere was suddenly interrupted by the soft ringing of Farez’s phone. He took it out of his pocket, unlocked the screen, and saw a message from his father.

“Don’t forget Saturday. You must attend the family meeting to meet your future wife. This is important, Farez. Don’t embarrass us.”

Farez froze. His heart felt like it stopped for a moment as he read the message. His eyes were fixed on the screen, his thoughts tangled between confusion and anxiety.

“Farez?” Zera’s voice broke his thoughts.

“Hmm?” Farez quickly turned off his phone screen and tried to smile.

“What is it, Zera?”

“What’s wrong? Why did you suddenly go quiet?” Zera asked, looking at him with concern.

Farez took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. He knew this was the right moment to be honest with Zera, but his tongue felt heavy to begin.

“There’s something I need to tell you,” Farez finally said, his voice slightly trembling.

Zera frowned.

“What is it? You look very serious.”

Farez looked at Zera with sincerity.

“I don’t know how to say this, but I don’t want there to be any secrets between us.”

Zera sat up straight, waiting for his explanation.

“Okay, just tell me. What’s going on?”

Farez rubbed his face, trying to gather his courage.

“Earlier … I got a message from my father. This Saturday, my family has arranged a meeting to set me up with a woman.”

Zera fell silent. Her once relaxed expression turned serious. She looked at Farez, seeking certainty.

“What? You’re being arranged into a marriage? Since when?”

Farez quickly explained,

“Listen first, Zera. This is all my parents’ decision, not mine. I’ve never agreed, but they keep forcing me. And now they’ve arranged the meeting.”

Zera lowered her head, trying to process what she had just heard.

“So… what’s your plan? Are you going to follow them?”

Farez shook his head firmly.

“No. I won’t let them decide my future without my consent. That’s why I want you to come with me this Saturday.”

Zera lifted her face, looking at him with questioning eyes.

“You mean, I should come to that meeting? For what?”

Farez held her hand tightly.

“I want to be honest in front of my parents. I want them to know that I already have someone I love, and that’s you, Zera.”

Zera froze for a moment, then slowly pulled her hand away.

“But, Farez … What if they don’t agree? What if your parents don’t accept me?”

Farez looked at her with determination.

“I don’t care. I only want you. We’ve come too far to turn back now.”

Zera fell silent, trying to find the right words.

“This is too sudden, Farez. I don’t know if I’m ready to face them.”

Farez held both of her hands again.

“I know this is difficult. But I can’t do this without you. I need you by my side.”

Zera took a deep breath, then looked at him.

“If that’s the case, you have to promise. No matter what happens later, you won’t give up on us.”

Farez nodded firmly.

“I promise. I will never give up, Zera. You are the choice of my heart, and I will fight for us.”

Zera finally smiled softly, although her eyes still showed a hint of doubt.

“Alright. I’ll go with you this Saturday.”

Farez smiled in relief, then pulled Zera into his embrace.

“Thank you, Zera. I’m truly grateful to have you in my life.”

That night, they spent more time by the beach, talking about their plans and how they would face Farez’s family. Despite the worries in their hearts, their strong love gave them the courage to move forward together.