The sun was at its fiercest when Barra saw Alma jogging out of the medical faculty building. Her hair fluttered in the wind, a sharp contrast to her grumpy expression caused by the sweltering heat. “It’s boiling! Let’s get a drink first,” Alma said, pulling Barra’s hand toward a cold drink stall on campus.
Two cups of boba tea were soon in their hands. Alma sipped hers enthusiastically, her eyes brightening instantly. Barra offered a thin smile. As a guy who lived a simple, straightforward life, seeing Alma’s small moments of joy was always his favorite view.
“Do you still have class?” Barra asked.
“One more. It ends in two hours,” Alma replied. “You?”
“Nothing. I’m heading straight home.”
“Wait, you’re not waiting for me? You usually do,” Alma pouted, her lips curling into a sulk.
“I’m just not feeling it today, Al. I need to clean the house and then pick up my mom from her office.” Barra tried to provide a logical excuse.
“Fine, let’s pick her up together later, like we did that one time,” Alma coaxed.
Barra shook his head quickly. “No! I’m not causing another scene.” He remembered it all too well—Alma had once forced him to pick up his mother using her father’s official military car with its special plates. His mother’s entire office went into an uproar, assuming Barra was the future son-in-law of a high-ranking military official.
Alma let out a crisp laugh. “I have my own car now, Bar. That time was just a coincidence because the guards had just dropped Papa off.”
“Still, everyone at Mom’s office remembers your face, Al.”
Alma smirked mischievously. “Well, what’s wrong with being seen as a future son-in-law? You don’t like it?”
Barra looked down, suddenly uneasy. “It’s not that… If our relationship actually goes that far, then great. But what if it doesn’t?”
Alma stared at him seriously, her laughter vanishing. “So you don’t think we’re serious?”
“No! I mean…” Barra held his breath, his brain—usually sharp enough to dissect law statutes—suddenly jammed. “I’m scared, Al. The gap between us is too wide. I’m just a regular student.”
“I’m tired of hearing that excuse,” Alma cut him off firmly. “Sunday. I expect proof of your seriousness. I already told Papa you’re coming over.”
“And?” Barra’s panic flared.
“And what?” Alma shrugged casually, hiding a smile as she saw Barra turn pale.
“What did your dad say?”
“He didn’t say anything,” Alma replied shortly, watching Barra sink into his seat in despair. As a law student, he knew every action had a consequence, and meeting General Yudistira was the heaviest consequence of his life so far. “If your dad asks about my father… what should I say, Al?” he asked softly.
Alma looked deep into his eyes. “Tell him the truth. Papa hates hypocrites. He values honesty above all else. You know how rigid he is about that, right?”
Those words stuck in Barra’s head. For the past six months, he thought his relationship with Alma was just a typical college romance. He was wrong. This was a high-stakes gamble of courage.
***
Barra stepped hesitantly toward his mother’s room that evening. Through the half-open door, he saw the woman who was the center of his world tidying the bed.
YOU ARE READING
Kidnapping the General's Daughter
Romance"He thought he was rescuing their love. He didn't know he was just driving her escape." Barra is a brilliant law student, a high-achiever who built his future on a prestigious scholarship. He plays by the rules and carries the weight of his mother's...
