Kidnapping the General's Daughter

CHAPTER 10: THE DIGITAL SHIELD

"Breakfast time!" Dom shouted from the kitchen. The sound of his heavy, hurried footsteps echoed as he carried a large tray that looked like it might tip over at any second.

Bara stood up quickly to help set the tray down. It held a steaming plate of wingko babat, warm fried tofu with an enticing garlic aroma, and a pot of hot Javanese tea.

"Are your parents still running the souvenir shop?" Bara asked, looking at the wingko babat. He remembered clearly that these were the signature treats sold in Dom's parents' shop.

Dom nodded, pouring the dark tea into three handled glasses. "It's getting busier. It helps pay for Angga’s college in Yogya."

"Your little brother? Wow, he's in college now?" Bara shook his head in disbelief, unable to grasp how fast time had passed.

"Yeah," Dom sighed, looking at his tea. "Sometimes I cover his rent. Mom and Dad spend most of their time at the shop now; they rarely come home to this house."

Bara went silent for a moment. He felt a mix of admiration and a slight pang of envy. "You're amazing, Dom. You already have a settled job, helping your brother... I envy you."

Dom nudged Bara’s arm playfully. "Don't be ridiculous. I'm not like you. You're smart, good-looking, and you somehow landed a General’s daughter."

Bara laughed bitterly. "Shut up. Look at the mess I'm in now." He lifted his tea glass, enjoying the warmth spreading through his chest.

Dom slurped his tea loudly, his expression turning uncharacteristically serious. "Serious, Bar. You and Alma... is it for real? I've never seen you this committed to someone."

Bara looked deep into his friend’s eyes. "Dom, I'm a fugitive now. Do you really think I'd go this far if I were just playing around?"

Dom paused, then nodded slowly. "Okay. I just wanted to be sure. Usually, you’re the type who avoids anything serious. You’ve always been buried in your books, never seeming to care about long-term commitment. But with Alma, it’s different. I want to know... are you falling for her because she's a General’s daughter, a future doctor, or... just for who she is?"

Bara was taken aback. "Your question sounds just like Alma’s dad, you know that?" He chuckled, then sighed, looking out at the lush mango trees. "Alma is simple, Dom. No drama, not spoiled, no nagging. And she’s brilliant. With her, I can just be myself. That’s what makes me sure."

Dom stared at Bara, reading the honesty behind his glasses, before finally nodding in satisfaction. "Fine. If you say so... I believe you." He popped a piece of tofu into his mouth, talking while chewing. "Must be nice being born handsome; half your life's problems are already solved."

Bara chuckled, pointing at the workshop standing next to the colonial house. "Must be nicer having a business like yours. No worries. Look at that—'The Fast & Furious Workshop'? It’s massive now."

Dom smirked proudly. "Well, that's the result of hanging out with you. You're the one who taught me to be brave enough to grow this place."

Their conversation stopped when Alma stepped out of the pavilion, her hair slightly messy and her face looking confused. Bara waved. "Breakfast, Al!"

Alma walked slowly toward the gazebo. Her steps were heavy, her face looking pale and burdened. Bara immediately stood up and pulled out a chair for her. "Sit here, Al. Eat before it gets cold."

But Alma didn't sit immediately. She stood still, looking at Bara with eyes full of doubt. Finally, she took a long breath and sank down beside him.

"What is it?" Bara asked softly, catching the tremor in her hands.