BORNEO

Ch. 1: Enter Arang

Kasih Orphanage, Ketapang, West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

January 26, 2113.

Located in the downtown area, the orphanage occupy a sizeable land, although most of the land is empty with only one three story building at the center with a low concrete wall surrounding it, there is a small vegetable garden in the backyard. There is a gathering in the living room, it's a birthday celebration for one of the oldest orphan in the orphanage.

"Happy birthday Arang! How time flies, who would believe the little rascal now is an adult with how small you are." Kasih, the orphanage owner came bringing a slice of cake with small candle lit on it and put it in front of a skinny boy with fair skin and long hair, his hair is tied into a ponytail. His black pupils reflect the candle light.

This boy is Arang, one of the orphans in the orphanage. He turns 18 today to become an adult based on the law and Kasih decide to have a small celebration since they almost never celebrate any birthday of the orphans. This is also might be the last time they can gather together with Arang, since as an adult he need to join the military service for 2 years and after that he can continue serving the military or apply for another job and moving to live on his own if he wants it.

"Hey, I'm not small! I'm just skinny." Arang complained. He have an average height, but since he is skinny he looks smaller than average people so people might mistake his age.

"You should stay small, so I can catch up with you. Happy birthday Arang!" Allyn, another orphan chided in with a playful tone. She just turned 15 last month and started to have feelings for boy, and Arang is her target of affection at the moment. She is your typical girl next door, pure, friendly, cute and brighten the room with her presence. Her body is just starting to develop that's why she wants to catch up with the now adult Arang.

"Happy birthday Arang!!!" Linda and Ham, two of the youngest orphans shouted. They really enjoy this kind of festivities. 12 and 10 respectively, they are the little sisters of everyone else in the orphanage. Ham, specifically, is a little bundle of energy who keep everyone alert with her antics.

The other orphans come in turns to say conglatulations to Arang. They are Willy the bookworm, Tan the quiet guy who often losing himself in his own world, Herman the brute and Leo the cool guy with his rough voice. They are at close age with each other and often spending time together along with Arang.

Then the last orphan come to Arang and hugs him, "Happy birthday Arang!" The last one to congratulate Arang is Siska, one of the idols of the orphans alongside Allyn. She is the devil incarnation, according to Allyn, because Siska have a very well-developed body although she is at the same age with Allyn. Siska enjoys teasing the boys and their gaze at her body. Now that Arang is an adult she went a step further by hugging him.

"Uhh, thanks everyone." Arang mind goes blank when Siska hugs him. He rarely have physical contact with girls so this is a new experience for him, not to mention the feeling of Siska on his body is distracting.

"Now, now. Let Arang blow the candle and make his wish, Siska." Kasih save Arang from further embarassment. The little ones are giggling seeing Arang embarassed, the other boys full of envy, and Allyn come over to separate Arang and Siska.

After the simple birthday celebration Kasih remind Arang that he should get his ID card as soon as possible before going to the military office for his service duty. Everyone then go to sleep, Arang went to his room on the top floor.

The next morning Arang wake up early and do his chores, he greet Kasih in the vegetable garden then getting ready before going to town for his ID and military service. He walks to town and reach the city office around 9 and apply for his ID. After finishing the procedure, he waits for about 1 hour and receive his brand new ID card.