Alter My Fate

Havi's anguish was palpable, his tears streaming down his face as he mourned his past mistakes. Diana, however, remained frozen in uncertainty, her expression a mask of confusion and concern.

As Diana listened to Havi's cryptic apology, her thoughts swirled with confusion. What did he mean by waiting decades for true love? What had he done to wrong her, and why did he seem so consumed by regret?

In a swift, unexpected movement, Havi stood up and wrapped his arms around Diana, sending her heart into a frantic beat, her body trembling with surprise.

Diana's lungs constricted under the pressure of Havi's bear hug, but paradoxically, she felt a deep-seated sense of calm and contentment that she had never experienced before.

Diana, who had secretly harbored feelings for Havi, allowed herself to be swept up in the moment, her mind wandering to forbidden thoughts as her cheeks flushed with a deepening blush.

For ten minutes, they stood entwined, lost in a world of their own. Diana's mind had grown foggy, her earlier concerns forgotten in the warmth of Havi's embrace. But as suddenly as it had begun, Havi released his hold on her.

Deep down, Diana felt a pang of disappointment as Havi released his hold on her. She couldn't help but wish he would wrap his arms around her once more.

Their eyes locked in a fierce stare, the two academic rivals seemingly oblivious to everything else. Diana's lips were inches from Havi's, but she suddenly remembered why she had come to his house.

"Havi...", Diana's voice broke the silence between them, her tone barely above a whisper."

The silence between them was oppressive, heavy with the weight of unspoken emotions. Havi's gaze was fixed on Diana, his eyes burning with a deep regret for the way he had once carelessly discarded her love.

"Diana..."

The sound of Havi's voice was like a whispered secret as he said her name. It was a word that seemed to hold the power to unlock hidden truths and unleash forbidden emotions, marking the beginning of a conversation that would reveal secrets and lies.

Diana's words were a tender invitation, "I want to talk to you". Her eyes shone with a deep longing, a desire to reconnect with the man who had once held her heart

Havi nodded in agreement, unlocking the door once more and inviting Diana to step outside. She followed him silently, her eyes never leaving his face.

Havi and Diana settled outside, selecting two large, flat stones as makeshift seats. The silence between them was palpable, a sense of anticipation hanging in the air as they prepared to begin their conversation.

Diana's voice was laced with a hint of suspicion as she asked, "Havi, what was behind your actions earlier? I sensed a hidden meaning, but I couldn't quite grasp it".

Havi's lips curled into a warm, enigmatic smile, leaving Diana to ponder the change in him.

'He's not the same person', she reflected, her inner voice laced with a hint of wonder.

Havi's voice was low and husky, his words dripping with regret. "Diana, I've carried the weight of my mistakes for far too long. I'm not sure if you'll believe me, but I need to tell you the truth".

Diana's eyes narrowed slightly as she spoke, "I don't understand what you're talking about, Havi. We've barely spoken, and I've never been to your house before today".

"It's too much to reveal right now", Havi said, his voice laced with sincerity. "But the most important thing is that I made you wait for over 20 years".

Without thinking, Diana reached out and placed her hand on Havi's forehead, her touch a comforting gesture that seemed to calm the air around them.

"I don't think you have a fever", Diana said, her tone matter-of-fact and unassuming.

Havi's response was brief, yet encouraging. "Come on, Diana..."

Diana's concern for Havi's well-being grew, fearing that his relentless pursuit of knowledge had taken a devastating toll on his fragile mind.

Diana's voice was barely above a whisper as she asked, "Havi, what's the measure of our years now? How old are we?"

Havi's voice held a quiet confidence as he revealed, "I'm 17 years old, and somehow, I feel certain that you're the same age as me".

Havi's memories of his past life included a fleeting glance at Diana's personal details, which showed that they shared the same birth year, in 1976.

"I'm indeed 17, Havi, just like you. But I don't understand. How could you have made me wait for more than two decades?"

"Havi, remember to maintain a balance. Don't immerse yourself too deeply in your schoolwork. Take some time to go out, breathe in some fresh air, and recharge. That's my approach, and it seems to be working"

"I'm not saying you should neglect your studies, Havi. But you need to remember that there's a world outside these walls, and you should experience it", Diana spoke at length.

"Diana, I swear to you, I'm telling the truth. In my previous life, we..."

"Reincarnation novels, are you into those?", Diana teased, cutting Havi off mid-sentence.

Diana suspected Havi's fascination with reincarnation stories was the reason behind his words. Nevertheless, it had brightened her day and restored her good mood.

Havi's eyes searched Diana's face, hoping to find a glimmer of understanding. But her expression remained skeptical, leaving him feeling like a shipwrecked sailor, lost at sea.

On the other hand, Havi felt a sense of relief wash over him. His attempt to share his reincarnation experience had been dismissed as a joke, sparing him from potential ridicule or skepticism.

In the end, Havi was struck by the realization of his own behavior towards Diana, particularly the sudden impulse to embrace her. This epiphany filled him with remorse, prompting him to apologize to Diana.

"Diana, I'm sorry for my behavior earlier. I don't know what came over me, but I suddenly felt this overwhelming urge to cry in front of you and hold you", Havi confessed, his voice sincere.

Diana's beautiful face lit up with a smile. In her heart, she whispered, 'Your hug was too brief, Havi.'

"Diana, do you forgive me for my mistakes? Why are you smiling?", Havi asked, his eyes locked on hers, one eyebrow raised in curiosity.

"I forgive you, Havi. Not just for what you've done, but for whatever mistakes you might make in the future", Diana said, her voice filled with kindness.

Diana gazed at Havi with warmth, despite being utterly perplexed about what mistake he could have possibly made.

"And as for your hug, I won't make a big deal out of it. But next time, it should be longer..."

"Oh.. No, No.. I mean, not that I'm complaining or anything. It's just... this is a first for me, and I'm not sure how to react", Diana admitted, looking a bit embarrassed

'Diana, you're such a mess,' she said, exasperated with herself.

With a warm, understanding smile, Havi acknowledged Diana's unspoken feelings. Drawing from the well of his past experiences, he pledged to provide her with the opportunity to experience authentic love.

However, Havi's heart was no longer solely dedicated to Diana. Another woman, Nuriana Salim, had taken precedence in his life, occupying a more important place in his affections.

It was through this woman that a divine miracle had unfolded in his life. A phenomenon that might be unparalleled in the annals of human history, since the creation of mankind.

The question lingered, however, where was Nuriana Salim at present? Was she still in Telaga City, or had she relocated to another city? If she remained in Telaga City, what was the name of her village?

The silence within Havi's mind was shattered by the whispers of his heart, a cacophony of emotions that seemed to emanate from the very depths of his soul.

He knew that he had to find Nuriana, to confront the mysteries of their past, and to unravel the enigma of their connection.

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