"Here you are, sir. Your medicine. That will be twenty-five thousand Rupiah," said Melati, the pharmacist at Koba Baru Pharmacy, her voice gentle yet efficient as she handed over the small paper bag.
Felzein, a familiar face in the pharmacy, retrieved a twenty-thousand and a ten-thousand Rupiah note from his wallet, placing them on the counter.
The soft rustle of banknotes filled the brief silence between them.
Melati took the money with practised ease, her fingers moving deftly as she counted out the change.
She placed a five-thousand Rupiah note into his waiting hand, her expression warm yet professional.
"Here's your change, sir," she said with a polite smile.
Felzein gave a slight nod, the corners of his lips curving into a faint smile beneath the black mask he always wore.
"Thank you, miss."
"You're very welcome," Melati replied, her voice light but sincere. "Take care, and I hope you stay in good health."
Felzein gave a curt nod, his movements swift and purposeful, before turning on his heel and stepping out of Koba Baru Pharmacy.
With a soft hum, he ignited the engine of his white automatic scooter, easing it into motion as he rode at a leisurely pace, gradually fading into the distance, swallowed by the quiet expanse of the evening.
Melati exhaled a quiet sigh, a hint of contemplation in her gaze as she settled into her chair behind the cash desk.
She exchanged a brief look with her colleague and dearest friend, Rosa, who was affectionately known as Ocha, her presence a comforting constant in the otherwise routine bustle of the pharmacy.
"I've been rather curious about that young man from earlier," Rosa remarked, her voice breaking the quiet.
Melati glanced up, a note of surprise in her expression, "Curious about what, Cha?" she asked, her tone gentle with curiosity.
Rosa let out a soft sigh before answering, "Since the pharmacy first opened, from the very first time he came in for medicine to now, he's never once removed his mask."
Melati's lips curled into a light chuckle, "Oh, come now, Cha, perhaps you fancy him?" she teased, a playful glint in her eyes.
Rosa's expression remained thoughtful, "I'm simply curious, Mel," she replied. "But, I must admit, he does seem quite handsome."
Melati raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile tugging at the corner of her lips, "What if it's the other way round, Cha? Perhaps he wears the mask because his teeth are crooked, or who knows," she quipped, her laughter soft and easy.
Rosa let out an exasperated huff, "Oh, come on, Mel," she said, her tone light but teasing. "There are only two possibilities."
Melati raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued, "Possibilities? What do you mean?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Rosa leaned back in her chair, looking thoughtfully at the ceiling, "Well... it could be that he's just not very handsome," she said, then quickly added, "I'm not saying he's unattractive, though."
Melati smirked, "Ha! That's the same thing," she laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Rosa always had a way of being playful, even in the most casual of conversations.
"So, what's the second possibility?" Melati asked again, her curiosity growing.
Rosa paused dramatically, letting the silence hang between them, before she finally spoke, her voice dropping to a theatrical whisper.
"The second possibility... is that he's actually too handsome."
Melati fell silent, her mind drifting back to the fleeting image of the man, Felzein.
His eyebrows arched like a bow, his eyes sharp and piercing, his skin fair and flawless.
Rosa's words lingered in the air, and Melati found herself quietly agreeing. It was entirely plausible.
"Well, there might be some truth to that," she murmured, her voice soft. "I have to admit... I'm curious too."
Rosa let out a triumphant laugh, "See? I knew you were just as nosy as I am!" she teased, her smile wide.
The two of them shared a light laugh before their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of more customers, and the moment was gently put to rest, the bustle of the pharmacy drawing them back into their routine.
*****
Meanwhile, Felzein, having picked up his Paracetamol, made his way home.
His house stood large, imposing, and expansive, a silent testament to his success.
He passed through the wrought-iron gates, parked his scooter neatly in the garage, and stepped inside.
At just 24, he lived alone, his parents residing far away in another city.
To the eyes of the neighbours, Felzein was nothing more than the owner of a humble grocery store.
He was rarely seen tending to the shop himself.
In truth, he merely collected the net earnings. That was all.
Little did they know, behind the façade of an ordinary shopkeeper, he was a young doctor with a wealth of achievements, his true identity hidden from the world.
"It's been such an exhausting day," Felzein sighed deeply as he pushed open the door to his home.
With a quiet movement, he removed his black mask and walked towards the sofa.
He sank into it, letting his body lean back against the cushions, releasing a long, tired breath.
"I could really use a few days off," he murmured to himself. "I need time to just relax at home, enjoy life, and savour my youth a little longer," he added, his voice soft, almost wistful.
Without hesitation, Felzein reached for his phone and dialled Solehuddin, the owner of Mitrajaya Hospital, the large private hospital where he worked.
Though the age difference between them was considerable, Felzein and Solehuddin shared a bond that went beyond mere professionalism.
Their relationship was more like that of a father and son, and many people in their circle even referred to Felzein as Solehuddin's adopted child.
It wasn't long before the call was answered, the line connecting directly to Solehuddin's personal number.
"Salamu aleykom, Doctor Felzein," greeted Solehuddin as he answered the call, his voice warm with a touch of pleasure, as it always was whenever he heard from the young doctor.
"Wa aleykom salam, Mr. Soleh," Felzein replied, his tone respectful and polite.
Solehuddin chuckled softly, "Well, this is a surprise, Doctor. What's going on? Why the sudden call?" he asked with a playful tone.
Felzein couldn't help but smile, "Well, Mr. Soleh..." he began, hesitating for a moment. "I was wondering if I could request some time off. Do you think that would be possible?"
Solehuddin let out a light laugh, "Why are you asking me for permission, Doctor?" he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Surely, you can go straight through HR."
Felzein laughed as well, "I'd rather ask the owner directly. It just feels more proper, haha," he responded, his voice teasing.
The conversation flowed easily, and soon, Solehuddin, in his usual easygoing manner, granted Felzein his request.
"It's no problem, Doctor," Solehuddin said. "I understand, you must be exhausted with all the patients you've been seeing."
"Yes, Mr. Soleh. I just need a little time to refresh. A few days will do," Felzein replied, the weight of his words carrying a quiet sincerity.
Solehuddin's laughter filled the line again, "Well then, Doctor, I'll give you a full month off. It's nothing to worry about."
"And don't concern yourself with your salary either," he added, his voice relaxed. "You'll still be paid in full."
Felzein fell quiet for a moment, a slight pang of guilt stirring within him.
"Oh, Mr. Soleh, now I feel a bit uncomfortable," he confessed, his tone laced with honesty.
"Don't worry about it, Doctor," Solehuddin said warmly, his voice free of any pretence.
"Mitrajaya Hospital is what it is today because of your contributions. Really, I should be the one thanking you and feeling awkward."
The conversation continued, easy and comfortable, until finally, Solehuddin officially granted Felzein his leave, a full month, no less.
After finishing his conversation with Solehuddin, Felzein exhaled deeply, his chest rising and falling with the breath.
"Alhamdulillah... At last... A whole month free from patients, free from writing prescriptions, and..." he trailed off, his thoughts momentarily drifting.
"Free from medication, of course..." he added with a small, knowing smile, the words tinged with irony.
He stretched his limbs lazily, feeling the tension of the day begin to melt away, before he stood up from the sofa with a soft grunt.
"I think I'll have a shower," he murmured to himself, a sense of relief washing over him.
Before heading to the bathroom, he reached for the Paracetamol he'd just bought and placed it carefully into the first aid box fixed to the wall.
It was just for the stock at home, of course, a habit he'd long since grown accustomed to.
*****
(Evening, 9:00 PM, Koba Baru Pharmacy)
Once Melati was certain that everything was in order, she and Rosa began to gather their belongings, preparing to head home.
It had been a long, exhausting day, with a steady stream of customers coming in and out of Koba Baru Pharmacy.
"Is everything all set, Cha?" Melati asked, her voice soft, as she glanced over at Rosa, who was still tidying the counter.
Rosa nodded without looking up, her hands busy, "All clear, Mel. Let's head off," she answered, grabbing her bag and slinging it over her shoulder.
Melati's eyes drifted to the figure standing outside the pharmacy.
A smile crept onto her lips as she recognised the familiar shape, "Ah, looks like I've been picked up by my sweetheart," she teased, her voice light and playful.
Rosa's eyes flicked to Melati, and a teasing grin spread across her face, "Ooh… someone's got a boyfriend. Mr. Darling's number one now, huh?" she bantered, her tone full of mock surprise.
Melati let out a soft laugh, the sound light and carefree, "Haha... what about you, Cha? Don't you ever think about having a sweetheart?" she asked, casting a playful glance at her friend.
Rosa gave a nonchalant shrug, her gaze drifting, "Nah, not yet. It's just not the right time," she replied with a relaxed tone, her voice almost as if lost in thought.
Melati looked at her friend intently, a knowing expression crossing her face. She squinted slightly, a mischievous smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
"Could it be... that you're still curious about that young man from earlier?" she teased, her words dripping with playful suspicion.
Rosa's eyes widened in exaggerated surprise.
"Oh, don't be absurd!" she said, feigning annoyance, though the hint of amusement in her voice was undeniable.
Melati burst into laughter, unable to resist the sight of her friend's mock indignation, "Alright, alright. I was just joking."
Rosa huffed in mock irritation, her hands grabbing her bag with a flourish, "Go on then, get on with your dating," she said, her voice pretending to pout, though a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
"Haha, you're impossible!" Melati laughed, shaking her head fondly. She waved a hand in farewell. "Same shift tomorrow, Cha!"
"Yeah, yeah. Take care on the roads!" Rosa called out, her gaze lingering on Melati as she rode off with her boyfriend, a slight smile still playing on her lips.