The weather was nice, not too hot, nor too dark. The sun shines moderately and the wind breeze was cool to touch, quite rare in such a tropical place. Tree leaves waving goodbye to their fallen comrades, as a slave was sweeping his master's residence from the dead leaves. Some ladies were busy gossiping while others, might've not been so lucky as time felt too short, too short with such little wage to live.

In the heart of the Keraton Sultanate—actually, quite far from the palace, specifically, the housing area that the wealthy can afford. It is almost like tossing an unused cent to a beggar, as if they wanted to—they would buy a more lavish residence. But that's not the interesting part, at least not to you. From the terrace of your residence (one you got from your father), you glance to the bustling streets not too far from the housing area. You find it fascinating, not the upper class who shade themselves inside their carriage—no, no, they're archaic and stodgy. What you find fascinating is the local natives, the traditional market, the innocent kids who tag along, the gossiping women—well, at least that's one common thing between the noble ladies and them, being women.

Some of them walk into the housing area, possibly for their work as servants, or just passing by to a destination unknown to you. Back then, your friends, acquaintances—even your parents, called you weird for your habit of gazing into the locals' activity. You're grateful now, as you actually objected to stay in your father's old residence, yet it gives you the freedom you wanted. You could do whatever you want now. That, until you realize...

Your eyes meet with a girl's eyes.

"Pardon me good sir, are you looking forward to buy something from me?" The girl says.

Wait—you've seen those eyes before, no, you've seen the girl once. Once when you strolled around out of boredom. What was her name? Right, they called her...Ayu? After you'd grasped a few words from their language, you did understand a few phrases. Ayu.. Well, she's quite pretty, if you're to be honest.

You saw her once around the market, selling a drink called 'Jamu' from glass bottles inside her basket on her back. Some smelled bitter, while others were much sweeter for the children. As sweet as those eyes, if you may. 'Mbak Rahayu, manis kadhos gendhis aren,' a phrase you heard once from an old lady that bought a glass of jamu from her. Dare you say, she was right. However...It seems like you're enamoured, and you didn't even try to hide it...Until you hear her voice again and it breaks your reverie.

"Sir?" Ayu says one more time, and she tilts her head in confusion.