The sky in this city was never as beautiful as the sky in the village where Dinda came from. Back in her hometown, the dry-season sky turned a brilliant blue during the day, while stars glittered clearly at night. The sun rose shyly over the eastern horizon, and dusk wrapped the western sky in calming violet hues.
The air there was different, too. Cool, fresh, and clean. Its rivers ran clear and peaceful between rocks and clusters of bamboo. Far from the city's hustle and bustle. Far from the noise.
Now, everything had changed. In this city—a provincial capital—everything moved too fast, sounded too loud, and felt cold. Even the sun seemed reluctant to greet her as Dinda stepped out through the gate of her uncle's house on her first morning heading to school.
She was nobody in this city. Just a girl from a remote village who had come on a scholarship. No money, no connections. Only her brains, achievements, and courage had brought her to Griya Mandala High School, an elite school where the children of the rich and famous went to study.
Her new school uniform felt strange against her body. It wasn't the usual gray uniform she'd worn before, but the style unique to this school. More luxurious, stiffer. Even the sidewalk leading to school seemed like an uncharted wilderness with no directions.
That morning, her uncle couldn't take her because he had to open his store early. Dinda didn't mind. Maybe this was better. She understood, and she also preferred going on her own. No one would see her nervous and afraid. No one would see her hands trembling or the tension in her face.
Ahead stood a magnificent three-story building beneath a large sign: GRIYA MANDALA HIGH SCHOOL. A famous school where the children of officials, local celebrities, and local tycoons studied. Her steps grew heavier.
“Dinda… this is where you are now. Stay focused and prepare yourself!” her inner voice whispered.
Dinda took a deep breath before stepping through the school gate. Instantly, several pairs of eyes turned toward her. Her battered shoes, worn schoolbag, and simple ponytail looked out of place among branded shoes and perfectly straightened hair.
Students were already standing in neat rows in the schoolyard. That day marked the start of the new semester. Dinda stepped aside, looking for the junior-year science track 2 line listed on her placement letter. Her heart pounded as if it were about to leap out of her chest.
“Hey, who’s that?” whispered a girl student in a neat uniform, her skirt riding far above her knees.
“Probably a transfer student. Look at those shoes… Ugh, so not okay,” her friend sneered, loud enough for Dinda to hear.
Dinda pretended not to hear them. But their voices were like sharp bullets piercing her skin. The first wound on her first day, and all she could do was let out a long sigh.
Her eyes accidentally met those of a tall, athletic male student who stood out sharply from everyone else. His uniform was neat, his hair perfectly styled, and his aura commanding. Two other male students stood behind him like personal bodyguards.
The boy stared at Dinda sharply, his gaze as keen as an eagle's. His cold, judgmental eyes traveled over her from head to toe, as if appraising the quality of an object.
Dinda hurriedly lowered her head. But it was already too late. Their eyes had locked for several seconds. And in that brief moment, an uncomfortable feeling slipped into her body.
She knew this school wouldn't be easy for her. The other students might have a hard time accepting her circumstances.
The ceremony began. The names of new and transfer students were called. When Dinda's name was announced, she slowly stepped forward.
“Dinda Prameswari, a transfer from SMAN 3 Purnajaya. Winner of the provincial IT competition,” the vice principal announced.
Several students whistled mockingly. Even the applause sounded more like sarcasm than appreciation. Dinda walked with her head slightly bowed, staring at the schoolyard tiles with mixed feelings.
After the ceremony, she climbed the stairs to the second floor and entered the junior-year science track 2 classroom. It was still quiet. She chose a seat in the back corner, seeking a little shelter from the intimidating, unfamiliar world around her.
A few minutes later, the arrival of a group of students was heralded by their noisy chatter. Among them, the athletic boy from earlier appeared again. He walked with easy confidence. He immediately took the seat in the middle, like a king returning to his throne.
A girl student wearing glasses passed beside Dinda. She whispered, “See that, Din? That’s Leo. He leads the boys’ clique here. His family owns a real estate business. Be careful, okay? Don’t go looking for trouble.”
Dinda only nodded softly. Rina, as the girl was named, looked as if she wanted to say something, but then thought better of it. “She’s so quiet. Maybe she’s insecure,” her inner voice whispered. Then she walked over to her seat.
A few minutes later, the teacher entered the classroom. At that exact moment, Leo turned toward Dinda and spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear.
“So you’re the IT girl? You must be great at making presentations… or hunting for free Wi-Fi, huh?”
The classroom erupted in laughter.
Only the girl with glasses didn't seem to laugh. She was busy—or pretending to be busy—searching for something in her bag. Meanwhile, Dinda's face turned red. She merely lowered her head and stared at her desk, trying to get her textbooks ready while holding back the pain that had settled in her chest.
Leo gave a crooked smile, as if he were enjoying the effect of his comment. There was something in his sharp eyes that made Dinda shudder. It wasn't just playful mischief. There was a sense of satisfaction, as though he thoroughly enjoyed watching other people cornered.
Without Dinda realizing it, the fine hairs on her arms stood on end. A chill that didn't come from the air conditioner enveloped her body.
That day, she knew one thing for certain: ‘This city had never intended to welcome her.’