Our first meeting was in junior high school in 2010, spending three years together in the same classroom. We shared the same circle of friends, created countless memories together, spending our days studying, laughing, talking, and growing up side by side. Aryo knew from the very beginning that he liked Bunga, and she would always be his choice. Like no other choice.

Eventually, we had to part ways after graduation because we chose different high schools. But somehow, there was always an invisible string that kept bringing us back to each other. Whether it was studying together on weekends, hanging out with friends, or Aryo always helping Bunga with homework, driving her to and from any activities, and never forgetting to surprise her together with our friends on her birthday. Yes, every year, and never skipped once. One thing after another seemed to lead us closer together.

As time passed by, all those little moments slowly turned into something more, and after graduating from high school, we finally began our relationship in 2016. It was not an easy journey for Aryo to wait such a long time for Bunga to feel the same way. But through the waiting process, both of us grew into more mature versions of ourselves.

Sadly, life once again took us to different places for college, and we had to face a long-distance relationship between Bandung and Malang while focusing on completing our own education. It was not an easy phase. There were many challenges and lessons as we learned to truly understand each other. It was hard, indeed. Two different souls, learning how to walk through life together. But no matter how difficult it was, we always chose to keep trying for one another.

Even after graduation in 2020, we continued our long-distance journey because of our different workplaces. Yet distance was never a barrier for us. Distance is not for the fearful, it is for the bold, for those willing to spend time apart to chase their own dreams, while always finding their way back to each other, and patiently waiting for precious moments later. No matter how many miles stand between us, we always chose us.

And this year 2026, we are taking a big step to be forever tied together. This one decade has been filled with so much tears and joy, learning to understand each other, forgive each other, and accept each other completely. And through every distance, challenge, and season of life, we continue choosing one another.

Over and over again.