Marlon nodded. "Alright, so this is not just about observing others, but also testing ourselves. Interesting."
Riri smiled. "So, where do we start?"
Romo sighed deeply and then smiled. "We start by opening our eyes and seeing the world in a way we've never done before."
The three of them exchanged glances. Though there was fear, they also felt a growing sense of adventure.
After a lengthy discussion, Romo, Marlon, and Riri decided to visit Pak Hasan, Romo's father. They wanted to ask for his advice on how to face challenges in the field, especially when dealing with people who might not be truthful or reluctant to share their stories.
At Pak Hasan's house, the atmosphere felt tense yet hopeful. The scent of freshly brewed jasmine tea filled the room, offering a slight calm amidst the serious conversation about to begin.
"Om Hasan, we need your help," said Romo, opening the conversation. "We want to know, how should we deal with people who might not want to be honest or might even cover something up in our research?"
Pak Hasan nodded and gently set down his cup. "That's a big challenge," he said. "People don't always want to open up, especially when it concerns things that make them uncomfortable. But there are a few ways to handle that."
"Like what, Om?" asked Marlon, leaning back in his chair, curious.
Pak Hasan gave a small smile. "First, you have to build trust. Don't ask heavy questions right away. Start with light conversations, like old friends meeting again. Once they're comfortable, they'll be more open."
"So, kind of like warming up first?" Riri chimed in.
"Exactly," Pak Hasan replied. "Don't rush it. If you immediately ask something sensitive, they might get defensive. For example, if you want to learn about greed in business, don't just ask, 'Sir, do you think you're greedy?' That could lead to a total rejection. Try approaching it differently, like asking about the biggest challenges in their work. From there, the conversation can flow."
"Hmm... that makes sense," Marlon muttered. "But what if they still don't want to talk?"
Pak Hasan chuckled. "Ah, there are two possibilities. One, they really don't want to talk. Two, you're just not interesting enough."
Riri laughed. "Okay, so we have to make ourselves more interesting first?"
"Exactly," Pak Hasan said, smiling. "Use humor, use empathy. Don't just come as researchers wanting to dig up information. Be a good listener. Sometimes people just need to feel heard before they'll talk more."
Romo nodded, thinking for a moment. "So, the key is to listen more than we speak."
"Correct," Pak Hasan replied. "And one more thing, never judge. If someone admits to having done something wrong, don't show an expression as if you're judging them. That can make them shut down again."
Marlon thought for a moment. "So, we also have to control our expressions? We need to practice having a neutral face."
Pak Hasan laughed. "Yes, but don't look like a statue either. Keep showing interest. The key is to make them feel safe when sharing."
Riri sighed. "Alright, this isn't just research, but also an art of building connections with others."
"Exactly," Pak Hasan said. "And don't forget, be prepared to be disappointed. Not everyone will want to talk, and that's normal. You have to be patient and keep trying."
The three of them nodded, feeling more prepared after hearing Pak Hasan's advice. They knew this research would be full of challenges, but they also understood that the right approach could make their journey smoother.
After that, they decided to meet Pak Herman, the taxi driver they knew, to discuss where and who their first interviewee should be. They felt Pak Herman, with his experience meeting various people every day, might know where the Seven Deadly Sins and Heavenly Virtues manifested well in real life.
That evening, Romo, Marlon, and Riri gathered at Pak Herman's house. The small living room felt warm, lit by dim lights that gave an intimate atmosphere. The aroma of freshly brewed black coffee filled the air, blending with the sound of crickets outside the slightly open window.
Pak Herman sat in his slightly worn chair, wearing a t-shirt and sarong. Meanwhile, the three students sat across from him, ready to receive guidance from their mentor.
"Pak Herman," Romo began the conversation while sipping his coffee. "We want to ask for your opinion on a suitable location for our research."
"Research?" Pak Herman raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly. "What kind of research is this that you're going through the trouble of asking me for advice?"
"About how the Seven Deadly Sins and Seven Heavenly Virtues manifest in everyday life," Marlon explained enthusiastically. "We're looking for a place full of human interaction, where different characters meet and clash."