Dear Nathan 2017

Salma, played by Amanda Rawles, is a disciplined student who has just transferred to Garuda High School. On her first day, she arrives late for class, an early misstep that brings her into contact with Nathan, Jefri Nichol, a student whose reputation is built on mischief, a rebellious streak, and a taste for a good fight. Nathan’s rough exterior clashes with Salma’s orderly world, yet their paths cross again and again in the crowded corridors and after-school spaces of the campus.

Ardi, Nathan’s father, Surya Saputra, and Nathan’s mother, Ayu Dyah Pasha, anchor a family life that is torn by past hurts. Nathan’s twin brother Daniel died in a fight years earlier, a tragedy that casts a long shadow over the family. After Daniel’s death, their mother has been treated for mental illness, and every visit to her becomes a reminder of Nathan’s own guilt and the fragile line between memory and reality. Nathan’s father eventually leaves the family and remarries, adding another layer of strain to Nathan’s already chaotic world. As Nathan’s world unravels, he begins to drift from school and home, leaving Salma to witness the full weight of his struggles.

At first, Salma tries to keep her distance, choosing her friendships with care, but Nathan’s open show of interest—his persistent efforts to be near her and to bridge the gap between them—begins to soften her resolve. As they spend more time together, Salma’s initial reserve gives way to genuine affection, and a slow, cautious romance begins to bloom. Salma, known as a diligent and active student in the organization, starts to see past Nathan’s rough edges and into a person capable of change. The relationship grows into something more than a simple attraction, offering a sense of stability that neither of them had before.

Yet their bond is tested from the start. Nathan’s past shadows his present, including the lingering feelings of an ex-girlfriend who still pursues him, and the weight of his family problems that follow him to school and home. The push-and-pull of their on-and-off dynamic creates tension, doubts, and moments of vulnerability, forcing both to confront the consequences of their choices. On occasion, Salma’s steadfast devotion collides with the harsh realities of Nathan’s history, and she even reaches a point where she contemplates leaving after a painful moment—catching him with his ex at home becomes a turning point that forces them to face the fragility of their relationship.

Beyond the relationship, Nathan’s personal circle is strained by his family history. His mother’s illness has left her in a mental hospital, clouding his sense of self and his past. Nathan also bears guilt and resentment toward his mother for what happened with Daniel, which complicates his feelings about family and blame. The friction within the family grows as Nathan’s father’s absence deepens, pushing Nathan toward further withdrawal from school and home life. Throughout these trials, Salma works to understand the circumstances that drive Nathan’s behavior, refusing to abandon him despite the pain and setbacks.

With Salma’s unwavering support, Nathan begins to confront the difficult memories and the pain that have shaped him. He makes a conscious effort to repair his relationship with his family and to come to terms with the guilt that lingers from Daniel’s death. The journey is arduous, marked by missteps and difficult conversations, but it is tempered by Salma’s patience and belief in his capacity for change. As they navigate these challenges together, Nathan and Salma gradually rebuild trust, and the path toward healing becomes clearer.

In the end, their bond survives the tests of time, guilt, and distance. Salma’s steadfast presence helps Nathan face his past and strive for a healthier future, and Nathan—through effort, listening, and a renewed sense of responsibility—takes steps to mend his relationships with his mother and his father. The story closes on a note of reconciliation and renewed hope, showing two young people choosing to stay connected even as they grow and confront the complexities of family, love, and the road ahead.