Chapter 26 : what did I miss?

The convoy of motorcycles roars to life as we pull up to the school entrance. I'm riding with Slyvia, her arms wrapped around me as we navigate through the crowded parking lot. Mariam is riding with Amin, her infectious energy radiating from her as she chatters excitedly. Priscilla, meanwhile, rides her own motorcycle, her student council badge gleaming in the morning sun. The others are following in a bus, their faces visible through the windows as they chatter and laugh.

As we pull up to the entrance, I can feel the excitement building. The atmosphere is electric, and I wonder what's triggering this frenzy. Then I remember - this week is IGNITE program, a notorious event that traumatized us last year with its chaotic orientation. Now, it seems, the school has revamped the program to bring together students, parents, and school management. No wonder the place is buzzing.

We park our bikes, and Hana, Steward, and Maya stroll towards us, their faces lit up with excitement. It's hard to believe that Hana, once a loner, is now effortlessly making friends. Mariam, ever the energetic one, is already heading towards the entrance, microphone in hand.

"REMEMBER WE HAVE THE IGNITE NIGHT!!! PLEASE PLACE YOUR VOTE FOR THIS WEEK!!!! HAVE FUN AND ENJOY SCHOOL!!!" she shouts, her voice booming through the speakers. Amin nudges me, his eyes wide with panic. "Bro!! Shit, I forgot Mr. Rahim said to us he has a test today…!!" My heart sinks. How am I supposed to handle this? I haven't prepared anything, and the thought of facing Mr. Rahim's wrath makes my stomach twist into knots.

Meanwhile, Slyvia and Siti are engrossed in a conversation, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Priscilla is busy ensuring that students arrive on time, her student council duties taking precedence. The hallway is vibrant, a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. It's unlike any typical school - the energy is palpable, and the excitement is infectious.

As we walk, the sounds of vendors and cheerleaders fill the air. "Hey!!! We selling our pens here!!! Anyone is low on stock!! Get it here!!" someone shouts. "GOOO!!!! DAGGERS!!!" The Cheerleaders group, led by Sadie, is already in high gear, their enthusiasm infectious.

Slyvia and I reach the Buccaneers zone, and she's heading to her classroom. I follow her, watching as she puts on her glasses, which makes her look adorably cute. But when she turns to me, her expression is all business. "What are you waiting for? Hurry up to class, darling!!" She pushes me out, and I wave goodbye as she takes her seat, looking serious and focused. For a moment, she reminds me of Natalie - a mirror reflection of determination and strength.

As I watch her disappear into the classroom, I feel a flutter in my chest. Slyvia is always like this - a whirlwind of energy and determination. And yet, there's something about her that draws me in, something that makes me want to be around her more. I shake my head, chuckling to myself. I have a test to worry about, after all.

As I step into the classroom, I'm immediately hit with the rowdy atmosphere. The air is electric with tension, and I can tell that something's off. George and Arnold are huddled together, their voices hushed but urgent.

"Hey!!! What is the topic for that test!!!?" George asks, his eyes wide with panic.

"Not sure, the Captain ain't telling us!!" Arnold replies, his face scrunched up in frustration.

I feel like I've walked into a war zone, and I'm not sure what I've gotten myself into. I try to make a quick exit, but one of them spots me and shouts, "ITS ALEX!!!! GET HIM!!!!" The classroom erupts into chaos as the boys surround me, their faces twisted with anger.

"You asshole!!" someone spits, and I'm taken aback. What did I do to deserve this kind of treatment?

I try to reason with them, holding up my hands in a placating gesture. "Uh….come on guys, I was sick!!" But they won't listen.

"The Captain is pissed because you weren't around, and Amin's being a clown - we're all victims to his antics!!" someone yells, and I realize that I'm in for a world of trouble.

I try to calm them down, appealing to their better nature. "Uh….let's calm down and act like gentlemen here…" But they're having none of it.

"That asshole just escorted his girl to her class!!!!" someone jeers, and I feel my face heat up with embarrassment.

"Yeah right, you're sick - a super guy like you will never get sick!!" someone else chimes in, and I realize that I'm in for a long day.

I try to defend myself, but they're not having it. "Yo!! Guys, come on, I just arrived here!!!" I protest, but they're too far gone.

Just then, the girls intervene, shouting at the boys to calm down. "Hey, come on, we need this to practice or else we're all going to die!!" They're met with a chorus of groans and sarcastic comments, but I can tell that the tension in the room is starting to dissipate.

As I stand there, surrounded by the chaos, I wonder what kind of punishment Mr. Rahim has in store for us. What did we do to deserve this kind of treatment? And what's going on with Amin - what kind of antics did he pull to get us into this mess?

The classroom erupts into chaos as the guys prepare for the test, their frustration and anxiety boiling over. Suddenly, Amin walks in, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. The guys see him and instantly pounce, trying to tackle him to the ground in a wrestling match.

"GET HIM!!" someone yells, and the others join in, laughing and shouting as they try to pin Amin down.

Mariam watches the scene unfold, her eyes lighting up with amusement. She can't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all, her voice ringing out across the classroom.

"HAHAHA!! LOOK AT THEM GO!!" she declares, her eyes shining with mirth.

Meanwhile, I'm caught in the middle of the chaos, dodging flying arms and legs as the guys wrestle with Amin. I'm trying to get to my seat and focus on the test, but it's impossible with all the commotion.

I stumble backward, tripping over someone's bag or foot, and land in a heap on the floor.

The guys are too caught up in their wrestling match to notice me, and I'm left to pick myself up, dust myself off, and try to make sense of the madness around me.

As I look up, I see Mariam still laughing, her face flushed with amusement. Amin's grinning, too, even as he's being tackled to the ground. It's just another day in our crazy classroom.

The ring bell echoes through the hallway, signaling the start of class. While other students are already settling into their seats, our class is still in chaos, with guys wrestling on the floor and girls cheering them on. I try to sit down, taking a deep breath as I attempt to tune out the noise. I hope they don't notice me, or even better, that I can just blend into the background and pretend I don't exist.

Just as I'm starting to relax, our captain, Mr. Rahim, arrives at the class entrance. His growling voice sends a shiver down my spine as he says, "Mornin' class…" But before he can even take a step further, Amin tries to clothesline George, and George dodges just in time. Unfortunately, Amin's momentum carries him forward, and he accidentally hits Mr. Rahim with a powerful blow, knocking him down cold.

The classroom falls silent, with everyone staring in shock as Mr. Rahim lies motionless on the floor. I can see stars in his head, and Amin's face turns pale with fear. "Oh shit!!!" he exclaims, his eyes wide with panic.

The rest of us are frozen in shock, unsure of what to do. But then someone yells, "Fuck!!! Come on!! Let's get to the seat!!! Carry the captain to the chair!!!" We quickly spring into action, rushing to Mr. Rahim's side and trying to lift him up. We manage to get him to his feet, and we try our best to clean him up and make it look like nothing happened.

After what feels like an eternity, Mr. Rahim finally wakes up, groggily opening his eyes.

"What the hell is going on? ARGGH!!! Who the hell did that!!!!?" he bellows, his face twisted with anger. Luckily, he doesn't seem to remember what happened, and Amin tries to play it cool. "Uh…you just arrived, captain…did you forget?" he says, trying to deflect attention.

But it's too late. Mr. Rahim's face suddenly breaks into a smile, and he explodes into action, grabbing Amin and executing a perfect cobra clutch. "ITS MR RAHIM!!!!! WHY ON GOD'S NAME YOU STILL DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT!!! ARGGH!!!!!!" he yells, his voice echoing through the classroom.

The rest of us try to intervene, trying to calm Mr. Rahimath, with Amin tapping his hand in defeat. "Give! Give! Give!!" he says, his voice muffled by Mr. Rahim's grip.

The scene is intense and chaotic, with Mr. Rahim's anger and frustration boiling over. I can feel the tension in the air, and I wonder what will happen next.

The commotion finally dies down, with Amin standing up, his face covered in bruises like he's been through a battle. He approaches Mr. Rahim, trying to greet him without calling him "Captain", which could spell disaster.

"Class stand-up!!, Good Morning, Cap…!!" Mr. Rahim's glare is like a cold shower, and we all start to panic. Amin quickly corrects himself, "Teacher!!!" and we all chime in in unison, "Good Morning Mr. Rahim!!”

Mr. Rahim's smile is like a ticking time bomb, and I'm not sure what's going to happen next. "Good morning class…what a good day today!!" he says, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

But before we can breathe a sigh of relief, he starts to lecture us. "Before we start class, welcome back Alex!! Next I'm going to have a good chat with Coach David about your curriculum activities!! Class academics is important as well, Alex! Got it?" I try to avoid calling him "Captain" and reply meekly, "Yes, Mr. Rahim…”

Mr. Rahim continues, "Alright, now we're all getting ready for the test…!! Like I said yesterday, since your class monitor or sort of say that my class is boring…" I shoot Amin a look, wondering why he's always asking for trouble.

But before Amin can respond, Mariam interrupts, "Sir!! You look handsome today!!" What is she doing? Is she trying to bribe him? "Sir is the coolest guy around!!!" she adds, and I'm starting to lose it.

Just then, I notice that Amin's mouth is suddenly taped shut. Where did that come from? "MMMMMM…..MMMMM……MMMMM…" Amin tries to say something, but it's muffled by the tape.

The class erupts into chaos, with everyone yelling, "Shut up!!!!Amin!!" except for me and Mr. Rahim, who seem to be the only ones not participating in the chaos. I'm not sure what's going on, but I have a feeling it's going to be a long day.

Mr. Rahim's eyes scan the classroom, a hint of a smile on his face. "Okay, okay good…..everyone is ready for the test..” But just as he's about to continue, the door bursts open and Priscilla rushes in, her student council badge gleaming on her pinafore.

"Hey Mr. Rahim, apologies for the delay, mate. Traffic was a nightmare!” she says, out of breath. Mr. Rahim nods, his eyes lingering on her for a moment before gesturing for her to take her seat.

As Priscilla makes her way to her desk, I notice that her pinafore is shorter than usual, and Mr. Rahim's face starts to flush. I'm confused - what's going on? Why is Mr. Rahim reacting like this? Priscilla seems oblivious to the tension, smiling brightly as she takes her seat.

"I'm ready…” she says, her voice husky and confident. Mr. Rahim looks taken aback, his eyes narrowing slightly. "For what?” he asks, his voice a little rougher than usual.

Priscilla gazes up at him with her puppy dog eyes, and I can sense a spark of electricity between them. Mr. Rahim's face turns an even deeper shade of red, and I wonder if he's going to lose his cool. But then, he smiles, his expression softening. "Sit down….no one is spared here…”

As Priscilla sits down, I hear a faint clicking sound coming from her direction. What kind of test is this? Is it some kind of trap?

Mr. Rahim's eyes gleam with excitement as he says, "Let us begin the test…" The classroom falls silent, with all of us exchanging nervous glances. What kind of test is this going to be?

Mr. Rahim turns to the board and writes in bold letters, "Stone Age in Malaysia". The room erupts into a flurry of scribbling pens and furrowed brows. "One by one of you will write an essay, only 100 words, and explain to me in summary about it…” he explains, his voice dripping with an air of challenge.

The task seems simple enough, but I can sense a catch lurking beneath the surface. I rack my brain, trying to recall everything I can about the Stone Age in Malaysia. My pen scratches across the paper, and before I know it, I've completed my 100-word essay.

But as I look around the classroom, I'm shocked to see that everyone else is still struggling. They're scratching their heads, furrowing their brows, and glancing at each other in confusion. What the hell did they learn before? Did they even attend history classes?

The minutes tick by, and the tension in the room builds. Mr. Rahim watches us with an air of amusement, his eyes glinting with anticipation. And then, suddenly, he slams his hand on the desk. "Time's up!!!" he declares, his voice echoing through the classroom.

The classroom erupts into chaos as the students protest in unison, their voices rising in a cacophony of discontent. "This is not a democracy!!! We need more time!!!" they chant, their faces red with indignation. The scene is reminiscent of a parliament building, with each student arguing like a seasoned politician, trying to outdo the others.

Mr. Rahim stands at the front, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he bangs his gavel, trying to restore order. "Order! Order in the court!!!" he bellows, his voice rising above the din. But the protests continue, with some students stomping their feet and others waving their arms in frustration.

The room is filled with the sound of shouting and gesturing, the atmosphere electric with tension. Some students are standing, their faces twisted in frustration, while others are seated, their brows furrowed in concentration.

Meanwhile, I sit calmly at my desk, observing the commotion with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. I've already completed my essay on the Stone Age in Malaysia, and I'm not bothered by the short time frame. Instead, I'm more interested in seeing how the rest of the class will react to the challenge.

As the chaos continues, my silence seems to be a stark contrast to the rest of the class. I'm not one to join in the protests, preferring to keep a level head and focus on the task at hand. I watch Mr. Rahim with interest, wondering how he'll handle the situation. Will he crack under the pressure, or will he find a way to restore order? Only time will tell.

The classroom erupts into chaos as Captain Rahim suddenly stands up, wielding his ruler like a bokken. "Alright you bunch of scurvy maggots!!!! Line up!!!!" he bellows, his face red with rage. Oh no, the captain is totally losing it.

The room descends into pandemonium, with students scrambling to get out of the way. When is it going to be time for us to learn something here?! Suddenly, our class turns against him in a full-blown mutiny, led by Mariam, who's lost her cool and is shouting at the top of her lungs. "Cruelty towards kids!!!" she yells, her eyes blazing with fury.

The captain's face is about to explode, and Amin joins in, chanting "Change rule!!!" The situation is spiraling out of control. Just as I think things can't get any worse, I see Ms. Genevie and Mr. Marcus standing at the doorstep, watching us with an unnerving intensity.

Oh no, we're dead. Mariam doesn't even notice Ms. Genevie sneaking up behind her.

"Ah...this girl again..." Ms. Genevie says, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She grabs Mariam's shoulder and smiles at her. "Geh!!! The Terminator lady!!!" Mariam exclaims, unaware of the danger lurking behind her.

The captain stands tall, while Mr. Marcus eyes us boys like cattle ready for slaughter. "Looks like the boys here need to be disciplined...need more attention and care, eh?" he says, his gaze fixed on Amin. Amin suddenly declares, "This is war!!!" and the class erupts into a frenzy of cheers and war cries.

"AHH!!!!!" Everyone shouts, the noise level reaching a fever pitch. I don't have time for this nonsense. Time to bail out. I spot a window behind me and make a break for it, escaping the chaos.

Once I'm safely hidden behind the classroom, all I can hear are screams and shouts. "EARGH!!!!!!!" the girls of 4 Buccaneers yell. "OH MY GOD!!!!" the boys of 4 Buccaneers echo. Mariam's pleading with Ms. Genevie, "Please don't, Madam boss!!”

Meanwhile, Mr. Rahim's voice booms out, "You all are going to have an extra class after school!!!" Since I'm done with my test, it's time to head to my next class with Ms. Sahara for Maths. I sneak behind the classroom and climb onto the roof like a ninja, avoiding any unnecessary problems ahead.

As I make my escape, I can still hear the screams and roars of the teachers. It's like hell on earth down there. I breathe a sigh of relief, glad to have escaped the chaos. Time to focus on Maths and try to survive the rest of the day.

As I reach Ms. Sahara's room, I wait patiently for the other students to finish their class. The ring bell echoes through the hallway, and the students pour out of their classrooms, chatting and laughing. I slip into Ms. Sahara's room, and she's surprised to see me.

"Oh Alex, you're up and early..." she says, a warm smile spreading across her face. She's oblivious to the chaos that's unfolding in Mr. Rahim's class, just a few rooms away. I try to maintain a straight face, but it's hard not to think about the mayhem that's erupting in the other class.

Ms. Sahara's eyes sparkle with curiosity as she notices my expression. "What happen?" she asks, her voice gentle. I try to brush it off, not wanting to get into the details. "Uh...nothing..." I mumble, looking away.

Ms. Sahara raises an eyebrow, her smile faltering for a moment. "Okay..." she says, her voice neutral. I sit down at my desk, waiting for the other students to arrive.

As the minutes tick by, I realize that all of my classmates from 4 Buccaneers, except for me, are stuck in Mr. Rahim's class. Meanwhile, Silvi, one of the students from 4 Catsy, approaches me, curiosity etched on her face. "Hey...what happen to the others?" she asks, her eyes sparkling with interest.

I hesitate, not wanting to get into the drama. "Umm...not sure about that..." I say, trying to play it cool. Silvi looks at me with a mixture of curiosity and concern, but I just shrug it off, not wanting to spill the beans about the chaos that's unfolding in Mr. Rahim's class.

Mikhail and Peter from 4 Patriots hobble into the classroom on crutches, grinning at me. "Hey Captain!!" I wave back at them, trying to look relaxed.

"Uh...where's your comrade?" Mikhail asks, his eyes scanning the room for the rest of the Buccaneers. I shrug, trying to play it cool. "Not sure...I think they're still in that class with Mr. Rahim…"

Vincent, one of the students from 4 Unicorn, bursts into the conversation, his eyes wide with excitement. "Dude!! I just saw Mr. Rahim's class, it's literally how I imagine hell looks like!!" The others look at me, intrigued, and Peter raises an eyebrow. "You gotta be kidding!!”

Lim, another student, leans in, his voice full of curiosity. "Bro...how the hell did you manage to get out of there!?" I just shake my head, trying to deflect the attention. "You don't wanna know how...just keep it that way…"

Karen from 4 Patriots chimes in, her voice laced with concern. "Hey!! Alex!! I just saw the girls being tortured by Ms. Genevie!!" Peter's eyes widen in horror. "What the hell did they do to make them that upset?”

I try to look away, not wanting to get into the drama. "Like I said...I'm not getting into that kind of shit..." Just then, Kallie walks into the classroom, and everyone swoops in to ask her about Mr. Rahim's class.

"Hey, how did you manage to survive that?" Karen asks, but Kallie looks confused. "Excuse me? I didn't join History class, I had language arts with Mr. Rahman just now..."

Kallie sits down next to me, curiosity etched on her face. "Uh...what happen?" she asks, and I just shake my head. "Stupid Mariam and the lot..." The others look at us, intrigued.

Just as Ms. Sahara is about to start class, Ilham from 4 Catsy bursts into the room, his face pale. "Guys!!! The Buccaneers are being marched by Ms. Genevie and Mr. Rahim!!!! They're heading right here as we speak!!!" My heart sinks, and I quickly turn to Kallie. "Hey, cover me, will ya!!”

But before Kallie can respond, we see the most surprising thing. The girls, including Mariam, are now wearing full outfits with hijabs, while the non-Muslim girls are wearing baju kurung outfits. The guys are literally wearing songkok, Malay hats, to show their piety, regardless of their religion.

The classroom falls silent, with everyone's jaw dropping in shock. Ms. Sahara's face is a picture of stunned surprise. I try to process what's happening, but it's like a scene from a crazy dream.

Ms. Sahara's eyes widen in confusion as she approaches Ms. Genevie. "Uh...Ms. Genevie? What's happening here? They're all my students...Why are they acting like that?" The 4 Buccaneers stand in a line, looking like prisoners, with Mariam and Amin at the front.

Ms. Genevie's gaze falls on me, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and intensity. "Well...see these two in front...these two are the leaders of these troublemakers...Just wondering how one boy managed to escape that room, though...He's quick as a cockroach..." Her gaze lingers on me, and I feel a shiver run down my spine.

Mr. Rahim chimes in, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "That's right!! This herd of sheep here is already obedient enough to listen to your class this time, Ms. Sahara..." He gestures with his bokken, his eyes glinting with mischief.

As Mr. Rahim's gaze falls on me, his expression turns sinister. "Good job, Alex...at least you're spared from that..." But I can see the underlying message in his words - I'm not as safe as I think I am.

My eyes flicker to Mariam, who's standing tall in her new outfit. She's wearing a hijab, and it suits her in a way that's both sharp and pure. She looks different, yet somehow more herself. I feel a pang of surprise, mixed with a dash of admiration. Who knew Mariam could pull off this look?

The 4 Buccaneers line up, their movements synchronized as they bow to Mr. Rahim and Ms. Genevie. "Thank you...Captain!!!" Amin's voice rings out, but Mariam quickly knocks him down, her eyes flashing with annoyance.

Mr. Rahim's hair stands on end, but Mariam's swift action prevents him from losing his temper. "Good...off you go..." he says, his voice firm but controlled.

Mariam stands up, her eyes shining with a mix of respect and mischief. "Thank you, Great Teacher Rahim...and Madam Genevie..." she says, her voice sweet and obedient. Mr. Rahim beams with pride, while Ms. Genevie looks like a strict mother who's just managed to tame her kids.

As we take our seats, Mariam sits next to me, with Amin on the other side of her, and Kallie on the other side of me. Mariam's foot suddenly stomps on mine, causing me to wince in pain. Amin leans in, a grin spreading across his face. "Bro...looks like you're the only one who passed the test…"

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "Uh...is it just writing?" I ask, and Amin nods. "Yeah...but since you hit spot on to the question, Captain said that he's happy with your answer...and the others...you know what happens next…"

Mariam shoots me a look, her eyes softening into puppy dog eyes. Amin's face lights up, and he gazes at Mariam adoringly. I facepalm, feeling a headache coming on.

Just in time, Ms. Sahara calls out, "Alright, class, let's start." Since neither Mariam nor Amin wants to represent the class, Kallie volunteers to lead the morning routine. "Rise, class!!" she says, and everyone stands up.

"Good morning, Ms. Sahara!!" we chant in unison, and Ms. Sahara smiles. "Good morning!! Please, take your seats...let's start with calculus and Pythagoras' theorem."

The students from 4 Patriots, Unicorns, and Catsy exchange skeptical glances. "Geez...I wonder what Mr. Rahim did to them..." Peter whispers to me, and I just shake my head. "I don't want to know…”

Ms. Sahara stands at the front of the classroom, writing on the blackboard. "Okay, class. Today we're going to cover Calculus and Pythagoras Theorem.”

Amin raises his hand, a goofy grin on his face. "Ooh, ooh! I know this one, Ms. Sahara! Calculus is like...trying to catch a chicken in a farm!”

The class erupts into laughter, but before Amin can continue, Mariam swiftly reaches out and slams his head onto the table. The sound is loud, and the other students' jaws drop in shock.

Ms. Sahara's eyes widen, but she doesn't say a word. She just stands there, frozen in surprise.

Peter, trying to capitalize on the moment, raises his hand. "I think Pythagoras Theorem is...a² + b³ = c?”

Mikhail shakes his head. "No way, dude! It's a³ + b² = c²!”

Peter and Mikhail start arguing, each trying to convince the other that they're right. The debate escalates, with both students getting more and more agitated.

Just when it seems like the argument is going to get out of hand, Kallie raises her hand. "Ms. Sahara, I think I know the answer.”

Ms. Sahara nods, still looking a bit stunned from the earlier commotion. "Yes, Kallie?”

Kallie stands up, confidence radiating from her. "Pythagoras Theorem states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides. The formula is a² + b² = c².”

Ms. Sahara nods, a small smile on her face. "That's correct, Kallie. Well done!”

The class applauds, and Mariam gives Amin a stern look. Amin rubs his head, still looking a bit dazed from the slam. Peter and Mikhail look at each other, both realizing they need to brush up on their math skills.

Ms. Sahara writes a complex calculus problem on the blackboard and turns to the class. "Okay, can anyone solve this integral?”

Amin raises his hand, still rubbing his head from the earlier slam by Mariam. "I think I can do it, Ms. Sahara.”

Ms. Sahara nods, encouraging him. "Go ahead, Amin."

Amin starts writing on the blackboard, but instead of just solving the problem, he accidentally draws a caricature of Mr. Rahim's face in the corner, complete with a tortured expression. The rest of the class gasps in shock, and Ms. Sahara's eyes widen in surprise.

Although Amin's solution to the calculus problem is correct, the drawing of Mr. Rahim's face is so vivid and detailed that it's hard to ignore. The class is speechless, and Ms. Sahara stands there, frozen in shock.

Amin steps back, admiring his work. "Yeah, I think that's right…"

The class remains silent, unsure of how to react. Mariam's eyes dart between Amin and Ms. Sahara, worried about the consequences. Ms. Sahara, still speechless, stares at the blackboard, her expression unreadable.

Ms. Sahara tries to compose herself, still looking at the blackboard with Amin's drawing of Mr. Rahim's face. "Amin, I'm impressed with your solution, but...I'm not sure how you managed to...ah...incorporate Mr. Rahim's face into the problem.”

Peter raises his hand. "Ms. Sahara, is it because Amin is secretly a genius and has a special connection with Mr. Rahim's...um...torture methods?”

Mikhail rolls his eyes. "Dude, that's not even a real question. You're just trying to get attention.”

Peter bristles. "Hey, it's a valid question! Maybe Amin has a sixth sense or something."

Mikhail snorts. "Yeah, right. And maybe you're just a sixth-grader who can't even solve a simple math problem.”

The two start arguing again, with Peter and Mikhail exchanging barbs and insults. Ms. Sahara tries to intervene, but they're too caught up in their debate.

Finally, Ms. Sahara raises her voice. "Okay, okay! Let's focus on the lesson. As I was saying, the key to solving this problem is to…"

The class settles down, and Ms. Sahara continues to explain the concept, using Amin's solution as an example. Despite the earlier commotion, the class is engaged and attentive, eager to learn more about calculus.

Ms. Sahara writes on the blackboard, trying to make connections between Pythagoras Theorem and calculus. "You see, class, these two concepts may seem unrelated at first, but they can actually be used together to solve complex problems. For example, if we're trying to find the maximum or minimum value of a function that involves right triangles..."

She pauses, looking around the room. "Alex, can you think of a situation where we might need to use both Pythagoras Theorem and calculus?”

I feel a surge of nervousness as all eyes turn to me. I try to think of an example, but my mind goes blank. "Uh...well...I think…"

Ms. Sahara encourages me. "Yes, Alex? Take your time."

I take a deep breath and try to come up with something. "Maybe...um...if we're designing a roller coaster, we could use Pythagoras Theorem to calculate the length of the track, and then use calculus to optimize the shape of the track for maximum thrill and safety?”

Ms. Sahara nods, a smile on her face. "That's a great example, Alex! You're absolutely right. We can use Pythagoras Theorem to find the length of the track, and then use calculus to find the maximum or minimum values of the function that describes the track's shape."

Kallie raises her hand. "Ms. Sahara, can you explain more about how we can use calculus to optimize the shape of the track?”

Peter chimes in. "Yeah, and what kind of functions would we use to describe the track's shape?”

Mikhail adds his own question. "And how would we use Pythagoras Theorem to calculate the length of the track?”

Karen asks. "Can we use this in real-life situations, like designing a actual roller coaster?"

Ms. Sahara answers their questions, providing more examples and explanations. After the Q&A session, Kallie turns to me. "Alex, can you explain to me how you came up with that example?”

I shrug. "It's simple, really. I just thought about how we could use math to solve a real-world problem. I broke it down into smaller parts and used the formulas we learned in class.”

Kallie looks at me incredulously. "You make it sound so easy. Did you just guess or something?”

I shake my head. "No, I just tried to apply what we learned in class to a real-world situation.”

Peter and Mikhail exchange a look, both of them surprised. "Dude, you're actually smart," Peter says.

Mariam, who's been quiet until now, suddenly has steam coming out of her head. Ms. Sahara's eyes widen in shock, and she takes a step back. "Uh...Mariam, are you okay?"

Mariam doesn't respond, her eyes fixed on some unknown point. The class stares at her in confusion, unsure of what's happening.

Amin raises his hand. "Ms. Sahara, can you give us a simple formula related to Pythagoras Theorem and Calculus that we can all understand?”

Ms. Sahara nods. "Okay, let's try this one: for a right triangle with sides a and b, and hypotenuse c, the Pythagorean Theorem states that a² + b² = c². And if we want to find the maximum or minimum value of a function that involves this triangle, we can use calculus."

She writes the formula on the blackboard: a² + b² = c²

"Can everyone write this formula down and try to remember it?" she asks.

The class nods, and everyone starts writing down the formula. Mariam, however, still looks lost in thought. She stares blankly at the blackboard, her eyes unfocused.

Ms. Sahara notices Mariam's confusion and walks over to her. "Mariam, do you understand how we can use Pythagoras Theorem and calculus together?”

Mariam blinks, but doesn't respond. The class is speechless, watching Mariam's strange behavior. Amin looks concerned, and Kallie tries to help Mariam, but she's still not responding.

The classroom falls silent, with everyone staring at Mariam in confusion. Ms. Sahara looks worried, unsure of what's going on with Mariam.

Mariam's eyes remain open, but a sleepy bubble starts forming at the corner of her mouth, and then another one emerges from her nose. The class is shocked, and Ms. Sahara's jaw drops.

Amin's eyes widen in surprise. "What the…?"

Alex's mouth hangs open. "Is she...sleeping with her eyes open?”

The rest of the class stares at Mariam in confusion, unsure of what's happening. Ms. Sahara looks like she's about to faint.

Mariam's face remains expressionless, but the sleepy bubbles continue to form and pop, creating a bizarre sight. The classroom falls silent, with everyone frozen in shock.

Amin whispers to Alex, "Is this some kind of ninja technique or something?”

Alex shrugs, equally baffled. "I have no idea, but I've never seen anything like it."

Ms. Sahara tries to compose herself. "Uh...class...let's...just...focus on the lesson..."

But it's too late. The class is already distracted, and Mariam's strange behavior has become the main attraction.

Ms. Sahara tries to ignore Mariam's sleepy state and continues explaining the formula. "So, as you can see, the derivative of the function is…"

As she writes on the blackboard, I tried to sneak up behind Mariam and smack her head. My hand comes down with a loud "SMACK!" that echoes through the classroom.

Ms. Sahara's eyes widen in surprise, and she thinks someone has set off a firework. "AHHH! WHAT WAS THAT?!”

Mariam's eyes snap open, and she stretches her arms. "Hi, is it already lunchtime?"

The class is speechless again, staring at Mariam in shock. Amin's mouth hangs open, and Kallie's eyes are wide with amazement.

Ms. Sahara's face turns red with surprise. "Uh...no, Mariam, it's not lunchtime yet. We're still in class.”

Mariam looks around, seemingly unaware of her earlier sleepy state. "Oh, okay. What did I miss?”

The class remains silent, unsure of how to respond to Mariam's bizarre behavior.

As the bell rings, signaling the end of class, Mariam and Amin suddenly call out to me, their voices bursting with excitement. "Hey! Alex!! Come on, we need you!!" I wonder what the commotion is about, but at least I'm free from the monotony of the classroom.

"Uh huh…" We walk together, reaching the library where Hazlan, the president of the computer club and one of our good friends, is already waiting for us. The library is filled with rows of books and computers, and Hazlan is sitting at one of the terminals, his fingers flying across the keyboard.

“Hey Bro!!” Amin greets him with a cheerful smile, and Hazlan looks up from his screen.

“Hey whiz kid!!” Mariam chimes in, teasing Hazlan about his coding skills.

Hazlan rolls his eyes good-naturedly. “Uh…yeah?” he responds, his voice dripping with amusement.

Mariam gets straight to the point, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Did you manage to figure out the next project?” She's talking about something, but I'm not sure what.

Hazlan nods, his eyes scanning the lines of code on his screen. “Oh…yeah…I’m still on this…about the IGNITE program, right?”

I vividly remember the last time, the orientation…damn man…that was last year.

Everything changed after that. A shiver runs down my spine as memories flood back. A change in everything, but does it still feel boring? Maybe not.

As we stand there, discussing the IGNITE program, I can sense the excitement and anticipation building up. What secrets lie hidden in the program? And what role will we play in it? The questions swirl in my mind, refusing to settle. For now, I'll have to wait and see what unfolds.

Hazlan looks up at us, his eyes gleaming with intensity. "You guys want to take a look?" he asks, gesturing to the code on his screen.

Amin and Mariam lean in, their faces filled with curiosity. I follow suit, my eyes scanning the lines of code. What are we getting ourselves into?

Mariam's eyes sparkle with determination as she turns to us. "Since our council president is the one who proposed the LMS, I was thinking if Hazlan could make a presentation of that LMS and Melissa could explain about it because…"

Hazlan interrupts, his brow furrowed in concern. "But I know Melissa said to us that it's not worth mentioning…"

Amin's face lights up with excitement. "That is revolutionary...!!! Bro, you know this program which is called LMS, look at it!!”

I glance at the LMS design that Hazlan created, and my eyes widen in surprise. It's a simple website with profiles of students and teachers, where teachers can share files such as homework and study guides for each course and class. The design is clean and intuitive, but I can sense the complexity behind it.

Hazlan nods, his eyes gleaming with pride. "It's pretty complicated due to linking emails, servers, and even how to make security protocols…"

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "Security protocols?”

Hazlan explains, his voice plain and clear. "More like gate guards when you want to enter or exit between towns…"

I nod, impressed. Sounds difficult, but I believe Hazlan can pull it off.

Mariam suddenly whispers to Hazlan, her voice barely audible. "I need your help…"

Hazlan's expression turns serious, and he nods. "Uh huh...a video animation, eh? Well, at least some activity for my club then...easy said done..." He shakes hands with Mariam, as if sealing an agreement.

Mariam winks at me, and I wonder what's happening. What's going on between them?

We head towards the library study room, where it's more private. Mariam takes a deep breath and begins to explain the IGNITE program. "Well, here goes...the history and trauma that happened before, which they called 'the Orientation’..."

Amin and I exchange a skeptical glance. "Uh huh, aren't you supposed to keep that a secret?" I ask, feeling a sense of unease.

Amin chimes in, his voice laced with concern. "Yeah, babe, that kind of stuff needs to be filtered. Plus, I don't think we need that kind of dark past...gives me the creeps…"

Mariam's expression remains determined. "Well, the juniors who come to this school don't know the history of this place. Might as well make a movie out of it…"

I feel a shiver run down my spine. I really don't want to be part of a story that will put me in the limelight. What's Mariam planning? And what's the true nature of the IGNITE program?

The questions swirl in my mind, refusing to settle.

Suddenly Mariam talk about Shinji “you know what…that junior Shinji really is something…”

“Yeah. Bro!! He is like a change guy….he is even more involved and devoted with the student council plus he’s not even joining with the former elite student’s anymore…”

Amin explain to me.

That kind of incident trigger me about it, but I know that I’m suppose to forgive him but I still could not take it and leave it.

Which in respond is replied to them “uh huh….good then…” I leave them a smile. But I know I’m wary of Shinji eversince the incident with Sylvia.

Mariam also explain that Mr Akira explain that Shinji is much more involved than ever before, participating with student council meeting.

Even Melissa is impress with the changes.

Since that kind of topic is not interested with me plus it’s just going to pissed me off, I change the topic.

“uh…so what do you want to talk about?” I ask Mariam which Mariam sense something out of me

“Uh huh….well as a start…we going to perform the school anthem…” uh huh…okay that I’m cool with…

“Then you are not running away again…you’ve gotta help us” Amin said to me

“What happen?” I ask them

"So, IGNITE is supposed to be this awesome event where we all come together and get to know each other better. But honestly, we're stuck for ideas. We want it to be a place where people feel comfortable being themselves, without worrying about being judged or bullied. We need something that'll help us build stronger relationships and a more positive vibe throughout the school."

I started to think and said "So we've got guilds now, that's awesome! Let's set up some booths in the hall and showcase what they're all about. Since we've got parents, management, and students old and new all here, we can make it a bit more interactive.

Maybe add some games or stuff to get people talking?”

Mariam's eyes suddenly light up like a burst of inspiration. "Yeah!!! That's it!!! At least that's a good start!!!!" Her excitement is infectious, and Amin's face lights up with a matching grin.

Amin chimes in, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "With a video introduction...plus if we could make a concert!!" I raise an eyebrow, skeptical about the feasibility of their plan.

"Uh...I don't think the chairman of this school would appreciate what you guys did on the first day..." My words are laced with a hint of caution, but Amin and Mariam seem undeterred.

Amin turns to Mariam, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "At least we got leads and ideas...hey Babe!! What do you think?" Mariam crosses her arms, her gaze drifting downward as she begins to think deeply. The silence is palpable, and I'm not surprised when Mariam's head seems to be filled with a whirlwind of ideas.

"Still missing from here...everything looks fine...since that is also an idea...but we're missing something...like a signature..." Mariam says, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for something.

I try to refresh their memories. "Remember the school festival...?" But my own memories of that night are hazy, thanks to a certain incident with my clan family meeting that I somehow managed to miss out on.

Amin's face lights up again, his eyes wide with excitement. "Babe!!! Festival!! Marketplace!!" I'm lost, unsure what Amin is getting at. What does a marketplace have to do with anything?

Mariam's face breaks into a sly smile. "Oh yeah!! Generate income...kukuku..." Her eyes sparkle with mischief, and I wonder what she's planning.

"Uh huh...what are you guys plotting right now?" I question them, my curiosity piqued. Mariam's response is immediate. "Well, this is what will be our signature!! Because market...!!! Creating a vibrant environment where people could visit!!" Her enthusiasm is contagious, and I find myself getting drawn into their excitement. But what exactly do they have in mind?

Mariam's eyes sparkle with determination as she turns to me. "Our school is like a training ground for the reality from the outside, right? You're the one who said it..." Her words are laced with a hint of excitement, and I can sense the gears turning in her mind.

I nod, recalling our previous conversation. "Yeah, I know...so what's your point?" My curiosity is piqued, and I'm eager to hear where Mariam is going with this.

"A showcase...a result of our effort as SIGMA...got it..." Mariam's words are filled with conviction, and I can see the idea taking shape in her mind. "We can showcase what we've learned, what we've accomplished...it's the perfect way to prove that SIGMA is more than just a group of students.”

I nod enthusiastically, caught up in Mariam's infectious energy. "Oh!!" I exclaim, the idea resonating with me. "It's a great way to show that the previous students in SIGMA are practicing what they preach, using the skills they've learned to succeed in the outside world.”

Mariam's face lights up with a smile, her eyes shining with determination. "Exactly! And it's not just about showcasing our skills...it's about demonstrating that our school is producing graduates who are ready to take on the world." Her words are filled with passion, and I can sense the potential for something amazing.

As we brainstorm, the room seems to fade into the background, and all that's left is the thrill of creation. The possibilities are endless, and I'm excited to see where Mariam's idea will take us. What will we create? What will we achieve? The anticipation is exhilarating, and I know that with Mariam's drive and determination, we'll make something truly remarkable.

As we sit in the library, surrounded by dusty tomes and studious silence, our conversation takes on a mature tone that's uncommon among students our age. We seem to be thinking like adults, not like the usual kids from other schools, and our perspective on things is refreshingly different.

Mariam's eyes light up with excitement as she grabs papers and pen from the librarian, her hands moving with a sense of purpose. She starts to write down plans and brainstorm ideas, her mind racing with possibilities. The scratch of her pen on paper is almost musical, a symphony of creativity and innovation.

Amin leans in, a knowing glint in his eye. "Melissa's testing Mariam," he whispers. "She's asked her to run the show." I raise an eyebrow, intrigued by the revelation.

"Uh huh...so that's the reason, eh?" I say, my voice barely above a whisper. Mariam's focus doesn't waver, her pen moving swiftly across the paper as she pours her ideas onto the page.

"Done!!" Mariam exclaims, her voice filled with triumph. She looks up, her bright smile illuminating the room. Her long, puffy curly hair bounces with her movement, and her slight tan skin glows with a warm, golden undertone. Her eyes sparkle with confidence, and for a moment, it seems like she's preparing to take on the world.

Mariam's face lights up with a mischievous grin as she turns to us. "Come on!!! Just submit this to Melissa, let her read this and..." Before I know it, Mariam's lips are pressed against Amin's, catching him off guard. His face turns bright red as he steams up, but it's clear he's enjoying the surprise kiss from the girl who's going to be his future wife.

As Amin's still reeling, Mariam turns to me and wraps her arms around me in a warm hug. Her lips brush against my cheek, leaving a gentle kiss that makes my heart skip a beat. "Thanks for being here, guys," she says, her voice filled with excitement.

Amin shoots me a look, his eyes wide with surprise. "That's the first time I see Mariam like this..." he whispers.

I chuckle and respond, "Just like a little girl..." Amin nods in agreement, a smile spreading across his face.

"Yeah!! I'm really happy you're here, bro... bringing a girl like Mariam together... and now we're like brothers..." Amin says, his words filled with sincerity. I know it's because Amin's been friendly with me since the start, more so than any other student I've met in this school. But I keep that thought to myself, not wanting to ruin the moment.

Mariam hugs both of us tightly, her eyes shining with happiness. "Come on!!" she exclaims, and we both follow her to Melissa's office.

As we reach the office door, I whisper to Amin, "I'm not joining the meeting. You in?" Amin nods in agreement, and we both decide to head down, leaving Mariam to present her proposal to Melissa alone.

I walk down the hallway, the soft creak of the floorboards beneath my feet echoing through the quiet corridor. Amin follows closely behind me, his footsteps light and unhurried. We seem to be in no rush, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the school.

As we stroll, Amin suddenly turns to me with a curious expression. "I heard rumors that Sylvia is going to move again?" he asks, his voice low and inquiring. I'm taken aback by the question, and my mind starts racing with possibilities. What could be going on with Sylvia?

I hesitate for a moment before responding, "Ummm...yeah, kind of..." Amin's eyes narrow slightly, his gaze piercing as he studies my reaction.

Amin's voice takes on a thoughtful tone as he says, "Kinda felt strange, why...but I think I know that she had this kind of vibe, being pious with her religion..." His words trail off, and he looks at me expectantly, as if waiting for me to fill in the gaps.

As we stand in the quiet hallway, the soft hum of the fluorescent lights above us casts an eerie glow on our faces. Amin's words hang in the air, and I can sense the weight of his thoughts. "Yeah, she does...but I know that one of these days she'll have to choose...I'm the type of guy who'd rather not get too deep about it...plus she doesn't feel like this is home…"

Amin's gaze pierces through me, his eyes searching for something. "Bro, you know that you have that kind of aura that people want to follow you?" His words catch me off guard, and I feel a shiver run down my spine.

I shake my head, trying to brush it off. "Not like that, I really care...for now, I'm just wanted to enjoy life in school..." My mind flashes back to the incident with the clone, and the darkness that lurks within me. I don't want to get anyone else caught in the crossfire, especially not Amin and Mariam.

I look at Amin, my voice barely above a whisper. "You know what, bro..." Amin's eyes lock onto mine, and I can sense his curiosity. “Yeah?"

I take a deep breath, feeling a sense of emptiness wash over me. "Just enjoy school and cherish the people important in your life...that kind of thing...cherish it..." I'm trying to steer the conversation away from me, focusing on Mariam instead.

Amin's expression softens, and he nods. "Yeah, I will, bro...but what about you? Aren't you supposed to have a life, too?" His words cut deep, and I feel a pang of uncertainty.

I look down, my voice barely audible. "Well, a guy like me...I wonder..." The secrets of my past haunt me, and I'm not sure if I'm ready to face them.

I glance up at Amin, my eyes locking onto his. "Whatever it is...just protect Mariam, got it?" Amin's expression turns serious, and he nods.

As we stand there, the air is thick with unspoken words. Amin breaks the silence, his voice filled with conviction. "Bro, you've got us, you know...we're like brothers and sisters to you…"

I'm taken aback, and for a moment, I'm speechless. The silence between us is awkward, and I'm not sure how to respond.

Just as the tension becomes unbearable, Mariam arrives, a bright smile on her face. "Babe!! Mel approve it!!" Amin's face lights up, and he high-fives Mariam. "Nice!! Babe!!! You're the bomb!!”

I watch them, feeling a pang of nostalgia. I've always wanted to cherish moments like these. "Hey, gotta move...if everything's all good..." I wave them goodbye, and Mariam calls out to me.

"Hey!!!! Don't be a sourpuss!! You know you have us to back you up...!!" I flash her a middle finger, and she laughs.

As I head to my next class, I hope to avoid any more conversations like this. The weight of my secrets is crushing me, and I'm not sure how much longer I can keep them hidden.