Chapter 3: “Last Class of the Month: Temporary Haven... or Temporary Hell?”

The next morning dawned, a typical chaos-filled day, with Phylis joining the fray. Mom's absence only added to my concerns about handling Sam's toddler tantrums. He was only two, after all!

"Don't worry about Sam, I'll look after him," Phylis said with a grin. "He'll be a cute addition to the class.”

I thought to myself, "More like daycare for the students, I presume. This should be interesting.”

Sylvia had already prepared breakfast - a simple yet satisfying spread of fried noodles and hot chocolate. She even packed a special meal for Sam, complete with carrots, his favorite snack. It seemed like they'd already discussed this.

"Yeah... Sam also likes carrots, and he..." I trailed off, thinking, "Damn, she's like wife material already.”

Phylis winked at me, saying, "See what I told you? I really like her... wait till I see Nat about this." I knew Nat could handle household chores, but Phylis was clearly fueling the fire, motivating Nat to take me under her wing.

Sylvia remained focused on me, saying, "I'll follow you, making sure you're not getting too cozy with those two girls." I thought, "She should focus on her studies, not me... but I guess it's another problem for me again.”

As I gazed upon Sam's energetic antics, I thought to myself, "This tiny tornado is going to wreak havoc today!”

Hana shot me a stern glance, her voice firm. "Remember, only Big Sis Sylvia, Big Sis Phylis, and Big Sis herself have my approval. Got it?" The mention of "Big Sis herself" referred to Natalie, and I was surprised even Hana had accepted Sylvia.

Sylvia swiftly took charge, preparing Hana and Tama for the day ahead. Tama, as usual, was still half-dressed, leaving me astonished.

Phylis whispered to me, "Honestly, you need some space from this distraction... or else you might as well marry Sylvia! I'm serious..." Sylvia's face flushed crimson, while I thought to myself, "Just die already! I'm the one heading for a world of trouble soon!!"

I pedaled the bike, with Sylvia sitting behind me, her arms wrapped around my waist. Phylis had offered to drive Tama, Hana, Steward, and Sam, while we rode together.

As we waited for Phylis to depart, Sylvia helped me lock up the house, and with a click of the remote, the gate swung shut.

"Well then, let's go..." Sylvia's voice was eager, and I felt her squeeze my waist slightly as I started pedaling.

But soon, she tapped my shoulder. "I need to buy something; can we stop for a bit?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of mischief.

I raised an eyebrow, curious, and pulled over at the convenience store. That's when I saw it - Sylvia grabbing menstrual pads like it was the most normal thing in the world. My face flushed with embarrassment!

"Sorry, I ran out of stock," she said with a sheepish grin, seemingly oblivious to my discomfort.

As we rode into the school parking lot, Priscilla pulled up alongside us on her sleek Kawasaki Zephyr bike, identical to mine. I couldn't help but notice Sylvia had stashed some sneaky snacks in her bag - a girl's gotta keep her energy up, right?

"Blimey, fair dinkum! We've got the same change, mate! How bloody adorable is that?!" Priscilla exclaimed, but Priscilla was already launching into a verbal sparring match with Sylvia.

"What's the haps, babe?" Priscilla asked, turning to me with a sly grin. "Why's she tagging along with you? Shouldn't she be on the bus, eh? Spill the beans, Alex!”

In my mind, I'm thinking, "Priscilla, are you trying to start a catfight before the morning bell even rings?!”

Sylvia shot back, her voice icy, "You should improve your complicated English, Priscilla. Maybe take a trip back to primary school English class? I couldn't even decipher your gibberish, bitch…"

My inner monologue was screaming, "Not you too, Sylvia! Can't you two just get along for five minutes without clawing each other's eyes out?! Save the smackdown for lunchtime, or better yet, the school boxing ring - I'll bring the popcorn!”

Day two of school, but for me, it's already the last day of the month - I've got a night date with MCKK! Meanwhile, Priscilla and Sylvia are still exchanging blows in a verbal sparring match, walking to class like they own the place.

But then, Priscilla suddenly channels her inner anime villain, pushing Sylvia aside with a dramatic flourish! "Blimey, Sylvia! You're not in our year level, so bugger off to your own classroom, mate! I'll take care of babe here and make sure we're not late for maths class. You're just a junior, after all - you wouldn't understand our advanced lessons, would you?”

Little do I know, Priscilla's been harboring some serious aggression since our last meet-up... but wait, isn't she supposed to be the disciplinary council member of the student council? Sylvia's all like, "Really? Shouldn't you be setting an example? Or maybe take an early retirement?”

Just then, Priscilla's dad, Mr. Newman, appears out of nowhere, knocks her on the head, and drags her off like a sack of potatoes! Talk about a dramatic entrance!

"Ah, it seems Victoria needs another round of refinement, how delightful! Off you go, Alex and Sylvia. Don't keep Her Ladyship waiting - her etiquette lessons are far too sophisticated for your tender ears." Mr. Newman winks at me, and Sylvia smiles back like a psychic who knew he was coming.

Sylvia bows down like a noble lady, "Thank you, Mr. Newman... it seems Lady Priscilla here needs a bit more refinement, especially towards men... or should I say, experience?”

Mr. Newman replies with a charming smile, "Thank you ever so much, Ms. Sylvia. Well, I suppose I shall take my leave now. Cheerio, I'm off! I have no doubt our esteemed Victoria is awaiting my arrival with bated breath.”

He carries Priscilla off like she's a feather, leaving me thinking, "Jeez, he's scary... but the school just got a whole lot more interesting!”

The school's sprawling halls, once a familiar haven, now seemed to stretch on forever, a testament to the Borneo-SIGMA merger's transformative power. I walked, a solitary figure, amidst the throngs of students, my footsteps echoing off the walls.

Sylvia's wave goodbye was a fleeting moment of warmth, a brief respite from the monotony of the day ahead. I acknowledged it with a nod, my expression a mask of calm indifference.

In Ms. Sahara's class, the free-seating arrangement was a canvas waiting to be filled. I chose a seat next to Amin and Mariam, not out of enthusiasm, but simply because it was the most convenient option.

As the students settled in, a chorus of greetings echoed through the room, "Good morning, Ms. Sahara!" The teacher's warm smile was a beacon of welcome, and I added my own subdued greeting to the mix.

Amin, ever the jokester, cracked a smile and said, "Why did the math book look so sad? Because it had too many problems!" I rolled my eyes inwardly, thinking, "That's a groaner, Amin." But a few of our classmates chuckled, and Ms. Sahara's eyes twinkled with amusement.

Ms. Sahara wrote a complex equation on the board, and the class leaned in, fascinated. "Now, let's break this down step by step. Who can tell me what this symbol represents?"

Mariam's hand rose hesitantly. "Is it... a variable, Ms. Sahara?”

"Exactly, Mariam! It's a variable. And what about this symbol?" She pointed to a squiggly line.

Amin spoke up, "Isn't that a... a sigma notation?”

"That's right, Amin! You're on a roll today." Ms. Sahara smiled. "Now, let's see how we can apply this to solve the equation…"

As she explained, the class listened intently, asking occasional questions to clarify. I found myself absorbed in the lesson, my mind working through the problems alongside Ms. Sahara's explanations.

"Wait, so you're saying we can substitute the variable with this value?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Ms. Sahara nodded. "That's right, Alex. And what do you think will happen to the equation?”

I pondered for a moment before responding, "It should... simplify?”

Ms. Sahara beamed. "Exactly! You're all doing great. Let's see how it works out…"

The lesson continued, with the class engaged and focused, hanging on Ms. Sahara's every word. Even Amin's joke couldn't derail the momentum, and we all left the class with a deeper understanding of algebra and a newfound appreciation for Ms. Sahara's teaching.

Ms. Sahara continue again and wrote a complex algebra problem on the board, "Okay, class. Let's see if you can solve this. Alex, can you tell me the first step in solving this equation?”

I hesitated, unsure of how to approach the problem. But instead of speaking up, I walked up to the board and picked up a marker.

"Alex, what are you doing?" Ms. Sahara asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.

I didn't respond, instead focusing on writing a simplified formula on the board. My hand moved swiftly, the marker gliding across the surface with ease.

Ms. Sahara watched, intrigued, as I worked through the problem. Finally, I stepped back, revealing the solution in all its simplicity.

The class erupted into a collective "wow," and Ms. Sahara's eyes widened in surprise.

"Alex, that's... impressive. You've simplified the problem beautifully. Can you walk us through your thought process?”

I took a deep breath and began, "I saw that the equation had a lot of extra variables, so I tried to simplify it. I used the formula for quadratic equations and isolated the variables.”

I pointed to the board, "I moved the constants to one side and factored the equation. Then, I used the zero-product property to solve for x.”

Ms. Sahara nodded, "That's a great explanation, Alex. You broke it down into simple steps. Can you tell me why you chose to use the quadratic formula?”

I replied, "Because the equation was in the form of ax^2 + bx + c = 0, and I knew the quadratic formula would help me find the values of x.”

Ms. Sahara beamed, "Exactly! You recognized the pattern and applied the right formula. Well done... uh, class😅?”

The room fell silent, as if the students had witnessed a miracle. Eyes widened, jaws dropped, and mouths hung agape. 😦

"Is the world ending again?!"🤯 someone cried, clutching their head in mock despair.

George snickered, "So that's how he calculates getting all the girls... I guess being a playboy is all about math skills!” 🤔

Maya whispered to Mariam, "Wait, is that Alex... or has he been possessed by a math demon?”

Mariam shot back, "Nah, it's more like Einstein's ghost possessed his body... or maybe he just finally used up his last brain cell! Hey, Professor Einstein, can you spare some genius for the rest of us? My brain's starving over here!”

"Bro... are you okay? Did you somehow hack into the Matrix or something?" Amin asked, his eyes wide with disbelief, clearly doubting my sudden math prowess.

Little did he know, Sylvia's secret tutoring sessions had been my secret weapon, and her genius-level intellect – rivaling even Nat's – had rubbed off on me.

"Uh, okay, everyone😅, calm down! Alex is learning, okay?!" Ms. Sahara clapped her hands, trying to regain control of the class, but it was like trying to stop a runaway train.

The teasing continued, with one student joking, "Alex, recite the Quran, don't forget the shahadah... maybe it'll exorcise the math demon from you!”

Zamri chimed in, "No way, that's not enough! We need a full-on cleansing ritual! Get the Zam Zam water and pour it over his head, pronto!”

Ms. Sahara tried again, "Uh, class...😅? " but her soft voice was drowned out by the chaos.

The students kept going, "Call the ustaz! We need an emergency exorcism! This isn't the Alex we know... he's been possessed by the math demon!”

Just when it seemed like things couldn't get worse, Ms. Sahara let out a loud, yet adorable, "Hey!!! Everyone!! 😅!!" but it was more like a cute squeak, and the class just ignored it.

I slammed my eyes shut, my face ablaze with humiliation, as a maelstrom of rage and embarrassment churned within me. "You'll pay for this... every single one of you...," I silently seethed, my mind racing with fantasies of revenge. "I'll hang you all out to dry... metaphorically, of course...," I thought, imagining Zamri, George, Mariam, and Amin strung up like laundry, flailing in the wind. "You'll be the laughing stock of the whole school...," I added, a satisfied smirk spreading across my face in my mind. "But for now, I'll play the fool...," I thought, gritting my teeth, "Teach me, teacher…"

The chaos reached its boiling point, with the noise level exceeding that of a rock concert. It took an eternity - 10 minutes, to be exact - for Mr. Rahim to arrive, his face a thunderstorm of rage.

"ALL OF YOU... OUTSIDE NOW!!!!!!" he bellowed, his voice capable of shattering glass.

"MS SAHARA, I APOLOGIZE FOR THESE UNRULY INSECTS! THEY NEED A DOSE OF RAHIM-STYLE DISCIPLINE!!!!”

Ms. Sahara smiled sweetly, her eyes sparkling with compassion. "It's okay, really... just go easy on them...," she said, her voice a gentle breeze amidst the chaos.

But little did she know, Mr. Rahim's idea of "going easy" was about to unleash a torrent of torture upon us. The great outdoors beckoned, and with it, the promise of an unforgettable Rahim-style boot camp.

Amin trembled as Mr. Rahim's gaze locked onto him, the first victim on his hit list. "Why me, oh why me?!" Amin wondered, recalling the countless times he'd been Mr. Rahim's target since last year.

"HEY AMIN!!!!" Mr. Rahim bellowed, his voice like a thunderclap.

"Yes, captain!!!" Amin saluted, trying to hide his terror.

In a flash, Mr. Rahim pounced, scooping Amin up in a fireman's carry.

Amin's eyes widened as Mr. Rahim slammed him onto his shoulder, setting up the infamous "Backbreaker of Doom" wrestling move.

"IT'S MR. RAHIM!!!!!!!!! CAN'T YOU IDIOTS GET THAT THROUGH YOUR HEADS ALREADY!!!!!!!!! ARGH!!!!!!!!!” He bellowed like a pirate king, his thunderous roar shaking the very foundations of the school!

"NOOOO! NOT THE BACKBREAKER!!!" Amin shrieked, his voice echoing through the courtyard.

With a maniacal grin, Mr. Rahim delivered the crushing blow, Amin's back arching in a dramatic, slow-motion bend.

But that was only the beginning! Imagine a T-Rex on a caffeine high, rampaging through Jurassic Park, and we're the unsuspecting chicken nuggets on the menu! Mr. Rahim, the mighty 'Rahim-Zilla', was on a mission to devour us all, one by one, leaving a trail of destruction and discipline in his wake! The buccaneers were being taken down, and we were the main course!

In the blink of an eye, Ms. Sahara's classroom transformed into a war zone, with Mr. Rahim unleashing his 'Discipline Course Meal of the Day' - a secret recipe of chaos and destruction! The students were being 'butchered' left and right, while Ms. Sahara tried to intervene, her tiny kitten-like voice no match for the raging elephant that was Mr. Rahim.

"MR. RAHIM!! THOSE ARE STUDENTS, NOT DUMBBELLS!!" she shouted, but it was like trying to stop a tornado with a feather.

The girls were forced into a squat-a-thon, 100 times, while the boys became human pumps, also 100 times. Meanwhile, Ms. Sahara attempted to calm Mr. Rahim, but he was too busy beating us down, with the remaining boys fleeing for their lives like headless chickens.

I was stuck pumping like a maniac, but hey, at least I'm used to it. Mariam was speechless, watching in horror as Amin became Mr. Rahim's human dumbbell. The scene was pure comedy gold, with Mr. Rahman looking on in shame, trying to stifle his laughter.

And so, the Buccaneers solidified their reputation as the roughest, toughest, and meanest group in school - a title we wore like a badge of honor... or a war wound.

Luckily, Priscilla was still in training mode with her dad, Mr. Newman, at the 'School of Nobility' (aka 'Full-on Parenting Bootcamp'), oblivious to the horror show unfolding before us.

We stumbled back into class, looking like battle-hardened veterans, our faces etched with the trauma of Mr. Rahim's 'Discipline Course Meal of the Day'. Ms. Sahara thanked Mr. Rahim, while he glared at us, his eyes blazing with a fierce intensity, daring us to misbehave again.

But Amin, the class clown, just couldn't resist. "Don't worry, Captain! We won't let you down!" he chimed, earning a collective facepalm from the class. "He's asking for it... again," we whispered in unison.

Mariam, the noble warrior, unleashed a lightning-fast roundhouse kick, sending Amin crashing to the ground. We quickly pounced, attempting to tape his mouth shut and tie him up with rope, silencing his antics once and for all.

Ms. Sahara intervened, "Uh, class... can we continue?" The tension was palpable as Mr. Rahim returned, his parting words hanging in the air like a guillotine: "I've got my eyes and ears on you people!!" He slashed his hand across his throat, leaving no doubt - he meant business. We gulped, our hearts racing in unison.

Uh, cheers Mr. Rahim, thanks for the... erm... motivation," Ms. Sahara said, trying to compose herself. "Let's get back to the lecture, shall we?”

Amin, still tied up, suddenly sprang to life, his eyes fixed intently on Ms. Sahara. The class snickered, trying to stifle their giggles.

"Keep going, Ms. Sahara, we're all ears!" everyone chimed in, except Amin, who nodded enthusiastically, his mouth still taped shut.

Just then, Priscilla burst in, looking like a fish out of water. "G'day, mates! What'd I miss?”

Mariam whispered to her, "You missed the show of the century! Alex got possessed by the spirit of Albert Einstein... or so it seems!”

Priscilla's eyes widened, "What the bloody hell is going on here?! Did Alex turn into a genius or something?"

As they chatted, I swooped in like a ninja, knocking their heads together with a loud "BONK!" "Didn't you forget about something... look outside..." I warned, my thumb pointing ominously towards the window.

Their eyes widened😨 in terror as they took in the horror outside. It wasn't just Mr. Rahim, but also Mr. Newman, standing like a duo of doom, gazing at us with an intensity that made us feel like prisoners.

Our minds went blank, unable to process the sheer terror that gripped us. The silence was deafening, until Ms. Sahara broke it with a nervous chuckle, "Uh... 😅well... I suppose we have our work cut out for us, class…"

Her attempt at humor was a desperate bid to defuse the tension, but it only seemed to make things more surreal. I mean, who tries to make small talk when faced with the apocalypse?

As we entered the religion class, we were reminded that our school was a melting pot of faiths, offering a unique religion course that catered to the diverse beliefs of its students.

The course was divided into sections, each focusing on a specific religion: Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and even Philosophy for those who didn't identify with any particular faith. It was a bold move by the school to promote understanding and respect among students of different backgrounds, and we were curious to see how it would play out. Our group leader is Hazlan, was MIA during the last class, leaving us wondering if he'd finally achieved his dream of becoming a ninja.

"Stand up... Assalamulaikum, Ustazah!" we chimed in unison, trying to sound like a harmonious Muslim choir.

"Walaikumussalam... please sit down, everyone," Ustazah replied, gesturing to the chair-less, circle-seating arrangement. Because, why conform to traditional classroom norms, right?

"Welcome to Day 1 of our Islam class... let's get this introduction party started!" Ustazah announced, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Mariam, our resident rebel, stood out like a sore thumb in her blouse and pinafore, hijab-less and proud. Ustazah swiftly handed her a telekung, saying, "Please, Ms. Mariam, cover up to keep things fair and square.”

Mariam surprisingly took it like a champ, leaving us wondering if she'd been secretly training in the art of humility.

Maya whispered to me, 'She's wearing a telekung, I wonder why?' But I just shrugged, too busy enjoying the drama unfolding before us. Mariam looked like she'd seen a ghost, her eyes fixed on something outside the window... and then I saw her too - Ms. Genevie, lurking like a ninja, making sure everyone was in line. 😓No wonder Mariam was being so cooperative!

Ustazah Zerina, our new teacher, tried to compose herself, 'I'm Ustazah Zerina... nice to meet you all... uh... 😅 stop scaring my student here!' But even she couldn't resist the distraction that was Ms. Genevie.

Ms. Genevie just winked and said, 'Oh, sorry Zerina, just making sure the girls are in order... like I mean it...' I wondered if she was the new Disciplinary teacher, sent to strike fear into our hearts like Mr. Rahim.

As we introduced ourselves, Ustazah Zerina unleashed a knowledge tsunami: the pillars of Islam, its principles, and philosophy. But Amin's brain was hijacked by Mariam's telekung-clad awesomeness. He gazed at her like a starving man at an all-you-can-eat buffet, muttering, "She's so dazzling... oooo, I can't wait for the day itself... oooo!" His eyes screamed "LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!”

Malik whispered to me, "Bro, Amin's carrot is rising like a rocket ship!" I face-palmed, "Not again, Amin!" But then Mariam sent me a distress signal – a subtle neck-cut gesture. I nodded, and the other girls joined the silent protest. Amin's face turned beet-red, his "carrot" reaching critical levels.

I whispered to Malik, "Time to take him down, bro! Operation: Carrot Takedown, engage!" Malik nodded, and with a sneaky signal, we launched a stealth attack. Amin crashed to the floor with a thud, his lovesick haze shattered. Ustazah Zerina remained clueless, but Mariam flashed us a grateful smile.

"Uh... what happened?" Ustazah Zerina asked, oblivious to the drama.

Malik chimed in, "He must be really tired from yesterday's assembly... hahah..." The girls nodded in agreement, trying to stifle their giggles. I added, "Yeah, he's just... uh... allergic to knowledge!”

The girls burst into laughter, and even Ustazah Zerina cracked a smile. Crisis averted... for now! But Amin's "carrot" would surely rise again, like a phoenix from the ashes...

Ustazah Zerina began explaining the principles of Islam, but Amin suddenly sprang to life, like a zombie revived by Islamic knowledge. "Wait, wait, Ustazah! Let me explain!" he exclaimed, his eyes shining with newfound seriousness.

Malik whispered to me, "Bro, Amin's carrot has transformed into a knowledge ninja!" I chuckled, but Mariam's reaction was unexpected. She gazed at Amin with dreamy eyes, her face flushed pink.

Alex noticed and whispered to me, "Dude, Mariam's got it bad! Operation: Love Takedown, engage!" I nodded, and the girls launched a stealth attack, knocking Mariam off her chair.

"Uh... what happened?" Ustazah Zerina asked, confused.

Alex chimed in, "She's just... uh... really tired from yesterday's assembly... yeah, that's it!" The girls giggled, and even Ustazah Zerina raised an eyebrow.

Amin, still serious, began explaining the principles of Islam, but Mariam's lovesick gaze kept interrupting him. "Uh, yes, the Five Pillars... um, sorry, what was I saying?" Amin stuttered, his focus shattered by Mariam's adoring stare.

Malik whispered to me, "Bro, Amin's still are no match for Mariam's love!" I face-palmed, laughing, as the drama continued to unfold.

"We need to put a stop to Amin and Mariam's lovey-dovey antics! Let's make this a memorable lesson for them!" I whispered to Malik.

We set the stage, asking Ustazah Zerina about marriage. "Uh, is it in the syllabus, Ustazah?" I asked, trying to sound innocent.

Ustazah Zerina raised an eyebrow. "Why the sudden interest, Alex?”

I grinned mischievously. "We need to know how to get married the Islamic way... for, uh, research purposes.”

Ustazah Zerina looked skeptical but launched into a thorough explanation. "In Islam, marriage is a sacred bond... “

As she spoke, we subtly dragged Mariam and Amin next to each other, trying not to giggle. Ustazah Zerina noticed and wondered what was happening.

"Uh, class, what's going on here?”

Malik chimed in, "We're just, uh, demonstrating the practical application of Islamic marriage, Ustazah!”

Mariam shot me a middle finger, while Amin's eyes glazed over, lost in weird imaginations.

Ustazah Zerina's eyes widened. "I see. Well, in that case, let's make this a memorable lesson for all of you!”

She began writing on the board, "Marriage in Islam 101: No lovey-dovey antics allowed!”

The class erupted into laughter, and even Mariam and Amin couldn't help but crack a smile.

"Gotcha!" I whispered to Malik.

Ustazah Zerina smiled, "Now, let's focus on the importance of faith, compatibility, and mutual consent... “

As she continued, we made sure to keep Mariam and Amin in line, with occasional nudges and winks. After all, we were learning about Islamic marriage, not making love matches!

As we bid farewell to Ustazah Zerina, the nicest teacher ever, we left with full hearts and minds. The lesson on Islamic marriage had been a blast, thanks to Mariam and Amin's antics!

The lunch bell rang, and my stomach growled in response. Yesterday, I had skipped lunch, but today, with cash in hand, I was ready to devour the canteen's offerings. And boy, was I in for a surprise!

The canteen had transformed into a sprawling food court, complete with school clubs running their own shops! The aroma of delicious food wafted through the air, making my mouth water.

"Whoa, this is amazing!" I exclaimed, eyes wide with wonder.

Malik chuckled. "Told you, they've upgraded the canteen. Now, let's fuel up and support our school clubs!”

We joined the bustling crowd, eager to try the various dishes and drinks on offer. The school clubs' entrepreneurial spirit was impressive, and we were happy to support their endeavors.

As we sat down to enjoy our lunch, I grinned at Malik. "This is the life! Good food, good friends, and a side of Islamic knowledge – what more could we ask for?”

Malik laughed, and we dug in, savoring the flavors and the warmth of our friendship."

As we devoured our lunch, Mariam and Amin joined us, but I couldn't help but notice Sylvia's absence. That was when I spotted her, beaming with her angelic smile, selling cakes alongside William. The crowd around them was mesmerized, and I chuckled to myself.

"She's a celebrity now, eh?" I whispered to Mariam, who was savoring her bakso.

Mariam nodded, her eyes closed in culinary bliss. "Mmm... this soup is amazing!”

I smiled, enjoying my Nasi Lemak, while Amin relished his fried noodles. Our table was filled with laughter and chatter, a lively gathering of friends.

As I finished my meal, I felt an urge to escape to my favorite haven – the podium. I excused myself, telling Amin and Mariam, "I'll catch you guys later.”

Mariam waved me off, "Sleepyhead, go ahead! Kukuku…"

Amin grinned, "See ya next class, bro!”

With a wave, I bid them farewell, seeking solace in the podium's quiet embrace. After Zohor prayers at the mussollah, I settled into my spot, closing my eyes, and let out a contented sigh.

"This is my happy place..." I thought, basking in the serenity.

But, I knew this peace was short-lived. Soon, I'd have to leave school for that month-long event, and the thought lingered, a gentle reminder to cherish these moments.

As I lay there, I felt a gentle pressure on my head, as if someone was cradling me. The soft humming soothed my mind, and I couldn't help but peek at the source. My gaze met a familiar sight - Sylvia's boobs! I should've been shocked, but instead, I felt a strange sense of peace.

"Sylvia...?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"Shh, just listen," she cooed, her voice a soothing melody, as she cradled my head in her lap, her fingers tracing gentle circles on my scalp, her touch sending waves of relaxation through my body, making me feel like a helpless kitten in her loving embrace.

She began singing a soft, melodious tune, the same one she sang before. I closed my eyes, letting the music wash over me. Sylvia's legs supported my head, and I felt her warmth, her comfort.

But then, my mind started to wander... "Wait, why am I so calm? Why are Sylvia's boobs on my forehead?!”

My inner monologue was interrupted by Sylvia's gentle humming, and I couldn't help but smile. "What am I thinking?!" I thought, laughing internally.

Sylvia's singing continued, a gentle serenade, and I let myself drift into the peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by her warmth and her voice.

Sylvia's voice was laced with a hint of concern, "Don't do anything crazy in MCKK, got it? You're representing our school, okay?" I couldn't help but chuckle at her motherly tone, feeling like we were indeed a couple, despite my unrequited confession last year.

"Promise me again...please," she requested, her eyes sparkling with a mix of seriousness and playfulness. I wondered what sparked this sudden concern - did she overhear my conversation with Phylis?

As I closed my eyes, I could sense her proximity, her warm breath on my skin. My heart skipped a beat, realizing that besides Natalie, who held a special place in my heart, Sylvia had also unknowingly etched herself within me. "Damn it, why did it have to be like this?" I thought, my mind a jumbled mess of emotions.

"Sylvia, why are you so concerned about me?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant despite my racing heart.

She paused, her voice barely above a whisper, "I just don't want anything to happen to you, okay?”

I opened my eyes, and my gaze met Sylvia's, her face inches from mine. But unlike before, I didn't blush. It was as if our connection was on a deeper level, like the one I shared with Natalie.

I closed my eyes again, trying to calm my racing heart, and replied, "Fine..." The word escaped my lips, sending my pulse soaring.

Sylvia's voice was barely audible, "Thank you, Alex...I really cherish it...because...I know it well..." Her lips brushed against my forehead, sending shivers down my spine. It was a gentle, loving touch, filled with concern.

I held her lips, trying to reassure her, "I'll be fine...okay? Don't worry about it..." But my words were laced with uncertainty, and I knew she saw right through me.

Sylvia's giggle was music to my ears, but her next words left me breathless, "Remember that confession on the beach? I'm serious about it...that's what I truly feel in my heart..." Her voice trailed off, and I sensed a hint of longing, as if she was hesitant to let go of something precious.

My mind raced, wondering why she brought up the confession now. Was it because of the impending move to Vatican City, the one my mom had mentioned? Was Sylvia trying to hold on to something, or someone? The uncertainty lingered, leaving me with more questions than answers.

In that serene moment, I sensed a deep connection with Sylvia, a bond that transcended words. It was as if time stood still, and all that mattered was our tranquil embrace.

Unbeknownst to me, I drifted off to sleep, but my subconscious remained aware of Sylvia's presence, her gentle breathing a soothing serenade. That peaceful reverie was shattered by the unmistakable sound of a camera shutter.

My eyes snapped open, and I was met with a sight that made my heart sink. Mariam, Amin, Priscilla, Siti, Hana (still cracking her knuckles), Hazlan, and Tama - the entire gang was there, their faces a mix of amusement and mischief.

Mariam's sly grin caught my attention, and I realized she was the mastermind behind this setup. "You're going down, Alex!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with triumph.

I closed my eyes, hoping it was just a nightmare, but the reality was undeniable. I was busted, and Mariam's plan had succeeded. The camera shutter clicked again, and I knew I was in for a world of trouble.

"Sylvia, why didn't you warn me?!" I thought, but deep down, I knew she was just an innocent bystander in Mariam's scheme.

I stood up, brushing off my embarrassment, and scooped up Sylvia, who was still snoring away. I made a quick escape, trying to save us both from the impending doom.

"Hey! Don't think you can escape!" Mariam's voice echoed behind us, but I didn't look back.

I burst into the Buccaneer form 3 class, frantically asking a student, "Where's Sylvia's seat?!”

I gently laid her down, trying not to draw attention, but it was too late. The whole class stared at me, mouths agape.

Sammy and Jamilah approached me, concern etched on their faces. "Uh, senior, what's going on? Did something happen?”

I hastily replied, "I just... uh... delivered a package. Yeah, that's it.”

But before I could make another move, Priscilla pounced, wrapping me in a tight headlock. "Gotcha, babe!”

"Priscilla, let me go!" I protested, trying to wriggle free.

Hana followed up with a merciless drop kick, sending me crashing to the ground. I thought I saw stars... or maybe that was just my dignity flying away.

As I lay there, dazed and confused, Priscilla leaned in, grinning mischievously. "You're such a babe when you're all flustered, Alex!”

Mariam's eyes sparkled with mischief as she crossed her arms, her smile twisting into a villainous grin. "Kukuku...revenge is sweet, isn't it, Alex? You should have known better than to mess with me!”

The agony and ecstasy I endured during lunch and break time defied the limits of human language...but hey, who needs words when a healthy dose of pain can jumpstart your brain, right?!”

My body was transformed into a human punching bag, with bruises and scars serving as a testament to my 'glorious' defeat. As I lay there, motionless and limp like a corpse, one of the juniors decided to play 'is he alive?' and poked me with a stick.

With a Herculean effort, I managed to utter a few words, my voice barely above a whisper: “I'm...not...dead...yet...dammit...now...scram...before...I...unleash...my...fury..."

But honestly, it came out more like: “Gggg...mmm...nnn...uuuh...groan..."

The junior jumped back, eyes wide with excitement, and yelled, "He's alive! He's alive!"

while I thought to myself, "No, I'm not...I'm just a shell of my former self...a mere shadow of myself..”.

"As I regained consciousness, I stumbled into my next class, determined to tackle the new subject I had boldly decided to take on this semester. But, I knew I had to face the music first...

'Why, oh why, did I choose to take on this additional course?' I thought to myself, as I stood before my classmates, ready to explain my reasoning.

The subject was none other than...Cultural Studies! That's right, folks, I, Alex, had decided to take on the fascinating world of cultural exploration. But, why, you ask? Well, let's just say I wanted to level up my knowledge and my decision to become an anthropologist!

In our school, the curriculum was divided into:

Essential Subjects - the holy trinity of academics:

Bahasa Melayu, English, and Mathematics (the usual suspects)

History and Islamic Studies (to keep us grounded)

Civil Studies (because we need to know our rights...and wrongs)

Elective Core Subjects - the intriguing options:

Social Sciences (for the curious minds)

Cultural Studies (my newfound passion!)

Geography and Earth Science (for the adventurers)

Philosophy (for the deep thinkers)

Non-Related SPM Core Studies (Compulsory) - the necessary evils:

Life Skills (because adulting is hard)

Moral and Ethics (to keep us in check)

Language Arts (to express ourselves)

Normally, we'd take a maximum of 9 subjects, but thanks to our school's extended 8-hour learning day, we got to cover most of the units. Yeah, that's right...our school was basically a training ground for academic ninjas!"

Our school stands proud as one of the most extraordinary institutions in Sabah, boasting an eclectic array of courses that set us apart from the rest.”

Just then, Phylis greeted me with her signature banter, "Late again, Alex? What's the excuse this time?”

I sheepishly replied, "Uh... took a detour…"

The class erupted in a chorus of snickers and teasing remarks, with Malik chiming in, "Bro, Mariam is FUMING! She's got a setup waiting for you, dude!”

Kallie, intrigued by the drama, added, "Yeah, I saw Mariam storming into class, looking like a volcano about to erupt! And Amin... poor guy, he was like a walking tomato, red with rage!”

The class burst into laughter, and I couldn't help but grin, knowing I was in for a wild ride with my friends and foes alike. Little did I know, Mariam's wrath was only the beginning...

Phylis began the class with a stern expression, "Alright, listen up, young'uns! Today we're diving into the rich ethnic tapestry of Sabah. And remember, handling cultural differences is like handling a fragile egg... or Alex's ego - with care, or it'll crack under the pressure!”

The class chuckled, and I playfully rolled my eyes, "Hey, my ego's not that fragile... I think.”

Phylis continued, "Seriously though, respect and honor are key. Remember, respect is like a password - use it correctly, and you'll gain trust. Use it incorrectly, and... well, you'll end up like Alex, constantly getting roasted by Mariam!”

The class erupted in laughter, and I grinned, "Hey, that's not fair! Mariam loves me... I think.”

Phylis smiled mischievously, "Anyway, let's get started before I have to send Alex to detention... again."

As the bell rang, signaling the end of class, I approached Phylis with a mix of excitement and trepidation. "Ms Phylis, I need to talk to you about my temporary field trip to MCKK."

Phylis raised an eyebrow, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "Oh, wow, you're one of the chosen ones, huh? I wonder why that is…?"

I chuckled nervously, "Yeah, something like that. But it's only for a month, and then I'll be back.”

Phylis smirked, "Well, isn't that convenient? Alright, I'll email you the syllabus for the next month, and when you get back, we'll have a quiz to ensure you didn't spend the whole time slacking off.”

I grinned, "Don't worry, Ms Phylis, I'll make sure to study hard... or at least, that's the plan!”

Phylis playfully rolled her eyes, "I'm sure it is, Alex. Just don't make me have to come after you with a rolled-up newspaper."

I walk into the Geography class, and my heart sinks. Mariam and Amin are already there, their faces twisted in a mixture of annoyance and amusement. I know I'm in for another round of torture.

Mariam storms over to my table, slamming her arm down. "Hey, I hear you're leaving again?" she growls.

Amin chimes in, "Bro, MCKK is one of the oldest and most elite schools in Malaysia! What's going on?”

The whole class gathers around, eyes wide with surprise. "MCKK?!?! Yo, is that really you, Alex?!" someone exclaims.

The banter starts pouring in: "Is the world ending again?!", "Don't turn gay, bro!", and other ridiculous comments. Mariam complains that I'm supposed to be with them, while Mr. Rahim suddenly appears out of nowhere, lifts me like a dumbbell, and shouts, "I'M PROUD OF YOU, ALEX!”

I think to myself, "If you're so proud, why am I being tortured? Is this some kind of bizarre Buccaneer farewell tradition?!”

I beg for mercy, "Mr. Rahim, please! It's just for a month!”

But Mr. Rahim continues to brag, "ARGG! I'M PROUD OF YOU! AMIN, SEE THIS GUY? HE'S ALREADY A MODEL STUDENT!”

Just then, the Geography teacher, Xandra (who happens to be Mr. Rahim's girlfriend), bursts in, drops a kick on him with her mini skirt, and warns him to calm down. "Thank you, teacher!" I silently pray.

The scene is chaotic, with Mr. Rahim still shouting, Xandra trying to restore order, and the class in stitches. I just want to escape, but I know I have to face the music. After all, I'm a Buccaneer, and this is just another day in our crazy school life!

Its not over yet just as I thought things couldn't get worse, Ms. Xandra announces, "Forget the Geography lesson, today we're having a farewell party... for Alex!"

The class erupts in cheers and jeers as they close in on me like a pack of wild animals. Mariam and Amin lead the charge, their faces twisted in a mix of excitement and sadistic pleasure.

"Royal rumble, baby!" Mariam cackles, as they start piling on top of me.

I try to defend myself, but it's like trying to hold back a tsunami. They're relentless, with pillows, books, and even chairs flying at me from all directions.

Amin starts doing wrestling moves, body-slamming me onto the table, while Mr. Rahim cheers him on, "That's the spirit, Amin! Show him who's boss!”

Ms. Xandra watches with a sly grin, "Don't worry, Alex, it's all in good fun... or so I've been told.”

I'm buried under a mountain of bodies, flailing limbs, and sarcastic comments. "This is farewell? More like farewell to my sanity!”

Just when I think it's all over, they drag me to the front of the class and start a conga line, with me as the unwilling participant.

The chaos reaches new heights, with laughter, shouts, and even tears (from me). It's a Buccaneer farewell party like no other!

As the "celebration" reaches its climax, I realize that this is what I get for being part of this crazy school... and I wouldn't have it any other way!

As the conga line finally dies down, Amin turns to me with a mischievous grin, "Dude, you gotta toughen up for MCKK! You can't just be a Buccaneer wimp!”

Mariam chimes in, "Yeah, Alex, you need to learn how to survive in the wilds of MCKK!"

Mr. Rahim, still high on his pride, adds, "And don't forget to represent our school with honor! Show them what we're made of!”

Ms. Xandra, trying to regain some semblance of order, interjects, "Okay, okay, let's focus on the practicalities. Amin, what's your advice for Alex?”

Amin clears his throat, "Right, so first of all, Alex, you gotta master the art of brooding. You know, like this." He strikes a pose, looking like a constipated model.

I facepalm, "Amin, that's not going to help me.”

Undeterred, Amin continues, "And then, you gotta learn how to eat like a king... or at least, like a hungry wolf. MCKK's food is legendary, bro!”

The class erupts in laughter and jokes, with everyone offering their own ridiculous advice.

As the bell rings, signaling the end of class, Ms. Xandra throws up her hands, "Alright, alright, that's enough! Alex, I think you've got a good idea of what to expect now.”

I stand up, dazed and confused, "I think I need a survival guide... or a straightjacket.”

The class cheers as we file out, still chuckling and snickering. I glance back at Amin, who's still striking his brooding pose.

"Thanks for the advice, guys. I'll try to survive MCKK with my sanity intact.”

Amin grins, "No promises, bro!"

"That's a pirate's life!! Savvy!!!!" Mariam and the gang shouted at me, as they kick me out of the classroom.

I stumble out, and said to myself "More like kicking me out of school, that's what it is!”

But there is no end to this, as I realize Priscilla is waiting for me in front, looking like a femme fatale.

"Hey, Alex," she says, batting her eyelashes, "why don't we make this goodbye a little more... memorable?”

But before she can even touch me, Sylvia swoops in like a superhero, pushing Priscilla away and shouting, "Not on my watch, Priscilla!”

The two girls engage in an epic cat fight, with hair flying everywhere and books scattering across the floor. I'm stuck in the middle, trying to avoid getting scratched or bitten.

I facepalm, "This is insane.”

As I sat on the ground, I couldn't help but think that this scene looked like it belonged in an anime. Chaos erupted around me, with Priscilla and Sylvia's cat fight, Mr. Rahim's pirate antics, and the gang's rowdy cheers. It was like a surreal dream... or a nightmare.

Hana appeared beside me, eyes wide with wonder, "Is this a school or a circus?!”

I shook my head, laughing, "I think it's a little bit of both.”

Despite the mayhem, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. School had ended, and the Buccaneers had cemented their reputation as the craziest of the lot. I couldn't argue with that.

As I stood up, brushing myself off, I grinned, "Well, that was a typical day at school.”

Hana grinned, "You mean super duper crazy, big brother?"

I shrugged, "Same difference.”

The gang cheered and high-fived each other, still basking in the excitement of the moment. I watched them, shaking my head in amusement.

Only at this school...

I waited for Sylvia to finish her cat fight with Priscilla, but Mariam intervened with her own devious plan - one that I didn't even want to think about…

After the chaos died down, Hana, Steward, and Tama headed home on the bus, while Sylvia and I rode my bike. My flight was tonight, and I couldn't believe the day had finally arrived.

Mariam and Amin joined us, and when we arrived at my house, I'd already packed my bags. My family was there, including Mom, Dad, Sam, Uncle Usman, Awang, and my cousin.

"Hey, you ready?" Awang asked me.

"Yeah..." I replied, trying to play it cool.

As we headed to the airport, I was shocked to see the entire Buccaneer crew - students and all - waiting for us. What was going on?!

Mariam just smiled mischievously. "The SIGMA way of saying goodbye…"

I was flattered, but also embarrassed. Awang, being a sponsored student under the Borneo Foundation school education exchange program, was whisked away by Mr. Jamil, one of the officers.

"Are you Alex? Get ready to join this group, okay?" he said.

I nodded, asking my friends to leave. "Shoo! Get out of here!”

The officers looked at the scene and chuckled. "You have a lot of fans, son…"

I blushed, feeling like a celebrity. This was definitely a sendoff to remember!