It was a regular afternoon. As always, after school, I was home—curled up on the couch, watching one of my favorite movies. That had become my routine: school, then movies until Mum returned from work.
She usually got home around 5:00 p.m., sometimes a bit later. So when I heard a knock at the door, I already had a good idea who it was.
"Who's that?" I called out.
"It's me, darling," my mum's warm voice replied from outside.
I jumped to my feet. "Oh, Mum!"
Opening the door with a smile, I hugged her tightly. "Good evening, Mum."
She held me for a moment. "How are you, my son? How was school today?"
"School wasn't bad," I replied, still smiling as we stepped inside. "I got to see my friends again."
I wanted so badly to tell her the big news—that I had been selected as a candidate for school prefect—but I held it in. I wanted it to be a surprise when the announcement became official.
"Okay, son. I'm heading upstairs to freshen up," she said, her voice tired but cheerful.
"Alright, Mum. See you later."
The next morning, we filed into class as usual—laughing, teasing, and settling into our seats. But everything changed just minutes later. The principal walked in without warning.
And the class? Way too noisy.
"Everybody just keep quiet!" he thundered. His voice roared through the room, and instantly, silence fell. Every head turned.
His eyes scanned the room sharply. "Who is the class prefect?" he demanded, locking his gaze on me. "Raz, stand up."
I blinked, caught off guard. Why was he calling me?
Slowly, I got to my feet. "But sir, I'm not the class prefect," I said politely.
From the far side of the classroom, Julius Menson quickly jumped up. "Sir, I'm the class prefect!" he said, almost in panic.
The principal shifted his eyes from me to Julius, then back to the rest of the class. He said nothing for a moment—just nodded, his face unreadable.
The tension in the room was thick. I sat down, puzzled.
Why did he think I was the leader?
Maybe… something bigger was coming.
"Okay, just get me a long list of noise makers," the principal said firmly.
"Yes, sir. I will," Julius answered quickly, his voice trembling slightly.
Then the principal turned back to me.
"And as for you, Raz Morgan—keep up the good work you're doing," he added, then turned and walked away.
Later that day, during lunch, Simon and I sat together in the school library. We pretended to study, flipping through pages halfheartedly. The silence between us stretched until Simon leaned forward.
"Raz, I have something to tell you," he said, his voice more serious than usual.
"I'm here, man. What's up? You look like you're about to announce the end of the world," I joked.
"I think I'm in love," he said, pausing like the words themselves were heavy.
I raised an eyebrow. "With who?"
He looked around cautiously, then leaned in and whispered, "Zainab."
"You mean Zainab from our class?" I asked, just to be sure.
He nodded slowly. "Yeah… I'm in love with her."
I chuckled. "Wow! My bro has finally fallen for someone. If you really love her, then go for it, man."
"I'm serious, bro. This isn't a joke," he said, eyes down. "I just don't know if she feels the same… or if she could ever like me back."
"And what makes you doubt yourself?" I asked, genuinely curious.
"I don't know. I guess… I just feel like I'm not enough."
I looked him straight in the eye. "Bro, you need to be a man and face your fear. Don't let doubt stop you. Come on—let's go now."
As we were walking toward the main building, we spotted Zainab heading in our direction.
"Bro, I think it's time," I said.
"Are you sure about this?" he asked, clearly nervous.
"Yeah, man. Come on."
But just then, I spotted Clara and dashed ahead to catch up with her.
"Hey bae," I greeted her.
She gave me a sharp look. "Raz, you haven't been giving me your time. Is anything wrong? You spend more time with Simon lately—as if you two are in love," she added with a small frown.
"It's okay. I promise I'll start giving you time again. I mean it," I said sincerely.
"Hope so," she replied, the edge still in her voice.
"Alright, I'll see you later. Let me catch up with Simon," I said, turning back.
"Simon, did it work?" I asked eagerly.
He shook his head. "Bro, I couldn't do it. I just asked her to be my friend."
"What?" I laughed. "Did she grow horns or what? Well, at least she's your friend now. Start from there—show her care, give her your best. Let her fall for you naturally. It'll be easier that way."
"I'll try," he said with a shrug.
Later that day, Simon came over to my house. I was home alone—Mum wouldn't be back until evening—so I was genuinely glad to see him.
"Bro, I think you should just give me the vibes," Simon said with a grin.
I laughed. "My guy, what kind of vibes are you talking about?"
"I mean the same vibes you gave to Clara back then—how you made her fall for you without embarrassing yourself."
"Oh, you mean that vibe?" I smiled. "Well, to be honest, you already have it."
"What do you mean I already have it?" he asked, confused.
"Let me break it down for you," I said. "I've been topping Clara in class since SSS1. That's when she started noticing me—caught the cruise, you know? Once I saw the signs, I just made my move.
"You're doing the same. You're topping Zainab too, right? She respects you, bro. Maybe she even likes you. But you? You're here waiting for her to say something first. Bro, if you like her, go for her. You have my blessings."
He burst out laughing. "Your blessings? As what—my parents?"
I grinned. "As your friend, of course."