Chapter 4 — Mission accomplished.
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Classroom, late morning. The buzz of end-of-lecture chatter lingers. Ms. Pichaya, their English teacher, stands at the front of the room — patient but alert, with a faint smile that suggests she's used to the energy of her class. She claps once, drawing attention.
Ms. Pichaya (smiling warmly):
"Alright everyone, before we finish today, I have something important. You'll be working on a group English project this month — pair work or groups of three or four. And… you can choose your own teammates."
Immediately, the room shifts into quiet chaos — chairs squeaking, students twisting in their seats, whispering like they're assembling secret squads.
Save sits calmly, notebook still open. Beside him, Auau — already seated next to him — pauses mid-motion as he zips his pencil case. His eyes flick to Save, a small smile forming, as if he was waiting for this opening.
Auau (light and hopeful):
"Well… we're already halfway a team, huh?"
Save (glancing at him, calm smile):
"Looks like it."
Auau (grinning wider now):
"Should we lock it in? You and me?"
Save (simple nod):
"Sure."
Across from them, Por — who sits one row ahead — half-turns back, eyebrows raised dramatically.
Por (mock offended):
"You guys made a secret pact without me? Harsh."
Save (deadpan, tilting his head):
"You snooze, you lose."
Auau (grinning, teasing):
"Want to join before negotiations close?"
Por smirks and stands up casually, dragging his chair backwards to their desk.
Por (grinning):
"Too late, I'm already sitting here."
He slides in beside them. Patji, from the next row over, watches this with a faint smile, head resting on his palm.
Patji (dry tone):
"If I don't jump in now, you guys will trademark the group name before I blink."
Without asking, he lazily swings his chair over to complete their four-person cluster.
Patji (smirking):
"Four's cozier anyway."
The four of them now sit together — Save, Auau (already beside him), Por, and Patji — their group formed easily and naturally.
At the front, Ms. Pichaya claps her hands softly to bring focus back.
Ms. Pichaya (pleasant tone):
"Alright — make sure you have your teammates locked in. Exchange numbers if you haven't already. And remember — you'll submit your group project in five days. Plan carefully and manage your time well."
Auau pulls out his phone quickly and looks at Save with a small grin.
Auau (joking):
"Let's trade numbers. Just in case you try to ghost me."
Save (amused):
"I'll think about it."
They all pull out phones and start exchanging numbers with casual nudges and smirks. Por scrolls fast as always, and Patji types slowly, deliberately.
Patji (deadpan):
"I'm naming the group chat 'The Survivors.' No objections."
Por (mock serious):
"Only if I get admin rights."
The four of them laugh quietly, their group chat born with a soft ding of phones syncing.
At the front, Ms. Pichaya watches with a small satisfied smile — clearly happy her students are settling in well.
----
Group Chat Name: ENG Project Warriors
Members: Save, Auau, Por, Patji
---
Por: Alright soldiers, reporting for duty.
Por: Mission — Finish English project before Ms. Pichaya finishes us.
Patji: Lol. Dramatic as usual.
Patji: Respect.
Auau: Hahaha
Auau: So when are we meeting? I'm free tomorrow after 3 pm.
Patji: Same here.
Patji: Also… snacks? Yes? Please?
Por: Let's figure out where first.
Por: Save, do you think we could meet at your place?
Por: Your house worked well last time.
Save: Sure. That's fine.
Save: I'll clear the table — mom's flowers have taken over again.
Patji: Haha. Flower jungle.
Patji: Should we bring anything?
Save: Just your brains. And maybe Por can bring his printer?
Por: My printer is functional. Unlike Patji's focus.
Patji: Wow. Betrayed by my own team.
Patji: I'll bring snacks to regain honor.
Auau: I can bring my laptop too, just in case.
Patji: Snacks + WiFi + laptop = project success.
Por: Alright then. Save's house, tomorrow, 3:30 pm?
Save: Yep. I'll text the address.
Patji: Save, do you have beanbags?
Save: No.
Patji: WiFi?
Save: Yes.
Patji: Okay. Forgiven.
Auau: Dress code?
Patji: Pajamas.
Por: Casual is fine. No tuxedos, Patji.
Save: If anyone shows up in a tux I'm locking the door.
Auau: Hahaha okay okay
Auau: See you all tomorrow.
---
Save's House — The Project Begins
It's 3:30 pm, and the familiar hum of city noise fades as Save opens the door to greet his friends. Save's house is cozy, a little quiet, with the faint scent of freshly made tea lingering in the air.
Save:
"Hey, welcome."
He smiles, leading them inside.
Por:
(entering with a smirk)
"Wow, nice place. Not bad, Save. Thought we were gonna be greeted by a haunted house vibe."
Patji:
(grinning lazily)
"Yeah, but I'll settle for a clean one. No complaints."
Auau:
(nervously, looking around)
"It's nice. Cozy. Feels… peaceful."
Save gives a small nod, showing a bit of pride in his home. He's not one to boast, but he's glad his friends are here, joking around already.
---
They head to the living room, where a wide table is set up. Books, laptops, and notebooks are scattered across it, ready for their project work. Patji immediately spots the snacks and grabs a pack of chips.
Patji:
(smirking)
"First things first. You don't start a project without proper snacks."
He opens the chips, scattering crumbs across the table.
Por:
(straightening up)
"Can we… focus first? We're here to work."
Patji:
(teasing)
"Yeah, yeah. But we're gonna need fuel for that big brain of yours."
He throws a chip at Por, who dodges it effortlessly.
Auau:
(sitting down carefully, trying to stay serious)
"Okay, okay. So… what are we doing for this project?"
Save sits across from him, setting up his laptop, while the others settle into their seats. There's a light, easy chatter as they begin.
---
Save:
"I think we should work on something that actually makes sense, right? Something creative but… not too crazy."
He starts typing into his laptop, a few ideas forming.
Por:
(leaning over, showing his screen)
"How about a debate on social media's influence on modern culture? I've already got an outline."
Patji:
(casually flinging chips)
"Wow, look at this nerd. Got the outline already. Are you sure we're doing a project, or writing a book?"
Por:
(sternly)
"I'll have you know, this will win us the project. If we don't focus, we'll be behind."
Auau:
(slightly hesitant, but excited)
"Yeah, I like the idea. Social media's big, and there's a lot to say about it."
Save:
(nods)
"Perfect. Let's do it."
He starts typing some points into the document. "We need to break it down into sections."
---
There's a few moments of quiet as they work, but the tension never really builds. Every so often, Patji cracks a joke, Por sighs in exasperation, and Save leads them calmly through each task.
At one point, Auau and Por start discussing one section of the project, their heads leaning in close together over the laptop. Save can't help but notice how easily they're getting along. They're so comfortable, so natural together. He feels a flicker of something, but brushes it aside — he doesn't have time for that right now.
Save:
(softly, looking at them)
"Uh, so… should we add this last point here?"
Auau:
(straightening up, noticing Save watching)
"Yeah, I think that works."
He smiles at Save, a little too casually, and Save doesn't quite know what to make of it.
---
Patji:
(making fun)
"Look at you two. If you keep staring at each other like that, you'll both melt."
Save:
(deadpan)
"Focus, Patji."
Por:
(raising an eyebrow, leaning back)
"I thought the only thing melting here was your snack stash, Patji."
Patji:
(laughs, grabbing more chips)
"Hey, I'm just doing my part."
---
The laughter that follows is light, almost too easy. They settle into the rhythm of their work, and in a strange way, it feels comfortable. It's clear they're more than just classmates; there's a bond beginning to form.
---
By the end of the session, the project is nearly done. Their discussion has settled, and everyone's contributed in their own way. Save looks at the final document on his screen — it's a mix of ideas, opinions, and humor, perfectly capturing their teamwork.
Save:
(leaning back, stretching)
"Alright. I think we're done."
Por:
(tapping his pen)
"I'm not gonna lie, we did a pretty good job."
Patji:
(chuckling)
"Yeah, especially considering we started with snacks and ended with project points."
Auau:
(smiling shyly)
"Thanks for letting us work here, Save. I didn't expect it to go this smoothly."
Save:
(glancing at him, then at the others)
"No problem. It was fun."
---
Before they leave, Patji knocks over a drink by accident, spilling it across the table. The group groans in mock frustration, but they all laugh as they scramble to clean up.
---
Group Chat Name: ENG Project Warriors
Members: Save, Auau, Por, Patji
----
> Day 1 evening — after their first meet-up at Save's house
Auau:
Okay. So I'll collect examples of how social media affects communication. Right?
Por:
Yes. And I'll start drafting the intro and conclusion.
Patji:
I'll find funny memes to make our presentation cooler.
Save:
You're supposed to collect "visual aids," not memes.
Patji:
Memes are modern visual aids, sir.
Auau:
Honestly… he's not wrong.
Por:
(…he's also not right.)
Save:
Patji, please don't add memes of cats screaming into our slides.
Patji: (sends a sticker of a screaming cat anyway)
Too late.
Auau: (laugh emoji)
Okay okay, let's all finish our own parts by tomorrow night? Then we can update each other?
Por:
Deal.
Save:
Deal.
Patji:
Deal. Also I'm naming our final file "Group1_BestTeam_Ever_Final2_REAL.pptx"
Save:
Don't you dare.
— — —
> Day 2 night
Save: (sends pic of half-finished slides)
This is what I've got so far. I'll polish the design tomorrow.
Auau: (thumbs up)
Looks clean. I finished 4 good examples. Will share tomorrow.
Patji: (sends 5 memes and one random dog video)
I'm done too.
Por:
…Patji, are you sure you're even on the same project as us?
Patji:
Absolutely. I'm raising team morale.
Auau:
Morale is very high, I confirm.
Save:
It is slightly funny, fine.
— — —
> Day 3 evening
Patji: (sends voice message — 3 seconds)
"Guys. I'm tired. That is all."
Por: (immediately sends a .pdf of his full written intro & conclusion)
I'm done with mine.
Auau: (sends Word doc of his examples + references)
Me too!
Patji:
I will catch up tomorrow. I promise on my ancestors' honor.
Save:
I don't think your ancestors care about PowerPoint.
Patji:
You don't know that.
— — —
> Day 4 evening
Patji: (finally sends a neat folder of images + graphs)
Done. See? I'm useful.
Auau:
Our boy Patji pulled through.
Por:
Miracles exist.
Save:
Okay — let's meet on video call tomorrow to practice presenting together?
Auau:
Yes. What time?
Patji:
Not 7 AM. I will throw my phone if you call me before sunrise.
Por:
How about 5 PM?
Save:
Fine by me.
Auau:
Good for me too.
Patji:
Perfect. My brain works better in the evening anyway.
— — —
> Day 5 — after their video call practice
Auau: (texts after the call ends)
Guys, I think we're actually gonna crush it.
Patji:
ENG Project Warriors team ever. My group chat name was prophetic.
Por:
Let's just make sure we all speak slowly tomorrow. Don't rush.
Save: (simple, calm)
We've got this.
Auau: (sends a sticker of a tiny penguin cheering)
Let's go!
----
Classroom, late morning — Presentation Day
The classroom hums with quiet chatter and nervous energy. Students flip through notes, tap pens, and adjust slides on laptops. Ms. Pichaya stands at the front, her usual warm smile softening the tension in the room.
Ms. Pichaya (brightly):
"Alright, everyone. Today's the day you've all been preparing for. We'll hear from all the groups — don't worry, I'm excited to see what you've worked on. I know you've been working hard."
She clasps her hands, eyes sparkling as she scans the class.
Ms. Pichaya:
"We'll go in random order. First group — Team Mintra, please come up."
Three girls from the front row stand up quickly. They carry neat cue cards and a small poster board. As they walk to the front, Save, Auau, Por, and Patji stay seated together in their corner of the room.
Patji (leaning sideways, stage whisper):
"Here we go. The overachievers."
Por (deadpan):
"They probably made a PowerPoint with animations."
Auau (half-grinning, whispering):
"I think they color-coded their voices too."
Save (calm, faint smile):
"Focus, guys."
The girls present smoothly and formally — their voices clear and perfectly rehearsed. Ms. Pichaya nods approvingly throughout and offers soft applause when they finish.
Ms. Pichaya:
"Very well done. Great teamwork, and I liked how you organized the main points clearly."
The girls beam and return to their seats.
Ms. Pichaya (cheerfully glancing at her list):
"Next up — Team Anurak."
A group of three boys stand up. Instead of posters or slides, one of them carries a large hand-drawn cartoon on a flipchart. Laughter bubbles up around the classroom.
Patji (amused, under his breath):
"Oh, plot twist. They're going full comic mode."
Por (eyebrows raised):
"Respect."
Auau (a little nervous, watching them):
"Should we have drawn something?"
Save (dryly):
"No. Just don't sing and dance, we'll be fine."
They all chuckle quietly.
Team Anurak's presentation is fun and light-hearted — their cartoon explains the project theme through a short, funny skit. The class laughs along in good spirit.
Ms. Pichaya (smiling widely):
"Excellent creativity, boys! I appreciate the humor and how you connected it to the topic."
The boys grin and return to their seats.
At their table, Auau shifts in his seat, glancing sideways at Save.
Auau (softly):
"We're next, right?"
Save (nods slightly, calm):
"Looks like it."
Por (quiet, focused):
"Okay. Let's go over it once more. We're solid."
Patji (grinning as he stands):
"Time to make history."
The four of them rise from their seats, adjusting papers and clearing their throats. Their group energy is easy, confident — ready.
Ms. Pichaya (brightly):
"Alright, Team Save, you're up!"
As they walk to the front together, Por leans in to the others.
Por (murmuring, half-joking):
"Don't trip, anyone. Please."
They all suppress small smiles as they line up.
---
They stand smoothly and walk to the front — light nudges and shoulder bumps between them.
Por pretends to adjust an invisible tie dramatically.
Patji stage-whispers, "We're doomed," earning quiet chuckles.
Save (cool and calm, starting):
"Good morning, everyone. Our project is about the Impact of Social Media — the good, the bad, and the funny."
A small slide appears on the screen (simple and clean).
Auau steps forward, his voice bright and clear.
Auau:
"We'll start with the good. Social media helps us connect across the world, find communities, and even share important news faster than ever."
Por, grinning, holds up a poster with funny meme screenshots.
Por:
"And sometimes… it's just about sending memes at 2 a.m. to your friends. Admit it — we all do it."
Laughter spreads in the class. Even Ms. Pichaya chuckles.
Patji steps up next, mock-serious face.
Patji:
"But of course, there's the downside. Fake news, cyberbullying, and spending too much time scrolling can harm mental health."
He drops a paper dramatically (planned), bends to pick it up, and mutters loud enough, "And thumb cramps from too much scrolling."
More giggles ripple.
Save (wrapping up, calm smile):
"In short — social media is like any tool. It depends on how we use it. Balance and awareness are key."
The four exchange a quick, quiet glance — smooth teamwork.
They nod together.
All four (in unison, light-heartedly):
"Thank you!"
Ms. Pichaya smiles widely, clapping along.
Ms. Pichaya (warm, sincere):
"That was fantastic, boys. Clear, engaging, and I loved the little humor — it kept us all interested. Excellent teamwork too. Well done."
The class bursts into applause, some clapping louder than others. Save, Auau, Por, and Patji exchange glances, their smiles a mix of relief and pride.
Save's heart skips a beat when he notices the genuine appreciation in Ms. Pichaya's eyes. It's a rare moment where his hard work and effort have paid off.
Auau, always quick with a grin, nudges Save lightly with his elbow.
Auau (grinning):
"See? We did great."
Save looks at him, his lips curling slightly.
Save:
"Yeah, we did."
Por and Patji join in, both throwing high-fives at each other with exaggerated enthusiasm. Patji lets out a loud, exaggerated cheer.
Patji (laughing):
"Who's the best? We are, obviously!"
Everyone laughs, and Save, though reserved, can't help but chuckle. For once, he feels a sense of lightness he's not used to.
Por (teasing):
"Alright, we deserve a celebration, don't you think?"
They all look at each other, a spark of excitement in the air.
Save (half-smiling, a little hesitant):
"Celebration?"
Auau (laughing):
"We definitely do. But first, let's take a moment to enjoy this."
As their project wrapped and the last applause echoed through the classroom, the four of them exchanged wide smiles and high-fives, their hard work shining brighter than any grade. For once, it didn't feel like just a school project — it felt like they'd built something together.
Mission accomplished.
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— End of Chapter 4 —