A Thing, Beyond Forever

12.

The worst time of the year had come again. That's right. The Exam season. I know this for sure that there isn't a single student on this earth that likes examinations and thus, I and my group of friends weren't any different. 

Since it was the last year of school, the pressure was extremely high. Because this time our final results would determine which college would give us a seat. Like I mentioned before, I always had to try harder than others in my class to balance my image. 

So what if I was a bit mischievous? at least I studied well. But this time Yazan was going to be a tough competition for me. We challenged ourselves during the first midterm and he surpassed me with three per cent of difference and this time I wanted to set the bar too high for him to reach. 

My aim this time was to become the school topper so I started preparing for my exams way before the exams started. I spent my entire recess in the library studying and practising past papers. 

"No matter how much you try you won't be able to beat me" I looked up to see where that came from. The voice was undeniably recognizable. This guy is just so self-obsessed. On some days he has to take pride in how good he looks and on the other days he has to take pride in his grades. 

I didn't know when he came and sat opposite to me with his back facing me because of the absurd rules in the school of girls and boys not talking to each other. He pretended as if he was reading a newspaper. 

"Yeah right, whatever. Mr head boy" I just rolled my eyes which he couldn't see. 

I could only see him shaking his head, He probably had his signature smirk as well. 

"It's just that I can't believe my eyes"

"Well then, you should go and wash your eyes with cold water"

"You started your preparation so early just to beat me?" He chuckled.

"No. I am preparing for the Interschool debate competition" 

He nodded to my response then spoke after a while, "You don't have to prepare for it really"

"Why not?"

"Because you are already so good at arguing. You will win for sure" He laughed.

"Was that supposed to be a joke?" I had started to massage my temples by now because of stupid and annoying Yazan was being at that moment. 

"Yeah, why?"

"Because it is not funny" 

He turned around and mimicked my tone. 

"I hate you!" I said as I punched his arm with my book when the librarian was not looking. 

"I love you too," He said as he laughed. 

"Haww. Besharam! (Shameless) I said in Urdu. You have a girlfriend!" 

"I know that. You don't have to remind me" He just gave a grin and got up from his seat before the librarian got suspicious about his newspaper reading. But he was the head boy, he could break some rules.

"Listen," He said barely in a whisper. "Do you want to bunk your next class?" 

I looked around, my mind wandered to all the possibilities and consequences of bunking a class.

"With you?" I asked as I wrinkled my nose at him.

"No, me and Huda" 

"Nope. Sorry. I don't want to be the third wheel" 

"Oh C' mon. Not just me and her, other people will also be there" He stressed on his words

"But where will we go and how is that possible for so many people to be missing?"