As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the bustling café, Karim stepped inside, scanning the room for his friend Mustafa. The atmosphere buzzed with chatter and laughter, a perfect backdrop for their important discussion.
Karim: "Hello, Mustafa. How are you?"
Mustafa, leaning casually against a table, raised an eyebrow and smirked slightly, clearly amused by Karim's tardiness.
Mustafa: "What took you so long?"
Karim shrugged apologetically, knowing full well the chaos of rush hour traffic.
Karim: "Sorry, it's rush hour, you know."
As they settled into their seats, Karim took in the surroundings. The café had a cozy charm, filled with eclectic decor that made it feel inviting despite its distance from campus.
Karim: "What a nice place, although it's so far from the campus."
Mustafa nodded knowingly, his expression turning serious as he leaned in closer.
Mustafa: "I chose this place because we need to discuss important issues, and it's better to do so away from campus."
Just then, Karim's curiosity piqued as he glanced around.
Karim: "Are the others here too?"
Mustafa gestured towards the restroom door with a casual wave.
Mustafa: "Yeah, they went to the bathroom. They'll be back in a few minutes."
Moments later, Victoria and Sarah returned, laughter trailing behind them as they joined the group.
Victoria: "We're back."
Sarah: "Thanks for waiting, boys."
Victoria pulled out her phone, excitement lighting up her face.
Victoria: "Danial called me and said that he is on the way."
Sarah exchanged glances with Mustafa, a hint of impatience creeping in.
Sarah: "Should we start without him?"
Mustafa shook his head firmly.
Mustafa: "No, we will wait for him. He's one of our most promising freshmen."
Sarah sighed but relented.
Sarah: "Alright, if you say so."
As they settled into a comfortable rhythm of conversation, Victoria turned her attention back to Karim, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Victoria: "So, tell me Karim. Is it true that you've learned Mandarin and Spanish even before you got selected to this college?"
Karim nodded proudly, a hint of modesty in his demeanor.
Karim: "Yeah, I also speak German and a bit of Japanese."
Victoria's eyes widened in disbelief.
Victoria: "Wow!"
Sarah chimed in with playful admiration.
Sarah: "So cute."
Victoria pressed further, intrigued by Karim's linguistic talents.
Victoria: "Why did you learn so many languages?"
Mustafa leaned forward, eager to share what he knew.
Mustafa: "He already knew about this college. He was doing his best to get their attention."
Victoria gasped in surprise.
Victoria: "No way!"
Karim chuckled lightly, enjoying the attention but trying to downplay his efforts.
Karim: "Well, I don't like to brag but you see, my father has connections."
He leaned back in his chair, a mischievous grin on his face as he revealed more.
Karim: "One of them works at the campus, and you can say that he leaked a few pieces of information to my dad."
Karim's tone shifted slightly more serious as he continued.
Karim: "Obviously, I didn't know about the courses because not even the staff knew."
He paused for effect before adding with determination.
Karim: "But as Mustafa said, I did my best to grab their attention because I knew how they selected the students."
Victoria nodded appreciatively, realizing the strategic thinking behind Karim's efforts.
Victoria: "So while the rest were going through the shock state, you were already thinking about passing the courses."
Sarah crossed her arms playfully, feigning annoyance.
Sarah: "So not fair, but so elegant of you."
Just then, Danial entered the café with an air of casual confidence.
Danial: "Hello everyone. Did I keep you waiting?"
Mustafa introduced Karim with a proud smile.
Mustafa: "Anyway, this is Karim. He's a med student and he won a gold medal in Olympic swimming."
Danial's eyes lit up with interest.
Danial: "A golden champion, huh? It's a pleasure to meet you Karim. I'm Danial."
Karim extended his hand with a smile.
Karim: "The pleasure is mine."
Mustafa continued the introductions with enthusiasm.
Mustafa: "Danial's major is graphic design, and he won a silver medal in karate."
Victoria clapped her hands together in delight.
Victoria: "An artist and a fighter?"
Sarah added with a grin.
Sarah: "I love the polarity!"
Danial laughed lightly at their banter.
Danial: "Come on, martial art is an art, you know!"
Sarah raised an eyebrow playfully.
Sarah: "Is that so?"
Danial nodded earnestly, his passion evident.
Danial: "Yeah, originally all forms of martial arts used to be dancing rituals in old cultures. It's another form of self-expression."
Victoria leaned in closer, genuinely impressed by Danial's perspective.
Victoria: "Wow, you do speak like an artist!"
With everyone finally present and the chatter settling down, Mustafa took charge of the conversation.
Mustafa: "Alright, now that everyone is here, let's get started."
Victoria couldn't resist one last indulgence before diving into serious matters.
Victoria: "Can I order a milkshake first?" .
"I want a strawberry milkshake," she declared, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Mustafa, seated at the head of the table, rolled his eyes with a smile. "No, you'll have whatever you want after we finish," he replied, his tone teasing yet authoritative.
As the group shifted their focus from snacks to strategy, Mustafa cleared his throat and continued, "So, as you all know, Karim and Danial are currently the top students of the first year."
He glanced around the room, ensuring everyone was paying attention. "Karim's estimated GPA so far is 3.95 and Danial's GPA is 3.9," he announced proudly, a hint of competitive spirit in his voice.
"We expect you to complete the main course and maintain this score," he added, emphasizing the importance of their academic performance.
"But," he warned, "you've got strong competitors."
Danial raised an eyebrow, curious. "Who?"
Sarah leaned forward, her excitement palpable. "They call her the new mysterious prodigy. Hani trained her himself, and she won the final match against a professional athlete."
"Yeah, I saw her match on YouTube," she continued, her admiration evident. "She was so calm and composed. She's so cool!"
Karim nodded knowingly. "Yeah, I know her. Don't worry, I'm already keeping an eye on her. I won't let her exceed me."
Danial crossed his arms, intrigued. "Alright, who else do we have to watch out for?"
Mustafa leaned back in his chair, a serious expression on his face. "Every freshman that's been recruited by James. So far, I think he recruited three: Battol, Mikey, and Tylor."
He shook his head in disbelief. "The three of them had a pathetic start, but after they got recruited by the Peace Seekers, their performance in every course overwhelmingly improved."
Mustafa's determination grew as he continued, "We must do something about them. I swore that I won't lose to James ever again."
Sarah chuckled nervously, trying to lighten the mood. "Relax, Mustafa. You're making scary faces. It's not cute."
Victoria chimed in to reassure him. "Don't worry, Mustafa. This time we won't take our eyes off them."
Curiosity piqued, Sarah asked, "So, what is your plan?"
A wicked smile spread across Mustafa's face. "Terror. We will show his freshmen that they have no chance against us. We will destroy them mentally."
Sarah raised an eyebrow, impressed yet slightly wary. "Oh, finally, you're showing your true colors."
With a steely gaze, Mustafa directed his attention to Karim and Danial. "Both of you need to keep boosting your skills. Keep grabbing attention. We will create an image that both of you are extraordinary prodigies."
"And then," he added with a sinister grin, "you will approach them just to make them feel bad about themselves. I want you to crush their confidence till nothing is left."
Victoria gasped in mock horror. "Wow! You're so brutal!"
Danial laughed heartily. "Surely he is."
"Leave it to me," he said confidently. "I'll draw the most beautiful portrait of myself—one that will make them despise the reflection of their image in the mirror."
Karim smirked, already strategizing. "I'm already skilled in self-promotion. I'll just need to take what I do on social media and do it on campus."
Mustafa nodded approvingly. "Good, that's what I'm expecting of you."
Sarah's eyes sparkled with mischief as she declared, "Leave the girl to me. Your wicked spirit has inspired me. I feel like bullying a little smart girl."
Victoria perked up at the idea. "Can I come with you to watch?"
"Sure," Sarah replied with a laugh. "Bring some popcorn if you want."
Meanwhile, in another corner of the campus, Nora sat with Battol, sharing her frustrations about parental expectations.
"Yeah, I know," Nora sighed deeply. "I just wish she would trust me more and let me make my own decisions."
Battol nodded sympathetically. "I get it. But you know, sometimes parents just want to protect us from making mistakes."
Nora shook her head resolutely. "I know, but I'm not a kid anymore. I need to learn from my own mistakes."
"Exactly," Battol encouraged her gently. "And I'm sure your mom will eventually realize that too. Just give her some time."
"Thanks, Battol," Nora replied appreciatively. "You always know how to make me feel better."
"That's what friends are for," Battol smiled.
"A lot of parents are like that; they don't mean to suffocate their child but that's just how they show their affection," he added thoughtfully.
Nora sighed again but nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I know. It can't be helped; they believe that they know better than you—as if you can't make the proper life choices by yourself."
"But you know what?" she continued with newfound determination. "Coming here is a great chance for me! I'll make everyone here acknowledge my potential just like I did in the Olympics."
"And maybe then my parents will realize that I can take care of myself," she mused aloud.
Battol looked at her with encouragement shining in his eyes. "I believe in your potential, Nora."
"Do your best; I'm rooting for you," he said earnestly.
"Thanks! I'm rooting for you too," she replied with a smile.
Meanwhile, Sally and Bella were basking in the glow of their recent performance.
"Amazing!" Sally exclaimed enthusiastically.
"I love your performance, Bella," she added with genuine admiration.
"Thanks! I'll play this song at the opening of the graduation ceremony," Bella responded proudly.
"I'm sure it's going to be the best," Sally reassured her.
By the way," she continued casually, "Battol's estimated GPA is 3.87."
Bella raised her eyebrows in surprise. "You have such high hopes for her."
Sally shrugged lightly. "I calculated this score based on her progress and performance in all the courses—but it's just a prediction after all."
She leaned closer to Bella and whispered conspiratorially, "James and I have a bet; he believes that Battol will score 3.92."
The excitement was palpable as they all navigated their ambitions and rivalries—each determined to carve out their own path in this competitive landscape.
Nora
Yeah, I'm kinda hungry.
Battol
Seriously, what were you doing for 5 hours if you haven't gone to eat?
Nora
He took me to a beautiful forest, then we went sightseeing, he brought a few snacks.
fast, so I was too hungry.
Battol
Why didn't you just tell him that you were hungry?
Nora
I don't know, it was an unconscious behavior I guess
Nora
I just had a really good time that I forgot to eat.
Nora: *laughs* "Well, that would be a nice bonus, but no, I just wanted to say how much I appreciate our friendship."
Battol: "I appreciate it too. It's funny how first impressions can be so misleading."
Nora: "Exactly! I think we've both grown a lot since we met. It's nice to have someone who understands the struggles of this course."
Battol: "For sure. And speaking of struggles, are you ready for the final exam? I feel like I need to review everything again."
Nora: "Same here! I've been going over the materials every night. We should do a study session together."
Battol: "Great idea! We can quiz each other and make sure we cover all the important topics."
As they discussed their study plans, the conversation shifted back to their peers.
Nora: "Have you heard about the buzz around Karim and Danial? Everyone seems to be talking about them."
Battol: "Yeah, it's hard not to notice! They're getting so much attention. I guess Mustafa really knows how to pick them."
Nora: "Do you think it's just about their skills, or is there more to it?"
Battol: "I think it's a combination. They're talented, but also charismatic. People naturally gravitate towards them."
Nora nodded thoughtfully.
Nora: "That makes sense. It's interesting how dynamics work in groups. It feels like there's always someone trying to recruit the best."
Battol: "Speaking of recruiting, have you heard about Sally and Bella? They've been talking about getting more people into their circle."
Nora raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
Nora: "Really? Who are they targeting?"
Battol: "I overheard them mentioning Nora—wait, that's you! They want to recruit you!"
Nora chuckled, a mix of surprise and amusement.
Nora: "Me? Why would they want me?"
Battol: "I think they see potential in you. They probably want someone smart and hardworking to boost their group."
Nora pondered for a moment.
Nora: "That's flattering, but I'm not sure if I want to get involved in that kind of competition."
Battol shrugged, understanding her hesitation.
Battol: "Fair enough. Just remember, if they approach you, it's because they recognize your value."
Nora smiled, appreciating Battol's support.
Nora: "Thanks, Battol. That means a lot. Let's focus on our studies for now and see where things go."
Battol nodded in agreement.
Battol: "Sounds like a plan! Let's ace that exam together."
among the freshmen—the famous influencer and the artist. What about them?"
Sally leaned closer, conspiratorial excitement bubbling within her. "I think Mustafa recruited them."
"Well, obviously he did," Bella agreed knowingly. "The amount of attention and praise they're getting isn't normal; it must be his doing."
Sally nodded in agreement. "You're right; I think so too. Other than those two, there's another girl who's been gaining popularity."
Sally's expression turned thoughtful as she continued, "And I found out that she's Battol's friend. So I was thinking that... do you think we should recruit Nora before it's too late?"
"I'm going to the cafeteria to get something to drink; do you want to go with me?" she offered.
Battol's voice interrupted their chatter as he approached them. "No, I need to go study in the library. I've got to finish the science assignments; I've been delaying them for a while."
"Okay, see you later then," Nora said with a wave as he walked away.
Just then, Sarah approached their table with a friendly smile. "Hello! Is this seat taken?"
Battol shook his head casually. "No, I'm not waiting for anyone; go ahead and sit."
"Alright," Sarah replied cheerfully. "I like studying here; everyone goes to the main library, but I prefer this one."
"Me too," Battol agreed.
"By the way, I'm Sarah," she introduced herself with a warm smile. "A second-year Med student."
As Battol settled into his study routine, the atmosphere around him shifted with the arrival of Sarah. Her confident demeanor filled the air, and he could sense that she was someone who commanded attention.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Battol, a freshman," he introduced himself, trying to maintain his focus despite the distraction.
"Oh, I think I've heard about you; you won a gold medal in chess, right?" Sarah replied, her tone laced with curiosity.
Battol chuckled lightly, a hint of disbelief in his voice. "Yeah, did I become famous or something?"
Sarah waved her hand dismissively, a playful smirk on her lips. "No, I wouldn't say that you're a celebrity or something, but people like us look up these things."
"People like you?" Battol raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet skeptical.
"Members of the influential groups," she explained matter-of-factly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"We've looked you up and we considered recruiting you," she continued, her voice steady. "But after voting on it, we decided to recruit another student."
Battol felt a flicker of disappointment but masked it with indifference. "Oh really? Why's that?"
"Our leader said that you just lack so much," Sarah replied bluntly. "You see, our group is about recruiting the best of the best—only pure talents and geniuses."
Her words hung in the air like a challenge. "We think that hard work is cute," she added with a hint of condescension, "but what is the point if you end up failing? That's why we don't take risks."
Battol's patience wore thin. "Good for you," he said coolly. "Now could you please stop talking to me? I'm trying to study."
"I'm sorry, did I hurt your feelings?" Sarah asked, feigning innocence, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Not at all," Battol replied curtly. "I just don't feel like wasting my time chatting about trivial things."
"Oh don't worry, dear," she said with a patronizing smile. "I won't take any more of your precious time."
With that, she stood up, ready to leave. "I'm leaving," she declared, but paused momentarily.
"Oh, by the way," she added casually, "the paper you're writing on biology? Professor Walid wouldn't accept it."
Battol's heart sank at her words as she continued. "You're just copying the references; what he wants is for students to analyze the theories themselves."
Her final remarks struck him like a blow. "See, that's why people like you won't reach the top here. Hard work can't always save you—not when you're shooting arrows at the wrong target."
With that parting shot, Sarah walked away, leaving Battol in a cloud of confusion and frustration.
She sat there for a moment, grappling with her words. Was she right about the biology paper? Did she really lack the depth of understanding needed to excel? The uncertainty gnawed at her as she tried to shake off the encounter.
Battol struggled to regain her focus but found it increasingly difficult. An hour passed as she sat in silence, staring at his notes without making any progress. The biology paper loomed over her like a dark cloud, and her mind felt muddled.
As the evening wore on and hunger began to gnaw at her stomach, she finally decided enough was enough. With a heavy sigh, Battol packed up her things and resolved to get something to eat and rest her weary mind. She needed to clear her thoughts before diving back into her studies.