90 is an impressive score for a subject like Mathematics, which satisfies most people. But not for the young man glaring at the 90 written on his test paper with frustration.
"What's Arzan's score?" The boy's mother asked impatiently, her tone sharp and urgent.
"98," the boy let out a heavy sigh after mentioning his classmate's score.
"Then why did you only get this?" the woman snapped, snatching the test paper harshly. "All I asked is for you to study, but why can't you beat someone else, Rafi?"
Rafi could only suppress his emotions. He didn't dare to speak up or challenge his mother's words. Though he had so much he wanted to say, not a single sound dared to escape his lips.
"If your father finds out, you might get beaten again." The woman rubbed her face in frustration, exhaling deeply before continuing, "Go to your room now and focus on studying. If your father learns about this score, I'll handle it. You stay in your room and don't cause any trouble."
"Yes, Mom." Rafi grabbed his bag beside him and headed toward his room to continue studying, even though he had just returned from school. But his mother's orders were absolute. The guilt of not meeting their expectations compelled him to obey without protest.
"There are some peeled fruits in the fridge for you to eat. I'll bring your dinner to your room later tonight." This was one of the reasons Rafi couldn't defy his mother's words. Even when she scolded him, she still ensured he was fed. It was also the reason he still found the will to live. He still had a mother who cared about him.
As for his father? Rafi didn't want to talk about the abusive man who pretended they were a happy family. He was the root of all the problems, the one who forced Rafi to excel academically just so he could be flaunted by others.
Once inside his room, Rafi immediately closed the door and threw his bag onto the bed. He didn't even have the luxury of resting for a moment. He had to resume studying for tomorrow's Biology test—a subject he struggled with. He wasn't confident in himself.
"What's Arzan's score?" Rafi repeated his mother's question mockingly. "If only Arzan wasn't around, my score would be the highest."
Arzan. Arzan. Arzan. That name kept haunting him. Since tenth grade, that boy had always been one step ahead. At first, Rafi didn't mind Arzan's brilliance since they weren't in the same class. But in eleventh grade, they were placed in the same class, forcing Rafi to give up his first rank to Arzan.
Rafi's hatred for his classmate grew more intense. Because of Arzan, he had to endure beatings from his father and his mother's scolding. If only he were smarter than Arzan.
If only he already knew the questions for tomorrow's test.
If only...
A wild idea suddenly crossed Rafi's mind. An idea that made him feel slightly more confident about surpassing Arzan's score.
***
Lately, Chika had been noticing Arzan and Karin spending a lot of time together. It annoyed her, especially since they were from different study streams. How could they become so close? Chika never imagined she would face a new rival in her final year of school.
"Watching Karin, huh?" a voice suddenly interrupted her thoughts.
"Mr. Ali?" Chika was startled to see who had spoken. "What are you doing here?"
"Hello," Mr. Ali greeted her warmly, smiling.
"Hello, Sir," Chika replied, still surprised.
Mr. Ali turned his gaze toward the pair in question. "They look good together, don't they?"
"Karin and Arzan?" Chika laughed nervously. "No way, Sir." She felt offended by the suggestion. She wanted to argue, but Mr. Ali was her teacher.
"Really? Why do you think so?" Mr. Ali asked, genuinely curious about her reasoning.
"Well…" Chika didn't have a solid argument. "I just don't think they're a good match. Besides, don't you like Karin, Sir?"
To her surprise, Mr. Ali exclaimed, "Huh? How did you know?"
Chika glanced at him, thinking how easy it was to read his mind. "There's gossip about it, Sir."
"Is it that obvious? I really didn't mean to burden that girl," Mr. Ali chuckled. Then, turning the conversation, he said, "And you? It seems you like Arzan."
"Ah, Sir, you're teasing me," Chika stammered, embarrassed. Still, she felt a twinge of happiness knowing someone had noticed her feelings for Arzan.
When Chika wasn't looking, Mr. Ali gave a sly smile. "For some reason, I feel like you and Arzan would be a great match." His tone was full of certainty, boosting Chika's confidence.
"Really, Sir?" Her eyes sparkled with excitement. No one had ever said that to her before. Everyone else dismissed her efforts, saying Arzan would never notice her.
"Yes, absolutely," Mr. Ali replied with enthusiasm. His words filled Chika with newfound hope.