That night...
Nabila and Izzati decided to have dinner inside Plaza Merdeka Mall.
After they finished eating, Izzati asked, "Do you want to take a walk along the Waterfront?"
Confused, Nabila replied, "Waterfront? What kind of place is that?"
"I'm not really sure, but from what I've found, it's a popular hangout spot.", Izzati explained.
"If it's just a hangout spot, I'm not interested.", Nabila said.
"No, no, it's not that kind of hangout. It's a safe place and a tourist hotspot, according to what I read.", Izzati clarified.
"Oh, in that case, I'm okay with it. Shall we go now?", Nabila agreed.
"Yes, let's go.", Izzati responded.
When they arrived at the Waterfront...
Nabila and Izzati were speechless, amazed by the vibrant atmosphere and the joyful crowd. People were playing games they bought from the stalls, couples were enjoying the view, some were taking pictures of the scenery and themselves, and families were relaxing together—there were all kinds of activities to see at the Waterfront.
They exchanged a glance, smiling at each other in surprise.
Nabila said, "I knew it was a hangout spot like you said earlier, but this is not what I imagined a hangout spot to be like."
"Exactly! I thought it would be more like what you imagined. Sure, people are hanging out here, but it's not like the 'usual' kind of hangout spot. This place is really happening.", Izzati agreed.
Nabila nodded, "Hey, let's check out what they're selling."
"Let's go.", Izzati said, following Nabila's lead.
After they were satisfied browsing the various goods sold by the vendors, they ended up buying some games to play there. One vendor explained how to play the slingshot game they had purchased, where they had to aim towards the sky instead of at objects or people. Both Izzati and Nabila tried to shoot the slingshot upwards, but only Nabila managed to get it high into the sky. Children nearby clapped for Nabila, as did Izzati, the vendor, and other bystanders.
Pleased with the games they had tried, they decided to walk along the Darul Hana Bridge. Once they were on the bridge, they felt it sway slightly.
"Weh, this bridge is swaying.", Izzati noted.
"Yeah, I feel it too.", Nabila agreed.
Overhearing their conversation, a local Sarawakian standing nearby said, "Better hold onto the rail if you're scared. The bridge will sway a little due to the wind and the river's waves. It's safe, though; it's just that it sometimes sways a bit."
Surprised by this information, Nabila and Izzati grabbed onto the rail as the local suggested.
"Even though it sways, people still come up here, huh?", Izzati asked.
"Yes, it's a popular attraction here. At first, when the bridge was newly built, many people who didn't know it could sway were startled and even complained. But eventually, the swaying became a unique feature, and now it's a major draw. Fewer people complain about it now, and even more are coming because of it.", the local explained with a chuckle.
"Really? So it's like a thrill ride now.", Nabila said.
"Yes.", the local confirmed.
Nabila and Izzati thanked the local and continued walking to the middle of the bridge. As they walked, they felt the bridge sway intermittently. They could only laugh at the sensation. Despite the bridge swaying, everyone there seemed to be enjoying the night, and so did Nabila and Izzati, as they soaked in the beautiful evening atmosphere of the Waterfront.
The next morning...
Nabila and Izzati had breakfast at the hotel restaurant. After finishing their meal, they returned to their room.
As they entered the room, Izzati exclaimed, "Wow! The food was delicious. Well, I don't know what 5-star hotel food tastes like, but this was good enough for me. I'm stuffed."
Nabila chuckled, "Yeah, it was good. But you don't have to act like that."
"I'm so full.", Izzati said, patting her stomach.
Nabila laughed at Izzati's antics, then said, "Alright, let's talk about what we need to buy."
"Wait, why don't we just buy everything after we register? We don't know yet what they'll provide for us.", Izzati suggested.
"Yes, but it doesn't hurt to make a list first.", Nabila countered.
"Oh, you just want to make a list?", Izzati clarified.
"Yeah, we're not going to bring all that stuff back to the hotel and then carry it out again. It would look strange to the hotel staff.", Nabila explained.
"They'd understand that we're students.", Izzati shrugged.
"Yes, but we're not with our parents. I'm worried they might think it's odd.", Nabila pointed out.
"Hmmm, you and your worries. Alright, let's discuss it.", Izzati agreed.
Nabila smiled and said, "I made a list while we were on our way up to the room. Look at it and see if there's anything we need to add."
Izzati took the list from Nabila and started reviewing it, thinking about what else they might need to add.
Nabila noticed Izzati's thoughtful expression and laughed, "You're struggling with this list. You don't need to frown so much."
Izzati glanced at Nabila and said, "No, I feel like there's something missing, but I'm not sure what."
As Izzati continued to ponder, her eyes grew heavy and her body felt weak. She soon found herself drifting off to sleep. Nabila, who had already dozed off earlier, was still sound asleep by the time Izzati succumbed to her slumber.
Later that afternoon...
Nabila and Izzati woke up when Izzati's phone rang with a call from her mother, Iman. Still half-asleep, Izzati answered the call. Meanwhile, Nabila got up and headed to the bathroom to wash her face and freshen up.
After washing her face, Nabila returned to her bed, intending to lie down. But before she could, the call to prayer sounded from her phone, signaling the time for Zuhr. Hearing this, she went back to the bathroom to take ablution and prepare for prayer. Iman, hearing the call from the other end of the line, wrapped up her conversation with Izzati, giving her space to perform the prayer.
After ending the call, Izzati stretched and waited for Nabila to finish taking ablution in the bathroom. As soon as Nabila finished, she came out and approached Izzati.
"Take ablution.", Nabila reminded.
"Yes, I will. My mom sends her regards.", Izzati said.
"Waalaikumussalam (and upon you be peace). Send my regards back to her, but go take your ablution first.", Nabila insisted.
"Okay, I'm going now," Izzati replied, heading to the bathroom.
Nabila smiled and prepared herself for prayer, putting on her prayer garments and laying out the prayer mat. She performed her prayers without waiting for Izzati. Once Izzati finished taking ablution, she quickly got ready and joined Nabila in prayer. Afterward, Nabila sat on her bed, waiting for Izzati to finish.
When Izzati was done, Nabila asked, "Did you add anything to the list?"
"Nope. I looked at the list, and then while I was thinking, I fell asleep. Hehe...", Izzati replied.
"Oh, you.", Nabila sighed, shaking her head.
Izzati grinned sheepishly and continued tidying up her prayer garments and mat.
"I was thinking, why don't we buy the smaller items around here? And the bigger stuff, like an ironing board, we can get after we register. I heard we can still go out after checking our rooms.", Nabila suggested.
"That's a good idea. So we should leave early on registration day. Your registration is at 7:30 a.m., right? Or is it 8:00 a.m.?" Izzati asked.
"If I'm not mistaken, it's 7:30 a.m..", Nabila confirmed.
"Then, after dawn prayers, we should get ready and head out by 6:30 a.m..", Izzati proposed.
"Okay, but what about the rental car?", Nabila asked.
"I'll check with them now.", Izzati said, picking up her phone.
Nabila lay on her bed, watching TV while Izzati communicated with the car rental service she had contacted earlier.
A few minutes later, Izzati said, "Nabila, the car rental company said it's fine to deliver the car before 6:30 a.m. that morning."
"Great, so that's settled.", Nabila replied.
"Yes, all settled. Now let's take a nap.", Izzati suggested.
"Oh, come on. More napping? Don't you want to explore the area?", Nabila asked.
"Explore? Where to?", Izzati wondered.
"There are still some places we haven't visited. We should explore and maybe buy some small items we need. We can kill two birds with one stone.", Nabila explained.
"That's a good idea. Alright, let's get ready.", Izzati agreed.
After getting ready…
Nabila and Izzati strolled around the area near their hotel. From the hotel, they walked to the Tun Jugah building and then took a Grab ride to visit various places like India Street, the Sarawak Museum, the Borneo Cultures Museum, and more.
When it was time for Maghrib prayers, they returned to their hotel room to pray.
"I'm beat.", Izzati said.
"Yeah, me too. Who's showering first, you or me?", Nabila asked.
"You go ahead. I want to sit for a bit and stretch.", Izzati said.
"Okay.", Nabila replied and went to the bathroom.
While Nabila was in the shower, Izzati stretched and scrolled through her phone.
After finishing her shower, Nabila came out dressed in fresh clothes and said, "I'm done."
"Okay.", Izzati responded, putting her phone down.
While Izzati was in the shower, Nabila got ready to pray Asr and performed her Asr prayer. After finishing, she sat on the prayer mat, scrolling through her phone while waiting for Maghrib prayer time. Just then, Izzati emerged from the bathroom, also dressed in fresh clothes.
"Have you prayed Assar yet?", Izzati asked.
"Yes, I have. I'm just waiting for Maghrib now.", Nabila replied.
"Alright," Izzati said as she prepared herself to pray Assar. As soon as she finished her Assar prayer, the call to Maghrib prayer echoed.
"Good thing you finished Assar in time.", Nabila noted.
"Yeah.", Izzati agreed.
After the call to prayer, they recited the post-azan supplication and immediately performed Maghrib prayer. Once done, they packed away their prayer garments and mats.
Izzati picked up her phone, replying to a message with a smile. Nabila noticed Izzati's smile and cleared her throat, giving her a teasing look while sitting in front of the items they bought. Understanding Nabila's playful gaze, Izzati just smiled contentedly.
"Some people are lucky to have someone to chat with.", Nabila teased.
"Hey, are you sulking?", Izzati asked.
"No.", Nabila replied in a mock sulky tone.
"Please don't sulk.", Izzati said, approaching Nabila and hugging her to comfort her.
"I'm not sulking. Why would I sulk over something like this? There's no point.", Nabila said.
"But your voice sounded like you were sulking earlier.", Izzati pointed out.
"I was just joking, trying to tease you. Didn't think it would work, though. Haha.", Nabila said, laughing happily.
"You! You're such a tease.", Izzati said, tickling Nabila's waist.
Nabila, ticklish, laughed and pleaded for her to stop.
"Serves you right. If you tease me like that again, I'll tickle you until I'm satisfied.", Izzati warned, finally stopping the tickling.
"Come on, don't. You know I'm ticklish there, and that's exactly where you tickled me.", Nabila complained.
"Well, who told you to tease me? Serves you right.", Izzati said, sticking out her tongue at Nabila.
"I was just joking.", Nabila defended.
Izzati just gave Nabila a playful glare and said, "Come on, let's unpack."
Then Izzati remembered dinner and asked, "Hey, what about dinner?"
"Oh, yeah. Let's just Grab something.", Nabila suggested.
"Alright, I'll get my phone. Is there anything specific you want?", Izzati asked.
"McD's chicken.", Nabila replied.
"McD's chicken? Are you serious?", Izzati asked in disbelief.
"Of course, I'm serious. You asked what I wanted, and I answered: McD's chicken.", Nabila clarified.
"Isn't McD being boycotted by a lot of people?", Izzati asked.
"Come on, you shouldn't say it like that. McD is just food. Yes, some people are boycotting it, but that's their choice, not mine.", Nabila responded.
"Aren't you afraid of being criticized?", Izzati asked.
"Why should I be afraid? I'm not a famous person who people would criticize. Besides, that's their opinion, mindset, and action. I don't have to follow them. I have my own views, mindset, and actions. If I just blindly follow what others say, it would mean I have no principles or thoughts of my own. Plus, I'm not ordering McD to support Israel. I'm ordering it here, in Malaysia, not over there. If I ordered from there, then you could say I was supporting them.", Nabila explained calmly.
"But isn't ordering McD here still helping them make money?", Izzati questioned.
"How do you know the money is actually going to help them?", Nabila asked back.
"Well, that's what a lot of people say.", Izzati said.
"Did they provide any proof that the money actually helps Israel?", Nabila pressed.
"No.", Izzati admitted.
"If there's no proof, then it's not confirmed, right? I'm not defending Israel or anything, no. I just don't want to follow what others say without evidence. It's like when people say all sorts of things about Sarawak. It's the same thing. In my opinion, when we buy food or drinks from McD, it's just like buying from any other F&B place. We buy, the money goes to the store, and they split it up—some for the employees, some for rent, and so on. I'm not an expert, but logically, that's how it works. So, by buying from there, at least we're helping our own people make a living. The workers there aren't from Israel, they're Malaysians, our own people. If you want to boycott Israel for real, don't use any tech from them. As far as I know, TikTok is from Israel. If I'm not mistaken, from what I saw on YouTube. I'll look it up again and show you later. Well, that's just my opinion. That's why I'm okay with buying from there, plus their chicken is tasty. If they say it's spicy, it's really spicy. It's a shame to boycott something without real proof.", Nabila explained gently.
"Yeah, your logic makes sense. So, after that long lecture, do you want a combo or à la carte? You decide.", Izzati said, handing her phone to Nabila with the Grab app open.
"Hey, it wasn't a lecture. I was just sharing my view.", Nabila said, taking Izzati's phone with a grin.
"Sounded like a lecture to me.", Izzati teased.
After Nabila and Izzati finished ordering their food and drinks on Grab, they continued unpacking their shopping.
"I was just thinking about what you said earlier, about people saying all sorts of things about Sarawak. It reminded me of what we saw earlier. Seriously, I didn't expect the prices here to be higher than in the Peninsula.", Izzati said.
"Yeah, I noticed that too. It surprised me.", Nabila agreed.
"I'm puzzled. Like we said yesterday, Sarawak is the richest state in Malaysia, right? So why are prices higher here? Shouldn't they be the same?.", Izzati wondered.
"I think it might be because, logically in business, the items sent to the Peninsula from here are things like oil and natural resources, not snacks or small goods. So it doesn't affect the prices of those things here. If it were oil or related items, then maybe the prices should be the same or lower here.", Nabila speculated.
"Maybe. But if Sarawak sends oil and natural resources to the Peninsula, then the prices for those things should be higher in the Peninsula compared to Sarawak. Since other goods like snacks and stationery are more expensive here, then logically, oil and natural resources should be more expensive in the Peninsula. You know, it reminds me of that saying, 'Free shipping within Malaysia, except Sabah and Sarawak.' Can't Sabah and Sarawak have something similar? Like, if they were shipping something from there to the Peninsula, they could say, 'Free shipping within Malaysia, except the Peninsula.' Right? I think that would be fair.", Izzati said, laughing at her own joke.
Nabila laughed along and said, "It's okay, when I get the contact number of someone in charge or become friends with them, I'll ask why the prices are higher here. Maybe I'll even suggest your idea and see what they say."
Izzati teased, "Oh, now you're being cheeky."
"Hey, I'm serious. Just wait until I get to know someone from the top, then I'll ask them your question. After that, I'll pass on your suggestion to them and see what they say.", Nabila continued to tease.
"Hmmm, alright. Just wait until you make friends with them, huh? Wonder when that will be.", Izzati said.
"Who knows.", Nabila said, laughing, and Izzati joined in.
"Hey, they're calling.", Izzati said, picking up the phone.
"Hello, Miss Izzati?" - Unknown Caller
"Hello, yes, speaking." - Izzati
"I'm from Grab, here to deliver your order. I'm at the front of the hotel. Is it okay if I leave your order at the hotel counter?" - Unknown Caller
"Oh, okay. Sure. I'll come down to pick it up. Thank you." - Izzati
"Alright, Miss. You're welcome." - Unknown Caller
After hanging up, Nabila asked, "Was that Grab?"
"Yeah, they've arrived.", Izzati replied.
"That was fast. I thought it would be 30 minutes.", Nabila said.
"It has been 30 minutes, Miss Nabila. We've been talking so much, we didn't notice the time. And we haven't even finished unpacking yet.", Izzati teased.
"Oh, really? It didn't feel like 30 minutes had passed. Are you going down alone? Want me to come with you?", Nabila offered as Izzati got up to get ready to collect their order at the hotel counter.
"No need. It's just a short walk.", Izzati reassured.
"Okay, I just thought I'd offer. You know, because I'm your best friend.", Nabila teased again with a grin.
"You, if you don't tease me at least 2 or 3 times a day, you're not satisfied, are you? Alright, I'm going down now. You keep unpacking, okay? Bye.", Izzati teased back.
"Oh, now she's teasing me. Fine, bye.", Nabila said.
While Izzati went down to pick up their order, Nabila continued organizing their shopping. After she finished, she prepared the table for their dinner.
Izzati returned with their order just as Nabila finished setting up. They enjoyed their meal while watching TV in their hotel room.