Episode 10:
After reaching their room, Zaini was on a mission. Maskin, his ever-cold and sarcastic roommate, was lounging on the bed with a book in hand, looking utterly disinterested. Zaini, however, was determined to break the icy wall between Maskin and Sami.
Zaini (with a determined look): "Maskin! All you have to do is listen to me. The only thing I want is for you to make a good impression on Sami."
Maskin (not looking up from his book): "I'm not doing that. My impression is always good on people who matter."
Zaini (exasperated): "Come on, just try to be a little humble and kind to him! One small act of being nice, and you could actually make a friend."
Maskin (finally looking up): "Kindness? Humility? Sounds like a lot of work for someone who's... well, him."
Before Zaini could respond, Sami walked in. Zaini immediately shifted gears, flashing a nervous grin at Sami and nudging Maskin, who was back to pretending the book was the most interesting thing in the world.
Zaini (with an overly bright voice): "OH! Hi, Sami! You know I've been assigned this important duty, right? So, all you two have to do is be humble with each other. Let's start with a handshake, huh? Then you can talk, share feelings, become best friends…"
Sami (raising an eyebrow, glancing at Maskin): "Ah... with him? Right now?"
Zaini (clapping his hands): "Yes! Why wait? Let's begin the friendship building!"
Sami (pointing at Maskin, his voice dripping with sarcasm): "Talk to him? Like… in his dreams?"
Zaini blinked, then turned to Maskin.
Maskin (completely relaxed, eyes closed): Snoring softly.
Zaini (incredulous): "What...? He was awake literally a minute ago! What is this, some kind of joke?"
Sami (smirking): "I mean, I guess he's had enough of our conversation."
Zaini (leaning over Maskin, whisper-shouting): "What are you trying to pull here, Maskin? Do you think I'm an idiot?"
Maskin opened one eye slowly and glanced at Zaini, clearly annoyed that his nap was interrupted.
Maskin (deadpan): "I was awake before you started talking about feelings. After that, sleep seemed like the better option."
Sami (yawning): "Honestly, I'm with him. After all that story last night, we need rest. I'm going to get some sleep before things get too... emotional."
Zaini (muttering to himself): "This is going to be impossible. I should've signed up for easy missions—like taming a dragon or something."
The next morning:
Maskin was already up, casually getting ready with a complete lack of urgency. Zaini, still looking half-asleep, groaned as he pulled himself out of bed.
Zaini (grumbling): "I swear, you better not be trolling me again today. No more sneaky naps or pretending you're a statue."
Maskin (buttoning up his shirt): "Trolling you? Zaini, you wound me. I never troll. I simply... observe."
Zaini (rolling his eyes): "Oh, right. 'Observing' me make a fool of myself in front of Sami isn't trolling at all."
Maskin (casually): "Forget about that. I've decided I'll talk to Sami. Just for you."
Zaini looked surprised and hopeful.
Zaini: "Really? Okay, thanks! Now, are you ready? We can fix this today."
Maskin (raising an eyebrow): "Ready for what?"
Zaini (smiling like he's won the lottery): "To talk to Sami! Let's go make this friendship happen."
Maskin (looking slightly disgusted): "Now? You want to play friendship builder this early?"
Zaini (crossing his arms): "So, you need to schedule friendship now?"
Maskin (smirking): "It's not that. I'm just not in the mood for emotional bonding before breakfast. Or, you know, ever."
Zaini (sighing): "Then when?"
Maskin (with a shrug): "Later. We're getting late for class, and I can't be bothered to deal with Sami's life story right now. Weren't you desperate to hear the rest of Mr. Noah's story last night?"
Zaini (suddenly excited): "Oh yeah, the story! Fine, but after class, you will talk to Sami."
Maskin began to walk toward the door casually, while Zaini, looking at his watch, suddenly realized something.
Zaini (shouting after him): "Hold on—late? There are still 40 minutes left! You're just trying to avoid it again!"
Maskin (not turning back): "Nope. I'm just efficient. And I'd like to visit the training center before class."
Zaini (throwing his hands in the air): "Fine! Do what you want. But don't think you can keep running from this forever!"
Maskin stopped at the door and gave Zaini a look so cool, it could've frozen the air between them.
Maskin (coldly): "I'm not running. I just choose to prioritize my sanity. If you think my day revolves around making Sami feel warm and fuzzy, you clearly don't know me at all."
Zaini (groaning): "You know, a simple 'I'll talk to him later' would've worked."
Maskin (deadpan, opening the door): "That's what I said."
Zaini: "No, you said it with layers of sarcasm."
Maskin (with a faint smile): "It's a gift."
Zaini followed him out the door, shaking his head.
---
Later, in the classroom:
The students were gathering, excitedly talking about Mr. Noah's continuing tale of Dacrotas. Maskin leaned against the wall, arms crossed, eyes on the doorway. Zaini sidled up next to him.
Zaini (nudging Maskin): "Alright, after class, you and Sami are going to shake hands and actually talk. You promised."
Maskin (raising an eyebrow): "Did I?"
Zaini (narrowing his eyes): "Yes. You did."
Maskin (sighing dramatically): "Fine. I'll be cordial. I might even smile. But if Sami starts talking about his pet or his favorite flavor of pie, I'm walking away."
Zaini: "Deal."
---
As the class began, Maskin's mind wandered. He didn't dislike Sami, per se. He just didn't see the point in pretending to like someone who clearly rubbed him the wrong way. But for Zaini's sake, maybe he could manage a few words. Maybe.
Then again, sarcasm was easier. So much easier.