Ethan observed the two with a knowing smile. He knew Dave and Karl better than most—how they fought like cats and dogs one moment, only to laugh it off the next.
Dave, with his quick wit and easygoing demeanor, was the quintessential "good kid." Small spats like this were the extent of his troublemaking, and even those rarely escalated. He was well-liked, the kind of boy who seemed to effortlessly fit in. Sometimes even a goody two-shoes.
Karl, on the other hand, was louder and rougher around the edges, the perfect foil to Dave's easy charm.
"Alright, stop arguing. The principal's coming," Ethan said, his voice calm but firm. Both boys immediately straightened up and shuffled into line, joining the rest of the students.
The principal, a man in his 50s with a shiny bald head and pale complexion, stepped up to the microphone. His voice boomed across the assembly ground.
"Good morning, students! What a wonderful morning it is!" he began, his English crisp and formal. "I see many new faces among us today. I hope you'll help each other settle in and make this year a success."
His tone shifted slightly, taking on a hint of gravitas. "As students in the capital, you have access to the best opportunities. Each and every one of you has the potential to become a hero. Remember, we've brought in some of the finest teachers this year. Don't squander this chance. Work hard, and the future is yours!"
The speech dragged on. Predictably, some students began to nod off.
"Karl, don't doze off," Ethan whispered, nudging him. **"You'll get whipped for sure."
Karl sat upright immediately. "Who's dozing? Don't talk nonsense, Ethan. I'm laser-focused on our dear powerhouse of a principal."
Their banter caught the attention of their class teacher, Mr. Alex, who was watching like a hawk. The tall, stern man strode over, his eyes narrowing.
"You two!" he barked. "What's so important that you have to talk during assembly? Care to share with the rest of us?"
Ethan, ever quick on his feet, offered an excuse without missing a beat. "Sorry, sir! I was just letting Karl know his zipper was down. Didn't want to embarrass him."
Mr. Alex blinked, clearly caught off guard. He shook his head with a sigh. "Keep it down, both of you. And Karl, check your zipper." He walked off, leaving the boys stifling their laughter.
"Damn, that was close," Karl muttered, wiping his brow.
"Shit.. that could have been pretty bad… man Ethan you are good."
Ethan smirked. "Yeah, yeah. But if we get caught again, I'll tell him you soiled your pants and it's stinking up the assembly. So keep quiet."
Karl grimaced. "Alright, alright. I still have a reputation to protect, you know."
The principal's voice cut through the murmur of students. "Assembly dismissed! Teachers, take your students to their classes."
The sheer volume of his shout startled everyone. "For an old bald guy, he's got some serious pipes," Karl muttered as they began walking.
Dave glanced at the principal and said, "Don't you think he looks Chinese? His eyes are so narrow, and his skin's so pale it's almost yellow."
"Don't talk nonsense. Almost everyone from the north looks like that. Don't get me involved in this shit you dumbass" warned Ethan. It was a sensitive topic, no one might take kids' talk seriously but it never hurt to be extra careful.
"Ahh. no one listened. So it won't be an issue. I'm not an idiot to talk about it loudly... Ok ok I won't talk about it…" understanding what he said unconsciously, he immediately made amendments. Being a peace loving, scaredy cat he will definitely not want to get on the bad side.
Ethan sighed, his expression softening. "Good. Just be careful next time, alright?"
Dave nodded, his usual sheepish grin returning. Despite his occasional slip-ups, he was nothing if not a peace-loving kid. Scared of trouble, scared of confrontation—he'd rather apologize a thousand times than risk getting on anyone's bad side.