“Khim!” I turned my neck only to be hit by nothing less than a gorilla’s arm.

“Arghhh! What do you want Jing?” I groaned in pain as she grabbed my neck tighter. “I heard there’s going to be a transfer student coming tomorrow!” My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “A transfer student. Now? In Sec five? Is this person crazy? Its our most crucial year and they are transferring schools? And let go of me!” She released me from her grasp and shrugged. “Maybe some people just like taking risks? Or maybe they hated their old school? Or maybe their parents-” I silenced her with my finger. “Okay okay I get it. They have their reasons. Is this student in our class though?”

Jing scratched her head whilst trying to recall. “Hmm probably not since thats not what I overheard. I think he’s in A2? Well less competition in our class I guess.” “That’s good. Our class is competitive enough. Plus, we already know this route isn’t the best to take so having less people is probably better.” I brought my finger up as if pointing at things in the air. Moving it slowly here and there. “Though our real competitors is the whole of Singapore. Its more beneficial I guess you could say, to have less people in our class to bring up our self-esteem!” I exclaimed. Her eyes stared at me weirdly. “Um… sure… let’s go with your way of thinking… “

We set foot into our classroom right when the bell rang.

“Right on time.” I whispered to myself as I stared at the clock. Quickly taking my seat, I took out my storybook, excited to read it until my form teacher, Mr Yi calls for attention. “Attention class 5A3, this is a bit of a last minute announcement but today, we have a new transfer student in class. I too… was in shock when I heard about this- nonetheless! His name is Hong Joo and he comes from Korea! Originally from Terrasterian Secondary but he has now transferred here for his final year.” I watched as Mr Yi’s eyes gave a signal for this new student to speak. “I’m Hong Joo… um… I hope we can all get along…” Awkwardness filled the room as each of my classmates just stared at each other in confusion as they silently clapped. “You can take the seat next to Jing there.” said Mr Yi as he pointed at the empty table at the front row. “Oh… Okay.” He sat down looking a bit upset.

Why is he frowning? Does he not like sitting next to Jing?

What’s his problem?

The bell rang in an instant signifying class was over. A small crowd of people formed around the new kid. “Your name is Hong Joo?” “Yea.” “Doesn’t sound like a common Korean name. I thought Koreans would usually have those names like ‘Park’ or ‘Lee’ and have two syllables or something.” Kairi, the environmental champion said. “Yeah my name is pretty unique I guess.” He laughed awkwardly while scratching his head.

Observing the circle around him, I quickly escaped the crowd and headed to the canteen. Finally no big crowds just to go down the staircase. The canteen was as packed as ever, queues longer than Rapunzel’s hair, groups of students louder than a lion’s roar. Every moment of recess was like being in a zoo. I spotted an empty table and swiftly took a seat. I took out my phone while waiting for Jing at the table. Since she was the Class Chairperson, she has to lock up the classrooms after everyone leaves but because there was a crowd in the class, she had to stay and wait till everyone got out. Clicking on the ‘Webtoon’ app, I scrolled down to check whichever comic had been updated.

Ah… The simple pleasures in life.

“Uh hi. Can I sit here?” I looked up and saw a face. An ‘unfamiliar face’ at that until I realized it was the transfer student. “Oh um… sure.” Gesturing for him to sit down, I averted my eyes from him and his direction.

Why is he sitting here? This is so awkward. Should I say something?

“Jing told me to find someone wearing a yellow jacket and sit with them and wait for her to come if that’s what you are wondering.” The silence carried on. “I’m Hong Joo, what’s your name?” My heart started beating, faster and faster. “I’m Khim Ash. W-Wait I meant Ash Khim.” I silently cursed at myself for just being, well, me. I cannot, for the sake of god, talk to anyone normally without support or a topic.

WHERE IS JING? I NEED SOMEONE HERE. I was practically screaming at the top of my lungs right now, but no one can hear me.

“Yo Khim!” PERFECT. Pierre Chan, my best bud, and my savior in this situation. “Woah who is this?” He pointed at Joo. “He’s a transfer student in my class. This is Pierre Chan, from class A2. Probably the smartest person I know.” I introduced Pierre to Joo. “Oh don’t flatter me. Especially since I didn’t get into PFP, please don’t mention academics again.” He smiled, but with a threatening undertone to it. Pierre extended his hand for a handshake. “Nice to meet ya Joo.” They both shook hands and carried on with random conversations. Thank god Pierre is chatty or else I would have died from awkwardness. I continued reading my webtoons till I spotted Jing walking from the corner of my eye. She sighed while taking a seat in front of me.

“What’s wrong? Had another consultation with Mr Yi again?” Pierre jokingly said. “Sadly, you are right on the dot. Apparently, he wants me to be more stern with the class but man. I’m so tired. We’re all very tired. Having someone force you to do something isn’t something I would appreciate as a Sec Five student.” I stared at her eyes.

She has eyebags again… Leadership roles really make you overwork yourself huh.

As strong as Jing was, that was only physically. Jing always had problems taking care of her mental health. Not resting enough, pushing herself to achieve too many goals at once. She could never focus on one thing at a time. “Anyone wants drinks? I’m heading to the drinks stall.” I announced while quickly standing up. Jing shook her head. “I’ll follow you.” Pierre replied. “Joo, wanna come along? We can show you around the stalls.” Pierre asked. “Sure.”

“Be right back Jing.” She nodded her head. We quickly walked off, leaving Jing to rest at the table. “I’ll get the milk, you go buy her the croissant.” Pierre nodded and ran towards the cafe. Joo was visibly confused. “Oh… We didn’t explain this to you. Whenever Jing is stressed, we always get her this chocolate croissant from the Good News Cafe there.” I pointed at the small cafe opposite the canteen. “She also really like strawberry milk so we would get that that too. Think of it as a breakfast set for her.” I grinned at the thought of this idea. It’s always fun to see Jing’s face when we get her this set even when she said no.“Ohh… You guys are good friends, taking care of your friend very well. Even to plan who should get what.” “Well, she’s always there for us. And these days she can’t even relief stress since she’s always studying to continue passing. She barely has time to play sports cause of her chairman duties. So both me and Pierre want to do something for her to keep her alive and kicking.” I frowned a little thinking about Jing. My best friend since I entered this school. I was lucky to have met her and even luckier to have been in the same class for five years now. She’s done a lot for not just me, but everyone she knew, compared to me, who hasn’t even done anything worth while for her. I unconsciously sighed and gripped the coins in my hand.

We quickly got the strawberry milk and went back to the table. Pierre was already there and giving the croissant to Jing. Pierre’s eyes looking at Jing all lovingly. Nothing less of care and concern.

A bit cliche to say this but, my heart ached a little seeing them together,

Nevertheless, I walked up to them with an amazing poker face and handed her the strawberry milk! I sat down with the most disgusting feeling circulating throughout my entire body.

Jealousy. Someone, make it stop please.

Pierre Chan, my best bud, the guy who loves my best friend and the person I like.

Geez, I’m getting depressed all over again. But its fine. I’m used to this.