The Monday after their eventful day off was surprisingly calm. The bell rang across Mizuhara International Academy, signaling the start of another week. Students moved through the hallways, their chatter filling the air. For Htet and his friends, however, the memories of their outing still lingered, bringing smiles to their faces as they reunited in the classroom.
Hana (whispering to Htet):
"Can you believe Liam tried to argue with that street vendor over the price of yakitori? He was so confident."
Htet (grinning):
"I still can't believe the vendor actually gave him a discount..probably just to make him leave."
Their conversation was interrupted by Mr. Nakamura, their homeroom teacher, entering the room.
Mr. Nakamura (clapping his hands):
"Good morning, everyone. I hope you all had a restful weekend. Let's start with our morning greetings. Stand, bow!"
Class (in unison):
"おはようございます！(Good morning!)"
The day was off to a traditional start, but something about the atmosphere felt lighter, more relaxed after the weekend break.
---
Class Scene: English Period
The first lesson of the day was English, and Ms. Saito entered the classroom with her usual warm smile.
Ms. Saito:
"Good morning, everyone! Today, we'll be diving into persuasive writing. It’s an essential skill, whether you're writing essays, speeches, or even casual debates. Open your textbooks to page 112."
As the students flipped through their books, Ms. Saito wrote the day’s objectives on the board:
1. Understand the elements of a persuasive argument.
2. Practice writing a persuasive essay on a given topic.
Ms. Saito:
"To persuade someone effectively, you need three things: ethos, pathos, and logos. Can anyone explain these terms?"
Elena’s hand shot up.
Elena:
"Ethos is about credibility, pathos appeals to emotions, and logos uses logic."
Ms. Saito (nodding):
"Excellent! Now, let’s see how we can apply these. Your topic for today is: Should students have longer school holidays? You have 20 minutes to write your opening argument."
The room fell into a focused silence, broken only by the scratching of pens on paper.
Htet (thinking):
"Longer holidays would mean more time for family and hobbies... but would students lose focus on academics?"
He scribbled down his thoughts, balancing his points with examples. Across the room, Liam was hunched over his paper, a mischievous grin on his face.
Liam (murmuring):
"Imagine the chaos if we had a three-month holiday. Pure bliss!"
After 20 minutes, Ms. Saito called on a few students to share their arguments.
Hana (reading aloud):
"Longer holidays would provide students with the opportunity to recharge and explore personal interests, ultimately making them more productive when they return to school."
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Liam (interrupting):
"Or we could just play video games all day and call it 'exploring personal interests'."
The class erupted in laughter, and even Ms. Saito couldn’t hide her amusement.
Ms. Saito (smiling):
"Thank you, Liam, for your… unique perspective. Now, who’s next?"
The lesson ended with a lively discussion, leaving the students energized and engaged.
---
Lunch Break
The cafeteria was abuzz with activity as students gathered for lunch. Htet sat with his usual group, savoring a bowl of warm miso soup and rice.
Elena:
"So, Htet, heard you joined the acting club. How is it? Have you started preparing for the acting club’s next meeting?"
Htet (pausing mid-bite):
"Uh... Good and not really. I’m still getting used to the idea of being in a club at all."
Nimal (teasing):
"Better start practicing your dramatic monologues, my friend."
Leila:
"You’ll do fine, Htet. Just don’t let Max-Senpai intimidate you too much."
Hana:
"And if you need help, we’ll be your audience!"
Their laughter carried across the table as they continued to tease Htet, who couldn’t help but smile at their support.
---
Class Scene: Geography Period
Geography was next on the schedule, and Mr. Schneider greeted the class with his usual pace and enthusiasm.
Mr. Schneider:
"Good afternoon, everyone! Today, we’re going to explore tectonic plates and their role in shaping our world. Does anyone know what the term 'Ring of Fire' refers to?"
Hana raised her hand.
Hana:
"It’s the region around the Pacific Ocean where a lot of earthquakes and volcanic activity happen."
Mr. Schneider (nodding):
"Correct! The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped zone known for its frequent seismic activity. It’s caused by the movement of tectonic plates. Let’s dive deeper into how these plates interact."
He projected a map onto the screen, highlighting the Pacific Plate and its neighbors.
Mr. Schneider:
"Japan, as you all know, is located along this Ring of Fire. That’s why we experience so many earthquakes and have over 100 active volcanoes. Can anyone name a famous Japanese volcano?"
Liam (raising his hand dramatically):
"Mount Fuji, of course! But don’t worry, it’s not going to erupt and ruin my weekend plans, right?"
Mr. Schneider (chuckling):
"Fortunately, Mount Fuji is dormant… for now."
The class gasped in mock horror, and Mr. Schneider continued to explain the science behind plate boundaries, subduction zones, and the formation of volcanic arcs.
To make the lesson interactive, he handed out small puzzles of tectonic plates for students to piece together. Htet and Hana worked on one, their fingers moving quickly as they matched the edges.
Hana (smiling):
"Looks like we’ve got a perfect fit here. Teamwork makes the dream work!"
---
After School: Acting Club
The warm, golden glow of the auditorium lights bathed the polished wooden stage as Htet hesitantly stepped inside. Rows of velvet-covered seats loomed like an audience judging his every move. A faint hum of activity resonated as members of the acting club gathered around Max, their energetic and perpetually grinning president.
Max was the epitome of charisma—lean and wiry, with unruly blonde hair and a sharp, mischievous glint in his eyes. Dressed in an oversized cardigan and a scarf that seemed more dramatic than necessary, he exuded theatrical flair.
Max (clapping his hands):
"Ah, there he is! My favorite kouhai with the soul of a tortured artist. Welcome, Htet!"
Htet blinked, caught off guard by Max's exuberance.
Htet:
"T-Tortured artist? I think you’ve got the wrong guy."
Max (throwing an arm around Htet):
"Nonsense! Every great actor has a little drama simmering inside them. You’ll find yours soon enough. Now, let’s get started before you faint from stage fright!"
The other club members chuckled, their voices mingling in a medley of accents. Htet noticed the diverse faces in the group. There was Priya, a bubbly girl from India with a warm smile; Amir, a tall, soft-spoken boy from Egypt with a knack for storytelling; and Sofia, a fiery redhead from Spain who had already claimed the title of the group’s best improviser.
Max:
"Alright, everyone! Today, we’re diving into the art of improvisation! Improv isn’t just about being funny, it’s about thinking fast, building chemistry, and committing to whatever crazy idea your partner throws at you."
Sofia (grinning):
"Translation: expect chaos."
Max (dramatically bowing):
"And chaos, my friends, is the birthplace of brilliance. Now, let’s warm up!"
~Warm-Up Exercises Time~
Max led the group through a series of tongue twisters, pacing the stage like a maestro.
Max:
"Repeat after me: ‘Unique New York, New York’s unique.’"
The club echoed his words, stumbling over the tricky phrase.
Priya (laughing):
"‘You-nique New… Nope! I give up!"
Max (pointing at Priya):
"Ah, but giving up is forbidden in the sacred realm of acting! Try again!"
They moved on to physical exercises, stretching and shaking off their nerves. Htet found himself loosening up, the camaraderie of the group easing his initial awkwardness.
Max:
"Now, onto the fun part scene improv! Pair up, grab a random scenario from the jar, and let’s see some magic!"
~Improvisation Act: The Baker and the Customer~
Htet was paired with Priya, who pulled a slip of paper from the jar and read their scenario aloud.
Priya (grinning):
"You’re a grumpy baker, and I’m an irate customer returning a burnt loaf of bread. Let’s do this!"
Htet took a deep breath as they stepped onto the stage.
Priya (hands on her hips, exaggerated tone):
"Excuse me, sir! I demand a refund! This loaf of bread is a disgrace to carbohydrates everywhere!"
Htet straightened his posture, crossing his arms and adopting a scowl.
Htet (dryly):
"Refund? That’s not bread—it’s my latest masterpiece. I call it ‘Charcoal Elegance.’"
The room erupted in laughter, with even Max doubling over.
Priya (gasping):
"Masterpiece? This thing could be used as a weapon! Do you sell bread or bricks?"
Htet (shrugging):
"Both, depending on the customer’s needs."
The banter flowed naturally, each line escalating the humor. Priya slammed an imaginary loaf onto the counter, while Htet inspected it with mock seriousness, pretending to sketch it like an artist analyzing his muse.
Max (applauding):
"Bravo! That’s the kind of commitment I’m talking about! Htet, you’ve got the makings of a star—or at least a very convincing baker."
---
As the session wound down, Max gathered everyone in a circle.
Max:
"Improv isn’t just about making people laugh. It’s about trust, trusting your instincts, trusting your partner, and trusting the story to take you somewhere unexpected. And you all nailed it today!"
He turned to Htet, his grin softening into something more genuine.
Max:
"Htet, you’ve got a spark. Keep showing up, and I promise you’ll surprise yourself."
Htet felt a flicker of pride at the praise, though he quickly tried to downplay it.
Htet (scratching his head):
"Thanks, but I’m still figuring this out."
Max:
"That’s the beauty of it. We’re all just figuring it out together."
---
As the club members packed up, Priya approached Htet with a smile.
Priya:
"You were great out there! If you ever need tips, let me know..I’ve been doing this for years."
Htet:
"Thanks, Priya. I think I might need all the help I can get."
Amir chimed in from across the room.
Amir:
"Don’t worry, Htet. Max might seem like a whirlwind of chaos, but he really knows how to bring out the best in people. You’re in good hands."
Htet left the auditorium that evening with a sense of accomplishment he hadn’t expected. The stage, once intimidating, now felt like a place of possibility. As he walked back to his dorm, the sound of laughter and applause still echoed in his mind. Between his friends, his studies, and the acting club, life at Mizuhara International Academy was shaping up to be an unforgettable journey.
---(End Of Chapter 30)---