Mohamed had been through a lot recently, facing new challenges one after another. He had grown much stronger, but even greater obstacles lay ahead. The question was: could he keep up?
As he walked into his classroom, he noticed an unusual atmosphere. Unlike their usual chatter and distractions, his classmates were deeply focused on their studies. Curious, he turned to his friend, Osama.
Mohamed: "Hey, what's going on? Why is everyone so serious today?"
Osama (raising an eyebrow): "Are you serious? The exams are just around the corner! Have you even started studying?"
At that moment, reality hit Mohamed like a thunderbolt—he had completely forgotten about the exams! With everything that had been happening, studying was the last thing on his mind. A wave of frustration washed over him.
Seeing his friend's expression, Osama chuckled and patted his shoulder.
Osama: "Relax, buddy. I'll help you study. Just beg me for it, and this genius will lend you his wisdom!"
Mohamed (rolling his eyes): "I don't need you, you self-proclaimed genius. I can study on my own."
Osama (grinning): "Oh, come on! Don't let your fake pride get in the way. Admit it, you need my help."
He let out a dramatic laugh, making Mohamed sigh in defeat.
Mohamed: "Fine, fine. Just tell me when you're coming over to help."
Osama: "I'll be at your place after school. Don't run away now."
Mohamed: "Yeah, yeah…"
As Mohamed sat in class, his eyes wandered toward three of his classmates. They seemed unusually quiet. Normally, they were always up to something mischievous, but today, they were just sitting there. Are they plotting something again? Mohamed wondered.
A Sudden Encounter
After school, Mohamed and Osama walked together toward the exit. Just as they stepped outside, Mohamed spotted a familiar face—a beautiful girl approaching them. His eyes lit up as he greeted her.
Mohamed: "Hey! It's been a while since we last met. How have you been?"
Girl: "I'm doing well. And you? You seem... different."
Mohamed (laughing): "Yeah, a lot has happened since we last talked."
Girl (curious): "So, did you finally resolve your issue with those three troublemakers?"
She studied him for a moment before smirking.
Girl: "You don't look like the scared boy I met before."
Mohamed: "Thanks, I guess. You could say my problem with them is over… but they still bother my classmates. You should be careful too. If they see you hanging around me, they might try something."
Instead of looking worried, she laughed confidently.
Girl: "Oh, really? Let them try. If they manage to lay a finger on me, I'll become your personal servant."
Mohamed blinked in surprise.
Mohamed: "Where does all this confidence come from? You're not even a little afraid?"
Girl: "Nope. Just take care of yourself. No one here can intimidate me."
He smiled at her boldness.
Mohamed: "I see… By the way, this is my friend Osama. He's been through the same things as me."
She turned to Osama, who grinned mischievously.
Girl (teasing): "Oh? So he's your brave knight in shining armor?"
Mohamed: "Hey! Why do you sound so sarcastic? Don't I look like a knight too?"
Osama (grinning): "Yeah, sure… Except a real knight wouldn't forget his own exams."
Girl (laughing): "A brave knight who can't even remember his test dates? That's a new one!"
Osama's eyes gleamed with curiosity as he suddenly asked,
Osama: "By the way, can I ask you something? If you don't mind, of course."
Mohamed: "Oh, right! Now that I think about it… I don't even know your name."
Mohamed had promised himself that once he became stronger, he would ask for her name. Now, he finally had the chance.
Osama (mocking): "Seriously? You two call yourselves friends, but you don't even know each other's names? What kind of madness is this?"
The girl chuckled before finally introducing herself.
Girl: "My name is Aseel. But wow, Mohamed, some 'friend' you are. You never even asked!"
Mohamed (groaning): "Ugh… I totally forgot. But why do both of you keep ganging up on me?"
Aseel (grinning): "Because you deserve it, obviously!"
Osama: "Yeah, our fearless knight!"
Mohamed sighed.
Mohamed: "Enjoy your laughs while you can… I'll get my revenge someday."
Osama: "Sure, sure. Now, let's go. We have exams to prepare for, and someone here hasn't studied at all."
Mohamed: "Fine, fine, you smug genius…"
Aseel (teasing): "Make sure you study hard, 'knight'—we don't want you repeating the year!"
With that, Aseel waved goodbye, leaving the two boys to continue their journey.
As they walked, Osama suddenly gave Mohamed a mischievous smirk.
Osama (laughing slyly): "Hehehe… So, why didn't you tell me you had such a cute and fun friend?"
Mohamed (annoyed): "You idiot! Don't get the wrong idea. We're just friends."
Osama: "Who knows? Maybe someday you'll be more than just friends."
Mohamed (groaning): "Ugh, stop! You've been teasing me all day."
Osama (grinning): "Well, you make it too easy! You're like a little lamb walking straight into the wolf's den!"
Mohamed (sighing): "Where do you even come up with these lines? Are you trying to be a philosopher or something? I swear, with your sneaky personality, you'd be the worst wise man ever."
Osama: "Ouch! That was harsh. How could a sweet, innocent boy like me be called sneaky?"
Mohamed: "Sweet and innocent? Yeah, right…"
As they reached Mohamed's house, he turned to his friend with a warning glare.
Mohamed: "Alright, we're here. And please, try not to do anything weird, okay?"
Osama (mocking): "Yes, my brave knight!"
Mohamed (groaning): "Ugh… I swear, talking to you is like talking to a brick wall."
And so, Mohamed found himself enduring Osama's endless teasing. But the real question was: could he actually focus and study in peace?