"Before we end today's class," Mr. Chan began, his calm voice carrying over the soft chatter of the room, "let's take a moment to reflect. Since you started high school, have you done anything truly life-changing? Something that made you genuinely happy? Just… give it a thought."
The bell rang before anyone could respond, its sharp tone echoing across the classroom. Chairs screeched, books slammed shut, and laughter filled the air.
Mia sat for a moment longer, staring at the board as Mr. Chan's words replayed in her head. Life-changing? she thought. We're about to graduate, and I can't even think of one thing I've done just for myself.
A strange mix of realization and excitement bubbled inside her. She grabbed her pen and began scribbling furiously across a sheet of paper, words tumbling out as fast as her thoughts.
"Yo, Mia… what are you doing?" Jordan's voice cut through her focus. He leaned casually against her desk, his backpack slung over one shoulder, an amused smile tugging at his lips.
"Jord, I just had the weirdest idea," she said, eyes gleaming. "It's going to blow your mind."
"Oh really?" he said, grinning. "Alright, hit me with it."
"Okay, so," Mia began, her excitement building. "You know what Mr. Chan said about doing something life-changing before we leave high school? Well, I realized I haven't really done anything like that. And then I thought—why not make a list? A list of things we have to do before college."
Jordan tilted his head, intrigued. "A bucket list?"
"Exactly!" she said, beaming. "A senior-year bucket list."
"That doesn't sound bad," Jordan admitted. "But it shouldn't just be the two of us. You know how it is…" He gave her a teasing look.
Mia narrowed her eyes. "Are you saying I can't make a proper list?"
"No! That's not what I meant," Jordan said quickly, laughing. "I just think Kora should help. She's good with ideas—and she'll make it more fun."
Mia smirked. "Fine. I was going to ask her anyway." She folded the paper neatly and slipped it into her notebook.
"Alright then," Jordan said, stretching. "Come on, I'm starving."
"Jeez, for a guy, you sure complain a lot," Mia teased, slinging her bag over her shoulder.
"It's not me—it's the hunger talking," Jordan said, rubbing his stomach dramatically.
They both laughed as they walked out of the classroom, the afternoon sunlight spilling through the hallway windows. The sound of their laughter echoed faintly behind them—two friends, unknowingly on the edge of something that would change their lives.