Ahmad walked down the open-air hallway, his shoulders slumped, each step heavy with low spirits. His mind refused to rest, replaying endless possible scenarios over and over, each one more troubling than the last. Occasionally, he glanced around, letting his eyes drift over the scenery. The view never failed to amaze him, the hallway stretched between the upper and lower floors, framed by vibrant green roofs. Yellow-painted poles punctuated the space, and the smooth cement walk shimmered faintly in the morning sun. The beauty of it all felt almost overwhelming, and for a brief moment, he let himself marvel at it.
Footsteps suddenly broke his reverie, quick and deliberate, coming from behind. He turned, squinting.
"Ahmad! Wait!!"
A sweet, husky voice called out, followed by the sight of a tall, slender brunette bounding toward him. Megan. She moved with a vivacious energy, every step carrying a spark of fire. Her uniform jacket was slightly open at the chest, paired with the skirt and skin-toned socks hugging her legs. The aura around her was untamed and magnetic, and even on this ordinary hallway, she drew attention without trying.
She came, Ahmad thought, a faint warmth easing the tension in his chest. She always does. Even when he had asked her not to bother, she never listened.
"Megan! Don't you have classes now?" he asked, meeting her eyes.
She gave him an impish smile. "Yes. How do you know?" Ahmad rolled his eyes. "I know you heard about it. Thanks for coming, but I can handle this one."
"Okay!!" Megan replied with a sigh, knowing there was nothing she could say to change his mind. She had read him too well. Ahmad was trying to protect her from this mess, trying not to drag her into something she couldn't control. Still, seeing her worried expression made him smile faintly. At least someone cares, he thought. Her eyes caught his, gleaming. "Guess what!" she said, a playful lilt in her voice.
"Oh? What do you have for me?" he replied, bracing himself for whatever cheer she was about to offer. "I saw your missing Qur'an. You've been looking for it for quite some time now." She watched his face intently, curious to see his reaction. "Are you serious?! Alhamdulillah Rabbil Alameen!!" Ahmad practically shouted, grabbing her hand in excitement. Megan felt his grip but didn't pull away, teasing him silently. When he looked down at what she had handed him, he realized what he was holding, blushed furiously, and let go, embarrassed. Megan's smile widened, clearly enjoying his reaction. Ahmad glared at her. "What!! It was a mistake. And besides, who would want to touch you? Yuck!!"
"Take it. I'll be going. Best of luck!" she said, handing over the Qur'an and walking off toward her class, ignoring his protests. She had told her teacher she was going to the restroom, and fifteen minutes had already passed. Feeling the smooth texture of the Qur'an in his hands, Ahmad's tension eased slightly. "Bye! I'll see you later!" he called after her, watching her silhouette fade down the hall. The theft of his Qur'an had been deliberate. He knew it. But there was no proof. Who else would have a reason to take it in a Christian school? Charles, undoubtedly, was involved. He was a prime suspect.
Ahmad resumed walking toward Miss Olivia's office, muttering to himself, I hope things don't get nasty. Suddenly, a familiar, irritating voice rang out. "You will be punished again, Blockhead!!" Charles emerged from the stairs, sneer plastered across his face. Ahmad's fist twitched, the urge to strike uncontrollable, but he forced himself to stay calm. He ignored Charles, reciting verses from the Qur'an softly under his breath, focusing on the words to steady his mind.
Minutes passed. Soon, he reached the headmistress' office. Miss Olivia's office was always imposing yet welcoming, a balance of authority and comfort. She often patrolled the school herself, keeping an eye on students like Ahmad and Charles. Today was no different; she had personally witnessed them once before and had dealt with the aftermath. Ahmad stepped inside. The office smelled faintly of polished wood and paper. A huge stack of documents covered the table, almost reaching the golden nameplate engraved with "Miss Olivia" in silver letters. The air conditioner hummed softly, keeping the room cool and calm, a stark contrast to the storm brewing outside.
Before Ahmad could take a closer look at the documents, Charles swaggered in, flopping onto the guest sofa opposite Miss Olivia's desk as if he owned the place. Ahmad opened his mouth to protest, but Miss Olivia entered at that very moment.
Her gaze swept the room like a predator, landing on Charles. Immediately, the six-by-four-meter office felt tense, almost suffocating. Charles, sensing the intensity of her stare, suddenly felt exposed. He pushed himself upright, an unusual unease making him straighten his posture. This was the first time she had looked at him like this, and for the first time, he wondered if he had gone too far.
After ensuring the office was in order, Miss Olivia took her seat, adjusted her glasses, and fixed her attention on the two boys. "You! Sit down. And you! Keep standing." she said, pointing at Ahmad and Charles respectively. Ahmad lowered himself into the chair gratefully, while Charles remained standing, muttering under his breath. Miss Olivia ignored him, focusing squarely on Ahmad.
"Now, let's begin."