That same evening, Mazen was sitting in his room, staring into the mirror.
His eyes had returned to their natural dark color, yet deep inside... there was a strange feeling he couldn't name.
He smiled faintly, as if it were still some private joke between him and himself.
"Why did you smile?"
Waseem entered the room for a few moments.
He walked quietly, his face carrying the usual mix of melancholy and charisma.
He glanced briefly at Mazen and said,
"Your eyes look strange today."
Then he left without adding another word.
Mazen kept staring at the door after he left and murmured,
"I wish I had half your composure."
To him, Waseem was more than just a brother; he was an ideal—
a mysterious person who carried a silent strength and an effortless charm.
Mazen lay on his bed, feeling a faint sense of peace,
as if the world had begun to smile at him from one corner.
At School – The Next Day
Everything was normal—too normal.
The first few classes passed uneventfully, yet there was a faint air of anticipation lingering around.
Mr. Sameh entered the classroom and announced formally:
"A special test will be held to choose five reserve students for the Students' Olympiad Competition.
The test will take place next Thursday and will depend on quick thinking and analysis."
Murmurs rose among the students.
Ziad leaned toward Mazen and whispered,
"At least try. You've got nothing to lose."
Break Time – School Courtyard
A large crowd had gathered in the northern corner of the yard.
Ziad grabbed Mazen's hand excitedly.
"Looks like there's a battle going on... come on!"
When they approached, they saw a table with a chessboard.
A new student wearing glasses sat confidently with his hand under his chin — his name was Mohannad.
"Who's that?" Mazen asked.
"Mohannad," Ziad replied. "He's from another school. He's already beaten three people."
Mohannad said calmly,
"Who's next?"
Mazen raised his hand with a smile.
"I am."
Ziad groaned,
"Please, don't embarrass our school!"
Mazen grinned lightly.
"Just trying it out."
The match began.
Mohannad was fast, while Mazen tried to learn as he played.
Defeat was imminent — yet he enjoyed the challenge.
Suddenly, one of the boys who had lost before shouted angrily,
"Arrogant jerk!"
He punched Mohannad in the face, knocking him down.
His glasses fell, and a thin line of blood trickled from his nose,
but he didn't fight back — he only searched the floor with his hands, looking for his glasses.
Mazen stood instantly.
His eyes turned red, his hands burning as if filled with fire.
Everything turned white —
the floor, the walls, the students, even the air — everything but the attacker.
He lunged forward and hit the boy hard, slamming him against the wall.
He raised his hand to strike again — but suddenly his eyes turned yellow, and his arm froze.
It was as if a voice inside him whispered:
"Enough."
Everything returned to normal.
Mazen fell to his knees.
Ziad shouted in panic,
"Mazen!!"
Mazen opened his eyes — dark once more.
He looked at Ziad and asked in a strangely calm voice,
"What happened?"
At Home – That Evening
Mazen returned home, muttering to himself,
"Well... that wasn't an ordinary day."
Miral suddenly burst into his room, holding her phone.
"Oh, the chess champion! Did you blow up the pieces or the opponent this time?" she teased.
He chuckled lightly.
"Your eyes were terrifying, but you look normal today... I guess?"
"Hmm... kind of," he replied.
She sat beside him, smiling warmly.
"Just don't forget to stay who you are — normal, funny, and annoying sometimes.
Don't change, no matter what happens."
He laughed.
"Alright, alright."
She laughed too and headed toward the door.
"And don't hit anyone tomorrow... not every day is made for heroics."
He stared at the door after she left and took a deep breath.
That night, Mazen didn't dream of anything —
but he slept with a faint smile,
as if something inside him was finally starting to make peace with the world around him.