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We did a headcount to make sure everyone got down the bus. We started doing this because when Casper went to school for the first time, he got terribly nervous. When we were supposed to get off the bus, Caleb grabbed the bus pole tightly, refusing to let go. I ended up stuck with him in the bus till the next stop to pull him out. The others hadn't realised we were not walking with them at the time.

Casper scrunched up his face, knowing that it all started with him. I gave him a reassuring smile.

School was crowded, noisy, and bustling with children running and screaming. Teachers were rushing to get into their assigned classes. All the students sat cross-legged on the cement floor, according to their year and colourful school bags were strewn everywhere. Cassandra ran ahead of us to meet her Year 3 classmates. Casper was next, dropping his bag in his class row and went running with his Year 4 and football team mates. Followed by Stephanie, who was a little hesitant, went to her Year 5 close knit group of friends.

Amari, Catherine, Nathan and I were still standing at the entrance of the school with a different thought in mind.

Exams, tests, assessments. It was all the same to me— just another step for me to get a scholarship. I needed it, I can't let my family down. It's the least I can do and actually contribute to them. I'm not a child prodigy, I don't have an outstanding IQ, partaking in liberal arts isn't my forte or being remotely athletic. Pale in comparison to the other schoolmates, I don't possess much talent either. The tense feeling in my stomach grew as the day approached us, I need to give it my all, I have to. There was nothing else that would stop me. Well, maybe besides Nathan.

"Caleb! I forgot to study DCs and ACs for the physics test tomorrow! Can you tell me everything again? Please? I-I'll get us lunch today, how about that?", Amari convincing me with her wide grin.

My face was clearly confused by how she didn't understand the topic, even after I had explained it to her yesterday. The most probable reason for her amnesia was from that cheesy movie we watched. I couldn't hate her for that. She was the type to gain knowledge through repetition. Catherine and Nathan snickered on the side, watching me become the study-buddy victim. Again.

"Don't look so annoyed Caleb, I never complained when you asked me for help and besides, didn't you say everyone learns at a different pace?"Catherine taunting me, while winking at Amari. The girls clearly knew how to push the right buttons but it was pointless to retaliate. I brooded silently.

"We can fight another day, today we figure out DCs and ACs", Nathan declared, "But Caleb, will you help me too?" Nathan clasped his hands together, leaning in and looking up towards me. Amari caught on with the idea and copied Nathan, making it impossible to say no to. Honestly, they both looked cute. "Fine," I stated, brooding a little

"Alright, I'll figure something out before lunch time, but can we get to the library already, it's melting out here!" Amari groaned.

The national library was down the street and past some shophouses. One of the few places outside my home where I was comfortable. Plus, there was free air-conditioner, Wi-Fi and silence. We exited the school and waved at our siblings one last time before they head in for the morning session of school.

Just outside school, we passed rows of stationary cars, inching their way through to get to work and the large wafts of fumes filled our noses. We made a dash across the street, trying to get away from the horrible smell of black smoke. Amari pointed out several food stalls we passed by everyday, hot char siew pau, steamed meat buns, and dim sum, stacked on metal trays inside a large box. She asked us, "Anyone hungry?"

Nathan looked at me, didn't say anything but headed straight for the food stall. The stall lady, dressed in bright pink, with a yellow apron grabbed two hot buns from the metal trays. He skipped back with the white buns in his hands, handing me a steaming pau, as I tried not to drop it as soon as I touched it.

"Don't be shocked Caleb, it's just a mini birthday treat," his smile was as warm as the steam buns. Amari and Catherine were aghast. Not because of the smooth move Nathan pulled but because they weren't offered food like how I was. Simply put it, they were jealous.

Amari instantly began complaining to Nathan for not being a gentleman to the ladies standing right next to me. Catherine soon joined in, scolding him for such poor manners and not considering everyone's feelings.

I inch away from the commotion. My fingers were constantly being pierced by the heat from the steamed bun. I look down at the bun, sprinkled with black sesame seeds. Peeling away the skin layer with my nails, I blew on the surface making sure it didn't burn my lips as I bit into it. Salty and sweet, soft, hot char siew meat, with sauce dripping down my chin. It was something out of the ordinary and definitely a tummy warmer. It was mouth-watering.

Seeing the soon-to-be war developing between them, I stepped in and asked if Catherine and Amari wanted anything. They politely declined my offer and gave Nathan one final glare.

Me and Nathan ate while we walked, the girls ahead of us again, still insulted by his gesture. I looked at him for a while, thinking of what to say, swallowing my food "H-Hey Nathan, thanks for getting me the pau and are you ok after Amari and Catherine screamed at you?"

Nathan only chuckled, placing his hand behind his neck again, "Don't worry about it, as long as you enjoy it, how is it?"

I only nodded in exasperation, trying to chew down the food and respond to him, "Y-yeah, I do, it's really something. Thank you," I munch down my last bit of pau, "Off topic, but do you have a favourite pau, Nathan?"

"Well, even if all of the paus look the same, each of them is different. I'm happy to try each one because on the inside, you never know what kind of filling they have," his eyes lit up as though the paus were dancing around in front of him. Picturing him devouring all the paus would be quite adorable to watch.