The following week began with a noticeable buzz around campus, bustling and beaming with excitement, joys and clubs that will finally get new members. Dozens of posters were plastered across the hallways announcing the opening of new extracurricular clubs for the academic year. Among them, a particularly colorful one caught Htet’s attention as he walked past the bulletin board on his way to class.
“Join the Acting Club! Discover your hidden talents, become a star, or just have fun embarrassing yourself in front of others!” it read in bold, dramatic and seemingly mocking attitude for Htet.
Htet paused, his eyes narrowing at the flamboyant design. He had zero interest in acting and couldn’t imagine himself in front of an audience.
Htet (to himself): “......Sheesh! Why would anyone willingly embarrass themselves in front of others? Pass~~.”
However, fate had other plans for those that don't wish for it.
~The Set-up~
During lunch, Htet found himself sitting with Liam, Nimal, and Leila. As usual, Liam was being his chaotic self.
Liam (grinning): “ Hey Hey Hey! Htet, my man, I found the perfect club for you.”
Htet (raising an eyebrow): “Oh?? Let me guess…Calligraphy Club? Cooking Club?”
Liam: “Nope! The Acting Club! It’s right up your alley.”
Htet (deadpan): “Liam….Do I look like someone who enjoys public humiliation?”
Liam (ignoring him): “C’mon, it’ll be fun!! Besides, I already signed you up!”
Htet froze, his chopsticks halfway to his mouth.
Htet: “You wot? You did what?!”
Liam (shrugging): “They were handing out forms, and I thought, ‘Hey, Htet could use a little drama in his life.’ You’re welcome.”
Htet (groaning): “Liam, I swear—”
Before he could finish, the lunch bell rang, and Liam bolted, leaving Htet to stew in his newfound predicament.
Scene: Multipurpose Hall
~Hence, the Registration Debacle~
After class, Htet reluctantly drags himself concerned with life decisions his friend made towards his way to the multipurpose hall where the Acting Club’s registration is taking place. The room was buzzing with energy, filled with students chatting excitedly.
A tall, blonde boy with a clipboard stood near the entrance, greeting everyone with a cheerful smile.
Blonde Boy: “Ohayo! Welcome to the Acting Club! Name, please?”
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Htet (hesitant): “Uh… Htet Myat.”
The boy scanned his list and grinned.
Blonde Boy: “Ah, there you are! Signed up by… Liam, was it?”
Htet (sighing): “Yes, that would be my overly helpful friend.”
Blonde Boy (laughing): “No worries! I’m Max, by the way, the club president. I’m from Australia. Acting is all about stepping out of your comfort zone, so you’re in the right place!”
Htet wanted to protest but decided against it.
Max (handing him a name tag): “Here you go. Icebreaker starts in five minutes! We’ll be moving back to our club room”
Htet (muttering to himself): “ Why not put a certain helpful friend in an ice block and seal him for eternity?”
---
Scene: Meeting the Cast (members)
The icebreaker activity involved introducing themselves and sharing an embarrassing story. Htet found himself in a group of diverse students, none of whom he recognized.
Max (clapping his hands): “Yosh! Alright, let’s hear it! Start with your name, where you’re from, and an embarrassing moment!”
The first student was a girl with curly hair and a wide smile.
Curly-Haired Girl: “Hi, I’m Sofia from Brazil! My embarrassing moment? I once tripped onstage during a school play and knocked over the entire set…while also scaring and making the whole audience panic.”
The group burst into laughter, and Htet couldn’t help but smile. Next was a serious-looking boy with glasses.
Glasses Boy: “I’m Arjun from India. My embarrassing moment… I accidentally sent a love letter to my math teacher instead of my crush.”
Htet thought “Oh shoot! He's done” and chuckled along with the others. The atmosphere was surprisingly warm and welcoming. When it was his turn, Htet cleared his throat nervously.
Htet: “I’m Htet from Myanmar. Embarrassing moment? Uh… probably agreeing to join this club.”
The group laughed, and Max gave him a thumbs-up.
Max: “Classic! You’ll fit right in.”
---
Scene: The First Rehearsal
After the introductions, Max explained the club’s first project: a short skit to be performed at the upcoming cultural festival.
Max: “Our theme is cross-cultural friendships. We’ll explore how people from different backgrounds connect and learn from each other. It’s going to be fun and meaningful!”
Htet found himself paired with Sofia and Arjun for a scene about a misunderstanding over traditional customs. As they brainstormed ideas, Htet realized how passionate his teammates were.
Sofia: “So, maybe my character offers food, but your character refuses because it’s not halal. Then we explain why, and it becomes a learning moment!”
Arjun: “That’s great! And maybe we can add a funny moment where the food accidentally gets spilled.”
Htet nodded, impressed by their creativity.
---
Scene: A Surprise Visit from the Cupid
During a break, A Wild Liam appeared at the door, peeking in with a mischievous grin.
Liam (whispering): “Having fun yet?”
Htet (glaring): “I’m going to kill you.”
Liam (laughing): “Huhuhu! Relax, you’re doing great. Gotta go—goody lucky!”
As quickly as he came, Liam disappeared annoyingly, leaving Htet shaking his head.
---
Scene: The Closing Scene
By the end of the session, Htet felt surprisingly at ease. The club members had been supportive, and the skit was shaping up nicely. As they cleaned up, Max approached him.
Max: “Hey, Htet, you did great today. In my opinion, acting Isn't just about performing, it is also about connecting with others and telling stories. Say, I think you’ve got potential.”
Htet (smiling faintly): “Thanks. I’ll try not to embarrass myself too much and don't put too much faith in me, that'll be helpful.”
As he walked back to the dorms, Htet realized that joining the Acting Club might not have been the disaster he’d feared. It was a chance to step out of his comfort zone, meet new people, and maybe even discover something new about himself.
Htet (to himself): “Liam might have actually done me a favor for once… but I’m not telling him that.”
The chapter ends with Htet glancing at the poster for the cultural festival, a small smile playing on his lips as he wonders what this new adventure will bring.
---(End of Chapter 25)---
