Of course, the rule never included staying in class during recess, but when you have good friends (think: prefects/counsellors/boazers) who are understanding and trust that you keep the class clean and unnoticeable, it is a luxury. We always kept very careful to not make too much noise, and always shut the doors and windows to give the impression that the entire class was in the canteen, chomping away at our food. In truth, about almost half the class would still be present; exchanging food, cleaning the board, sweeping the floor, finishing up homework or just socialising in general. Staying back during recess wasn't just a means to escape from walking the long route down to the canteen (which was situated far away from the classroom block). It was also the time to catch up with friends and strengthen the class bond.

A group of us who were particularly close would sit in a circle and just yak. On that particular day, we were talking about one of our favourite things, music. One of the girls, Melissa Say, asked around whether anyone had heard of a song which had the word "stay". No one did, but I recalled a Suede number (which was actually "The Wild Ones") 'cos of some of the lyrics in it. After a while, Melissa and I were in a deep discussion about various songs that might fit her description before finally we realised that the song in question had been sung by Bono et al. That was the start of my musical road to discovery.

I discovered Britpop like Pulp, Oasis, Blur, Supergrass (still remember their "Alright" song) etcetera and Yankees like the Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots, Weezer etcetera. Due to my obsession with music at the time, I spent countless hours listening to favourite songs and trying to write down the words that I've been singing along to. I'd memorise them and have them stored in my head, such that any classmate need only come up with a phrase or a word before I hit the jackpot with their requested title or artiste. I was that obsessed that Liana called me THE number 1 hit music info station. Hur hur hur. Those were the days.

I can't deny that music is a huge part of my life. I'm still very much crazy about it, especially good music. Dedications and radio aren't part of my menu anymore, but there's my trusted WinAmp and CD player. In fact, come to think of it, I think I switch on Mr Freeze for the sole purpose of listening to music.

I'm still very much in love with my favourite Pumpkins track and all my other CDs. In fact, I think I'm also in love with someone out there. Someone who shares my passion for good music. Someone who enjoys reading as much as I do. Someone who doesn't follow the norms when battling with an assortment of ingredients. Someone who pretty much keeps to himself most of the time save for nights out with friends.

He might or might not be someone I know, but what's certain is that God has made this person and he's somewhere out there, wondering about me as much as I'm wondering about him. Sceptical as it seems, there's no denying of a possibility right?

And yeah, I might be a cynic but I'm romantic at heart.