“Mr. Karin? Can people use math to predict the future?” I asked a sudden question.

  My development class professor eyed me. Appearing to be in thought he moved slightly.

  “Certainly, it is possible to calculate future events to an extent.” He confirmed it but then went on. “Specialists in the sphere have been doing it for a while but no one can know if their predictions are completely accurate.” He answered me.

  This answer didn’t satisfy me, so I asked again. “If this question had only answers of yes and no. Can we do it?”

  “No. I believe we can’t.” He answered me straight. “Simply, the aspect of the future itself is an equation of uncertainty. It’s impossible to predict what’s uncertain.” Mr. Karin answered me. Giving me his thoughts on the matter.

  I stared at him silently. My fingers were messing around the piece he gave me.

  “Where’s the fun in knowing the future?” A sudden voice behind Mr. Karin joined in our conversation. It belonged to the same sneering blonde head sitting next table over to me. Yuji was inserting himself where he didn't belong.

  “Fun won’t get you anywhere!” I responded to my classmate with my eyes narrowed. I was looking at his unbearable face, expressing my annoyance loudly and clearly. Butt out! Your opinion is not welcomed here!

  “I don’t need to get anywhere.” He spoke lightly, pretending to be unaware of my unwelcomeness. “People who stress about the future always miss what’s right in front of them.” His eyes looked back at me with that same indifferent smile he always wore.

  I pursed my lips, narrowing my eyes.

  “All right! Explain this to me!” I pointed at my notebook that Mr. Karin placed back in front of me. “If the math is correct. Results should also be!” I expressed my point. The irritation that I felt before came back again. A new fresh wave of annoyance of my project being broken. Of that stupid plastic material not matching. Now, adding the annoying Yuji’s presence and his challenge towards me.

  Happily acknowledging my short temper, Yuji smirked. Shifting in his seat, and putting his hand on his chin. Oh, he is enjoying this!

  “Mhhh…” He looked into my eyes assertively. “Did you calculate the other factors like pressure, temperature…that small fly that has sneaked through the window, flapping its wings.” His eyes lazily trailed over the classroom.

  I blinked annoyed. “You’re making fun, as always.”

  I should learn to stop falling into his provocations. He is doing this on purpose to annoy me.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  “He isn’t wrong.” Mr. Karin spoke up, making aware he was still here listening and he was agreeing with what Yuji said.

  Conflicted, I turned to look at the professor. I felt like I lost a slight respect that I felt towards Mr. Karin.

  “To predict the future, we should expect the unexpected. For example, this fly could land on your project, and make a slight disaster. Meaning your calculation is perfect here on paper but even if it is. In the real world you’re ignoring important aspects that are full of uncertainty.” Mr. Karin explained his thoughts, eying me carefully and making his point. As he said this he didn’t just talk with both of us but made it so everyone in class could hear. He shifted his pose looking at us all.

  “A fly can ruin my project?” I raised an eyebrow unimpressed. I couldn’t accept him agreeing with Yuji. The world is a wild place making someone like him right.

  “It’s a metaphor.” Yuji shook his head and straightened his pose. “Any outside factor can. You can simply slip and fall on the project yourself. Or a strong wind comes around to blow this whole building down.” Yuji spoke confidently given that the professor was taking his side.

  “Then I just collect more data.” I shrugged. “The more data I have. The more accurate the math and the more accurate the math, considering all real-life factors. Shouldn’t that work?” I rebuked.

  With a smile never wavering Yuji pointed at me. “The E in the equation will always be there no matter how much data you have.” He looked straight at me. It’s true that predicting the future without the E factor is unavoidable. That alone proves it’s impossible. But this battle wasn’t about this anymore. My focus was to beat that annoyingly persistent creature. I will never admit a loss to this guy and the same did go for him. This was a continuous battle between the two of us.

  I opened my mouth. “So, if we expect the E, not one but multiple versions and variations. Different scenarios and choose one that is the closest to the truth, we still can determine what might happen.” I tried to argue.

  “Exactly, might!” Yuji replied, waving his hand, almost giggling to himself about how hard I was trying to fight him on this. “Besides…” he went on. “...more variations would mean wasted effort on worthless versions that would only waste your time! Again, where’s the point in that?” His eyes sharply stared at me, knowing that I didn’t have much room to give him any more arguments.

  I just stared at him. I wasn’t satisfied. Instead I turned my frown upside down, smiling brightly. If he wants to win, I will give him a win!

  Yuji noticed the change in my eyes and didn’t take his eyes off me.

  Mr. Karin detected that this discussion was not about what it sounded to be but our rivalry instead so he interjected. “I think this should be enough for this discussion.” Mr. Karin looked at me and Yuji. Making a point to move on and continue to work on our projects.

  “Let’s have an example!” I spoke calmly so Mr. Karin didn't stop me. “If there was a fact that this town would be in great danger of destruction soon due to a disaster. Would that still count as worthless math?” I asked another question.

  Yuji's face slightly shifted to an odd expression, but he brushed that off immediately. I could see a challenging look form in his eyes. “Show me the math that says that!” He welcomed the challenge, awaiting to elaborate.

  Challenge burst through both of us.

  Mr. Karin waved his hand. “No, this discussion is over! You just destroyed your project, and you have a lot to do on yours.” The professor shot me a glance and Yuji as well, shutting this conversation down.

  I looked at the broken camera in my hand.

  “I won’t fix this!” I said, throwing the thing.

  It rolled over the table and landed right into my assigned partner’s lap.