The video kept playing in Aira's head like a cursed song.
She replayed it three times before school. Four times during lunch. By the fifth replay, something changed.
She noticed the shadow.
In the top-left corner of the screen—barely there.
But human.
Someone had been in the library that night. Someone who knew the perfect angle. Who knew what they'd say.
And that someone… could still be close.
---
"You're acting weird," Nia said, stirring her overpriced coffee.
They were at the cafe across from school. Aira hadn't planned to talk to her—but Nia had a way of appearing at the worst times.
"Because weird things are happening," Aira replied flatly.
Nia raised an eyebrow. "Like your sudden romance with Revan?"
Aira didn't flinch. "Maybe."
"You know what they say," Nia said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "The faster the fire, the quicker the burn."
Before Aira could respond, Nia stood.
"Anyway, be careful who you trust, Aira. Secrets don't stay secrets forever."
And then she left.
Just like that.
---
That night, Aira checked her closet.
Nothing.
Under the bed.
Nothing.
But the feeling remained—like someone was watching.
She turned off the light, slipped under the covers, and forced her eyes shut.
Buzz.
Another message. Same blocked number.
> Do you still think he's not lying to you?
Attached: A screenshot.
It was Revan's chat. Private. To someone named Naila. The message:
> "She's falling for it. Don't worry. I'm handling it."
Aira sat up, heart pounding.
Who was Naila?
What was he handling?
And worst of all… was this even real?
She called Revan.
No answer.
Called again.
Still nothing.
In the dark, her screen glowed with one final message.
> The real game starts now.
---