That night, sleep didn't come easily.
I kept tossing and turning, replaying every word Mr. Unknown had thrown at me like darts:
You've started something. Just know how to end it.
What did that even mean?
Was it just a threat?
Or was he actually planning something?
By morning, I was already exhausted—dark shadows under my eyes, heart unsettled, and mind spinning.
I dressed slowly, hoping to avoid any early-morning drama.
But of course, I wasn't that lucky.
As I stepped into the hallway with my bag, Margaret was already waiting—arms folded, expression stormy.
"So… you just left me yesterday?" Her voice was sharp and cold.
I blinked. "Margaret, I—"
"You said we'd walk together after lectures. I waited."
Her eyes narrowed. "But guess who I saw you walking with instead?"
She didn't need to say the name.
Erica.
I sighed. "It wasn't planned. We just… ran into each other."
"Oh, please," she snapped. "You didn't even text. You just disappeared. And now what? You're suddenly best friends with someone you barely know?"
I didn't answer. Not because she was right—but because I wasn't in the mood to argue.
Not today. Not with so much already on my mind.
She kept staring at me, clearly expecting an apology. I gave her none.
Instead, I adjusted my bag and walked past her.
She muttered something under her breath. I didn't catch it.
Maybe I was better off not knowing.
By the time I got to class, I already felt drained.
Then it happened.
Professor Carter walked in with his usual tired look—but then paused at the front, adjusted his glasses, and cleared his throat.
"We've received a report of academic misconduct," he announced.
The room went silent.
My pulse spiked.
"It concerns someone in this class," he continued. "That individual will be called later for questioning. Let me remind you all—this is a university, not secondary school. If you came here to play games, you'll regret it."
His gaze swept across the room.
And for a brief second… I swear he looked directly at me.
Whispers erupted after he moved on with the lecture. I tried to keep my face still, but inside, I was spiraling.
Academic misconduct?
What if he twisted the prank into something serious?
Or reported me for something I didn't even do?
During the break, Erica found me outside the building, her face tight with concern.
"I heard," she said. "Was that about you?"
"I… don't know," I admitted. "But I have a really bad feeling."
She glanced over her shoulder. "Be careful. If he can't get to you openly, he'll come at you quietly. You need to stay ahead of whatever he's planning."
I nodded, but my stomach was in knots.
Because the truth was—I had no idea what he was planning.
And worse…
I didn't know how to stop it.