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Previously, I’d chosen the problem- solving mode, the competition format I felt most confident in. But with Sisca targeting me, it was time for a change. If she wanted to sabotage my work again, she’d have to keep up with me in an entirely different mode. Switching to offense–defense might be tougher, but at least I’d have control over what she couldn’t steal.
Early the next morning, I didn’t wait for Nathan or Ben. Instead, I went straight to Professor Lawson’s office to request a change in my competition mode. He was a respected figure in the computer science department, known for his sharp insights and even sharper wit.
As he adjusted his glasses and looked up at me, a small smile tugged at his lips. “Ah, our department‘ s prodigy. Let me guess- finding this year’s challenge a little too easy?”
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I ducked my head, feeling a mix of nerves and embarrassment. “Not exactly, Professor. I just thought… switching to something a bit more challenging might impress the sponsors more.” I paused, realizing I’d have to be honest with him. “You know, with my background and all, every bit helps. If I manage to secure a top spot, I might even get a place in their research division. It would mean everything to me.”
Professor Lawson‘ s expression softened, his understanding clear. “I see. I know how important this is, Ran. Switching to offense–defense mode won’t be easy, but with your skill, I think it’s a solid move. Just be prepared–there’s no hand- holding in that format.”
I nodded, a sense of relief washing over me as he signed the necessary forms. Leaving his office, I felt lighter, ready to take on this new challenge head–on.
Halfway to the cafeteria, my phone buzzed.
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Nathan’s voice came through the line, sounding puzzled. “Ran, where are you? Ben and I were waiting for you to head to breakfast together.”
“Oh! Sorry, I’m on my way. Just had to handle something with Professor Lawson.”
I decided to keep my new competition mode a secret from them, at least for now. After all, neither of them were computer science majors and while they respected my work, they barely understood the basics. of what I did.
The day passed quickly and by evening, I was back in the lab, the usual quiet setting in as most students headed to their dorms. Nathan, Ben and I were the last ones in the large room. By midnight, Nathan was already snoring, slumped over his desk.
Ben stretched, breaking the silence. “Ran, you hungry? I’m running out to grab something to eat. Let me know if you want anything–I’ll bring it right back.”
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His voice was calm and caring and for a moment, I couldn’t believe someone like Ben could betray me. “I’ll have whatever you‘ re getting. Thanks, Ben,” I replied with a smile.
Once he left, I glanced at Nathan, his long limbs sprawled across his seat, his usual lively energy completely dimmed by exhaustion. If Ben was hard to suspect, Nathan was even harder. They‘ d both been there for me, through thick and thin. Why would they betray me for someone they barely knew?
But something was wrong. Sisca‘ s
“success” didn’t add up without inside help. And I knew I had to find out the truth, no matter how painful it might be.
I took a deep breath, opened my laptop and navigated to Sisca‘ s social media profile. My stomach dropped as I saw her latest post. She‘ d uploaded a screenshot that looked all too familiar–my code from yesterday.
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Alongside it, she‘ d written, “Some people just can’t help themselves. With the competition winding down, I’ve had to switch modes. It’s a pain, but no choice. but to keep going!”
The background of her screenshot was unmistakable. It was my lab, complete with the clutter on my desk. Anyone familiar with our workspace would recognize it immediately. And she wasn‘ t just stealing my work–she‘ d copied my exact code solution from that morning, down to the cursor position.
Panic set in as I stared at her post, feeling the cold weight of betrayal settling in my chest. The timestamp on her screenshot was from that morning, long after the lab had emptied out, with only Nathan and Ben staying back to keep me company.
I swallowed hard, my heart racing. One of them–or worse, both of them–had to have leaked my work to her. But why? Had they really chosen Sisca over me? The guys
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who’d been like family to me?
My mind reeled with questions. Was it Sisca‘ s charm? She had a reputation, after all. I’d heard the whispers about her wealthy family, her privileged connections, the allure she carried. But Nathan and Ben had always seemed immune to that sort of superficial appeal.
Or was it the promise of something more tangible, like money? Sisca‘ s family was powerful, but it wasn’t as though they‘ d be handing out fortunes to help with plagiarism. No, that didn’t make sense either.
As I tried to piece together a puzzle that refused to fit, a bitter thought crossed my mind. Maybe the answer wasn’t about Sisca’s charm or money. Maybe it was the simple, cold truth of self–interest.
But the truth was slipping away, hiding in the shadows of the lab as I sat alone, surrounded by computers that now felt like the only things I could trust. I leaned back
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in my chair, the weight of everything pressing down on me.
Ben returned with snacks, his face. breaking into a friendly smile as he handed me a sandwich. “Late night fuel, just like old times, huh?”
I forced a smile, hiding the turmoil inside. “Yeah. Thanks, Ben. I appreciate it.” But my heart felt heavy, each word thick with suspicion.
For the rest of the night, I worked in silence, every click of the keyboard echoing
the tension between us.
