Valentine slumped onto her bed with a sigh, hair still damp from her morning shower.
Maysha was sprawled on the floor, flipping through her notebook, while Rachel stood at the mirror, trying to fix her ponytail for the third time.
Valentine glanced at her phone one more time before saying to the two:
"A hacker, Rachel. We're actually texting a hacker. Do you realize how insane that sounds?"
Rachel grinned. "Please, that's the most exciting thing that's happened all week. 'Dear diary, today I met a hacker who might save my reputation.'"
Maysha sat beside her, eyes wide. "Do you think he's dangerous? What if he's one of those guys who hides in the shadows and spies on everyone?"
Rachel raised a brow. "You literally described him perfectly. That's the whole point of being a hacker."
Valentine rolled her eyes. "Guys, stop it. I'll just ask who he is first before trusting anything."
She texted back:
Who are you exactly? And how do you know about this?
Almost instantly, a reply popped up.
I know everything that happens on the school network. Let's meet — rooftop, noon. Come alone.
Maysha blinked. "No. Nope. That sounds like a horror movie."
Rachel smirked. "Or a drama twist. I'm coming with."
Valentine frowned at the message. "Maybe we should just—"
Before she could finish, her phone buzzed again.
Bring your friends if you want. I already know their names anyway.
Rachel's jaw dropped. "He WHAT—?!"
Maysha clutched her pillow. "Oh my God, he's watching us."
Valentine sighed. "You two are so dramatic."
But even she couldn't help glancing around the room—just to check.
---
Rooftop — Noon
The sky was half-cloudy, the wind strong enough to tug at their hair.
Rachel folded her arms. "If this guy doesn't show up in ten minutes, I'm leaving."
"He will," Valentine said quietly, scanning the empty rooftop. "He sounded… confident."
"Or creepy," Maysha muttered.
A low voice came from behind them.
"Both can be true."
All three spun around.
Leaning against the metal door was a boy their age—tall, slim, with messy hair and glasses that caught the sunlight.
He wore a hoodie half-zipped and an expression that suggested sleep deprivation and smug confidence had made peace a long time ago.
Ren.
Rachel blinked. "You—you were just standing there?!"
He shrugged lazily. "Been here the whole time. You were too busy panicking."
Maysha whispered, "Oh my God, he's real."
Ren smirked faintly. "Unfortunately."
Valentine stepped forward, trying to sound calm. "You said you can help us. How?"
Ren pulled out a sleek tablet. "You're looking for whoever spread that edited photo, right? Easy. But…" He tilted his head, eyes narrowing playfully. "You owe me a favor."
Rachel frowned. "A favor? What kind?"
Ren grinned. "I'll decide later. For now—watch."
He tapped the screen. Lines of code blinked across it before the school's forum appeared. A list of usernames scrolled fast, then stopped—highlighted in red.
Username: NightButterfly_99
Ren looked up. "Your culprit used a proxy. Smart. But not smarter than me."
Valentine leaned closer. "Can you trace it?"
"Already did," Ren said, smirking. "Their device last logged in from the west dorm building. Third floor."
Maysha gasped. "Wait… that's Aurora's dorm."
Rachel's eyes widened. "No way."
Valentine froze, the name hitting her like a jolt. "Aurora? But she's been acting all innocent lately…"
Ren chuckled softly. "People who act too perfect usually have the most to hide."
Maysha shivered. "That's creepy but true."
Rachel glanced at Valentine. "So what now? We just walk up to her and say, 'Hey, we know you're the evil mastermind who ruined Valentine's life?'"
Ren raised a brow. "Please do. I'd pay to see that."
Valentine glared lightly. "You're not helping."
He smirked. "I am. I gave you proof."
Rachel sighed. "Barely. We can't just accuse her without catching her in the act."
Valentine nodded slowly, thinking. "Then… we set a trap."
Ren's grin widened. "You sure you're not the scary one here?"
Rachel snorted. "That's our Valentine."
---
Meanwhile, elsewhere on campus, Andre leaned back in his chair, phone in hand.
A single message blinked on his screen from Ren:
Target identified. They're setting the bait like you said.
Andre's lips curved faintly.
Good. Make sure Valentine believes it was all her idea.
He slid his phone into his pocket, his expression unreadable.
Outside his office window, the wind picked up again—carrying the faint chatter of students, oblivious to the quiet storm he'd already set in motion.
💬 Authors note:
How's this chapter, guys? 😍
Do you think André did the right thing by keeping it from Valentine, or is he being way too bossy?
Let me know what you think in the comments! 💭
Creation is joyful—but definitely not easy. Your thoughts keep me going! 💖
Sad 😔
Pad_res16🌹