Ben and Nathan were orphans like me; we grew up together like brothers, bound by the shared experiences of loss and hardship. But maybe the events of my past life had happened for a reason, a harsh lesson in trust and betrayal.

I’d had a knack for programming ever since high school, winning more awards than I could count. Back then, I was driven, thriving on the adrenaline of creating something new, of solving complex puzzles. But that life had taken a brutal turn when Sisca Gray—Ms. “Cybersecurity Queen” herself—accused me of plagiarism, with my two closest friends backing her story in silence.

Back then, a few people on the judging panel hadn’t been entirely convinced by Sisca’s claims. They’d believed in my integrity enough to insist that Sisca provide her problem-solving process as proof. But by then, Sisca had already garnered a massive fanbase. The competition had been streamed live and every social media platform was flooded with her supporters praising her brilliance and tearing me down.

[“Sisca solved everything in real-time on the webcast! Every step was identical to Ran’s—who else could have copied if not her?”]

[“Why are the judges being unfair? Can’t they see Sisca’s talent?”]

[“Ran’s friends are silent… Sisca doesn’t need to prove anything just because she won!”]

And Sisca knew how to play her part perfectly. She’d posted her solutions across programming forums, calling it a “discussion” with international contestants. When the judges saw pages upon pages of evidence, they deemed me the plagiarist, crowning Sisca with the first-place title.

My entire career had been shattered that day, all because I’d trusted the wrong people. And this time, I’d be smarter. The first thing I needed was to find those forums again, to confirm what I was up against.

“It’s already one in the morning! I’m exhausted. Let’s head back to the dorms and get some sleep,” Nathan said, sounding as though he’d already checked out for the night.

Ben shook his head, shooting him a warning look. “Come on, you can’t be all in one day and out the next! Ran’s depending on us and competition’s just around the corner. If we don’t wrap up these final problems, we’ll have wasted all our late nights for nothing.”

I managed a weary smile, watching their playful argument with fresh eyes.

Ben turned back to me, his gaze softening. “Ran, don’t push yourself too hard, alright? You’ll get the code done, I know it.” He picked up my notebook and packed it into my bag, nudging me to follow. “But first, rest is non-negotiable.”

They walked me back to my dorm, making sure I got to my room safely before they left. As I stepped inside, I could see the outlines of my roommates already fast asleep in the dimly lit room. Quietly, I climbed into bed, the night’s conversation lingering on my mind.

Once under the covers, I opened my laptop, navigating through various forums in search of Sisca’s profile. It didn’t take long before I stumbled upon it. Her page was swarming with followers, her latest post pinned at the top, a cascade of fans worshiping her intellect and beauty.

I stared at her profile picture, my heart pounding as resentment boiled in my chest. Sisca Gray—the “flower” of the language department, as everyone loved to call her. She was charming, had a powerful family background and was even rumored to be related to the school’s director. I’d never interacted with her personally; I’d only heard about her through Nathan and Ben, who once mentioned that they’d been interested in asking her out. “Fair competition,” they’d joked, nudging each other, teasing me about how I wasn’t “girly” enough.

At the time, I’d laughed along, thinking it was all harmless. But now, the memories stung with new meaning. Had there been more to their teasing than I realized? And why would Sisca, someone with every privilege and advantage, go out of her way to ruin me? What had she to gain from claiming my work as hers?

Curious, I clicked into her profile and began scrolling through her posts. Her latest update showcased a solution to a brand-new problem I’d cracked earlier that day. Her method was identical to mine, down to the precise code and cursor placement. I felt a cold chill race down my spine as I read through the comments below, full of praise.

[Goddess Sisca not only has beauty, but a genius-level IQ! She can solve even the most difficult cybersecurity problems!]

I clenched my fists, each word a painful reminder of the betrayal I’d faced in my last life. If Sisca had somehow copied my work, the only people with access were Nathan and Ben. They’d always been with me, my closest friends… and the only ones who knew my code inside and out. Could they really have turned against me for someone they’d barely known?

But this time, I’d be ready. The competition was structured in three rounds: problem-solving mode, offense-defense mode and mixed mode. And if Sisca wanted to play dirty, I’d be prepared to fight back in each one. This time, I’d make sure my every move was untraceable, every line of code uniquely mine.

I closed my laptop, taking a steadying breath. I’d been granted a second chance and I wasn’t about to waste it. This time, I’d take back what was mine and I’d make sure everyone knew the real face behind the code.

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?”

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. 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.”

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.

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 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 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.

“What’s wrong with you, Ran?”

The sudden voice snapped me out of my thoughts and I quickly closed Sisca’s post. I turned around, startled to see Nathan rubbing his eyes as he sat up, his face twisted in a sleepy scowl. Behind him, Ben was arranging takeout boxes with his usual care, oblivious to my tense expression. I couldn’t tell if either of them had noticed what I was looking at.

“Come on, eat,” Ben said with a gentle smile as he set a container in front of me. “Nothing’s as important as a full stomach.”

But after what I’d just read, I had no appetite. I poked at the rice in the container, mindlessly stirring it around.

“Look, I’ll get myself home from now on. I don’t want to keep bothering you guys every night, especially when it’s so late,” I said quietly, trying to avoid their eyes.

Nathan’s chopsticks hit the table with a loud clatter. “What’s that supposed to mean, Ran? Since when do we keep secrets from each other?”

“Seriously!” Nathan’s voice rose in frustration. “You think we haven’t noticed how you’ve been sneaking around, acting all weird?”

But Ben cut him off, his calm voice a balm to the tension. “She’s got her reasons, Nathan. I get it. But honestly, Ran, I’d feel a lot better if we still walked you back. It’s late and it’s not safe.”

I looked at Ben, a pang of guilt hitting me. “I arranged for my roommate to help me out,” I lied. “She’s got exams coming up and wanted a quiet study space, so she’ll be in the lab with me.”

Nathan shrugged. “Whatever, Ran. If you don’t want us around, fine. Just don’t expect us to care if we’re not hanging around all the time. I’ve got better things to do than watch you sulk.”

I forced a laugh to cover up the sting of his words. “Thanks, Nathan. Go pick up a girl or two,” I teased half-heartedly.

As we walked back that night, I tried to shake the heaviness in my chest. Just as we reached the dorm entrance, I caught a glimpse of Sisca, slipping into a sleek Bugatti parked by the sidewalk. The dim light of a streetlamp flickered, catching a glimpse of a young man in the driver’s seat. His arm wrapped around her shoulders as they laughed together, her smile bright and charming. I couldn’t tell who he was, but they looked... close.

Back in my room, I quickly dialed Nathan’s number, feeling a strange mix of nerves and excitement. “Nathan, you won’t believe this—I just saw Sisca getting into a luxury car with some guy.”

Nathan’s voice crackled with irritation. “Maybe it’s her brother, Ran. Why are you so obsessed with this? Just focus on the competition and stop looking for drama.”

I felt my throat tighten, his dismissive tone biting. “I thought you’d at least be interested…”

“Not everything revolves around Sisca, Ran. Some of us have better things to worry about.”

His words echoed in my head long after he’d hung up. Lying in bed, I stared at the dark ceiling, my phone screen illuminating the shadows as I pulled up Sisca’s social media page again. I was met with a new post, her latest update already buzzing with reactions.

There, below her usual crowd of admirers, were two comments that hit me like a slap. Nathan’s was first, playful but laced with betrayal: “Plagiarist, huh? Guess it’s time to show the world who the real deal is. Helped Sisca undercover and she’s killing it!”

And then Ben’s: “Sisca, you’ve got this! No need to stick around in the lab with Ran anymore. Tomorrow, I’ll bring you breakfast myself. Keep going, my star.”

My heart plummeted. So, it was true—they’d betrayed me, both of them, without so much as a flicker of remorse. And for Sisca, of all people. The same Sisca who’d been caught cozying up with someone else tonight. They were so blinded by her charm, so swept up in her lies, that they hadn’t even noticed the truth staring back at them.

My mind raced, torn between anger and heartache. Fine, if they wanted to turn their backs on me, then I’d show them what I was made of. They’d chosen their side and now I’d choose mine. From now on, I’d work alone, fight alone. Let’s see how they’d manage without me as their easy target.

The next morning, my roommate, Rose, gave me a cold stare as she tossed her bag onto her bed. “Ready to go to the lab?”

“I’ll go on my own,” I replied, not wanting her company. But Rose didn’t seem pleased by my response.

“Wow, guess the ‘genius’ thinks she’s too good for everyone else now, huh? Or maybe you’re just afraid we’ll find out you’re nothing but a fraud.”

I stared at her, stunned. “Rose, what are you talking about?”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, come on, Ran. Everyone knows now. The whole school’s talking about it—the computer science genius, nothing but a plagiarist. Pretty disappointing, really.”

Behind her, two more of our dorm mates exchanged glances, then smirked at me.

“You know, we’ve all heard about it,” one of them sneered. “You really think you can keep a secret that big? The school forum’s been blowing up about it.”

“So disappointing,” the other chimed in. “And here we thought you were worth looking up to.”

Each word felt like a slap, their accusations cutting deeper than I could have imagined. I left without another word, the weight of their judgments pressing down on me with every step to the lab.

Sisca had made sure everyone knew, twisting the narrative in her favor until I was left with nothing but the scraps of my own reputation. She wanted me to quit, to walk away in shame. But that was the last thing I would do.

No matter how far she was willing to go, I would go farther. I wasn’t giving up, not after coming this far. If she thought she could scare me off, then she didn’t know me at all. I’d win this competition, no matter the cost. Let the whispers follow me; let them think whatever they wanted. When it was over, I’d let my work speak for itself. And Sisca, Nathan, Ben—they’d all see what I was truly capable of.

With a final breath, I sat down at my station, my fingers hovering over the keyboard as I opened my code. Today, I worked for myself. And no one, not Sisca, not her stolen followers, would ever take that away from me.