"Class, welcome to Strategic Deception 101," Professor Vale announced, voice sharp like a blade.
Everyone straightened up.
He was one of those teachers no one dared mess with—cold, unreadable, and capable of staring straight into your soul.
Which was ironic, considering he was also one of my future hidden male leads.
But for now? Just my emotionally unavailable teacher who terrified 90% of the university.
---
"Today's task is simple," he continued. "Outwit your opponent. Read their lies. Hide your own truths. You win, you pass. You lose, you bleed."
Cheerful as ever.
The room was split into pairs.
And guess who I got?
Ryker Crimson.
Of course.
He leaned back in his chair, hands folded like he was about to interrogate a serial killer. Or flirt. Unclear.
"You look tense, Vane," he drawled, saying my alias like it was a joke.
"I'm thrilled to be here," I replied with a deadpan face.
"Good. Let's make this... intimate."
---
The first round was a simple game of truths and lies.
We were given cards—one true, one false—and had to convince the other which was which.
"I've killed someone with a spoon," I said casually.
Ryker tilted his head. "That's your lie."
I raised an eyebrow. "Wrong."
He actually blinked. "You're serious?"
I gave him a flat look. "Soup can be deadly in the right hands."
He chuckled. "You are so weird. I like it."
---
His turn.
"I once poisoned an entire gang leader's family with a celebratory cake," he said, eyes locked on mine.
I stared back, poker-faced.
"That's your truth."
His smirk widened. "Correct."
"What flavor was the cake?"
"Red velvet. Irony, right?"
We both grinned, a flicker of mutual understanding passing between us.
Too dangerous. Too soon.
---
After class, I tried to bolt.
But Ryker was faster.
He blocked the hallway, arms crossed.
"Alright, Vane. Let's stop playing."
My pulse spiked. "What do you want?"
He leaned closer. "Answers. Why is the mafia prince obsessed with you? Why does the golden hacker flirt like it's breathing? Why do you move like a trained spy but pretend to be a clueless pretty boy?"
Silence.
His eyes narrowed.
"I'm giving you one chance to be honest. Before I dig deeper."
I stared up at him, forcing my expression into bored disinterest.
"Maybe they just like me."
"Or maybe," he murmured, "you're hiding a very big secret."
---
Just then, a sharp voice interrupted.
"Crimson. Wilder. Separate."
Professor Vale.
We both turned, startled.
He walked toward us, calm but commanding.
"Mr. Crimson, try intimidating someone who isn't on the school's top ten list."
Ryker gave him a mocking bow and walked off without another word.
I sighed in relief—until Vale turned to me.
"You're slipping," he said quietly.
My stomach flipped.
"What?"
"You're losing control of your cover. Be careful, spy. Or I won't save you next time."
And with that, he disappeared into the shadows like some cryptic superhero.
---
Later that evening, I found a small note tucked into my locker:
> "Your secret is safe. For now."
—R.C.
I crumpled the paper, heart pounding.
Safe?
Or blackmailed?
Only time would tell.
---
End of Chapter 19