Hacker Academy

Good Job

"Guess it's just you and me," Cyber smirks from across the table.

I smirk back. "No, just me."

When the match starts, adrenaline pumps through my veins again. It's good to be back at the Competing Dome. Winter at HackCity was so cold, everything seemed to be layered with frost. I spent the entire season holed up in my dorm, hacking.

I've never forgotten my goal. The picture of mom and sister in front of the Christmas tree is the wallpaper for my laptop and phone now. But I think Hacker Academy has dulled my love for hacking. I've lost my adrenaline, speed, and desire to prove anything to anyone.

Until now.

"The winner is... Ada!"

People cheer and slap my back. These are all people I know now. 

"You're coming tomorrow, right?" A girl asks.

"Not sure about tomorrow, but definitely on the weekends," I tell her.

Cyber walks over to me, close enough to wrap an arm around my shoulder. But he doesn't. Neither do I expect him to.

"Not bad," he flashes a toothy grin.

"Not bad yourself."

Cyber asked me to join him at the Competing Dome every Saturday since the first sign of birds singing and blossoms opening. It always reminds me of our first day together at the mall, but I try not to think about it too much.

A burly middle-aged man struts over. "Yo, want to head over to the Dark Geek for a swig?"

The sun is shining through the Dome. I would like to join everyone for a drink instead of going back to my dorm, but I look at Cyber.

"We're going to head back. Next time," Cyber says.

Disappointment lurches in my stomach.

The cool spring air welcomes me as we step out of the mall. It has gotten so warm lately that I'm only wearing my t-shirt and shorts. Damn it's hot.

I shake my head. I've been talking to myself the entire day. It's almost as if my mind has gone into hibernation mode and still adjusting to the welcome of spring. I've been in a daze recently.

"Thanks," I say. "For letting me win."

His smirk is plastered, but I can tell the hint of kindness behind them.

"What are you talking about? I didn't let you win-"

"Yes, you did! I wasn't focused today. This-"

"Whoa, hey." He abruptly cuts in front of me and places his hands on my shoulders. In this close proximity, I can see his bright blue eyes so clearly. I can feel my cheeks slowly turn warm. No one's ever done this to me. What am I supposed to do?

"You're getting better. That's all that matters. Most people can't even beat me when I'm casually hacking. You beat me today. You should enjoy it." 

He shoots me a cheeky grin. "While it lasts."

I roll my eyes. But secretly, I'm just relieved he has released his grip.

"You went easy on me. I'll accept the win this time. But," I point a finger at him. "I will beat you someday."

Cyber sticks his hands into his pockets as he studies me. He shrugs and continues walking.
"Whatever you say, 900."

Is he trying to irritate me? It's been a while since I've seriously hacked, and I haven't ranked up since winter, leaving me with the same hacker number as before. 900. I push him.

"I'm going to catch up to you, Cyber. Don't be so smug."

"Righhhht," he drawls out. "Let me know when that day comes."

The rest of the walk is spent in silence. When we reach the elevators of Hacker Academy, a buzz comes from my phone.

Cyber looks over my shoulder. "Who's it from?"

"Miss Tag."

He backs away in shock. "You're kidding. Whatever she wants to say it must be important."

I stare at her message. She wants me to come to her office right now. But why?

"I think I'll find out soon." I put my phone back in my pocket. "Anyways, thanks for today."

"Let me know what happens with Tag, okay?"

Why would Cyber want to know? Does he think I'll jeopardise his rank as hacker number one? With a wave, he heads into the Dormitories elevator. I press the button that will bring me to the Administrative elevator. Maybe I'm just too tense.

Like on the first day I arrived, the corridor is silent. Opaque glass offices line the left and right. I knock on the door with Miss Tag's name. I hear a faint voice call from the inside.

When I enter, she's still arranging some paperwork on her messy desk. She takes her glasses off and smiles at me.

"Ada, thank you for coming. I hope I wasn't disturbing your weekend."

I shake my head. "No, I was just on my way back here."

"From where?"

"From the mall with Cyber."

Shoot. Why did I say that?

Miss Tag's eyebrows raise in surprise. "Oh?" Then her face relaxes. "Good to hear you two are getting along. Please have a seat."

I do as she says. It's uncomfortably silent here. She looks at her documents again. Am I supposed to speak or-

  "Your progress here at Hacker Academy is remarkable," she says before putting the paper down. "Well done, Ada." Her grey eyes gaze seriously at me.

I know it's an encouragement, but her tone sends shivers down my spine. "T-thank you. I'll continue to work hard."

"I'm sure you will." She takes her glasses off and folds her hands on the table. "Now as you know, I'm very busy at Hacker Academy. This year has been quite difficult, because the lower hacker numbers keep on dropping, so we switch students in and out." She sighs. "And there's also report cards." She laughs when she sees my face drop. "Oh yes, we have grades in Hacker Academy!"

"So," she adjusts her position. "How would you like to be my assistant?"

Her words take a moment before registering in my mind. What is she saying?

"I'm sorry Miss Tag, what do you-"

"You are the only student in Hacker Academy who has progressed so quickly in such a short amount of time. And," she adds. "The only one I trust."

Assistant to Miss Tag? When I came to Hacker Academy, the only goal I had was to support my mom and sister. Not the principal. Besides, I won't have enough time to fit this along with spare-time hacking.

As I think about all of this, I feel Miss Tag's stare. Her eyes are searching my face for a clue of compliance or a quiver that'll make me accept her offer.

"It'll only be once or twice a week, and of course I'll pay for your work. Kind of like what Domain does. We'll sort out the details if you accept."

I close my eyes. She's already found my weakness.

Money. Mom. Sister.

"Alright. I accept."

Miss Tag smiles. But it's the kind of smile that doesn't reach her eyes. It's the kind of smile that knew I would fall for her offer all along. As much as this works out for the both of us, I don't know why I feel tricked.

"I'll send you the details sometime tomorrow. Would you be able to start this coming week?"

I nod.

"Excellent. Thank you for coming. Enjoy the rest of your weekend."

I manage to mumble out a thank you and open the door.

I let out a heavy breath.

Is this really what I came to Hacker Academy for?