Crossing Fates

Chapter 16: Cracks in the Plan

The next morning, the group gathered again in their makeshift headquarters. There was a different atmosphere now—not quite lighter, but sharper, more focused. They had a lead, and this time they weren't going to let it slip through their fingers. The campus map with the marked locations had been tacked to the wall, each point representing an opportunity they had missed, but also a clue to the bigger picture.

"We have to be smarter this time," Nawin said, his voice calm but resolute. "They're tracking us, and they're using that to their advantage. But if we know where they're watching, we can use it against them."

Pond nodded, his gaze on the map. "We need a plan that keeps them off balance. Something that makes it look like we're doing what they expect, while we hit them where they don't see it coming."

Joong grinned, leaning against the back of the couch. "You're talking about a misdirection. Smoke and mirrors. I like it." He looked at Dunk, his eyes filled with determination. "What do you think? You up for a little deception?"

Dunk's lips twitched in a half-smile. "As long as we keep our heads straight this time," he said, giving Joong a pointed look. The reference to their heated moment the night before wasn't lost on Joong, who only winked in response.

"We'll need everyone in sync," Supa said, her eyes scanning the room. "If even one of us makes a mistake, it could blow the whole operation."

Phuwin, who had been quietly listening, stepped forward, his expression thoughtful. "What if we split our efforts? Some of us could keep the watchers busy, while the others go after the real target. We could draw them out by making it look like we're searching the spots on the map, but in reality, the rest of us are focused on finding out what they're really after."

Pond looked at Phuwin, a proud smile forming on his face. "That's brilliant," he said. "We make them think we're playing their game, while we're actually playing our own."

Supa nodded, a grin spreading across her face. "Divide and conquer. I like it."

Setting the Trap

The group spent the rest of the day refining their plan, each of them taking on specific roles. Joong, Dunk, and Supa would be the decoys—their job was to make it look like they were trying to find the mysterious figures by scoping out the marked locations on the map. Their goal was to draw attention, to make the watchers think they were focused entirely on those points.

Meanwhile, Pond, Phuwin, and Nawin would work together to track down the real target. They had a hunch that the answer lay in the art building—something about the figure's hurried search through the room had felt desperate, like they were running out of time.

By evening, the plan was set, and the group split up, each pair heading to their designated locations. Joong, Dunk, and Supa made their way to the student union building, their eyes sharp as they scanned for any sign of activity. They knew they needed to sell the illusion, to make it look like they were hunting for answers while really just buying time for Pond and the others.

"Remember," Supa whispered as they approached the building, "we need to be convincing. If they think we're onto something, they'll keep their focus on us."

Joong nodded, his usual playful grin replaced by a look of fierce concentration. "Got it. Let's give them a show."

Dunk, always the practical one, gave a small nod. "Let's just make sure we don't get in over our heads."

Into the Lion's Den

Meanwhile, Pond, Phuwin, and Nawin slipped through the shadows toward the art building. The campus was mostly quiet, the late hour ensuring that most students were either in their dorms or off campus. Pond's heart pounded as they approached the entrance—this was their chance to finally get some real answers.