Our different worlds

Robin Hood

As Christmas vacation loomed, I felt the pressure of exams closing in. This year, it was worse than ever-four exams, each loaded with more content than any human could reasonably process. Everyone was stressed, and the university was a powder keg of tension and last-minute studying.

In the middle of our exams, an unexpected, deep voice crackled over the sound system. It sounded off, almost robotic, like it had been manipulated with AI. "Students," the voice announced, "there's no need for this much pressure. You're allowed to leave." Then, just as quickly, the fire alarm blared. A wave of panic and excitement swept through the building, and students flooded toward the exits.

I followed the crowd out, but before we could get far, the headmaster and a few teachers intercepted us, insisting there was no fire and telling us to get back to our exams. Anxiety gnawed at me, and I decided to take a quick detour to the bathroom before going back. As I splashed water on my face, the fire alarm triggered the sprinklers, and cold water drenched me.

"Unbelievable," I muttered, water dripping from my hair and clothes. Laughter and screams echoed in the hallway, and I realized security was on high alert, likely hunting for the prankster who'd pulled off the stunt.

As I slipped out of the bathroom, ready to head back, I spotted Max and James nearby. They looked surprised but concerned as they saw me soaked and glancing around nervously.

"What are you doing out here?" Max asked.

I shot him a sheepish grin. "Running. Trying not to get caught."

"Caught doing what?" James asked, raising an eyebrow.

I was about to respond when they each extended a hand, clearly ready to help me escape. But just as I was about to choose, Alex appeared, folding his arms with an unimpressed look.

"Seriously? How hard is it to make a choice?" he muttered, his voice dripping with annoyance.

Caught off guard, I just stood there, unsure what to say. But when I heard the echo of footsteps from security, I instinctively grabbed Alex's hand. His eyes widened, and he didn't waste a second, motioning to Max and James.

"You two, go to the back exit," he ordered. "I'll take the passway." They nodded, disappearing down the hall as Alex led me toward a hidden side corridor, his grip firm on my hand as he pulled me along.

Once we were out of sight, he finally stopped, releasing my hand and looking at me with a mixture of anger and frustration.

"What were you even doing here?" he snapped, keeping his voice low but intense. "Are you seriously running around alone when the whole building's under lockdown?"

"Alex, I can handle myself," I replied, crossing my arms. "I don't need you swooping in to save the day."

He rolled his eyes. "Clearly you do, considering you nearly walked right into security."

I let out a frustrated sigh, matching his tone. "I wasn't about to get caught. I knew what I was doing."

"Oh, you knew what you were doing?" he replied, sarcastically. "Because it really looks like you're just finding ways to get into trouble."

"Excuse me?" I snapped, squaring my shoulders. "You know, I actually thought it was you and the guys who set this whole prank up. The fire alarm, the weird announcement, the AI voice-it all screamed 'Alex and his crew.'"

For a second, he looked taken aback, but he quickly recovered. "You think I'm that stupid? Setting off a fire alarm during exams?"

"Oh, please," I shot back. "You're constantly doing things just to shake things up. So yeah, it wouldn't surprise me if you pulled a stunt like this."