Hacker Academy

Refusal

I stumble into class half-awake and half-asleep. I didn't get a good sleep from the state of unrest I felt at seeing Cyber again. My heart's been beating erratically, all for this moment. When the teacher comes into the room, I know I'm safe. He won't be coming. Relieved, I settle into my chair.

"Today we'll be learning about the basic principles of-"

"Sorry, I'm late."

Mutters and hushed whispers arise as the sound of dragging footsteps stop in front of the classroom. When I look up, my heart drops.

Cyber catches my eye. he doesn't smile, but I can see the twinkle of amusement hidden in the glint of his eye. He saunters over to me and plops into the seat right next to me.

"Cyber," the teacher speaks disapprovingly, "I saw the charts. I expect your full concentration and participation-"

"Yeah, don't worry." He gives a stupid smirk. "I won't be here for long anyway."

When the teacher finally continues on with the lesson, I lean over to his side.

"What are you doing here?" I hiss.

The same insufferable smirk paints his lips. "This is my class."

"Don't you usually skip?"

After a moment's hesitation, he says, "I can't visit my favourite hacker?"

I roll my eyes. Cyber settles into the seat next to me and taps the floor with the balls of his foot impatiently. Once second into class and he can't sit still already.

In the span of five minutes of class, I'm yawning, but Cyber has slumped in his seat and playing League of Legends on his laptop. I can't help but scoff to myself and do my best to not pay attention to Cyber.

Just then, a notification pops up on my laptop.

Cyber has messaged you.

I glance over at Cyber, but he keeps on a straight face as he types swiftly on the keypads. Shaking my head, I tap on the notification which brings me to my messages.

[Cyber] Hey.

[Ada] What do you want

[Cyber] (•••)

[Cyber]

[Cyber] (•••)

[Ada] Spit it out

[Cyber] I'm sorry.

We only look at each other briefly, but his eyes were filled with guilt. My heart brakes a little. I know how it is to be the cause of someone's sadness. I only received Unix's forgiveness not too long ago.

[Ada] You're really sorry?

[Cyber] Yes.

[Ada] Did you use me to turn her down?

[Cyber] (•••)

Cyber's face contorts into pain as his hands hover above the keys. I sit back and cross my arms. He may be sorry, but he's still a player. Even if I do forgive him, I want nothing to do with his life. Beside me, I hear the soft clicking of keys.

[Cyber] I've never been the perfect guy, Ada. I don't know how it works with women, so when I realized Perl wanted to date me, I just shut down. I'm sorry if I've been an asshole. You didn't deserve that. You've been too good to me. I only ask for your forgiveness.

[Ada] (•••)

[Ada]

[Ada] (•••)

[Ada]

[Ada] (•••)

[Cyber] You're killing me here.

I do my best to suppress my laughter as I type my response. I never knew my words had such an effect on him.

[Ada] You're forgiven.

[Cyber] Thank you. I suppose I'm in your good graces now?

[Ada] Somewhere at the bottom of the list

[Cyber] Ouch. But anyhow, I'm actually glad. The timing couldn't be better.

I frown. What does he mean?

[Cyber] Python's annual gala is coming up.

[Ada] And?

[Cyber] Hackers 1-50 are invited.

[Ada] Great. We're both not going.

[Cyber] On the contrary.

He flashes me a wink.

[Cyber] I've already been invited.

[Ada] You ranked down.

[Cyber] They don't retract the invitations.

I huff in frustration. What does this have to do with me?

[Cyber] (•••)

[Cyber] Invitees are allowed to bring a close friend. I'd like to invite you.

[Ada] What the actual-

[Cyber] Will you go to the Python gala with me?

My fingers freeze on the keypad. My heart has dropped to an absolute standstill. I fumble with the thought. I've never been invited to a gala. Much less a gala where hackers are invited. There is going to be a dress code. What am I going to wear? I'm sure most of the people will act all high and mighty. They're the royalty of HackCity.

[Ada] Cyber no

[Cyber] What do you mean?

[Ada] You know what it's like to be there with all those people. But like you said, I have a hard time just making friends

[Cyber] This is different. It's much easier than making friends, trust me. I'll take you to the mall and we'll make sure you're ready for the gala.

Then what, use me as a girlfriend shield when we're there? I may have forgiven Cyber, but I won't make the same mistake twice. Cyber is completely glued to the screen. He's anticipating my answer from my text.  He's way too far off into his world. I have a mother and sister to go home to.

[Ada] No

Cyber looks agitated now.

[Cyber] I'll pay you. Name your price.

I scoff aloud unintentionally. He must really not know me if he thinks he can get me with money.

[Ada] Why don't you ask Perl? She'd gladly go with you. With or without the money

[Cyber] Ada, don't do this to me.

I want to stop, but I can't seem to restrain my fingers from slamming one word after the other.

[Ada] My answer is no, Cyber

Finally, he looks at me. But now I wish he wouldn't. His eyes are full of pain. Like the disappointed anticipation of my sister when I say I can't play with her because I had to hack. Or the frail shock of Unix when I hurt her. Cyber is too much for a girl like me.

[Cyber] (•••)

[Cyber] I respect your decision.

I close my laptop.

When class ends, he silently gets up from his seat and grabs his belongings. Without a word, he quickly leaves the room. I let out a shaky breath. I don't deserve him.