Code Master and Hacker (Part 1)

ARYA

"Kyaaah!" I cried when I saw the result of the detective section. I turned to Zanaya and shook her shoulder at the same time saying, "I can't believe this! We got into the top 5!"

Seriously, I'm really so happy. I never thought I would make it into the top 5. I looked at Zanaya to greet her but there was no trace of emotion on her face. She didn't seem happy with the result.

Doesn’t she like the Detective section? Doesn't she want to be with me? If that's so, I felt like I'm going to cry.

I just dared to ask her, "Zan, what's the matter?"

I was surprised when she suddenly grabbed me by the shoulder and looked seriously into my eyes.

"Arya, Listen to me. I shouldn't be in the top 5."

"What? I can't understand. Everyone wants to be in the top 5," I pointed out.

After I said that she suddenly dragged me away. I felt like this woman was possessed by something. She wasn't like this yesterday. I think I am on the brink of death. Okay, that’s too much.

I just found myself being dragged into an empty room. Oh no! Why are we here? I'm sure she's planning something bad. What will I do? Arya, think of something.

"Sit down," she commanded me as if she was a boss in a kidnapping syndicate.

I just sat down because of nervousness. This was exactly the scene in a hostage-taking.

Lord, please take care of me.

Zanaya also sat across from me and she took a deep breath and then she looked at me seriously again.

"I wasn't supposed to be here, in this academy," she began.

Wait, I thought it was hostage-taking? Why does she seemed to be telling a story.

"I'm here to hide."

When she said that, the nervousness suddenly returned to my chest. I'm telling you, Zanaya is a psychokiller. But her parents were kind and respectful, which seemed impossible.

"I'm not a killer, silly."

I was even more terrified when she said that. Can she read my mind?

If she wasn't a killer...

"You're hiding here because someone wants to kidnap you. Is that right?"

She frowned because of that.

"Of course, you're beautiful, smart and rich. So it's impossible for no one to take an interest in you."

"No, it's not like that. I ran away from us."

"Is that true?!"

She just nodded at me.

"Why did you do that?"

"I know that it was very immature but I have no choice. I never want to be a prisoner of their decisions ever again. And the only way to stop that, is to escape from their grasp."

Wait, time-out first. I'll check my nose first, maybe there's blood dripping already. This was all too much for me. I thought this only happened in movies.

"What do you do you mean by that?" I asked, trying not to sound curious even though I'm dying to know everything. Zanaya has this mysterious aura in her that I want to solve her like a puzzle.

"All my life since childhood I never disobeyed their wishes for me. I was like an obedient dog doing all the things that they want. I was forced to learn piano lessons, violin and guitar. I was forced to study in a prestigious school and do nothing but to study. I was forced to dance in front of many people when all I wanted to do was to sing."

When I looked at her again, she seemed to be on the verge of crying.

"And the reason why I am here is because they made a decision that will change my life forever."

I don't know what she was referring to because I don't think she has any plan to tell me more.

"Arya, I can't be discovered here."

A very good idea came to my mind. But I don't know if SHE will allow it.

"Come with me. I know how to solve your problem."

****

"No way! I wouldn't do that, Arya," my sister shouted at me.

"Sissy, please. Let's help my friend."

"You want me to hack the system? That's impossible. I've never done that."

"But you can do it."

"You can hack systems?" Zanaya suddenly interjected into the conversation. She seemed to be in the moment of still processing what we just said.

"Oh, Zan, if you don't ask, my sister is a computer genius and a great hacker."

"Wow. That's nice," she replied.

Tsk. What kind of reaction is that. It should have been like, "Wow. Really? I'm sure you're a genius too, Arya." That's how it should be. Well, what would I expect, Zanaya is that type of person that lacked enthusiasm in everything.

"I really need your help," Zanaya pleaded.

I know my sister will agree. Just show some tears and she'll give in.

"Please. I'll be the one to answer when we're caught."

"When I'm doomed, you're really the ones who will face all the consequences. I'll drop you in your Codes and Cipher subject," my sister even warned.