Okay, so maybe I'm being dramatic.
But ever since Lena came back, my head feels like it's packed full of static. Like when you try to multitask too many browser tabs and everything just… slows down.
I used to have this power under control. Not "mastered," obviously. But it was predictable. Like a tool I could use when I needed to—like having cheat codes in a game you've played a hundred times.
Now?
It's like trying to drive a car where sometimes the gas pedal works, sometimes it doesn't, and sometimes it slams you into a wall for no reason.
And it's not just around Lena anymore.
It's everywhere.
Like today in math class.
We were doing group work, and I saw two possible versions of what would happen next.
In one, I stayed quiet, let Malik do all the talking, and we got a decent grade.
In the other, I spoke up, said something useful—and then Mr. Cruz called me out for "not paying attention" even though I literally was helping.
So I shut up.
Malik did the talking.
We got a decent grade.
But when I looked over at Mr. Cruz after, he gave me this look. Like he knew I'd been holding back.
That's new.
People don't usually notice. They just assume I'm quiet because I'm weird, or shy, or whatever.
Not because I chose not to say anything.
Because I saw what would happen if I did.
And made a different call.
After class, I caught Jin watching me again.
He didn't say anything. Just stared like he was waiting for me to trip up.
Then he walked off with Ethan like nothing happened.
I get that they're annoyed with me. I mean, I kind of outplayed them during the class presentation draw last week. But lately, it feels like it's more than that.
Like they suspect something.
Which is bad.
Because knowing things before they happen? That's the only edge I've got.
If people start noticing…
Well.
That's not good.
Lunch was worse.
I was sitting outside like usual, minding my own business, eating some sad vending machine sandwich when Jin walks over with two other guys from class—Ethan and Malik.
They didn't say anything at first. Just stood there. Looking at me.
So I did what any reasonable guy would do—I pretended I didn't notice.
Then Ethan said, "You always know what's gonna happen before it does."
I paused mid-bite.
"Huh?"
He shrugged. "You always seem… prepared. Like you know stuff you shouldn't."
Malik laughed. "Dude, he's just good at reading people."
But Jin didn't laugh. He just watched me.
And that's when I tried to get a flash.
What happens if I say nothing?
What happens if I joke it off?
What if I ask him why he cares?
All three played out in my head—but none of them felt right. Like watching a movie where the subtitles don't match the words.
That glitch thing again.
I finally said, "I just pay attention better than most people."
Ethan smirked. "Yeah, well, don't get too comfortable knowing everything."
Then they walked off.
I stayed put. Tried to shake the weird feeling.
But the truth is—
I don't know everything .
Not even close.
And now? With all these glitches stacking up? I'm starting to wonder if I ever really did.
Maybe that's what scared me the most.
Not losing control around Lena…
But losing it everywhere.