There's nothing left to do.
Sitting at that table, trying to anticipate infinite possibilities, only feeds the paranoia. If someone really is watching me, then the worst possible move is to keep looking like a cornered animal. Politics, war, and survival share one annoying similarity: perception is often worth more than the truth.
If someone believes they're a step ahead of you, make it look like that was part of your plan too.
Even if it's a lie. In fact, especially if it's a lie.
I let the air out slowly and abandon the relaxed posture in the chair. My entire body shifts along with my expression—a subtle transformation that depends on no System skill at all, only presence. I let my own glow up surface naturally as I walk between the library tables, and it doesn't take long for the first glances to appear.
Some students lift their eyes from their books.
Others pretend to keep reading while tracking my reflection through the side windows.
