Jared didn't run.
He didn't hide.
He adjusted.
"…you're doing it again," Iris said.
"…define again."
"…that thing where you act like this is normal."
"…it is now."
"…I HATE THAT ANSWER."
Jared opened his laptop.
Right there.
In public.
"…you're not even trying to be subtle," Iris said.
"…no need."
"…THEY LITERALLY SAID THEY'RE WATCHING US."
"…exactly."
Silence.
"…wait…"
She narrowed her eyes.
"…you want them to see this."
"…yes."
"…WHY?!"
"…control."
"…HOW IS THIS CONTROL."
"…if they're evaluating me…"
He typed.
Fast.
"…then I define the evaluation."
Silence.
Iris stared.
"…you're insane."
"…efficient."
"…I'M SURROUNDED BY CRAZY PEOPLE."
"…only one confirmed."
"…HEY."
Jared displayed multiple data sets.
Patterns.
Movement logs.
Not hidden.
Exposed.
"…you're showing off," Iris said.
"…demonstrating capability."
"…THAT'S SHOWING OFF."
"…acceptable interpretation."
Across the campus—
At a distance—
The three observers watched.
"…he's doing it deliberately," one said.
"…he knows," another replied.
"…confidence or arrogance?"
A pause.
"…both."
Back with Jared—
He closed the laptop.
"…response?"
"…YOU EXPECT THEM TO CLAP??"
"…reaction pending."
"…I regret everything."
Then—
A message appeared on his screen.
Unknown source.
Jared opened it.
Iris leaned in.
"…what does it say?"
He read it.
Silence.
"…Jared?"
"…they responded."
"…WHAT DID THEY SAY."
He turned the screen.
"Noted."
Silence.
Iris blinked.
"…THAT'S IT?!"
"…efficient."
"…NO IT'S NOT."
Jared stared at the message.
Then—
A second line appeared.
"Continue."
Silence.
Iris slowly stepped back.
"…I don't like that."
"…neither do I."
"…you look like you do."
"…it's useful."
"…YOU'RE IMPOSSIBLE."
Jared closed the screen.
Eyes sharper now.
They accepted the interaction.
Which meant—
The test continues.
"…controlled exposure successful," he said.
"…I'm going to have a breakdown."
"…not recommended."
"…I'M DOING IT ANYWAY."