"I've been in media for years, and I've never seen an entire class drink themselves out of taking the college entrance exam." The reporters raised their cameras.

Principal Harrington's face had gone from red to gray. He clutched his chest, voice cracking with despair. "I'm finished. The school is finished!"

Ms. Parker—who had always favored Samantha and Roger—went pale. "Where are Samantha and Roger? They're our best shots at Stonebridge University!"

Mr. Bennett kept his head down, his voice rough. "We can't reach them. We've already called the police."

Principal Harrington staggered. His face darkened further, one hand pressed over his heart. Then his gaze landed on me, and something like hope flickered in his eyes.

"Daryl is a good kid—didn't get caught up in their nonsense. We might still salvage one Stonebridge acceptance this year."

I lowered my eyes, letting a look of regret cross my face. "Samantha was afraid I'd report her. She took my exam admission ticket. She still hasn't shown up... I might not be able to take the test."

Thud.

Principal Harrington collapsed.

Chaos erupted. Some rushed him to the hospital. Others herded the remaining students toward the exam site.

I boarded the bus. The atmosphere inside was suffocating. Someone had already started crying.

"My dad's going to kill me... I never should've gone to that bar..."

"What am I going to do? I'll never get into a top university now... This is all Roger's fault..."

I stared out the window, expression blank, listening to them weep.

Weren't you all geniuses? Didn't you say the exam was just a formality?

So now you're scared of failing? Now you know how to cry?

At the exam site, just as I'd expected, I was turned away at the gate—no admission ticket, no entry.

One of my classmates caught my eye, guilt flickering across their face. "I'm sorry," they whispered.

I confirmed there was no way in, then turned and walked away.

Dad's face had gone a dangerous shade of red. He kept switching between worry for me and cursing Samantha's name.

But before we could even leave the campus grounds, the situation had already exploded.

Parents from the Elite Track had banded together, launching a livestream. They issued a joint statement demanding police involvement, threatening lawyers, insisting the school hold Samantha and Roger accountable.

A scandal breaking during the college entrance exams? The internet went nuclear.