Wednesday – Tenkaichi Elite Academy, Class 1-B
The sun never really showed up that morning. The sky hung low, heavy with clouds, casting silver light across the classroom.
Aeron stared out the window, one arm resting on his desk, silent as always.
In front of him, Tatsuki turned around halfway, balancing his notebook and grinning.
"You ever think we're just background characters in some overpowered student's drama?" he asked.
Aeron blinked. "Probably."
Tatsuki smirked. "Yeah, and you're the one main character who doesn't care."
---
Second-Year Lounge – Ayaka's POV
Ayaka, a second-year, sat beside a quiet window, watching the steam curl from her tea bottle.
> She hadn't seen Aeron much this week.
He always left quickly. Slipped away between classes.
> And ever since that dinner with Mirei, he hadn't said a word about it.
She didn't ask.
She told herself it wasn't her business.
But it ate at her anyway.
> Why was he so calm?
What did they talk about?
Did he like her?
Ayaka bit her lip and shook her head.
> He's my younger stepbrother.
That's all.
But deep down, something twisted uncomfortably.
---
Just Before Lunch – Courtyard Announcement
Suddenly, a message buzzed on everyone's school app.
> ⚠️ School Notice:
"Board Sponsor Visit – Today. Students are advised to follow normal class routines. Do not crowd administrative hallways."
Tatsuki read it aloud. "Wait, sponsor? What kind of sponsor?"
Aeron, who hadn't said much all morning, simply closed his book.
"She's here."
---
12:30 PM – School Front Gate
A sleek black limousine rolled up to the front entrance.
And out stepped Mirei Asagiri.
Students froze on sight.
She wore a clean-cut blazer with black heels, her long white hair fluttering behind her like trailing snow. Her crimson eyes swept the crowd — not looking at anyone, but through them.
The school buzzed with whispers.
> "That's her…"
"The president of the Asagiri Group…"
"Didn't she have dinner with someone from our school recently?"
Aeron stood still as she walked across the courtyard.
She hadn't looked at him yet.
But he knew she would.
---
Hallway – First-Year Wing
When Mirei passed Class 1-B, she slowed.
Through the glass pane in the classroom door, her eyes met Aeron's.
He didn't blink.
She didn't smile.
But there was something in that stillness that spoke louder than words.
Then she walked on — heels clicking steadily.
Tatsuki exhaled. "Okay. That was… kinda scary hot."
Aeron didn't reply.
---
Afternoon – Ayaka's POV
Ayaka leaned against a locker, half-watching her reflection in the polished metal.
> Mirei Asagiri.
> Here. At our school.
She heard it from a classmate.
> "She had dinner with Kael, right? That quiet guy from 1-B?"
The words hadn't left her head since.
A part of her wanted to corner Aeron and ask.
A bigger part of her didn't want to hear the answer.
She clenched her fists, feeling her chest tighten.
> I shouldn't care.
He doesn't care.
He never does.
But when she remembered the rare smile he gave that night — not to her, but to someone else — it made her stomach twist.
---
Evening – Rooftop
Tatsuki leaned on the railing while Aeron sat cross-legged by the wall, chewing slowly on gum.
"She's not coming back tomorrow, is she?" Tatsuki asked.
Aeron didn't answer.
"You knew she'd show up today."
Still no answer.
"You ever going to tell me what the deal is between you two?"
Aeron looked up at the sky — the clouds finally parting, revealing a sliver of fading blue.
Then he said, "No."
Tatsuki groaned. "You're impossible."
Aeron didn't disagree.
---
Side Story – Asagiri Group Office, After Hours
Mirei's assistant sat alone at her desk, lit only by the screen in front of her.
On it was a paused security frame: Mirei standing outside Class 1-B, staring through the glass at a boy with black hair and unreadable eyes.
She clicked forward a few frames.
Still staring.
Still silent.
Then walking away.
A sticky note sat on the desk.
Mirei's handwriting, sharp and rushed:
> "He didn't flinch.
That's what scares me most."