CHAPTER 1: The Results
The story begins at Kimikawa High School, where a timid girl quietly stepped into her classroom. Her name was Yasmine Mizuno.
Back in middle school, Yasmine was constantly bullied. She was soft-spoken, shy, and often too scared to stand up for herself. Many students envied her intelligence, and their jealousy turned cruel.
The only one who stood by her side was her best friend, Kei Yuzuhara. Kei was the complete opposite—an outgoing, bold girl who could make anyone laugh. But when it came to protecting Yasmine, Kei could become terrifying.
Time passed, and when high school began, the two friends ended up on different paths. Yasmine transferred to Okawa High, while Kei entered Kimikawa High. Without Kei by her side, the bullying became even worse. By the end of her first year, Yasmine couldn't take it anymore—she decided to transfer schools again. This time, back to Kimikawa High, where Kei was.
But fate had another cruel twist. Among the students of Kimikawa High… were Yasmine's old bullies.
---
"Wow! What a surprise!" sneered a girl from across the classroom. "Our little nerd is back!"
"You haven't changed at all," the second bully smirked. "Still that same pathetic—"
Before she could finish, Kei stepped forward. Her eyes turned cold.
"Don't talk to her," Kei said flatly. "Or else."
The bullies froze. Kei's glare was enough to silence them.
"P-Please, Kei… don't," Yasmine whispered, tugging her friend's sleeve.
"But, Yasmine—"
"Please. For me."
Kei sighed, clearly frustrated, but relented. "You're way too kind… Fine. But if either of you ever lay a hand on her again—" Kei pointed at the bullies, her voice like steel, "—you won't even know when the hit's coming."
The bullies paled and quickly backed off.
---
Later, at the cafeteria.
"Th-thank you, Kei…" Yasmine said quietly.
"Of course. You're my best friend," Kei replied with a grin. "I'll always protect you. But…"
"But… what?"
"Well, second year is almost over. Are you going to be okay without me around?"
Yasmine forced a small smile. "D-Don't worry. I'll… I'll be fine."
Kei gave her a doubtful look. "Yeah, right. But hey—PLEASE HELP ME STUDY FOR FINALS!" she suddenly shouted, bowing dramatically.
Yasmine giggled. "O-Okay… after class."
"YES! You're my hero!" Kei cheered.
Just as they were leaving, Yasmine bumped into someone.
"Hey! Watch where you're going—" Kei started to snap, but stopped when the boy spoke.
"Sorry," he said, his voice calm but hurried. "I was running late. Did you get hurt?"
"N-No…" Yasmine stammered.
"Oi, Aijin, we're gonna be late!" called his friend.
"Coming!" The boy gave Yasmine an apologetic smile before rushing off.
"…Who… was he?" Yasmine asked softly.
"His name's Aijin Kuroya," Kei explained. "Top of our grade. Other than that, I don't know much about him."
"…I see."
---
Aijin Kuroya. Kind, hardworking, brilliant. He always helped others, yet at home, things were different. His parents pushed him endlessly, never satisfied with his results. Even when he scored in the high 80s or 90s, they demanded more. Aijin loved his parents, but he hated the pressure.
Still, he endured.
---
The day of the final exams results has arrived.
"Hey, Mui. How'd it go?" Aijin asked his friend.
"Terrible. Unlike you, I'm not a genius," Mui groaned.
"Don't say that. We're not so different," Aijin replied with a smile.
"Ha! Maybe… but not in studies."
As they walked, Aijin accidentally bumped into someone again.
"Oh—sorry! Wait, you're… the girl from before."
Yasmine froze. "I-It's… fine. I… I need to go." She quickly ran off.
"…She left," Aijin murmured.
"Do you know her?" Mui asked.
"Not really. I've only seen her twice."
The two reached the results board, where a crowd had gathered.
"What's going on?" Aijin asked.
Mui's eyes went wide. "Aijin… look."
Aijin pushed through the students and froze. His name was there… in second place.
"Second?" he muttered, stunned.
"Wait—who's first?" Mui asked.
They looked up.
First Place: Yasmine Mizuno.
"…Her," Aijin whispered.
Mui stared. "She beat you?!"
A small smile tugged at Aijin's lips. "Yeah… She did."
"But what about your parents?"
"Forget them for now."
"Huh? Why?"
"Because—" Aijin's eyes gleamed with determination. "—I think I've finally found a rival."
---
Under the spring blossoms, Aijin Kuroya met the person who would change his high school life forever—his first true rival.
[ End of Chapter 1 ]