Asuka kept her eyes fixed on the tabletop, her fingers clenched at the edge as if that piece of wood were the only anchor keeping her from collapsing inside.
What did she mean by that…?
Lili's voice still echoed in her head—a venomous, persistent whisper that refused to fade.
Is it really that obvious?
No… it can't be…
Her heart pounded, each beat betraying what she tried to deny. A knot tightened in her throat, a bitter mix of frustration and confusion.
She drew a deep breath, searching for a calm that stubbornly slipped away. But the tension in her chest only grew… worsening every time she heard his voice. Kaido's burst of anger, so unlike his usual self, made her stomach churn.
He never speaks like that…
Behind the shame and pain, a part of her wanted to look at him. Wanted answers in that familiar face. But she couldn't. Her hands covered her face in an almost childish reflex—as if hiding were easier than confronting what she was feeling.
The scratch of chalk on the board mingled with the measured cadence of the Sociology teacher's voice.
"When we're in a public space…" he said, pausing to draw another white line on the board, "…we adjust our behavior to match what society expects of us. Consider, for example, a school hallway, a public square, or public transport…" He raised his eyes slightly over his glasses. "The way we act changes with the environment, because each space has its own invisible rules."
Some students scribbled notes hastily, others just stared straight ahead, maintaining that automatic posture of attention.
"And when someone breaks those rules…" the teacher continued, a sharper tone now, "…the whole dynamic changes. A single different gesture can capture everyone's attention."
CRACK!
The sharp snap cut through the air like thunder on a calm day. The sound echoed across the room, stealing the class's focus entirely.
Heads turned simultaneously, like synchronized gears. At the center of it all stood Asuka: frozen, her hand resting on her cheek, eyes squeezed shut, as if torn from a turbulent dream.
The teacher blinked once, then again, letting out a small, awkward throat-clear.
"…like… this," he commented, with an involuntary half-smile.
Some students muffled giggles.
Asuka drew a heavy breath—more than it seemed, carrying weight beyond the moment. When she opened her eyes, the entire classroom stared at her, confused.
"Are you okay?" whispered the girl to her left, leaning over worriedly.
Asuka straightened slowly and forced a small smile.
"Yes… I'm fine, Megumi," she replied, controlling her voice so it wouldn't betray the storm inside.
Her gaze found Kaido. He was staring at her, concerned. She gave him a bright smile—too rehearsed to be natural. Kaido returned a crooked smile, the kind that perfectly conveyed that this was more effort than truth.
Next to him, Lili watched silently, arms crossed, eyes glinting sharply. The corner of her lips lifted in a satisfied smile.
"Oui… c'est ma rivale!"[1] she murmured softly, just to herself.
A loud coughcough echoed through the classroom. The teacher, now composed, cleared his throat to regain the students' attention.
"Miss Asuka, please focus on the lesson."
"Yes, sir," she replied respectfully.
Silence returned, but the energy in the room had shifted. The snap hadn't been just a sound—it was a perfect practical demonstration of the teacher's theory.
. . .
The lesson continued without further incidents. The teacher resumed the material naturally, and gradually the students' attention returned to the board. Only a few curious glances still strayed discreetly toward Asuka from time to time, but nothing else was said.
After nearly two hours, the teacher set the chalk down at the edge of the board and turned to the class, rubbing his hands.
"Very well… before we finish, I have an assignment for you," he announced firmly, capturing even the most distracted attention. "This weekend, I want you to go out and observe social behavior in more… restrained public spaces."
He began listing examples on the board: museums, aquariums, libraries, art galleries…
"In these environments, invisible rules are even clearer. Silence, calm, the posture of visitors… a single unexpected action can completely alter the atmosphere." He paused briefly, letting the words sink in. "I want you to observe, analyze, and record the impact of these interactions. Then, write a report to submit by the end of next week."
Some students let out discreet sighs — some of excitement, others of pure resignation.
"And, since it's a cooperative assignment," the teacher continued, adjusting his glasses, "I recommend forming pairs now. That way, there are no last-minute excuses."
Before anyone could speak, a hand rose gracefully.
"Yes, Miss Lili?" the teacher allowed.
She straightened slightly in her chair, a calm smile on her face and a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.
"I suggest that pairs be formed strictly with desk neighbors," she said sweetly, yet loaded with intent. "It will make the assignment more… challenging. Especially if the partners aren't friendly."
The teacher raised an eyebrow, clearly considering the idea.
"Hmm… an interesting proposal…" he commented, folding his arms.
A murmur spread quickly through the room as soon as he spoke.
"That's ridiculous…" muttered someone in the back.
"I'm not working with him!" complained another voice.
Kaido let out a heavy sigh, bringing his hand to his forehead.
"Seriously? Of all things…" he muttered in frustration.
Asuka crossed her arms and frowned.
"Uso desho… tsumannai!"[2] she grumbled loudly enough for Megumi to hear and giggle softly.
Voices began to rise, students complaining to one another about the "forced partnerships."
The teacher slammed his palm on the desk in front of him, producing a sharp sound that silenced the room.
"Enough. It will be like this, and that's final," he announced firmly, leaving no room for discussion. "Consider it a practical lesson in cooperation."
A chorus of grumbles rippled through the class. Kaido let out a "tch," leaning back in his chair.
Lili, however, smiled — that dangerously serene and satisfied smile. She looked directly at Kaido, savoring the silent victory. He returned her gaze, heavy with annoyance, as if he could clearly feel her sly maneuvers designed to irritate Asuka.
TRRIIIMMM!
The alarm rang, slicing the tension like a blade. It was the end-of-class signal.
"You may go to lunch," said the teacher, erasing the board.
Asuka jumped to her feet and turned to Kaido.
"Let's eat quickly, today they have chocolate mousse cake in the cafeteria," she said, eyes gleaming with hunger, trying to leave frustration behind.
Kaido stood immediately, ready to follow her — but before he could take a step, something grabbed his arm.
"Mon cher, we should eat here to discuss the assignment," said Lili, melodiously… loud enough for the teacher to hear perfectly.
Kaido fell silent for a moment, clearly unenthusiastic about spending the weekend with Lili Rochefort. Her satisfied gaze only worsened the situation.
He raised his hand slowly, trying to keep his voice convincing:
"Professor… this weekend… I have an important family commitment." The sentence was so carefully rehearsed that even he almost believed it.
The teacher raised an eyebrow slowly, suspicious, as if he'd heard better excuses before.
"A family commitment?" he repeated neutrally, almost amused. "In that case… take Miss Rochefort with you and write a report on the event."
Kaido froze.
"Wha…?" he murmured in shock.
"Yes," the teacher continued naturally. "After all, public spaces vary. A family gathering can also serve as a sociological observation setting." He tilted his head slightly. "Or is there a problem with that?"
"But…" Kaido tried, his voice nearly failing.
"No buts," cut the teacher firmly. "This assignment carries considerable weight in your semester grade. Perhaps you should start discussing the proposal now while it's still fresh in your mind."
Lili brought her hands to her chest and leaned slightly toward him, with a smile that was half innocent, half mischievous.
"Sounds fun," she said, winking like a child feigning innocence.
Kaido sighed deeply and sat back down, defeated.
"Go ahead, Asuka… I'll catch up with you," he said, resigned.
At that moment, the sparkle in her eyes dimmed, and her hunger for chocolate mousse cake vanished like smoke. Without a word, she grabbed her lunchbox and strode out of the classroom.
Seconds later…
BANG!
The crash echoed down the hallway. The class stood in a commotion, some running to the door to look outside.
No sign of Asuka. Only a fresh, deep crack in one of the walls, marking her passage like a silent scream.
Lili crossed her legs, smiling satisfied, as if she'd just moved a piece in a chess game. Kaido ran his hands through his hair, frustrated — there was no denying it: he was right in the middle of a game she had started.
[1] Yes… this is my rival
[2] No way… how boring!