Luca didn't know what was more stressful:
being isekai'd into a dating sim world…
or the way Aiden, the main character, kept staring at him like he'd stolen his spotlight.
Hana led Luca and Marc through the hallway, weaving around students like she owned the place.
"So," Hana said casually, "you two transferring here… kinda sudden, right?"
Marc answered smoothly. "Family stuff. Long story."
Luca nodded quickly. "Yeah. Complicated."
Technically true. Extremely complicated.
Hana didn't press. "Makes sense. Just so you know, this school can be… intense. People here take relationships kinda seriously."
Aiden scoffed behind them. "They're gonna learn that fast."
Marc shot him a look. "You got something to say?"
Aiden smirked. "Just saying not everyone here is cut out for the competition. Some people are Stars… well others are side roles."
Luca stepped slightly in front of Marc before Marc said something reckless.
"We'll decide our own roles," Luca said. "Thanks."
Aiden's eyebrow twitched.
Hana coughed awkwardly. "Okayyy tension—let's move!"
She nudged Luca in the side, whispering, "Aiden's always like that. He hates surprises. Especially strong ones."
Luca frowned. "You think we're strong?"
Hana looked at him for a second—really looked—and shrugged.
"Something about you feels different," she said. "Just a feeling."
They reached Classroom 2B.
The moment the door slid open, every head turned toward them. Whispers filled the room instantly.
"Two transfers?"
"Both of them kinda cute—"
"That tall one looks serious…"
"Who's the curly-haired guy? He looks like trouble."
Marc leaned in. "Bro, half the class just rated us like NPC stats."
Luca Laughed. "Better than getting no attention."
Aiden walked past them, clearly annoyed. "Take the empty seats. Don't disrupt class."
Ryo followed with a friendly nod to Marc. "Don't mind him. He'll get used to you."
Marc raised an eyebrow. "Will he though?"
Ryo smiled politely. "…Probably not."
Hana dropped into her seat and patted the chair next to her—right beside Luca's.
"You sitting or what?"
Luca felt his heart hit a speedrun tempo. "Uh—yeah."
He sat beside her while Marc took a seat farther back, near the window. Ryo sat diagonally from him, watching calmly.
As the teacher started roll call, Luca glanced back at Marc.
Marc mouthed silently:
"We need a plan."
Luca nodded.
"After class."
The teacher began class introduction. "Now, we have two new students with us today. Please introduce yourselves."
Luca stood first. "I'm Luca. Nice to meet you."
A few girls whispered and giggled. Hana grinned proudly like she discovered him first.
Then Marc stood. "Marc. Looking forward to working with everyone."
Half the class straightened in their seats like he was a new DLC character.
When they sat down, Aiden leaned back and whispered toward them without turning his head:
"New transfers on day one of festival week? Cute timing. Let's see how long you last."
Luca clenched his jaw.
Marc narrowed his eyes.
They didn't speak, but their thoughts matched perfectly:
Bring it on.
After class — the first big flag triggers
As soon as lunch break hit, Hana tugged Luca's sleeve.
"Hey! You coming with me to grab food? I gotta show you the cafeteria. It's tradition."
Aiden immediately stood up.
Ryo too.
Marc stood at the same time.
Marc stepped between Luca and the others. "We stick together. Tour later."
Hana blinked. "Oh. Brother vibes, huh?"
Luca smirked. "Something like that."
Marc nudged his shoulder. "Bro, you really trusting the first girl you meet in a glitch world?"
"I'm not a baby," Luca shot back.
"You kinda are."
"Shut up."
Hana laughed. "Wow, you two really are close."
Aiden's jaw tightened. "I'll show you around instead."
Marc stepped forward instantly, eyes sharp.
"No thanks. We'll figure it out."
Ryo exhaled awkwardly. "Aiden, maybe chill—"
Aiden ignored him. "Why're you two acting like you own the place? Friendly advice: don't chase things you can't handle. This world isn't easy."
That line felt too intentional.
Too aware.
Marc whispered under his breath, "He knows something."
Luca replied quietly, "Then he's a threat."
Aiden smirked. "See you at the festival trial later. If you survive it."
Marc raised an eyebrow. "Trial?"
Hana paled slightly. "Oh. Right… you guys don't know yet."
She stepped closer, voice dropping.
"The festival has a… contest. A huge one. If you want a chance with any girl, you're gonna have to compete."
Marc frowned. "Compete how?"
Hana sighed.
"Against Aiden."
Luca and Marc exchanged a look.
The kind only brothers have.
The one that means:
"We're screwed… but we're screwed together."