I've always hated quiet girls.
They make people lean in. Make them curious.
Make them wonder what they're hiding.
And boys stupid, predictable boys always think they're special for being the first to make a quiet girl speak.
Sayuri Misaki.
Her name used to mean nothing to me. She was background noise. A shadow on the edge of group photos. A desk no one bothered glancing at twice.
But lately, I've noticed the way Souta looks at her.
And worse the way she looks back.
It's not loud. It's not obvious.
But I've seen it.
And I know that kind of silence. It's dangerous.
Girls like her play innocent.
They don't wear lipstick or short skirts.
They don't flirt.
But they make boys feel seen and that's more powerful than any blush or wink.
Because girls like me? We're expected. We're loud. Beautiful. Perfect.
But Sayuri?
She's a secret.
And boys always want to be the first to uncover one.
I could confront her.
But that's messy.
No, I want her to feel small. Not attacked. Smaller.
Like she doesn't belong in the same air as us.
Like she's foolish for even thinking he could see her the way she sees him.
So I waited until after class.
Picked my moment.
She was by the shoe lockers, already lacing up like she wanted to disappear through the floor.
"Sayuri," I said sweetly, too sweetly.
She flinched.
God, it was delicious.
She turned slowly. "Yes?"
"I just wanted to say… I really admire how quiet you are. It's refreshing. So many girls try too hard."
Her brows creased, confused.
I smiled wider. "Not that you're trying at all. I mean, why would you? You're… naturally forgettable."
I patted her shoulder gently reassuringly. Friendly, even.
The way you might pat a stray cat before leaving it in the rain.
She didn't reply.
Didn't fight.
Just stared at me with those wide, uncertain eyes like she hadn't decided whether I was a threat or a joke.
But she will.
Soon.
I turned and walked away.
Because I know how this works.
You don't have to scream to break someone.
You just whisper in the right places.
Make them doubt the air they breathe.
And once they shrink?
They stay small.
Because boys like Souta?
They don't fall for girls who don't believe they're worth loving.
And I'll make sure Sayuri Misaki forgets how to believe at all.