Monday.
The second week of school began like any other—quiet, grey, and dull.
Sakuragi Renji walked into the classroom as usual, sat in the back corner, and stared out the window.
But this time… someone was watching him.
From the second-floor balcony, a girl leaned against the railing, eyes fixed on Renji.
Her uniform was perfectly fitted. Her long black hair shimmered in the light. Diamond earrings. A school-issue ribbon twisted into a custom gold brooch.
Everything about her screamed: status.
The whispers echoed around her.
"That's Asahina Touka…""She's from the Asahina Group—like, billions in assets…""She's in the student council, right?""Yeah, vice president… scary smart, super rich, and... a little crazy, I heard."
Touka didn't care what they said.
She just watched Renji.
Like a hunter watching prey.
At lunch, Renji returned to the rooftop.
But someone else was already there.
Touka.
Sitting on the railing like she owned the sky.
Renji blinked once. "...This is my spot."
She looked over her shoulder, eyes gleaming. "You don't own the rooftop, first-year."
He didn't respond. Just walked past her and sat on the opposite side.
Touka's lips curved into a smile.
"Do you know what I hate most about this school?"
He didn't answer.
She answered herself.
"People who pretend to be kind. Who wear fake smiles. Who bow because they're weak."Her gaze slid toward him. "You don't smile. That's why you caught my eye."
Renji glanced up at her, brow furrowed. "You're strange."
She giggled—light, but sharp like glass.
"Everyone here bows to me. But you? You act like I don't exist. That's adorable."
"I don't care who you are."
Touka stepped down from the railing, walked right up to him, and crouched in front of him.
"Good," she whispered. "That makes you mine."
Later that day…
The classroom buzzed with energy. A commotion near the hallway.
Renji didn't bother looking—until a familiar voice slid into his ears like poison.
"Excuse me~ we're the new transfers."
His heart stopped.
He turned.
Two students stood at the door: a cheerful, good-looking boy and a girl beside him…
Her.
His childhood friend.
The one who cried fake tears.
The one who ruined him.
She looked almost the same—soft eyes, neatly tied hair, perfect posture.
But when her gaze met Renji's—
She froze.
The color drained from her face.
For a split second… guilt.
Renji's face didn't change. He just stared, unreadable.
The teacher smiled. "Please introduce yourselves."
The boy grinned. "I'm Tachibana Itsuki. Nice to meet you guys!"
The girl bowed stiffly.
"S-Satou Hina…"
Whispers buzzed in the class.
Tachibana and Satou sat near the front.
Renji didn't look at them again.
But Hina? She kept glancing back.
Over. And over.
Like she'd seen a ghost.
After school, Renji stood in the empty hallway, tying his shoes.
He heard hurried footsteps.
"Renji…?"
He didn't turn.
Hina stood behind him, clutching her bag, fingers trembling.
"Renji… it's really you…"
He said nothing.
"I—I didn't know you'd be here. I… I wanted to talk to you."
He turned slowly.
His voice was ice.
"You've already said enough. Remember?"
She flinched.
"I didn't mean—"
"You said I hurt you."
Tears welled in her eyes.
"I was scared… things got out of control… and I didn't mean for it to go that far—"
Renji stepped past her.
"Don't talk to me again."
"Renji—!"
He didn't look back.
From the third floor, hidden in the shadows, Touka watched it all.
Her eyes sparkled with something dark.
"Who's that girl, I wonder…?"
She turned to her phone and typed something into her private file.
[Sakuragi Renji – Background check: Pending][Satou Hina – Threat Level: Moderate][Tachibana Itsuki – Trash]
She smiled.
No one was allowed to hurt what she liked.
And she liked Renji.
Very, very much.
End of Chapter 4