By Monday morning, the rumors had already spread like wildfire.
"Did you hear? The new girl and Kaito Renji got locked in the study room at the welcome party."
"They say she confessed."
"No, no, he confessed to her!"
"Bet they kissed."
"I heard they did more than kiss—"
Aika Morishima nearly slammed her head into her locker. "This school is insane."
Mina popped up beside her like a cartoon character, stuffing chips into her mouth at 8:00 a.m. "Correction: this school is a circus. And guess what? You're the newest act."
"I didn't do anything!" Aika groaned. "We were in there for like two minutes before you dragged me out."
"Doesn't matter." Mina shrugged. "With Kaito, two minutes is enough for people to write fanfiction."
Aika choked. "Fanfiction?!"
"Don't ask," Mina said gravely.
---
Things only got worse in class.
Philosophy 101. Debate partners. Again.
This time, the topic was 'Is betrayal inevitable in human relationships?' The irony nearly made Aika laugh.
Kaito leaned back in his chair, one arm draped lazily over the backrest, his eyes fixed entirely on her. "Well, Aika? Do you think betrayal is destiny?"
She crossed her arms. "Not destiny. Choice."
He smirked. "So you trust people?"
"I'd like to."
"Dangerous." His gaze flicked to her lips before returning to her eyes. "Trust is the easiest weapon to turn against someone."
Her heart skipped—half from annoyance, half from something she refused to name. "You sound like you're speaking from experience."
"Maybe I am." He leaned closer, his voice dropping. "Or maybe I'm warning you."
The class went silent. Everyone was watching them again, like they were actors in a drama too juicy to ignore. Professor Haneda just sighed, muttering, "At least you're passionate."
---
After class, Aika practically ran out of the room, determined to escape Kaito's orbit. But fate—or bad luck—had other plans.
She rounded a corner too quickly and— CRASH!
Her notebook went flying. She stumbled—straight into someone's chest. Strong hands steadied her before she could hit the floor.
Kaito.
Of course.
For one terrifying second, they were too close. His breath brushed her forehead, his hand lingered on her waist, and the hallway noise seemed to vanish.
Aika's heart thudded. She shoved him back instantly. "D-Don't touch me!"
He chuckled, bending down to pick up her notebook. "Relax. If I wanted to make a move…" He handed her the book, fingers brushing hers just long enough to spark heat. "…I wouldn't do it in a hallway."
Her face turned crimson. "Y-You—!"
Before she could finish, Mina came charging down the hall like a soldier. "ROOMMATE! THERE YOU ARE! Emergency—someone stole my hoodie!"
Aika sagged in relief as Mina latched onto her arm, dragging her away. But even as she escaped, she felt Kaito's eyes on her, sharp and amused.
And worse… she couldn't stop replaying the way it felt when he caught her.
Almost like he wanted her to fall.
Almost like he knew she would.
---