The Cultural Festival was still a week away, but the rehearsals felt like a war zone.
Paint splattered walls. Cardboard castles collapsed. Someone set off fireworks indoors. (Mina.)
Through it all, Aika sat at the committee table with her pen poised like a sword, glaring at the one person who refused to cooperate.
Kaito Renji.
He leaned back in his chair, hands behind his head, watching the chaos like it was free entertainment.
"You could help," Aika snapped.
"I could," Kaito said lazily. "But then I'd miss the show."
"Unbelievable."
"Accurate."
Their bickering drew stares — and whispers. "They fight like an old married couple," one classmate whispered.
Aika's face went scarlet. "WE ARE NOT—!"
Kaito smirked. "Not yet."
The room erupted in laughter.
---
Later, while the others were distracted, Aika cornered him behind the stage props.
"You think this is a game," she hissed. "But I saw you. Last night. With that girl. I know something's going on."
Kaito's expression flickered — only for a second. Then he leaned close enough that she felt his breath against her ear.
"Careful, rabbit. If you keep poking the wolf, don't be surprised when it bites."
Her pulse spiked. She hated that her knees felt weak.
But before she could snap back, Mina appeared wearing a lopsided knight helmet and wielding a foam sword. "I CHALLENGE YOU BOTH TO A DUEL OF LOVE AND JUSTICE!"
Kaito blinked. Aika facepalmed. Mina tripped over a bucket.
The moment shattered, leaving Aika both relieved and furious.
---
That night, walking back to her dorm, Aika caught sight of Kaito again — alone this time, standing under a streetlight. He was reading one of the mysterious papers she'd seen before, his expression dark, unguarded.
For just a moment, he looked… tired. Almost human.
Then he glanced up, saw her watching, and the mask snapped back into place. His smile curved sharp as ever.
"Goodnight, rabbit."
And he walked away, leaving her with the terrifying thought that maybe — just maybe — she wanted to follow.
---