Here at Meisumi High—a school overflowing with talent—I blend into the background. My name is Aoto Riku, i'm sixteen, with black hair, black eyes, and features so plain that no one ever seems to remember them. Most girls don't even notice I exist; I'm treated like a nameless NPC in someone else's story.
As I stared out the window, I caught a reflection behind me: a girl laughing softly with her friends. Long blond hair, crystal-blue eyes, and a smile so bright it felt like sunlight.
She looked like an angel—lively, radiant, completely out of my league. Someone I could admire, but never reach. She moves through people with ease, far better than a loner like me ever could. Her name is Kaori Aria.
I have a habit of reading novels on my phone everywhere—at school, at my part-time job, in my room, on the train… basically anywhere I can pretend to be busy.
Whenever I'm around her, I feel uneasy—nervous, small, like I'm not supposed to be there.
But I've learned to ignore her, to act like I don't even notice. Even though every part of me wants to look, to say something, I keep my distance.
I can already hear the boys whispering about her, their voices filled with that familiar mix of awe and admiration. It's like she's all they ever talk about, and no matter how much I try to block it out, their words always seem to find their way to me
''Hey look! Isn't that her? the top student?''
''Ye it is her dude, should we try to ask her out? no wait i should do that, back off!''
''No, i found her first!''
They act like a bunch of kids over there, laughing and fawning over her like it's some kind of game. It's almost embarrassing to watch, the way they lose themselves in it.
Okay, I'll admit it—she is kind of cute. Wait… no. What am I even thinking?
I'm getting my hopes up, I know I am. But then there's him—Akito Rion, the guy sitting next to her. The most handsome guy in school, the one every girl falls for. He's got a thousand times more chance with her than a quiet kid like me.
He shines so much brighter—his dark brown hair tousled just right, his ridiculously handsome face, and those striking yellow eyes that seem to catch everyone's attention. It's like he's built to stand out, effortlessly.
They seem to get along without even trying, like their conversations flow naturally, as if they've known each other forever. It's the kind of connection that feels effortless, while I can barely even muster a word when I'm near her.
''Hey Aria~, wanna go to karaoke? I have 2 free tickets to karaoke.''
''N- no sorry. I'm busy today, maybe tomorrow? Saturday? My mom wanted me to go shopping for new clothes.''
''That's perfect! Tomorrow it is~''
They're always hanging around each other, so close that it feels like they're already a couple. Everyone's been saying they'd be perfect together, and now they're one of the most talked-about "ships" at school, even if they haven't made it official.
Honestly, it doesn't matter to me whether they end up together or not. It's not like it affects anything in my world.
Deep down, I want to know her. I want to talk to her, to laugh with her, to be part of her world in some small way. But more than that, I just want to stop feeling like I'm invisible—like I'm not even a blip in her story.
The bell rings, signaling the end of the day. It's finally time to go home. As usual, I make my way to my locker, pull out my outdoor shoes, and put them on. The hallway is full with the usual chaos—chatter, footsteps.
Laughter and conversation fill the air as groups of friends chat, their voices blending into the hum of the hallway. Meanwhile, I quietly made my way outside.
I pick up my pace, weaving through the crowd, when suddenly—bump. I crash into someone, and my eyes instinctively meet his. It's Akito Rion, a familiar face I've seen countless times, somehow, we've never really looked at each other.
''S- sorry, are you okay?''
I stammer, stepping back quickly. He turns toward me, flashing a smile, his expression unexpectedly warm.
''It's fine, what's your name? You seem cool!''
''Oh u- uhm, my name is-''
''Hey Akito-kun! Are you coming or not?''
''Ahh~, don't worry. see you next time buddy!''
I freeze. Never in my life did I imagine I'd be speaking to the most popular guy in school—Aria's friend. The moment feels weird.
Reality hits—I'm going to miss the train if I don't get moving. With a shake of my head, I force my feet into motion, trying to push aside the lingering shock of what just happened.
I sprinted to the station, barely making it onto the train in time. I collapsed into an empty seat, still catching my breath. As the train jolted to life, I glanced out the window. The world outside stretched out in bright, clear colors—the sunlight spilling across the streets, the sky a perfect shade of blue. Everything felt almost too serene, too calm, as if the world had paused for just a moment. I let my gaze linger, feeling the warmth of the day wash over me.
I reach for my phone, the familiar motion automatic. Without thinking, I open my web novel app and lose myself in the pages, the world around me fading as I dive into another story.
I whisper to myself as I read the comment, my eyes are locked into the screen: Trash novel. Get better kekeke.
It really got on my nerves. How dare he trash-talk my favorite novel?
A little girl pointed her finger at me and whispered to her mother
''Mom, he's scary''
I look at the girl.
''Eh, he really is scary.. mom..''
...
I looked at my phone and replied to the comment: Get a life retard.
The train stops. I guess this is where I'm getting off. The walk home's never anything special, but today, it feels kinda... different? Whatever, i'm finally going home. I can't help but think about the cute girl i always see, Aria.
Why am i thinking about her? My forever-background character life won't stand a chance to be with her.
I opened the front door and walked in.
''Brother! you're back!''
She is thirteen, her name is Mai and she's my little sister. She's the cutest sister i ever had.
''I'm glad you're back brother!''
Her words are so cute that i want to spoil her.
''Hey brats, dinner's ready.''
There he is, the lazy brother of mine. Nineteen years old, he looks a little bit like me.
We sat down at the table and ate the food my brother made.