Rukia Delim hadn't meant to eavesdrop.
She just happened to be there—around the corner, half-hidden behind a locker—when Kaiser's voice reached her ears.
> "I missed you. I still want you in my life—as a friend."
A breath escaped her lips.
She leaned back against the cold wall, eyes closing for a moment.
So… they're okay now.
She smiled faintly, trying to feel relieved.
But instead, something colder gnawed at her chest.
It was Shinoa who changed him.
Not her.
Rukia had admired him for years—from the shadows, from the silence. She knew his ambition, his solitude, his strength.
But it was Shinoa who brought the light back into his world.
If she truly tried… she might actually win him.
Rukia's confidence—once blazing—began to flicker.
Later that week, the school's announcement echoed across the courtyard:
> "The Spring School Campus begins next Monday! You'll be grouped into teams of five. Prepare for nature challenges, missions, and memories!"
Normally, Kaiser would've tuned it out.
Pointless noise. Fake excitement. Nothing he needed.
But this time… something felt different.
He wasn't smiling.
But his walls weren't as high anymore.
Maybe this time… I'll try.
As the student body buzzed with excitement, Rukia was the first to reach him.
"You're joining a party, right?" she asked, casually brushing her hair back.
He gave her a sideways glance. "I guess."
"Then join mine," she offered quickly. "We've got three spots left."
Beside her stood Hiraku Blumenthal—a quirky otaku with wild sky-blue hair, headphones around his neck, and a grin like he knew every cheat code to life. Despite his antics, he ranked top five in studies, athletics, and gaming.
Kaiser nodded once. "Alright."
With him, Rukia, and Hiraku, the team was nearly complete.
Until—
Shinoa Kurai approached.
She walked up alone, her red eyes focused, lips pressed into a calm line.
"Can I join your group?" she asked, completely ignoring Rukia.
Before Kaiser could answer, another voice cut in—
Raju Desai.
Football captain. Confident. Competitive. And Kaiser's long-standing rival.
He strode in like he owned the place, stopping just close enough to whisper in Kaiser's ear:
> "I'm not letting a guy like you have a girl like her."
Kaiser didn't flinch.
Instead, he looked straight at Shinoa.
"Yeah," he said smoothly. "I'd be happy to have you in the group."
Shinoa blinked, caught off guard.
"You would?" she asked, a soft blush rising.
Kaiser gave her a rare, crooked smile. "Being honest is fun sometimes."
Shinoa laughed nervously, brushing her hair back. "You're dangerous when you say things like that. You're already too popular."
He leaned in, whispering just loud enough for her to hear:
> "That's why I do it."
Her face turned bright red. She opened her mouth, but no sound came.
Then—snap.
Rukia had seen enough.
With perfect timing, she stepped in, grabbed Kaiser's hand, and pulled him toward her—deliberately pressing his arm against her chest.
Her smile was sweet. Her eyes were not.
"Oops," she said, too innocently. "Didn't mean to interrupt."
Shinoa's eyes narrowed instantly.
Inside, her pride flared like a blade drawn too fast.
> This bitch…
She turned away, her voice calm—but her mind razor-sharp.
So that's how you want to play it, Rukia?
Fine. Game on.
The field trip hadn't even started yet.
But the real battle?
It had.