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.
She heard his words to Shinoa.
"I missed you. I still want you in my life—as a friend."
A breath escaped her lips. She leaned back against the wall, eyes closed.
So… they're okay now.
She smiled faintly, trying to feel relieved.
But instead, she felt something colder gnawing at her chest.
It was Shinoa who changed him.
Not her.
Rukia had admired him from a distance for years. She saw his strength, his ambition, his loneliness.
And yet, the one who brought color back to Kaiser's world… wasn't her.
If Shinoa wants to win him… she might actually succeed.
Her confidence, once burning, began to flicker.
---
Later that week, the school announced the long-awaited "Spring School Campus"—a field trip combining nature, activities, and group missions. Students would be placed into parties of four.
Normally, Kaiser would've tuned out the announcement. These events didn't interest him.
But now… something felt different.
He wasn't smiling. But his walls weren't as high anymore.
Maybe this time... I'll try.
As the crowd buzzed with excitement, Rukia approached him first.
"You're joining a party, right?" she asked, trying to keep her voice casual.
He looked at her, thoughtful. "I guess."
"Then join mine." She smiled. "We've got one spot left."
He glanced over. Beside her stood Hiraku Blumenthal—an eccentric otaku with sky-blue hair and a carefree grin. Despite his quirks, he ranked top five in almost everything: studies, athletics, and gaming.
Kaiser nodded. "Fine."
With him, Rukia, and Hiraku, the party was nearly full.
But then came Shinoa Kurai.
She walked up alone, lips pursed, red eyes steady.
"Can I join your group?" she asked, ignoring Rukia completely.
Before Kaiser could answer, someone else stepped forward—
Raju Desai.
Athletic. Confident. Loud. And one of Kaiser's oldest rivals.
He leaned in close and whispered into Kaiser's ear, voice sharp.
> "I won't let a guy like you have a girl like Shinoa."
Kaiser didn't flinch. Instead, he turned back to Shinoa and, with no hesitation, replied,
"Yeah. I'd be happy to have you in the group."
Shinoa blinked, caught off guard.
"You would?" she said, blushing lightly.
Kaiser gave a rare, crooked smile. "Being honest is fun sometimes."
She laughed nervously. "You're too dangerous when you say things like that. You're already too popular."
He leaned forward, whispering just enough for her to hear.
> "That's why I do it."
Shinoa's face turned bright red. Her lips parted, but no words came.
Then—snap.
Rukia had seen enough.
She grabbed Kaiser's hand, pulled him closer, and deliberately pressed his arm into her chest.
With a smug smile, she stared right at Shinoa.
"Oops," she said. "Didn't mean to interrupt."
Shinoa narrowed her eyes.
In her mind, words sharpened like daggers.
"This bitch…"
She turned away, but her pride blazed.
So that's how it is, Rukia? Then fine. Challenge accepted.
Their school trip hadn't even started yet.
But the real battle had already begun.