The applause faded as the cooking challenge ended, but Ren couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. It wasn't paranoia — he was used to flying under the radar. Blending in was second nature by now. But someone's eyes were on him.
He turned slightly. In the crowd, near the edge of the judges' table, stood a tall, silver-haired student with an elegant uniform that had clearly been custom-tailored. He had the kind of smirk that made it seem like he knew secrets you didn't even know you had.
He locked eyes with Ren. Didn't blink. Just gave a small, mocking wave.
"Oh no," Aya muttered beside him. "That's bad."
Ren raised a brow. "You know him?"
"That," she said with a dramatic shiver, "is Kaito Serizawa. Second-year. Genius. Drama king. And very, very competitive. He's top of the class — not because he's the best, but because he has to be."
"Sounds exhausting."
"It is. And he hates anyone who might be smarter than him. Which means—" She glanced at Ren. "You just made the list."
Kaito strolled over like he owned the floor, slow and deliberate, flanked by two perfectly silent students who looked like his personal entourage.
"Ren Kisaragi, is it?" Kaito's voice was smooth, theatrical. "I've heard whispers. A transfer student who keeps a low profile but wins every challenge without breaking a sweat. How curious."
Ren smiled politely. "I get lucky."
Kaito leaned in slightly, just enough to be annoying. "Oh, I don't believe in luck. Only skill... and secrets."
Aya took a step forward. "You picking a fight?"
Kaito ignored her. "Tell you what, Kisaragi. I'll request a one-on-one challenge. A special match. Just you and me. Let's see if the rumors are just smoke… or fire."
Ren shrugged. "Fine. But I like my ramen extra spicy."
Kaito's smirk twitched, just for a second. Then he turned and left, coat billowing behind him like a villain in a drama series.
Aya exhaled. "He's totally going to set up something ridiculous."
Ren looked amused. "I hope so."
---
Later that day, back in their shared club room, Aya watched Ren quietly as he leaned back in his chair, eyes closed, humming a weird tune while spinning a pen with perfect balance.
"You know," she said suddenly, "you're kind of suspicious."
Ren cracked one eye open. "That's not very nice."
"You never try. You always win. You don't talk about your old school. And people like Kaito suddenly care about you. What are you hiding?"
Ren paused, then smirked. "Just that I'm amazing. But shhh. That's classified."
Aya rolled her eyes, but there was a flicker of curiosity in them now — and something else. The way her gaze lingered, just a beat too long.
She tossed a pillow at his face. "Jerk."
He laughed.