---
In the year 1999, a brutal war erupted between Virelia and the Dravoska Empire. Cities burned, families were torn apart, and hope flickered like a dying flame. But in 2005, Virelia finally triumphed. The war ended. Our country was free.
To rebuild, the government founded a prestigious academy: Kensei Takamine. A school for the elite—designed to raise children who would lead the future. Only the best of the best were allowed to enter. No exceptions.
Now it's the year 2024, and this is where my story begins.
My name is Kiro Takamine. And if you're expecting a hero… you're way off. I'm just a lazy, half-asleep guy who'd rather stay in bed forever.
---
Sunlight barely touched my messy room. Clothes on the floor. Curtains closed. Darkness was my comfort.
BANG!
The door swung open with force.
"Big brother!!!" a familiar voice shouted.
I groaned. Not again...
Standing there, furious and wide awake, was my sister—Rika Sakurai.
"I've had enough of this!" she said, arms crossed.
I barely opened one eye. "I'm still alive...? Damn. Thought I finally died in my sleep."
"You're going to Kensei Takamine, and you're not saying no."
I blinked. "Why should I?"
"Because if you don't," she grinned wickedly, "I'll wake you up like this every morning."
I imagined that—her barging in daily, yelling in my ear. No peace. No sleep.
"…Fine. I've got no choice," I sighed.
"Knew you'd say yes!" she said, tossing my uniform at me. "Now get dressed."
She turned and walked out.
I stared at the door.
"She totally planned this," I muttered.
---
After a deep sigh, I changed and dragged myself to the living room. Rika stood by the table, holding a bag.
"Here. I packed everything you need."
"…Thanks." I took it and headed out.
Standing at the front gate, I looked at the sky.
"I really have to do this, huh…?"
Then—
"Move aside. Stop daydreaming."
I turned around.
A girl brushed past me, her long black hair flowing behind her, her eyes a deep, unnatural red. She didn't even glance back.
Well, someone's got attitude, I thought.
I followed the path to school, and to my surprise, she stopped and faced me.
"…Why are you following me?"
"I'm not. That's my classroom," I said, pointing ahead.
She blinked, looked at the door, then turned away without a word and walked in.
---
Inside, the teacher gave us a long glare.
"You're late," he said.
I yawned. "Yeah, sorry."
"Name?" he asked the girl.
"Yuki Kirasame," she replied calmly.
Whispers broke out across the room.
"Wait… Yuki? That Yuki?"
"She's like a robot. I heard she's insane at studying."
"Didn't her brother make it to Class A?"
The teacher sighed. "Quiet down."
He marked her name on the register. "Seat at the back."
He turned to me. "And you?"
"Kiro Takamine."
"Back seat as well."
I walked past rows of curious students and slumped into my chair behind Yuki. My head dropped to the desk like a rock.
The class began, but I couldn't stop noticing her.
Focused. Unmoving. Answering everything with perfection. She didn't even blink wrong.
I sighed. Who studies this hard...?
When the bell rang, everyone left. Yuki stayed, still scribbling notes like the test was tomorrow.
I left the classroom and found a shady tree outside. I laid down, eyes closed, drifting off…
---
"…Can't believe she's in Class D."
"Yeah. Yuki's brother is in Class A. The best of the best."
"Meanwhile, we're stuck at the bottom. Class D—the trash tier."
They laughed and walked away.
I opened one eye and looked at the sky.
Class D, huh… Figures.
---
Later that day, we had our next class. Same classroom. Same seats. And Yuki? Still working. Not even a sip of water.
"Hey, Yuki," I whispered. "You've been working for hours…"
"I don't need a break," she said sharply.
"Why?"
"Just stop talking."
Suddenly, her body swayed. Her hands trembled—then she collapsed.
"Tch… I told you so."
I caught her before she hit the floor and carried her out of class. Students stared as I passed through the halls, heading for the nurse's office.
---
I laid her on the bed and sat beside her. Minutes passed.
In her unconscious mind, a memory played:
> "Don't be like your mother," her father said coldly. "A burden."
> "I'm not a burden…" she whispered back.
---
Her eyes fluttered open. She looked around and saw me.
"You're awake," I said flatly.
She sat up fast. "What happened…?"
"You passed out. From overworking."
She looked down. "I… did?"
Her voice cracked. "Maybe I am a burden…"
Tears welled up in her eyes.
I looked away, annoyed.
I didn't sign up for emotional drama…
She stood quickly. "I should go. My father… he'll be mad."
She walked past me and paused at the door.
"…Thanks," she said quietly.
Then she left.
---
I came home and slumped onto the couch.
Rika popped out. "So! How was your first day?"
"Boring."
I headed to my room and crashed into bed.
Staring at the ceiling, I thought about Yuki. And what she said.
"Maybe I'm a burden…"
I grabbed my phone and searched:
> Yuki Kirasame – Brother: Renji Kirasame – Class A Student
Figures. The top-tier sibling.
She's trying to prove herself. Trying to be like him. Trying not to be seen as weak.
I turned off my phone and rolled over.
Yuki… what are you really trying to prove?
---
The next day came.
I dragged myself into school, sat down, and glanced over at Yuki. She avoided my gaze.
The teacher walked in.
"You all failed," he said coldly. "Not even a single point earned yesterday. And in this academy, points are everything. No points means no access to food, equipment, or privileges."
Yuki looked down, her hands trembling.
She's furious at herself…
I sighed.
Next time… I'll try hard next time