Ojou's Heart

In front of the Masanori mansion.

Takumi stands still as Rei adjusts his collar with practiced hands, the soft rustling of fabric filling the quiet morning air.

"Are you ready for today?" she asks softly, lifting his chin slightly.

“I’m a bit nervous.”

Rei pats his head, a playful gesture.

"There," she says, her voice light and warm. "Now you're perfect."

Takumi smiles, tilting his head slightly. "You always say that."

Rei laughs gracefully, a sweet sound that makes Takumi’s heart skip. She tucks a lock of hair behind her ear, her smile playful.

"Because it’s true," she replies, her voice soothing.

Her eyes soften as she looks at him, and for a moment, it feels as though no one else in the world exists.

Rei leans in a little closer, her hand brushing against his.

"Just so you know," she says, her voice teasing but gentle, "you’re already taken, Takumi."

Takumi blinks in surprise, a soft chuckle escaping him. "I know, Rei."

"Good," she replies, her eyes sparkling. "Just making sure." Her fingers curl around his hand lightly, holding on just a little longer than necessary.

Rei smiles, her eyes closing softly. "I like taking care of you."

Takumi walks beside Rei, their hands brushing occasionally.

A new school year, a fresh start—but doubt lingers. He never expected to pass the entrance exam, and even now, he wonders why he’s here. Rei reassures him often, but the feeling doesn’t fade. Why has he been accepted? He doesn’t know.

As they enter the school grounds, a girl approaches him with a friendly smile, exuding confidence. Her hair flows effortlessly, and her accent smells of sun and lemons, a tinge of playful flirtation in her voice.

"Oh, you look so 'guapo', my guy."

She places a hand lightly on Takumi's shoulder, her fingers lingering just a moment longer than necessary, eyes twinkling as if they share a secret.

"You’re well-built. Are you some kind of martial artist?"

Takumi stiffens, unsure how to react. His usual hesitation creeps in as he glances nervously at Rei.

‘What is she doing? Why does this feel… different?’

Rei pulls Takumi to him.

"He's already taken."

The foreign girl flashes them a casual wave as she walks away, and Takumi lets out a breath. But the moment isn’t over yet.

Rei pouts at him, her expression adorably sulky.

"You need to react, Takumi."

Flustered, Takumi nods, though he still doesn’t fully understand what’s going on. His gaze shifts nervously as he tries to process her words.

Her sharp gaze is fixed on him, and for a moment, he feels the weight of it.

 She's not happy, but he can't quite figure out why.

'What’s going on with her? She’s been acting different lately…'

The auditorium is quiet, the hum of students settling into their seats. Rei and Takumi are looking around for their numbered seats.

Rei stands with perfect posture, her attention unwavering. Eyes naturally fall on her, a perfect raven beauty. Hushes come across the crowd, admiring Rei's elegant and assertive posture.

Takumi beside her is quiet, obedient, like a shadow of his girlfriend... He looks around the crowd, when his gaze drifts, sliding across the room toward the front scene. His eyes fall on a blonde girl, helping an elderly teacher to their seat. Once the teacher is seated, she turns slightly, and Takumi's heart makes a leap. She laughs, eyes closed, her smile bright—an angelic glow around her. The teacher bows, grateful, before the girl disappears into the crowd mass. Takumi loses sight of her and his heart rate steadies back to normal.

*Three thumps.* The crowd falls silent, as the lights dim.

“A word from our chairwoman, Kanzaki Sumire,” the teacher announces.

A large screen slides down, revealing a figure's shadow. A lady in a large kimono, pooling around her elegantly, is venting her fan. Kanzaki Sumire.

"Welcome to Star Paradise International Academy," she begins solemnly.

"Congratulations. Passing our entrance exam is no easy feat. But do not mistake your achievement for comfort—this is not a place where children are coddled. We are here to teach you how to carve your own path… , to become Stars.”


She lifts her fan, pointing toward the crowd awestruck in silence.

“Star Paradise is not just any academy—those who reach the top are expected to embody their field. Whatever your passion, you will be trained to master it. Power is a reality of the world—here, you will learn how to wield it."


Takumi gulps. This speech is inspiring for Rei, but for him, it feels suffocating. He doesn’t like violence, in any form.


"Our mission is global. You are here to understand the world: the people, the cultures, and the ideas that shape it. You are here to become Stars of the world. When you leave Star Paradise, you will step into the world, and shape it. With intellect, with ambition, with the force of your will, you will carve the future of this planet with your own hands."


Her shadow makes a graceful, almost theatrical motion as she fans herself. The exaggerated gesture carries an air of calculated elegance.


"The world is your oyster. Seize it. That is the Star Paradise way."


The screen rises. A resonating gong echoes, as Sumire’s figure vanishes, her final words sealed in glory.


Takumi and Rei instinctively look at each other. A fierce spark lights in her eyes— her perfect world brought to life by Sumire's words and theatrics. She meets his gaze and smiles, small but knowing.


Then, her expression sharpens. Her grip on his hand tightens, almost like a cat sinking its claws into its prey… as if to reassure him—she will never let him fall behind.

The last evening of summer settles around the Masanori estate.

Rei sits in the corner of the room, pen in hand, the steady scratch of her writing filling the quiet space.

But her gaze often drifts to Takumi outside the window, his figure moving gracefully as he practices with his sword, the rhythm of his strikes sharp and focused.

When he finishes, Rei sets her pen aside and walks toward him, her footsteps light. She picks up a small wet cloth and gently dabs at the sweat on his brow.

“You’ve gotten stronger,” she murmurs, her voice soft.

Takumi smiles, his eyes tired but kind. “I always do.”

Rei lingers just a moment longer, her fingers brushing his skin, feeling the warmth. But Takumi doesn’t seem to notice. He wipes his face and nods absently, his attention drifting.

Her fingers hover, as if wanting to reach for him again—but she stops herself. Instead, she watches as his gaze shifts past her, toward something—or someone—that catches his eye.

A faint smile tugs at his lips.

Rei’s breath catches, but she doesn’t move.

For a moment, she stays still, holding back the feeling that’s threatening to spill over.

“This is how I’ll always see you,” she says quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Strong.”

Takumi glances back at her, his expression distant. He sees her, but it’s as if something is missing.

Rei smiles softly, though the smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes.

The evening light casts soft shadows, but in that moment, she feels a little more uncertain, a little more distant from the boy she thought she knew so well.