Chapter 2:

Annoyance

Elegy of the Red Eclipse

Hikarigaoka High School, Tokyo - Morning

The next morning, Miku waltzed into class with her trademark sway, eyes locking on Ryu at his desk. A grin curved her lips as she slipped behind him and wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders.

“Ohayou, champ~” she murmured, cheek pressed against the warmth of his back.

Ryu glanced over his shoulder, his smile effortless. “Ohayou.” He leaned into her hold as if it belonged there.

Ryu Isagi. Boxer. Heartthrob. Sharp jawline, wide shoulders, jet-black hair slicked neat. He carried himself like he’d stepped out of a sports magazine. His eyes, bright blue, caught the classroom’s morning light. To Miku, he was the perfect mix of tough and handsome—and best of all, he was hers.

“You’re clingy today. Not up to trouble already, are you?” he teased, twisting in his chair to tug her into a proper hug.

Miku puffed her cheeks and stuck out her tongue. “Shut up. You love me clingy~”

He chuckled, brushing a hand through her hair before letting her go. She dropped into the seat beside him, smug smile intact. Folding her arms beneath her chest, she leaned back and caught him sneaking a glance.

“What is it, Ryu-kun? Enjoying my view?” she whispered, tugging her blazer open just enough to tease. Boys around them stared like starving wolves.

Ryu clicked his tongue, leaning close so only she could hear. “Baka. Do you realize how many eyes are on you?”

Before she could snap back, he caught her lapels and tugged the jacket closed.

Miku froze, heat rushing across her cheeks. “H-hey… what are you doing?”

“Saving you from yourself,” he said coolly, though his lips twitched with a smirk. “Unless you want every guy here drooling over your body.”

She leaned closer, her breath brushing his ear. “Jealous?”

His gaze held steady. “Maybe I am.”

The bell rang, sharp and commanding. Chairs scraped, voices dimmed, and the teacher strode in, glasses flashing.

“Sit down, class.” His gaze swept the room before landing on the door. “Before we begin, a new student will be joining us.”

Heads turned. Miku and Ryu exchanged a glance, curiosity flickering.

Then she appeared.

The girl Miku had bumped into last night.

Now, in daylight, her presence spilled into the room like sunlight through an open window—soft yet commanding. Her uniform swayed with each graceful step, navy pleats brushing her legs. Black hair cascaded down her back like a midnight river, tied with a single pink ribbon that lent her a fragile innocence.

But her eyes—crimson, luminous—glowed with an elegance that made it impossible to look away. She didn’t just enter; she belonged, as if the class had been waiting for her.

She turned, smile radiant. “My name is Chisa Nagahara. Nice to meet you! Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!”

For a moment: silence.

Then the eruption. Chairs screeched as boys lunged for a better look. One voice cracked above the noise:

“Wait—isn’t that Chisa-chan from Love & Partie? The one debuting next month?!”

Miku’s eyes narrowed. The name hung heavy, electrifying the air. Perfect skin, perfect smile, that practiced aura of innocence.

Of course, she’s an idol.

And of course, every boy was staring like she’d descended from heaven.

Even Ryu.

Miku’s jaw tightened at the sight of his parted lips, the unguarded look in his eyes. She hated it. She hated sharing.

The teacher cleared his throat, trying to tame the chaos. “Thank you, Chisa. Please take the seat beside Ryu Isagi-san, near the window.”

Of all places.

Miku’s stomach twisted as the idol floated past, every step deliberate. That desk—her desk. The girl who sat there before, Haruna, had lasted barely two months before vanishing. Rumors said she’d transferred. The truth was uglier.

Miku remembered her well. The mocking laughter in bathroom stalls, the homework that never reached her hands. Haruna was walking out of class for the last time, eyes lifeless. Not my fault, she was so pathetic.

That’s why she got rid of her. And now? Another one to deal with.

“Perfect,” Miku muttered, scowling at the ribboned idol. “Another princess.”

Chisa lowered herself into the seat. With practiced charm, she extended her hand to Ryu.

“Yoroshiku onegaishimasu, Ryu-kun~”

The first-name intimacy stunned him. He stiffened, hand darting to hers. “Yoroshiku, Chisa-san.”

Miku rolled her eyes. Of course. Sweet voice, innocent smile, perfect timing. All fake.

Then Chisa turned to her, extending the same pale hand, smile still glowing.

“Yoroshiku!”

To the class, it was innocent. To Miku, it was venom wrapped in silk. The room watched. Refusal would make her petty; acceptance would feel like swallowing poison.

Slowly, she clasped it. “Yoroshiku.” Flat voice. No smile. Only her eyes delivered the warning.

But Chisa’s smile didn’t falter. If anything, it softened, as if she saw the hostility and welcomed it.

Miku let go first.

When lunch arrived, Chisa didn’t make it two steps before classmates swarmed, peppering her with questions. She laughed politely, but her smile strained.

Then Ryu stepped in. “Alright, give her space. She just got here.” His calm tone cut through the chatter.

The crowd relented. Chisa looked up at him, relief blooming into another flawless smile. “Arigatou nee, Ryu-kun! I was starting to feel like a zoo exhibit.”

Ryu chuckled, rubbing his neck. “No need to say thanks. Fans can be like that.”

“Hate those hungry fans. Am I right?” Miku cut in, voice sharp.

Ryu shot her a warning look.

Chisa, unfazed, only smiled wider. “I’ll get used to it.”

The sting landed. Miku’s nails dug into her sleeves.

“And you,” Chisa said softly, eyes turning to Miku. “What’s your name?”

A hush fell.

“Miku,” she said at last. “Takasawa Miku.”

Chisa repeated it with a sugary lilt. “Miku-chan~. So cute. It suits you.”

Compliment or mockery, Miku couldn’t tell. Her blood boiled either way.

Then Chisa clasped her hands together. “I didn’t bring lunch… Do you guys get bentos here?”

“We usually grab them from the cafeteria,” Ryu offered.

“I get mine from a café down the street,” Miku cut in, eyes locked on Chisa. “Way better than school food.”

Chisa’s eyes lit up. She seized Miku’s hands. “Really? Can you show me? Pleaseee?”

Giggles rippled through the class. Even Ryu stifled a laugh.

Miku’s face burned. She glanced at Ryu for rescue. None came. Chisa’s smile was unwavering.

“Fine,” she snapped, yanking her hand back—not rough, just sharp. “But don’t slow me down.”

“…Wait,” Ryu said, brow arched, “you’re letting someone into our secret spot?”

Miku’s blood boiled. “Shut. Up.”

He smirked, enjoying the chaos.

“Yaaay! Thank you, Miku-chan!” Chisa chimed.

Miku groaned.

The café down the street glowed warm with the smell of rice. Chisa hovered at the counter, choosing a bento with childlike excitement. Soon, the three of them were on the rooftop, the city sprawling in summer haze.

“This place is amazing!” Chisa chirped.

Miku unwrapped her bento with practiced ease, Ryu settling beside her. Chisa sat opposite, stealing glances that made Miku’s skin prickle.

Finally, Miku stabbed her salmon and muttered, “So… you’re an idol?”

“Yes!” Chisa’s face brightened.

“Sounds boring.”

“It is,” Chisa admitted with a laugh. “The training’s rough. But I do it to support myself—I don’t want my parents spending on me.”

Her light tone carried something honest. Miku’s chopsticks froze.

“Wow,” Ryu said, impressed. “You’re really independent.”

Chisa flushed, ducking her head.

Miku clenched her teeth. Independent. Hardworking. Beautiful. Perfect. Every word pulled Ryu closer.

She had to break it. Fast.

“Ryu~ aaan~” Miku sang, holding a piece of karaage to his lips.