Prologue: — "The Rejection that would Change Everything!"

The afternoon sun bathed the courtyard in gold, stretching long shadows across the empty benches. Most students had already gone home, leaving only a few lingering near the school gates.

Ayaka Hoshino leaned against the wall of the music room, her phone in hand. She had just uploaded another short dance clip to her social media page. Only a handful of classmates had seen it so far, but every tiny like and comment made her pulse quicken. One day, people beyond this school would notice her. People would admire her. She would shine.

“Um… Ayaka?”

She looked up.

Ren Takahashi.

He shuffled nervously, dark hair falling over his forehead, baggy uniform slightly wrinkled, cheeks flushed. Ordinary. Plain. Definitely not boyfriend material.

“Yes?” Ayaka said sharply, tilting her head.

He took a shaky breath, fidgeting with his fingers. “…I… I, um… I really like you, Ayaka. I’ve… I’ve liked you for a long time, and—” He paused, swallowed, then pushed out the words in a rush. “Would… would you go out with me?”

Ayaka blinked. Her chest tightened, not from affection, but from irritation.

“What?” she snapped. “Are you kidding me?”

“I-I… I just thought maybe—” Ren stammered.

“Maybe what? That I’d like you back?!” she interrupted, her voice rising. “That’s ridiculous! I’m not interested, Ren. Why do you even think this is a good idea?”

Ren hesitated, biting his lip. “…I just… I like you…”

“And I said I’m not interested!” Ayaka barked, stepping closer. “Do you even listen when I speak? I’m focused on myself, my videos, my dancing, my future. You? You’re nothing I need.”

“I… I thought you might feel the same…” he said quietly, voice breaking slightly.

Ayaka crossed her arms, her eyes cold. “Well, you’re wrong. I don’t. So don’t waste your time. Don’t bother me again.”

He opened his mouth as if to protest, stammering, “B-but I—”

“No!” she yelled, sharper this time. “I said no, Ren. I don’t like you. Not now, not ever. Understand?”

Ren’s shoulders slumped, his lips pressed into a thin line. “…I… I understand.”

He stood there for a moment longer, clearly hurt, looking like he wanted to argue again, but after a long, shaky breath, he turned and walked away. His backpack bounced with each step, and his head was bowed. He didn’t look back.

Ayaka watched him leave, phone still clutched tightly in her hand. She didn’t feel bad. One more distraction gone. One less obstacle on the path to the future she deserved.

She tucked her phone into her bag, adjusted her hair, and walked toward the school gate, already thinking about her next video, her next dance, the next step toward the admiration she was destined to earn.

Back then, she had no idea that rejecting Ren so harshly would one day haunt her.