Prologue

The classroom was still buzzing. Even through the heavy door of the library, Akira Fujiwara could hear the whispers–

“Did you see her?”

"The transfer from the city…" 

"Saionji-san is on a different level."

Akira took notice of the comments while holding a book in an empty classroom. Akira hated this environment the most. He always found himself detached from the usual chatter of the classroom. Not because he didn't have any friends, but because he never thought about it as fun. To Akira it was always a 'hassle' to get involved in other's lives. That's why he was quite alone even in the most crowded place. Finding like-minded individuals like Akira is already rare enough in itself, so Akira never had any friends.

Here we go again, praising a new transfer girl before she has even set herself in the school. Why do people even do this? Don't they realize that this actually puts pressure on them? Akira thought alone in the library. However, he didn't care for 'different levels'. He cared about finishing his book and getting home before the rain started. Nobody in their right mind would want to get wet on their own accord. So, he stepped out into the hallway, expecting silence, but instead, what he saw was something that was going to change his entire life forever. He found her.

Risa Saionji was leaning against the window at the end of the corridor, looking out at the courtyard. She didn't look like a nervous new student to Akira; she looked like a queen surveying a boring new kingdom. Her posture was perfect, her expression unreadable–a wall of glass that reflected everything and revealed nothing. 

Akira took a look at her. To him she was just an ordinary girl living her new life-nothing like that of his peers' perspectives. He took a look at the weather. It was about to roar and cry like a hungry child–suggesting heavy rain. Akira quickly turned to go home, not wanting to be involved with her. As Akira walked past, his footsteps echoed in the corridor. His footsteps sounded unnaturally loud against the heavy silence of the corridor.

 However, She didn't turn her head once, not even catching the noisy footsteps.

"It’s a dead end," Akira said quietly. His voice was flat. Akira didn't want to get involved with unnecessary hassle. However, seeing such a lost girl at the dead end of nowhere troubled him inside. Although he didn't look at her, he gestured toward the far door. 

"The faculty office is the other way." Akira said, thinking that she needed to go talk with the teacher as a new student. Risa finally turned. Her eyes were sharp, scanning him in a second—checking if he was a fanboy or a threat. However, she found neither in him. Her gaze turned icy. 

"I know where I am," she replied. Her voice was smooth but distant, like a recorded message. 

"I was enjoying the silence." Akira could tell that it was not her first time shutting someone so coldly. However, Akira's foot hovered over the air for a second before he stabilized himself to think. Most transfer students won't behave cold on their first day. Risa Saionji, however, was already pushing people away before they could even get close. He wondered if she didn't like attention or wanted to stay alone. He believed that people like her won't make it far in the race of life unless they can thrive alone.

"Suit yourself," Akira muttered, continuing his walk. "Just don't get lost. It’s a hassle for the rest of your fanbase."

He didn't see it, but for a fleeting moment, Risa’s guarded expression flickered. Akira retreated from there as quickly as he could. She watched his retreating back—the only boy who hadn't stared at her with wide eyes.

Akira. She thought, remembering the name on his student ID badge. It looked like neither of them wanted to get involved in each other's lives. They were in different classes for a matter of fact. But fate had some other plans.