Rivals to Us

Chapter 1 - The New Rival

Spring had arrived once again.

Cherry blossom petals drifted lazily through the morning air, covering the streets in soft shades of pink as students made their way toward Hoshizora High School. Laughter echoed across the front gates, where old friends reunited after the long spring break and first-year students nervously searched for their classrooms.

Among the crowd walked Reina Mizuno.

Unlike everyone around her, she wasn't looking for anyone. One hand rested on the strap of her school bag as she made her way through the sea of students with quiet confidence. Her long white hair, fading naturally into crimson-red at the ends, was tied into its usual high ponytail. Even after years of attending school, she could still feel the occasional stares.

"Is her hair real?"

"I heard she's never dyed it."

"It actually looks kind of cool."

Reina had learned long ago not to react. People were curious, and that curiosity usually faded after a few weeks. She simply continued walking.

At least they're saying something different this year.

The school building stood proudly beneath blooming cherry blossom trees, welcoming students into another year of classes, friendships, and memories.

Reina slipped off her outdoor shoes at the entrance, changed into her indoor slippers, and headed toward the noticeboard where dozens of students had gathered around the class lists.

She quietly squeezed through the crowd until she found the list for the second-year classes.

Her finger traced down the names.

Class 2-B.

A small smile appeared on her face.

"So I'm in 2-B..."

Before she could look any further, an excited voice called out from behind her.

"Rei!"

She barely had time to turn before Aki Hillian wrapped her in an enthusiastic hug.

"We're in the same class!" Aki beamed.

Reina laughed softly.

"Aki... you're crushing me."

"Oh! Sorry!"

Aki stepped back, laughing, though the grin on her face never disappeared.

"I seriously thought we'd end up in different classes."

"So did I."

"This year's going to be amazing," Aki said as they started walking upstairs together. "Maybe we'll get an easy teacher. Maybe we won't get much homework. Maybe—"

"You've already made two impossible wishes."

Aki pouted dramatically.

"You always ruin my optimism."

"I prefer the word 'realistic.'"

The two girls laughed as they entered Class 2-B.

Students were already chatting excitedly while choosing seats. Reina naturally made her way toward a desk beside the window, while Aki claimed the seat directly behind her.

"This spot's perfect," Aki said. "I can copy your notes."

"You say that every year."

"And every year it works."

Reina rolled her eyes, unable to hide a smile.

Outside, sunlight streamed through the classroom windows, making the cherry blossoms glow softly.

Just as the room settled down, the classroom door slid open.

A man in his early thirties stepped inside carrying a stack of attendance sheets.

He adjusted his glasses before writing neatly across the blackboard.

Second Year – Class 2-B

"Good morning, everyone," he said calmly. "My name is Kenji Sato. I'll be your homeroom teacher this year."

The class greeted him in unison.

Mr. Sato began calling attendance.

One by one, students answered as their names were read.

Then...

The classroom door suddenly slid open again.

A boy stood in the doorway, slightly out of breath.

His black hair was a little messy, as though he'd rushed out of the house without looking in a mirror.

"Sorry I'm late," he said with an awkward smile.

The classroom chuckled quietly.

Mr. Sato let out a small sigh.

"It's the first day of school, Fujimoto."

"I know... my alarm and I had a disagreement."

A few students laughed.

"Take your seat."

Raito Fujimoto glanced around the classroom, searching for an empty desk.

His smile slowly faded.

There was only one seat left.

Right beside the girl sitting by the window.

He walked over and pulled out the chair.

"Looks like we're neighbors," he said casually as he sat down.

Reina looked up from her notebook.

"Looks like you're late."

Raito smiled.

"That's one way to say hello."

"I wasn't trying to say hello."

He laughed.

For the first time that morning, Reina looked directly at him.

There was something annoyingly confident about him.

Something that made her want to prove him wrong... even though she didn't know him.

Mr. Sato closed the attendance book with a gentle clap.

"Now that everyone is here," he said, "I'd like to explain this semester's biggest assignment."

The classroom immediately became quiet.

"It will be a partner project lasting until the Cultural Festival."

A few students groaned.

"It's worth thirty percent of your final grade."

The groans grew louder.

"You will not be choosing your own partners."

The room erupted with whispers.

"I've already decided them."

Reina exchanged a quick glance with Aki.

Please don't put me with someone who never does any work.

Mr. Sato looked down at his list.

"The first pair..."

He smiled.

"Reina Mizuno..."

Reina straightened in her seat.

"...and Raito Fujimoto."

Silence.

Then, almost immediately—

"What?"

Reina and Raito spoke at exactly the same time.

The classroom burst into laughter.

Aki covered her mouth, trying not to giggle.

Raito looked over at Reina with a grin.

"Guess we're partners."

Reina folded her arms.

"Don't slow me down."

His grin widened.

"Only if you can keep up."

For the first time that day, both of them smiled.

Neither realized that this reluctant partnership would become the beginning of something much bigger than either of them expected.

Chapter 1 - The New Rival (Pages 11–20)

The classroom remained silent for a moment.

Then the whispers began.

"Reina and Raito?"

"Those two?"

"This should be interesting."

Reina let out a quiet sigh before looking toward Mr. Sato.

"Sir... are you sure?"

Mr. Sato adjusted his glasses.

"Quite sure."

Raito leaned back in his chair with a grin.

"Looks like we're stuck together."

"Lucky me," Reina replied flatly.

A few students laughed.

"I heard that," Raito said.

"Good."

Mr. Sato raised a hand.

"Enough."

The classroom became quiet again.

"This project will last until the Cultural Festival in autumn."

"You'll be researching a topic of your choice, preparing a presentation, and creating a display for the festival."

"Your grade depends on teamwork just as much as the final result."

Reina frowned slightly.

Teamwork...

She glanced sideways at Raito.

This is going to be difficult.

Mr. Sato continued.

"You'll have time after school today to discuss ideas with your partners."

Aki smiled brightly.

"This'll be fun!"

"Easy for you to say," Reina muttered.

"You don't even know who I'm paired with yet."

Mr. Sato continued reading names until every student had a partner.

Once he finished, he wrote one sentence across the board.

Work together. Learn together.

"That," he said, "is the purpose of this project."

The morning lessons began.

Mathematics passed quietly.

Japanese literature followed.

Reina answered nearly every question correctly.

Across the room, Raito rested his chin in his hand, watching the teacher with only half his attention.

When the bell rang for lunch, the classroom immediately came alive.

Students pushed desks together and unpacked homemade lunches.

Aki spun around in her chair.

"Rei! Lunch?"

"Of course."

As they prepared to move their desks together, Raito stood up.

"Partner."

Reina looked at him.

"What?"

"Since we're partners..."

"Shouldn't we at least introduce ourselves properly?"

She hesitated.

"Fine."

He smiled.

"I'm Raito Fujimoto."

"Reina Mizuno."

"Nice to officially meet you."

"We've already met."

"True."

"And I still don't know if you're always this annoying."

Raito laughed.

"Guess you'll find out."

Aki watched the exchange with an amused smile.

They're already acting like rivals.

Shun Moriyama walked over carrying his lunch.

"Yo, Raito."

"Hey."

Shun looked between the two of them.

"You're Mizuno, right?"

"Yes."

"Good luck."

Reina blinked.

"Why?"

Shun pointed a thumb toward Raito.

"He's a pain."

"Hey!"

"What? It's true."

The girls laughed.

Raito folded his arms.

"Some best friend you are."

"You're welcome."

By the end of lunch, Reina had learned one thing.

Raito talked far more than she expected.

He joked with almost everyone in class, made people laugh without trying, and somehow always had something to say.

He's loud...

But everyone seems to like him.

Across the room, Raito found himself glancing toward the window.

Reina sat reading quietly while Aki chatted beside her.

She's completely different.

Quiet... serious...

But somehow interesting.

The afternoon classes began.

Neither of them noticed that they had each spent more time thinking about the other than they wanted to admit.

Chapter 1 - The New Rival (Pages 21–30)

The final bell echoed through the classroom, signalling the end of the school day.

Almost instantly, students began packing their bags.

"Don't forget," Mr. Sato called from the front of the room. "Partners are to stay behind for today's planning session."

A chorus of disappointed groans filled the classroom.

Reina quietly zipped up her bag.

Aki leaned over her desk.

"I'll wait for you outside when you're done."

"You don't have to."

"I know."

Aki smiled.

"But I want to."

Reina couldn't help smiling back.

Within minutes, most of the classroom had emptied, leaving only the project pairs behind.

Mr. Sato handed each pair a worksheet.

"Your first task is simple."

"Choose a topic you're both interested in."

"Research it over the next few weeks."

"Don't overcomplicate it."

He looked around the room.

"And remember..."

"This assignment is about learning to work with another person."

With that, he left the classroom.

Silence settled over the room.

Reina and Raito stared at the worksheet lying between them.

Neither spoke.

Finally, Raito broke the silence.

"So..."

"Any ideas?"

Reina shrugged.

"Not yet."

"Helpful."

"You asked."

He laughed quietly.

"You're surprisingly blunt."

"People usually appreciate honesty."

"Some do."

"Others get offended."

"Which one are you?"

"I'll let you figure that out."

Reina sighed.

He's impossible.

She picked up the worksheet.

"Let's just get this done."

"Agreed."

They read through the list of suggested topics.

Japanese festivals.

Environmental conservation.

Traditional architecture.

Technology in everyday life.

"These are all pretty boring," Raito admitted.

"They're supposed to be educational."

"Educational doesn't have to mean boring."

Reina looked at him for a moment.

"Do you complain about everything?"

"Only things worth complaining about."

"So... everything?"

Raito laughed.

"Maybe."

For the first time, Reina almost laughed too.

Almost.

Instead, she looked back at the worksheet.

"How about traditional festivals?"

"Why that one?"

"Because the Cultural Festival is this semester."

"It fits."

Raito nodded.

"Makes sense."

"Then that's our topic."

"That was easier than I expected."

Reina blinked.

"What did you expect?"

"A twenty-minute argument."

"Don't get used to agreeing with me."

"Wasn't planning on it."

The two exchanged another competitive smile.

Outside the classroom windows, the afternoon breeze carried cherry blossom petals across the school grounds.

For a brief moment, neither of them noticed.

They were too busy trying to pretend they weren't beginning to enjoy the conversation.

Raito stretched his arms.

"Done."

"That wasn't so bad."

"Don't say that."

"Why?"

"You'll jinx it."

He chuckled.

"You're superstitious?"

"No."

"Just realistic."

"You really like that word."

"Because it suits me."

They packed away the worksheet.

As they stood up, another pair accidentally bumped into their desks.

The worksheet slid onto the floor.

Both of them reached down at the same time.

Their hands brushed for only a second.

Both immediately pulled back.

"Sorry," Raito said.

"It's fine."

For the first time all afternoon, the room became awkwardly quiet.

Neither knew why.

Neither wanted to ask.

Reina picked up the worksheet and placed it back into her folder.

"See you tomorrow."

She turned toward the classroom door.

Raito watched her leave.

"Yeah..."

"See you tomorrow."

Chapter 1 - The New Rival (Pages 31–40)

As Reina stepped into the hallway, she let out a quiet sigh.

At least today's over.

She hadn't expected the first day of school to be so eventful.

Behind her, classroom doors slid open one after another as students poured into the hallway.

"Rei!"

Aki waved from the lockers.

"Finally! I thought you'd never finish."

"The project meeting took longer than expected."

"So..."

Aki leaned forward with a mischievous smile.

"How's your new partner?"

Reina answered immediately.

"Annoying."

"That bad?"

"He talks too much."

"Anything else?"

"He's late."

"Anything else?"

Reina thought for a moment.

"...He's too confident."

Aki laughed.

"Sounds like you noticed quite a lot."

"I notice everyone."

"Sure you do."

The two girls changed into their outdoor shoes and walked through the school gates together.

Not far behind them, Raito and Shun exited the building.

"So..."

Shun glanced sideways.

"What's your partner like?"

Raito smiled to himself.

"Serious."

"That's it?"

"Pretty much."

"Pretty?"

Raito looked away.

"...I didn't say that."

"You were thinking it."

"Shut up."

Shun burst out laughing.

"I've known you since we were six. Your face gives everything away."

"You're imagining things."

"Am I?"

Raito sighed.

"She's just different."

"Different how?"

"She doesn't try to impress anyone."

"She just... says whatever she's thinking."

Shun smiled.

"Sounds like you've already been paying attention."

"I said she's different."

"Not that I like her."

"Didn't say you did."

Raito rolled his eyes.

"You're the worst."

"Best friend privileges."

The afternoon breeze carried another wave of cherry blossom petals through the streets.

Reina and Aki waited at a pedestrian crossing.

On the opposite side of the road stood Raito and Shun.

The traffic light turned green.

Both groups began crossing.

For a brief moment, Reina and Raito passed each other in the middle.

Neither stopped walking.

Neither said a word.

They simply glanced at one another before continuing on their way.

He's strange.

She's interesting.

Neither realized they were thinking about the other.

Above them, the cherry blossoms continued to fall.

Tomorrow would be their first real day working together.

Neither was looking forward to it.

Or so they believed.

End of Chapter 1.

Chapter 2 - An Impossible Pair

Monday morning arrived faster than Reina would have liked.

The warm spring breeze carried cherry blossom petals across the school entrance as students slowly made their way inside.

Reina walked through the front gates with her usual calm expression.

She had barely taken ten steps before someone wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"Morning, Rei!" Aki cheered.

"Morning."

"Ready to spend another day with your partner?"

Reina sighed.

"I'd rather take another maths exam."

Aki laughed.

"He's not that bad."

"You've spoken to him for five minutes."

"Exactly. He seems fun."

"That's the problem."

Aki tilted her head.

"How is that a problem?"

"Because people who have too much fun usually don't do much work."

"You're judging him already?"

"I'm observing."

"Sure you are."

The girls reached their classroom just as the morning bell rang.

Most of the students had already arrived.

Raito was leaning back in his chair, talking with Shun.

Shun noticed Reina first.

"Morning, partner!" he called with a grin.

Reina blinked.

"I'm not your partner."

"Close enough."

Raito laughed.

"Ignore him."

"I plan to."

She placed her bag beside her desk without another word.

Shun leaned toward Raito.

"She rejected me."

"Congratulations."

"I think she's scary."

"You think everyone's scary."

"Not true."

"Your little sister scares you."

"She doesn't count."

Aki covered her mouth to stop herself from laughing.

Reina quietly unpacked her books.

She pretended not to listen.

She heard every word.

Mr. Sato entered the classroom exactly as the bell finished ringing.

"Good morning."

The class greeted him together.

"Before lessons begin," he said, "I'd like every project pair to spend ten minutes discussing their first research assignment."

A wave of disappointed sighs swept through the room.

"Move your desks together."

Students immediately began rearranging the classroom.

Raito stood and lightly pushed his desk beside Reina's.

Neither of them looked particularly happy about it.

He placed a blank notebook on the desks between them.

"Alright."

"Let's start properly."

Reina folded her arms.

"Go ahead."

"Tell me something about yourself."

She stared at him.

"Why?"

"Because we're partners."

"We're classmates."

"Partners."

"Temporarily."

Raito chuckled.

"You really don't make conversations easy."

"Neither do you."

He tapped his pencil against the notebook.

"Fine."

"I'll go first."

"I like basketball."

"I already guessed that."

"How?"

"Your shoes."

Raito looked down.

They were covered in tiny scuff marks.

He smiled.

"Good observation."

"Your turn."

Reina remained silent for several seconds.

"I like reading."

"That's it?"

"Yes."

"Favourite book?"

"Too many to choose."

"Favourite food?"

"You'll ask fifty questions if I answer one."

"Probably."

"Then no."

Raito laughed again.

"You're impossible."

For the first time, a tiny smile appeared on Reina's face.

It disappeared almost as quickly as it had come.

Neither of them noticed Mr. Sato watching quietly from the front of the classroom.

A small smile crossed the teacher's face.

Those two are complete opposites...

Which is exactly why they'll learn the most from each other.

The bell rang, signalling the start of first period.

Raito closed the notebook.

"Guess we'll continue this later."

Reina nodded once.

"Maybe."

She faced the front of the classroom.

For some reason...

The project didn't seem quite as hopeless as it had yesterday.

Chapter 2 - An Impossible Pair (Pages 11–20)

The first lesson passed more slowly than usual.

Reina copied notes neatly into her notebook while Mr. Sato explained the day's history lesson.

Across the aisle, Raito stared out the window.

"Fujimoto."

Raito looked up.

"Yes, sir?"

"Would you like to tell us the answer?"

The classroom became quiet.

Raito scratched the back of his head.

"...I have absolutely no idea."

A few students laughed.

Mr. Sato smiled.

"At least you're honest."

Reina shook her head slightly.

Hopeless.

Mr. Sato turned toward her.

"Mizuno?"

Without even looking at her notes, Reina answered correctly.

"Exactly," Mr. Sato replied.

As the lesson continued, Raito quietly leaned toward her.

"You saved me."

Reina kept writing.

"No."

"You answered before he could ask me again."

"That wasn't for your sake."

"Sure."

She glanced sideways.

"You're smiling."

"I usually am."

"That's exhausting."

He laughed under his breath.

The bell rang.

"Class dismissed."

Students immediately stood up and stretched.

During the short break, Aki walked over.

"How's the project going?"

Reina sighed.

"We've written exactly one sentence."

"Progress!"

"Barely."

Shun joined them.

"One sentence is more than Raito usually writes."

"Hey!"

"I'm kidding."

"Mostly."

Raito folded his arms.

"You're supposed to support me."

"I support good decisions."

"And?"

"You're still working on those."

Aki burst into laughter.

Even Reina let out a small chuckle before quickly hiding it.

Raito noticed.

"Wait..."

"Did you just laugh?"

Reina looked away.

"No."

"You definitely did."

"You imagined it."

"Shun, back me up."

"She laughed."

"Traitor," Reina muttered.

"I wasn't even on your side," Shun replied.

The second bell rang.

Everyone returned to their seats.

As the next lesson began, Reina found herself staring at the blank project notebook.

Maybe...

Working with him won't be completely impossible.

Across the room, Raito glanced toward the window.

She's a lot harder to read than everyone else.

For reasons neither of them understood...

They were already looking forward to their next conversation.

Chapter 2 - An Impossible Pair (Pages 21–30)

The lunch bell echoed through Hoshizora High School.

Within seconds, the classroom burst into conversation as students pulled out lunch boxes and moved their desks together.

"Rei!" Aki called. "Come on!"

Reina carried her lunch over without hesitation.

Before she could sit down, Mr. Sato appeared beside their desks.

"Mizuno. Fujimoto."

Both looked up.

"Since you're project partners, I'd like you to spend lunch discussing your ideas."

Reina blinked.

"...During lunch?"

"Yes."

Raito sighed dramatically.

"That's cruel, sir."

"You'll survive."

Mr. Sato walked away before either of them could argue.

Aki tried not to laugh.

"Looks like you're eating together."

"Unfortunately," Reina replied.

"I heard that," Raito said as he pulled his chair over.

"Good."

They sat opposite one another in awkward silence.

Raito opened his lunch box.

"Whoa..."

"My brother packed way too much."

Reina glanced down.

The lunch box was packed with rice, karaage, tamagoyaki, vegetables, and strawberries.

"That's enough for two people."

"Want some?"

She looked at him suspiciously.

"Why?"

"Because I won't finish it."

"No thanks."

"Suit yourself."

He happily began eating.

Reina quietly opened her own lunch.

Neatly arranged rice, grilled salmon, pickled vegetables, and sliced oranges filled the small box.

"Looks homemade," Raito said.

"It is."

"Your mum made it?"

Reina hesitated for a moment.

"My dad."

"Really?"

"He owns a café."

"That explains why it looks so good."

She looked away, hiding a small smile.

"It always tastes better than it looks."

"Impossible."

For a few moments, neither of them spoke.

The silence wasn't uncomfortable.

It was simply... quiet.

Raito finally picked up the project notebook.

"Alright."

"Back to work."

Reina nodded.

"Let's make a list."

"Of what?"

"Things we already know."

"That'll be a short list."

"Then we'll start there."

She wrote the title at the top of the page.

Traditional Japanese Festivals

Raito watched her handwriting.

"Your writing's really neat."

"Thank you."

"Mine looks like a doctor's."

"Doctors can read their own writing."

"...Good point."

Reina almost smiled again.

Almost.

"You nearly smiled."

"No I didn't."

"You definitely did."

"You're imagining things."

"You smile more than you think."

She looked up.

"And you talk more than you think."

Raito laughed.

"Fair enough."

The lunch bell signalling the end of break rang through the school.

Students hurried back to their seats.

As Reina closed the notebook, she noticed something.

They had written almost two full pages.

"Not bad," Raito said.

"For one lunch break."

"Don't get ahead of yourself."

"Was that... a compliment?"

"No."

"Sounded like one."

"It wasn't."

He smiled to himself.

She really was impossible.

And somehow...

That only made him want to know her better.

Chapter 2 - An Impossible Pair (Pages 31–40)

The afternoon lessons dragged on.

Outside, the warm spring breeze continued to carry cherry blossom petals past the classroom windows.

Reina tried her best to concentrate on the teacher's explanation.

She couldn't.

Every few minutes, she found herself wondering how their project would actually turn out.

He's so different from me...

How are we supposed to work together until the Cultural Festival?

Across the classroom, Raito rested his pencil on his desk.

For once, he wasn't paying attention either.

Instead, he glanced toward the window seat.

Reina was completely focused on writing notes.

She never gets distracted...

Does she ever relax?

The final bell echoed through the school.

"That's all for today," Mr. Sato announced.

"Don't forget to bring one research source tomorrow."

"Class dismissed."

Students quickly packed their bags.

Aki walked over to Reina's desk.

"Want to stop by the convenience store on the way home?"

"Sure."

Before the two girls could leave, Raito stood beside Reina's desk.

"Hey."

Reina looked up.

"What?"

"We should probably decide who's researching what."

"Now?"

"It'll only take a minute."

Reina looked at Aki.

"Go on ahead. I'll catch up."

"Alright."

Aki smiled knowingly before leaving with the rest of the class.

Soon, only a few students remained.

Raito opened the project notebook.

"I'll research the history of Japanese festivals."

"Then I'll research how they're celebrated today."

"Works for me."

Reina wrote the plan neatly into the notebook.

"Done."

"See?" Raito said with a grin.

"That wasn't so difficult."

"Don't get used to agreeing with me."

"I wouldn't dream of it."

Reina closed the notebook and placed it inside her school bag.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

She turned toward the classroom door.

"Reina."

She stopped walking.

"...What?"

"Your hair."

She slowly turned around.

Her expression became guarded.

"What about it?"

"It's real, isn't it?"

There was no teasing in his voice.

Only genuine curiosity.

Reina nodded once.

"It always has been."

"I thought so."

She blinked.

"That's all?"

"Yeah."

"People keep asking if it's dyed."

"I figured..."

He smiled.

"It suits you."

For the first time all day...

Reina didn't know how to respond.

No one had ever said that before.

She looked away.

"...Thanks."

It was barely louder than a whisper.

Raito smiled to himself.

"See you tomorrow, partner."

"Don't call me that."

"Tomorrow, then."

She walked out of the classroom.

As soon as the door slid shut behind her, she let out a quiet breath.

What was that?

Why did that catch me off guard?

Outside the school gates, Aki immediately noticed her thoughtful expression.

"You're quiet."

"Am I?"

"Did something happen?"

Reina shook her head.

"No."

But even as she answered...

She couldn't stop thinking about those three simple words.

It suits you.

Back in the classroom, Raito picked up his bag.

Shun appeared at the doorway.

"You ready?"

"Yeah."

"What took so long?"

Raito smiled faintly.

"Nothing."

"...You're smiling again."

"Am not."

"You definitely are."

The two boys left the classroom together.

Neither Reina nor Raito realised it yet...

But their rivalry had just become a little more complicated.

End of Chapter 2.

Chapter 3 - The First Challenge

Wednesday morning arrived with clear blue skies.

The cherry blossoms were beginning to thin, their petals scattered across the pathways leading to Hoshizora High School.

Reina walked through the school gates with a small book tucked beneath her arm.

She had stopped by the local library before school to borrow a book about traditional Japanese festivals.

At least I'll have something useful for today's meeting.

"Morning, Rei!"

Aki hurried over, almost dropping her school bag.

"Morning."

"Did you actually go to the library before school?"

"Yes."

"You're way too responsible."

"Someone has to be."

Aki laughed.

"Please don't tell me your partner didn't do any research."

Reina shrugged.

"We'll find out."

The girls climbed the stairs together and entered Class 2-B.

Students chatted as they waited for homeroom to begin.

Shun was balancing a pencil on his finger while Raito tried to knock it off using another pencil.

"You're going to hit someone," Reina muttered as she walked past.

"Nah, I've got perfect aim," Raito replied confidently.

The pencil slipped from his fingers.

It bounced off his desk before rolling across the floor.

Shun burst into laughter.

"Perfect aim?"

"That was a practice throw."

Reina shook her head.

"Hopeless."

"You say that a lot."

"Because you give me plenty of reasons."

Raito grinned.

"At least you're talking to me more."

Reina froze for a second.

"I'm correcting you."

"Still talking."

Before she could reply, Mr. Sato entered the classroom.

"Good morning, everyone."

The class greeted him together.

"Before we begin today's lessons, I'd like each project pair to show me one research source."

Students reached into their bags.

Books, printed articles, and notebooks quickly appeared across the classroom.

Reina placed her library book neatly on the desk.

Mr. Sato nodded with approval.

"Excellent, Mizuno."

He turned toward Raito.

"And yours?"

Raito confidently reached into his school bag.

His smile slowly disappeared.

He searched again.

Then again.

"...Uh..."

Shun quietly covered his face.

"You forgot, didn't you?"

"I..."

"...might have."

The classroom erupted into laughter.

Reina closed her eyes.

I knew this would happen.

Mr. Sato folded his arms.

"Fujimoto."

"You had two days."

"I know, sir."

"See me after class."

"Yes, sir."

As Mr. Sato continued around the classroom, Reina quietly slid her library book toward the middle of their desks.

Raito noticed.

"What's that for?" he whispered.

"If you're going to forget your research..."

"You can at least read mine."

For the first time that morning, Raito looked genuinely surprised.

"...Thanks."

Reina didn't look at him.

"Don't thank me yet."

"If this project fails..."

"I'm blaming you."

Raito smiled.

"Fair enough."

The morning lessons began, but for the rest of the class, one thought stayed in his mind.

Maybe she's kinder than she lets everyone see.

Chapter 3 - The First Challenge (Pages 11–20)

The rest of the morning passed quietly.

Every so often, Reina glanced toward the library book lying between their desks.

Raito had actually opened it.

She hadn't expected that.

Maybe he does take this project seriously...

Just before the lunch bell, Mr. Sato stood at the front of the classroom.

"Before everyone leaves for lunch, I have an announcement."

The class looked up.

"Each pair will give a short progress report this Friday."

A wave of groans filled the room.

"Already?" someone complained.

"Already," Mr. Sato replied.

"You don't need to present everything."

"I simply want to see that you're making progress."

He smiled.

"That means no leaving the work until the last minute."

His eyes briefly landed on Raito.

"Especially some of you."

The classroom laughed.

Raito scratched the back of his neck.

"I get it, sir."

The lunch bell rang.

Students immediately stood up and began moving their desks together.

Aki waved excitedly.

"Rei! Come over here!"

Before Reina could answer, Raito gently tapped the project notebook.

"Five minutes?"

"Let's finish planning before lunch."

She looked at him.

Then at Aki.

"I'll be there in a few minutes."

"Okay!" Aki replied.

Once the classroom grew louder, Reina opened the notebook.

"Did you actually read the book?"

Raito nodded.

"Most of it."

"Most?"

"...The first three chapters."

"That's more than I expected."

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

"Take it however you like."

Raito smiled.

"I'll take it as one."

Reina rolled her eyes.

"You're optimistic."

"Someone has to balance you out."

"Balance me out?"

"You're serious all the time."

"I'm focused."

"Same thing."

"No."

"Yes."

They stared at each other.

Neither looked away.

Shun glanced over from the next group.

"They're arguing again."

Aki laughed.

"I think they actually enjoy it."

"No way."

"Just watch."

Back at their desks, Reina sighed first.

"We're wasting time."

"That's the first thing we've agreed on today," Raito replied.

She opened the notebook to a blank page.

"Let's split the presentation."

"I'll explain the history."

"You explain the traditions."

"Works for me."

"And..."

Raito looked at her.

"Thanks."

She blinked.

"For what?"

"For letting me use your research this morning."

"You didn't have to."

Reina hesitated.

"Just don't forget yours tomorrow."

He smiled sheepishly.

"Deal."

The conversation ended there.

For the first time since becoming partners...

Neither of them felt awkward sitting in silence.

Outside the classroom windows, another gentle breeze carried cherry blossom petals across the school grounds.

Neither of them noticed.

They were both too focused on the notebook lying open between them.

Chapter 3 - The First Challenge (Pages 21–30)

The afternoon classes passed more quickly than either of them expected.

By the final lesson, both Reina and Raito had nearly filled another page of project notes.

Mr. Sato looked around the classroom.

"Before everyone leaves today, I want each pair to decide where they'll meet after school tomorrow."

"You don't have to stay at school."

"The library, a café, or another public place is fine."

"Just make sure you're actually working."

The bell rang.

Students immediately began discussing plans with their partners.

"Reina," Raito said, opening the notebook.

"Where do you usually study?"

"The library."

"I had a feeling you'd say that."

"Is that a problem?"

"Not really."

"I've just never studied there before."

She looked surprised.

"Seriously?"

"I usually study at home."

"When I actually study."

"Which isn't often?"

"...Maybe."

Reina sighed.

"No wonder you forgot your research."

"You're never going to let that go, are you?"

"Probably not."

Raito laughed.

"Fair enough."

He looked down at the notebook.

"So..."

"Library tomorrow?"

"Four o'clock."

"I'll be there."

"Don't be late."

He placed a hand dramatically over his chest.

"You wound me."

"Do I?"

"A little."

"You'll recover."

Shun walked over with a grin.

"You two sound like an old married couple."

Both of them turned to look at him.

"What?"

Shun raised his hands.

"I'm just saying."

"You're saying nonsense," Reina replied.

"Exactly," Raito agreed.

Shun blinked.

"Wait..."

"You actually agreed on something?"

There was a brief silence.

Reina and Raito looked at each other.

Then they immediately looked away.

"That doesn't count," Reina said.

"Definitely doesn't," Raito added.

Shun couldn't stop laughing.

"This project is going to be entertaining."

Aki joined them.

"What's so funny?"

"They agreed on something."

"Really?"

Reina picked up her bag.

"We're leaving."

"Good idea," Raito muttered.

The four students walked toward the shoe lockers together.

As they reached the entrance, the sky suddenly darkened.

A low rumble echoed overhead.

"Was rain forecast today?" Aki asked.

Reina looked out through the glass doors.

"I don't think so."

The first raindrop hit the pavement.

Then another.

Within seconds, a heavy spring shower poured down outside the school.

Students gathered beneath the entrance roof, watching the rain.

"Great," Shun sighed.

"I didn't bring an umbrella."

Raito looked outside.

"Neither did I."

Reina quietly reached into her school bag.

She unfolded a navy-blue umbrella.

"Looks like I planned ahead," she said.

Raito smiled.

"Of course you did."

Reina gave him a small, confident smile.

"Somebody has to."

Chapter 3 - The First Challenge (Pages 31–40)

Students gathered beneath the entrance roof, watching the rain pour onto the courtyard.

"Looks like we're stuck here for a while," Shun sighed.

"I didn't even check the weather this morning," Aki admitted.

Reina quietly opened her umbrella.

"I'll just leave now."

She stepped forward.

"Hold on," Raito called.

She turned around.

"What?"

"Mind if I walk with you?"

Reina raised an eyebrow.

"Why?"

"Because I forgot my umbrella."

"Again?"

"...Maybe."

Shun laughed.

"He's hopeless."

"I'm standing right here."

Aki smiled.

"Go on, Rei."

"It's only one umbrella."

Reina looked at the rain, then at Raito.

She sighed.

"Fine."

"But don't slow me down."

Raito grinned.

"Wouldn't dream of it."

The two stepped out into the rain.

The umbrella was just large enough for both of them.

For a few moments, neither of them spoke.

The only sound was the rain falling against the umbrella.

"So..." Raito finally said.

"You always walk this way home?"

"Most days."

"It's quiet."

"That's why I like it."

They crossed a small bridge overlooking a narrow river.

Cherry blossom petals floated across the water.

Raito looked around.

"I've never been this way before."

"You usually take the shopping street, don't you?"

He blinked.

"How did you know?"

"I noticed yesterday."

He smiled.

"You really do observe everything."

"Someone has to."

They continued walking.

As they reached a busy crossing, a cyclist sped through a puddle.

Water splashed toward them.

Without thinking, Raito stepped slightly in front of Reina.

The water soaked the side of his blazer.

"Seriously?" he muttered.

Reina looked at him.

"You didn't have to do that."

"Do what?"

"Stand in front of me."

He shrugged.

"It just happened."

For a second, Reina didn't know what to say.

"...Thanks."

"You're welcome."

Neither of them realised the conversation had become strangely natural.

After another few minutes, they reached an intersection.

Reina pointed left.

"I go this way."

Raito nodded.

"I'm straight ahead."

She held out the umbrella.

"You'll need this."

He looked at her in surprise.

"What about you?"

"My house is only a minute away."

"You'll get soaked."

"I'll be fine."

Raito hesitated before accepting it.

"I'll return it tomorrow."

"You'd better."

She gave a small wave before jogging toward her street.

Raito watched her disappear around the corner.

He looked down at the umbrella in his hand.

A small smile appeared on his face.

"She's nicer than she pretends to be."

Meanwhile, as Reina reached her front gate, she brushed a few wet strands of hair away from her face.

He's still annoying...

She unlocked the gate.

...But maybe I judged him too quickly.

Without either of them noticing...

The distance between them had grown just a little smaller.

End of Chapter 3.