We Aren't Best Friends, We Are Rivals.

We laugh, we fight, we dance in the rain,

In this bond of ours, there's joy and pain.

Hand in hand, we walk this road,

Chasing dreams, with a competitive mode.

Our hearts beat fast, with every race,

Yet in each other's arms, we find grace.

We challenge, we grow, in the light of the sun,

For together, we're stronger, when all is said and done.

Through highs and lows, we navigate,

With love and rivalry, our destinies intertwine fate.

For in this dance of life, we stand side by side,

Not just best friends, but rivals with pride.

[Main story started]

As Genki Tanaka stood outside the shrine, the gentle breeze ruffled his sun-kissed blonde hair, carrying with it the scent of cherry blossoms. He had just finished praying with his father, a ritual they performed together every year to mark the beginning of a new chapter. Today, however, something felt different.

"Father, I prayed for a best friend who will always be by my side," Genki confessed, his voice echoing softly in the tranquil surroundings.

His father, a wise and serene figure, placed a comforting hand on Genki's shoulder. "Praying out loud is a good start, my son, but remember, a best friend may not always be with you."

Confusion flickered in Genki's azure-blue eyes as he turned to his father. "But why not? I thought best friends were supposed to stay together forever."

His father smiled gently. "While it's true that friends can bring joy and companionship, they may also have their own paths to follow. A best friend is no different. They may not always be by your side, but they will leave a lasting impact on your life."

Genki pondered his father's words for a moment before speaking again. "Then what should I pray for, Father?"

His father's gaze softened. "Ask for a rival, my son."

"A rival?" Genki repeated, surprise evident in his voice. "But isn't a rival someone who competes against you, someone who challenges you?"

"Yes, but a friendly rival is different," his father explained. "They are someone who pushes you to be your best, who challenges you to grow and improve. They may compete against you, but they also inspire you to reach greater heights."

"Thank you, Father," Genki said with a smile, gratitude shining in his eyes. "You're the best."

Years passed, and now, in the year 2024, Genki found himself on the cusp of a new adventure: high school. As he walked down the bustling streets of his hometown, anticipation bubbled within him. He had come a long way since that day at the shrine, but one thing still eluded him—a rival.

Lost in thought, Genki nearly collided with a figure hurrying in the opposite direction. Startled, he stepped back, only to find himself face to face with a mysterious young man.

The newcomer, whose name Genki would later learn was Akira Muzan, exuded an air of quiet intensity. His tousled onyx-black hair framed his sharp features, and his amber-yellow eyes held a hint of guardedness.

For a moment, the two teenagers simply stared at each other, an unspoken tension hanging in the air. Then, without a word, Akira turned and walked away, leaving Genki to wonder about the encounter.

"Who was that?" Genki mused aloud, watching as Akira disappeared into the crowd. He couldn't shake the feeling that their meeting was somehow significant, though he couldn't quite put his finger on why.

With a shrug, Genki continued on his way, his heart pounding with excitement at the thought of the adventures that awaited him in high school. Little did he know, his encounter with Akira was just the beginning of an unexpected journey—one that would test his limits and challenge him in ways he never imagined.

As Akira wandered the bustling streets of his hometown, his mind drifted back to a time long gone—a time of innocence and friendship, before the shadows of betrayal tainted his world.

(Flashback: Akira's Middle School Years)

Akira's heart raced with anticipation as he walked to school on the first day of his middle school journey. Beside him walked his childhood friend, Ai Hara, her bright eyes filled with excitement.

"Can you believe we're finally in middle school?" Ai exclaimed, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "It's like a whole new adventure waiting for us!"

Akira couldn't help but smile at Ai's infectious energy. Despite his own nerves about the transition to a new school, her presence brought him comfort.

"Yeah, it's pretty exciting," he replied, trying to match her enthusiasm.

For Akira, Ai had always been more than just a friend. He harbored feelings for her that went beyond mere friendship, feelings he had never dared to confess. But as they entered the tumultuous world of adolescence, everything changed.

(Present Day: High School)

Lost in his memories, Akira couldn't shake the pain of betrayal that still lingered from his middle school years. The memory of Ai's rejection cut deep, leaving scars that had yet to heal.

"I thought we were supposed to be friends," Akira muttered to himself, bitterness seeping into his words. "But she had a boyfriend all along, and she never bothered to tell me."

The weight of past betrayals weighed heavily on Akira's shoulders as he navigated the halls of his new high school. Everywhere he turned, he saw faces from his past—faces that had once been friends but had ultimately turned their backs on him.

With a sigh, Akira made a silent vow to himself: never again would he allow himself to be hurt by others. From now on, he would keep his distance, maintaining a low profile and avoiding entanglements that could lead to further heartache.

But despite his best efforts to remain detached, Akira couldn't help but feel a pang of loneliness as he watched his classmates laughing and chatting with each other. It seemed as though everyone had their own circle of friends, their own connections to lean on.

As the day wore on, Akira found himself retreating further into the shadows, isolating himself from those around him. He had sworn to himself that he would never make another friend, that he would keep his heart guarded against further betrayal.

But deep down, beneath his tough exterior, Akira couldn't shake the lingering hope that maybe, just maybe, there was still someone out there who could understand him, someone who could see past his walls and accept him for who he truly was.

As Genki stepped into his classroom, the chatter of students filled the air, a symphony of voices blending together in a cacophony of excitement. His eyes scanned the room, searching for an empty seat amidst the sea of desks.

Genki's gaze fell upon a girl standing in the center of a group of giggling classmates. She was unlike anyone he had ever seen before—her waist-length, silver-white hair shimmered like moonlight, cascading down her back in gentle waves. Her piercing sapphire-blue eyes held a wisdom beyond her years, while her petite frame was adorned with delicate features that exuded an ethereal beauty.

As if sensing his gaze, the girl turned to him with a smile that sent a shiver down his spine. "Hello there," she greeted him, her voice soft and melodious. "I'm Mio Yamada. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Genki returned her smile, though he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that washed over him. Mio Yamada—the name seemed to ring a distant bell in his mind, though he couldn't quite place where he had heard it before.

Before he could respond, Mio spoke again, her words catching him off guard. "You know, Genki, I've heard a lot about you," she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "You have quite the reputation from your middle school days."

Genki's brow furrowed in confusion. What did she mean by reputation? And how did she know about his past?

Before he could voice his thoughts, Mio continued, her tone taking on a more serious note. "I have a proposition for you, Genki," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I think you and I would make a perfect pair. What do you say? Will you be my boyfriend?"

Genki felt a surge of disbelief wash over him. Was this girl serious? Did she really expect him to agree to be her boyfriend just like that?

As he opened his mouth to respond, he caught sight of someone standing in the back of the classroom, watching the exchange with a frown. It was Akira—the enigmatic boy from earlier, his amber-yellow eyes filled with concern.

For a moment, Akira seemed poised to intervene, to warn Genki of the danger that lurked beneath Mio's charming facade. But then, as if second-guessing himself, he hesitated, his gaze flickering away.

As the seconds ticked by, Genki made his decision. He couldn't let himself be swayed by Mio's smooth words and false promises. He had learned the hard way that not everything was as it seemed, and he wasn't about to make the same mistake again.

"Sorry, Mio, but I'm not interested," Genki said firmly, his voice ringing out across the classroom.

Mio's eyes widened in surprise, her facade slipping for just a moment before she recovered, her lips twisting into a forced smile. "Oh, really?" she replied, her tone dripping with faux sweetness. "And why is that, may I ask?"

Genki met her gaze head-on, his own eyes flashing with determination. "Because it's fake," he said bluntly. "And you're not my type."

Mio's cheeks flushed crimson with anger, her eyes blazing with fury. "How dare you!" she exclaimed, her voice rising with indignation. "I'll have you know that I—"

But before she could finish her sentence, Genki cut her off with a challenge of his own. "If it's not fake, then prove it," he said, his voice unwavering. "Kiss me in front of everyone."

Mio's jaw dropped in shock, her face turning several shades redder. For a moment, she seemed at a loss for words, her mind racing as she struggled to come up with a response.

But in the end, she simply turned on her heel and stormed out of the classroom, her group of giggling friends trailing behind her. And as the door swung shut behind them, the room erupted into a chorus of cheers and applause.

Genki's heart swelled with pride as he basked in the admiration of his classmates. He had stood his ground against Mio's manipulative advances, refusing to be swayed by empty promises and false flattery.

And as he glanced over at Akira, who was watching him with a look of quiet approval, he couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards the enigmatic boy who had silently stood by his side. Perhaps there was more to Akira than met the eye—perhaps he was someone worth getting to know after all.