Midorikawa Raiden stood still in the hallway of his school, clutching a neatly folded piece of paper in his hand. His heart beat steadily, but not without a subtle edge of unease. He was being transferred—upgraded, some might say—from Class B to Class A. For most students, this would have been a moment of triumph, a recognition of hard work and academic potential. But for Raiden, it felt more like stepping into uncharted waters, a new world where he might not belong.
The students of Class A were known for being different—brilliant, almost unnaturally so. They rarely mingled with others, and even among themselves, camaraderie seemed distant. They were consumed with their own pursuits of knowledge, personal ambitions, and future success. Raiden wasn't sure if he could blend in. Yet, as he stood at the threshold of the classroom, he couldn't turn back.
The bell rang, signaling the start of the day. It felt louder than usual, almost like a gong summoning him to battle. He took a deep breath and slid the door open.
The classroom was quiet. Dead quiet.
Class A was unlike any class he had been in before. Each student sat at their desk, absorbed in something—studying notes, reading textbooks, or typing on their laptops. No one turned to look at him. No excited chatter, no whispers about the new kid. It was as if he hadn't even entered. This was Class A—where academic excellence reigned supreme, and everything else was irrelevant.
The teacher, Takahashi-sensei, was the only one who acknowledged his presence. She was a strict, sharp-eyed woman in her early thirties, and her presence demanded respect. She looked up from her desk, eyes flicking toward Raiden. "Ah, Midorikawa," she said with a slight nod. "Welcome to Class A."
Her voice was professional but distant, much like the room itself. No hint of warmth, but no disdain either—just neutrality, as if this were another everyday occurrence.
"Take a seat in the back," Takahashi-sensei instructed, pointing to an empty desk near the window. "We'll start today's lesson shortly."
Raiden nodded, feeling the weight of the silence around him as he made his way to his new seat. He could feel eyes occasionally dart toward him but only for fleeting moments, as if sizing him up before immediately returning to their work.
The desk next to him was occupied by a girl who sat with perfect posture. Her hair—long and brown, tied up into a ponytail—cascaded over the back of her chair, the strands catching the sunlight that filtered through the window. She seemed completely absorbed in her textbook, flipping the pages with practiced precision. Asakura Airi, Raiden thought. He had heard of her—a model student, the embodiment of Class A's intellectual excellence. Rumor had it that she was untouchable, emotionally distant, and practically a genius.
But something about her caught Raiden's attention beyond her academic prowess. There was a calmness, a stillness about her that felt different from the rigid atmosphere of the rest of the class. He couldn't place it, but his curiosity was piqued.
Takahashi-sensei's voice interrupted his thoughts as she began the lesson. "Today, we'll be covering advanced calculus, so open your textbooks to page 54."
Raiden quickly opened his book, trying to catch up. As the lesson progressed, he felt the gap between himself and the rest of the class more keenly. The students followed along without hesitation, jotting down notes, occasionally answering Takahashi-sensei's questions with sharp precision. There were no pauses, no moments of confusion. It was like watching a well-oiled machine operate flawlessly.
Meanwhile, Raiden's pen hovered over his notebook, unsure of where to begin. He understood the concepts, but the pace was relentless, and the lack of interaction from his peers made the room feel colder. No one struggled here. No one raised their hand for clarification. It was as though they had transcended the usual difficulties of learning.
By the time the bell rang for lunch, Raiden felt like he had barely survived.
As the class emptied, Raiden noticed something peculiar. While the other students calmly packed their things and headed for the cafeteria, Airi remained seated. She didn't talk to anyone, and no one talked to her. She simply sat there, eyes still on her book, as if nothing outside of her studies existed.
For a moment, Raiden hesitated at his desk, unsure whether he should approach her. He wasn't sure what drew him to her—it wasn't just her academic reputation, nor the way she seemed perfectly at ease in this high-pressure environment. It was the fact that she seemed, in a way, isolated. Alone in a room full of geniuses.
As he debated with himself, Takahashi-sensei appeared in the doorway, breaking the silence.
"Midorikawa," she called out, motioning for him to come over.
He quickly got up, leaving Airi to her solitude, and approached the teacher.
"How are you finding Class A?" Takahashi-sensei asked, her tone still as neutral as ever.
"It's... different," Raiden admitted, unsure of how much to say.
"That's to be expected," she replied, glancing at the emptying classroom. "This is a competitive environment. Most students here have been at the top of their game since elementary school. You're not behind, but it will take some adjustment."
Raiden nodded, knowing she was right but still feeling the weight of that unspoken pressure.
"I'll be watching your progress," she said before dismissing him. "Make sure to keep up."
As Raiden walked away, he glanced back at Airi. She hadn't moved an inch. It was strange. She was a genius, yet she never mingled with her classmates. Was it by choice? Or was there something more beneath that perfect exterior?
The rest of the day passed in much the same manner, with Raiden trying to keep up with the lessons and his classmates maintaining their impenetrable focus. By the time the final bell rang, he felt drained.
He lingered in the classroom, pretending to organize his things while watching Airi from the corner of his eye. She was still seated, methodically putting her books away with a precision that seemed almost mechanical.
Finally, gathering his courage, Raiden approached her desk.
"Hey, Asakura," he said, unsure of how to break the ice. "You're... always really focused. Do you ever take a break?"
Airi paused for a moment, as if calculating whether his question was worth answering. Then she looked up at him with her calm, unreadable expression.
"I find it easier to stay ahead if I don't fall behind," she said, her voice quiet but firm.
Her words were simple, but Raiden sensed there was more to it than that. She spoke as if her routine was more of a necessity than a choice, as if there was a pressure she didn't mention.
Raiden nodded slowly. "That makes sense. But... doesn't it get lonely?"
For the briefest moment, something flickered in Airi's eyes—something Raiden couldn't quite place. But it was gone as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by her usual composure.
"I'm used to it," she replied before gathering the last of her things and standing up.
Raiden watched as she left the room, her ponytail swaying slightly with each step. As the door clicked shut behind her, he couldn't shake the feeling that Airi was carrying a weight even heavier than the one he felt. But what that weight was, he didn't know yet.
Over the next few days, Raiden settled into the rhythm of Class A. The pace was relentless, but he was starting to adapt. He still wasn't on the same level as the top students, but he was determined to prove himself. And as he worked harder, he noticed that Airi remained a constant presence—always quiet, always alone, but always ahead.
It was during one of these quiet moments, after school had ended and most students had left, that Raiden saw something unexpected.
Airi was sitting at her desk, her posture as straight as ever, but her hands were trembling slightly. Her eyes, usually so focused, seemed distant, and there was a tightness in her expression that Raiden hadn't seen before.
Without thinking, he approached her.
"Asakura, are you okay?" he asked softly.
Airi didn't respond at first. Then, after a long pause, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's nothing."
But Raiden knew better. He had seen enough of his classmates to know that even geniuses weren't immune to stress. There was something more going on with Airi, something deeper than just the pressures of being a top student.
For the first time since he had transferred to Class A, Raiden felt a connection—a small, fragile thread that linked him to Airi's world. It was faint, but it was there. And as he stood there, watching her silently struggle with whatever burden she carried, he made a quiet vow.
Lost in thought, Raiden couldn't help but chuckle to himself, wondering what could be stressing someone like Airi—advanced math, physics, or perhaps something even more abstract, like the weight of the world? The absurdity of the thought made him laugh quietly.
Suddenly, he realized she was staring at him with a look of disgust. His laughter caught in his throat.
"You're laughing at me?" she asked, her voice sharp and cold.
Raiden's face flushed. He hadn't even realized she was watching him. He felt a pang of guilt, knowing how it must have looked.
"I—I'm sorry," he stammered. "I wasn't laughing at you. I just... was thinking about how focused you always are. It made me wonder what could be bothering someone as composed as you."
Airi's expression softened, but only slightly. Her eyes were still guarded. "I'm fine," she replied, her voice steady but distant.
"Are you sure?" Raiden asked again, trying to show he genuinely cared. "You can talk to me if something's wrong."
Airi looked away, offering no response. The silence stretched between them, awkward and cold.
She's ignoring me?
Raiden was taken aback by her coldness. He had only been trying to be kind, but it seemed she had shut him out entirely. Unsure of what else to say, he hesitated.
"Are you… mad at me?" he asked after a moment.
Airi glanced at him briefly, her eyes unreadable, before turning her gaze away again. She said nothing.
The silence was answer enough.
Ahh... she's mad at me, isn't she? Can't blame her... Raiden sighed. The weight of the situation settled heavily on him. He turned and walked away, feeling a mix of regret and resignation.
Just then, Raiden stood up from his seat, took a deep breath, and said, "I'm going outside. You should take care of yourself. Don't be so hard on yourself."
Airi jolted slightly at his unexpected kindness. The abruptness of the gesture seemed to catch her off guard.
Raiden noticed her reaction and frowned, puzzled. "Are you okay?"
She nodded but kept her gaze averted, still absorbed in her own world.
Raiden paused at the doorway, glancing back at Airi. Her reaction was still unclear, but he hoped his words might have offered some comfort, however small.
As he stepped out of the classroom and into the empty hallway, he felt a mix of frustration and concern. He hadn't intended to make things awkward but was left with a nagging feeling that there was more to Airi's struggle than she let on.
He wandered through the school grounds, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the courtyard. Raiden's mind was occupied with thoughts of Airi. Why was she so closed off? What was she hiding behind that composed exterior? The questions swirled around him as he walked aimlessly.
Lost in his thoughts, Raiden didn't notice the approach of another student until they called out to him.
"Midorikawa, right?"
He turned to see a boy from Class A he hadn't met before. The boy's expression was friendly, though his tone carried an edge of curiosity.
"Yes, that's me," Raiden replied, unsure of the reason for the interruption.
"I'm Yamamoto Sora," the boy said, extending a hand. "I've seen you around. How are you finding Class A so far?"
Raiden shook Sora's hand, feeling a bit relieved by the friendly gesture. "It's definitely challenging, but I'm getting used to it. What about you?"
Sora grinned. "Class A is intense, but it's a good environment if you're up for it. I noticed you talking to Airi earlier. She's not one to open up easily, so if you're trying to get to know her, you're in for a challenge."
Raiden's curiosity was piqued. "Is there something going on with her? I mean, she seems… different."
Sora shrugged. "Airi's just Airi. She's brilliant, but she's also got her own issues. She's been like that for as long as I've known her. Some people think she's distant because she's so focused, but there's more to it. She's not as unapproachable as she seems, though. Just give it time."
Raiden considered Sora's words as they chatted further. It was reassuring to know he wasn't alone in his observations about Airi. Maybe he could find a way to bridge the gap, but it would require patience and understanding.
"So, Yamamoto," Raiden said as they walked through the courtyard together, "what's your story? How did you end up in Class A?"
Sora chuckled. "Ah, it's not as dramatic as it sounds. I've always been pretty focused on academics, but I guess I just fit in here. I have my own goals, and Class A pushes me to achieve them. What about you? What made you transfer here?"
Raiden hesitated, then shrugged. "I was doing well in Class B, but this was an opportunity to challenge myself further. Plus, I heard a lot about how different Class A is, and I wanted to see if I could keep up."
Sora nodded. "That's a good attitude. It's definitely a different world here, but it's also a place where you can grow a lot if you stick with it."
Raiden pondered for a moment, then asked, "Also, who's the class leader in Class A? I haven't had a chance to figure out the hierarchy yet."
Sora's expression shifted to one of contemplation. "Ah, the class leader. That would be Tanaka Haruto. He's the one who keeps things running smoothly. He's incredibly efficient and well-respected among the students."
"I see…"
What kind of person would make a good class leader... Raiden thought.
Sora seemed to pick up on Raiden's curiosity and added, "Tanaka Haruto isn't like the rest of us. He's different. More than just smart—he's the type of guy who can take any joke, keep the class together, and still stay on top of his work. If he wasn't around, I think the class would feel a lot quieter."
Raiden nodded, deep in thought. A leader who can balance everything, he mused. It reminded him of something he'd once heard: "Leadership is not about being in charge, it's about taking care of those in your charge." Tanaka, it seemed, embodied that idea.
"Sounds like he's got a lot of responsibility," Raiden remarked. "What's he like personally? Is he approachable?"
Sora shrugged, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Haruto's approachable enough, but he's also very... reserved. He's the kind of leader who prefers to let his actions speak for him. He's always willing to help if you ask, but he doesn't usually initiate casual conversations. He's focused and dedicated, which is why he commands so much respect."
Raiden nodded, processing the information. "I guess I have a lot to learn about how things work here. I'm still figuring out where I fit in."
Sora grinned. "You'll find your place. It might take some time, but that's part of the process. Class A can be a tough environment, but it's also full of opportunities if you're willing to put in the effort."
"You also seem different," Raiden added, his curiosity piqued.
Sora paused, considering Raiden's words. "Different?"
"I mean, you're talking to me now. A lot of students don't seem to make the effort to engage with the new guy."
Sora chuckled. "Ah, that's because it's your first time here. Most students tend to avoid initiating contact with newcomers because they don't want to intrude or annoy them. There's this unspoken rule—don't bother others if you don't want to be bothered. It's a mindset that's pretty common here."
Raiden raised an eyebrow. "That's... a bit cold, isn't it?"
Sora shrugged again. "It's just the way things are. But not everyone is like that. Sometimes, you just need to find the right people who are willing to break the mold."
Raiden pondered Sora's words as they continued walking through the courtyard. The insight was valuable, and he felt a bit more prepared for the challenges ahead.Bottom of Form
Raiden nodded to him, "Thanks, then... I'll see you around."
Sora gave a friendly nod in return, "Talk to me anytime."
Raiden waved to Sora and made his way to the cafeteria. As he walked through the hallways, the clamor of students and the smell of food grew louder. The cafeteria was bustling with activity—students chatting animatedly, others absorbed in their meals, and a few sitting alone, lost in their own thoughts.
Raiden scanned the room for an empty seat and finally spotted a spot at a table near the window. He made his way over and sat down, feeling the weight of the day's challenges settle over him. The view outside was calming—a contrast to the whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties he had been experiencing.
He picked up his tray and got in line for lunch. The cafeteria offered a variety of options, from traditional Japanese dishes to more Western fare. Raiden opted for a simple meal of rice, grilled fish, and vegetables, hoping it would provide the energy he needed to tackle the rest of his day.
As he sat back down with his food, he took a moment to observe his surroundings. The students seemed to be settling into their routines, and Raiden wondered if he would ever feel completely at ease in this new environment. The idea of fitting in and navigating the social dynamics of Class A was daunting.
Maybe Class B wasn't so bad after all... even though I didn't have friends there, he thought with a sigh.
Raiden poked at his meal absentmindedly, his thoughts still swirling around his new environment. Despite the bustle of the cafeteria, he felt an odd sense of isolation. The students around him seemed absorbed in their own conversations and activities, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was an outsider.
As he took a bite of his fish, he noticed a familiar face at a nearby table—Tanaka Haruto, the class leader. Haruto was seated with a group of students, but unlike the others, he was quietly observing the conversation rather than participating. His demeanor was calm and composed, exuding a quiet authority that seemed to command respect from those around him.
Raiden found himself intrigued by Haruto. The class leader had a reputation for being efficient and respected, but seeing him in a more relaxed setting made Raiden wonder what he was like outside of the classroom.
While Raiden was lost in thought, a student from Haruto's group, a girl with short black hair and a friendly smile, glanced over and noticed him sitting alone. She stood up and walked over to Raiden's table.
"Hey, you're Midorikawa, right?" she asked, her tone warm and welcoming.
Raiden looked up, surprised. "Yes, that's me."
"I'm Fujita Mei," she said with a friendly grin. "I noticed you sitting alone. Mind if I join you?"
Raiden hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure, I'd appreciate the company."
Mei took a seat across from him and glanced around the cafeteria. "It's a bit overwhelming, isn't it? It took me a while to get used to Class A's dynamics when I first transferred here."
Raiden relaxed slightly at her ease. "Yeah, it's definitely a change from Class B. I'm still trying to figure everything out."
Mei's expression softened with understanding. "It takes time. We're a bit of a tough crowd, but most of us are just focused on our studies. If you need any help or just want someone to talk to, don't hesitate to reach out."
Raiden appreciated her kindness. "Thanks, Mei. That means a lot."
They ate together in a comfortable silence, the clamor of the cafeteria fading into the background.
After a moment, Mei broke the silence. "I noticed you tried talking to Airi earlier, right?"
Raiden nodded, slightly surprised by her observation. "Yeah, I did. I was just trying to see if she was okay. She seemed... distant."
Mei's gaze became thoughtful. "Airi can be hard to approach. She's very focused, but there's more going on with her than most people realize. If you're trying to get to know her, just be patient. It might take a while, but she's worth it."
Raiden looked down at his plate, considering Mei's words. "I hope I can figure it out. It seems like there's a lot beneath the surface."
Mei nodded in agreement. "There is. But don't let it discourage you. You've already made a good start by reaching out. Just keep being yourself, and you'll find your way."
Raiden blinked a few times, processing Mei's comment. "...that's what Sora said too," he said, still looking confused.
Mei covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes widening slightly. "Oh, is it? Ara... seems like you've already talked to Sora? You know about him?"
Raiden shook his head. "I just spoke to Sora earlier. I don't know much about him yet."
Mei leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "Be careful. Sora has a way of manipulating people. He can be charming and friendly, but he has his own agenda. Just keep your wits about you."
Raiden's eyes widened. "Really? I didn't get that impression at all. He seemed genuinely helpful."
Mei nodded, her expression serious. "He can be helpful, but always remember that he's very calculating. Sometimes his friendliness has a purpose behind it. It's good to have your guard up, especially with someone like him."
Chapter 1 — Finished.