A few weeks later, as Ryo was walking through the halls after class, he caught sight of a familiar figure leaning against the wall, his arms crossed and his eyes locked on Ryo. It was Kazaki.
Ryo hadn't seen Kazaki in months. The two had been rivals ever since they first met, competing in almost everything—academics, sports, even popularity. But after the festival, Kazaki had disappeared from the spotlight, leaving Ryo to wonder what had happened.
"Kazaki?" Ryo said, approaching cautiously. "What's up? Haven't seen you in a while."
Kazaki smirked, though there was an edge to it that Ryo hadn't seen before. "Yeah, I've been busy. But don't think for a second I've forgotten about you."
Ryo raised an eyebrow. "Forgotten about me? What are you talking about?"
Kazaki pushed off the wall and stepped closer, his gaze intense. "I hear you've been getting a lot of attention lately. The festival, the girls, the student council—looks like you've become quite the big shot."
Ryo frowned, not liking where this conversation was headed. "I'm not trying to be anything. I'm just doing my own thing."
Kazaki chuckled darkly. "That's the problem, isn't it? You're always 'just doing your own thing,' but somehow, you always end up on top. Well, I'm not letting that slide anymore."
Ryo felt a flicker of annoyance. He had never asked for any of this attention, but Kazaki always made it seem like it was some kind of calculated move. "Kazaki, this isn't a competition."
"For you, maybe," Kazaki shot back. "But for me, it's personal."
Before Ryo could respond, Kazaki turned and walked away, leaving Ryo standing there, confused and frustrated. He had no idea what Kazaki was planning, but something told him this rivalry was far from over.