Riku Kisaragi stood at the gates of Sakuragaoka High School, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. The once timid, awkward boy who couldn't hold a conversation with a girl without tripping over his own words was gone. In his place stood someone entirely different—confident, sharp-dressed, and, most importantly, composed.

It had been two years since that fateful rejection in middle school, the memory still fresh in his mind.

"I think we should just be friends, Riku."

Those words had haunted him. But now? He was back, and things were different.

Yumi Asakura, the school's star athlete, jogged by, her ponytail bouncing with each step. She spotted Riku leaning casually against the gate. Her eyes widened for a split second before she quickly masked her surprise.

Yumi:

"Riku? Is that you? You… changed."

Riku (grinning):

"Good to see you too, Yumi. Still running laps like you're training for the Olympics?"

She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the faint blush on her cheeks. This was not the same Riku she remembered from middle school.

As Riku walked through the hallways, heads turned. Whispers followed him like a shadow.

"Is that Kisaragi?"

"No way. He looks… different."

Riku ignored them, his mind focused on his plan. He wasn't here for attention. Well, not entirely. He had a goal, and it was simple: never be the loser again.

In class, Riku found his seat next to Sakura Hoshino, a shy, bookish girl who had a habit of doodling in her notebook. She glanced at him nervously but said nothing. Riku, however, leaned in slightly.

Riku (whispering):

"Still drawing those fantasy worlds, Sakura?"

Her eyes widened, and a small smile broke through her usual reserved demeanor.

Sakura:

"You… remember that?"

Riku:

"Of course. You used to show me your sketches during break."

Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly returned to her notebook, but the faint smile remained.

The day passed in a blur of introductions, whispers, and stolen glances. By the time the final bell rang, Riku was ready to leave. But as he stepped out of the classroom, he nearly collided with Aiko Fujimoto, the class president and a notorious perfectionist.

Aiko (adjusting her glasses):

"Kisaragi. You're blocking the hallway."

Riku (raising an eyebrow):

"Good to see you too, Aiko. Still bossing everyone around?"

Her eyes narrowed, but there was a hint of amusement in them.

Aiko:

"Someone has to keep order. Welcome back."

Outside the school gates, a sleek black car pulled up. The door opened, and Emiko Saionji stepped out, exuding an air of elegance and authority. She was here to pick up her younger cousin, but her gaze landed on Riku. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Emiko's lips curled into a knowing smile.

Emiko (softly, to herself):

"Interesting."

Riku didn't miss the exchange. He filed it away, knowing it wouldn't be the last time their paths crossed.

As he walked home, the weight of the day settled in. Things were off to a good start, but Riku knew the real challenge was just beginning. He wasn't here to relive his past. He was here to rewrite it.

Standing at the edge of the park, he glanced at the setting sun and smirked.

Riku (murmuring):

"This time, it's different."

And with that, he continued walking, the promise of a new beginning burning in his chest.

End of Chapter 1