Riku's morning started in the worst possible way. The moment he stepped into the classroom, all eyes were on him. Whispers filled the air like buzzing bees.
Random Classmate 1 (whispering):
Did you hear? He's close to Yumi and Sakura?
Random Classmate 2 (grinning):
Not just them—didn't the student council president call him to the library yesterday?
Random Classmate 3:
He's on fire! What's his secret?
Riku sighed, sinking into his seat.
Riku (muttering):
So much for flying under the radar.
Yumi entered soon after, loud and energetic as always. She dropped her bag on the desk next to him, her grin wide.
Yumi:
Morning, Riku! You ready for that sprint today? I've been waiting to crush you.
Before Riku could respond, Sakura appeared at his other side, holding something behind her back.
Sakura (timidly):
G-Good morning, Riku. I, uh, made these for you.
She revealed a small box of neatly packed cookies.
Riku:
Oh, wow. Thanks, Sakura.
Before he could take them, Yumi grabbed the box, examining it like it was a suspicious artifact.
Yumi:
Cookies? What's the occasion? You trying to bribe him into losing the race?
Sakura (blushing furiously):
N-No! I just thought he'd like them-
Yumi (grinning):
I see how it is.
Riku (sighing):
Can we not turn this into a competition? It's just cookies.
A loud cough drew their attention. Aiko stood near the door, her sharp gaze sweeping the scene.
Aiko (coolly):
If you three are done disrupting the morning, perhaps you'd like to sit down and focus on your studies.
Riku tried to sink further into his chair, but Yumi and Sakura were already firing back.
Yumi:
Lighten up, President. Life isn't all about grades, you know.
Sakura:
S-Sorry! I didn't mean to cause trouble!
Aiko (adjusting her glasses):
Keep this up, and you'll be lucky to pass midterms.
By lunchtime, the rumors about Riku had evolved. Not only was he apparently close to Yumi, Sakura, and Aiko, but someone had thrown Emiko's name into the mix.
Random Classmate:
Did you hear? Some businesswoman dropped by the school yesterday to see Riku.
Another Classmate:
Who is this guy? A hidden prince or something?
Riku grabbed his lunch and escaped to the rooftop, his go-to refuge when things got too chaotic. As he opened his bento box, the door swung open.
Standing there was Emiko, looking utterly out of place in her elegant coat and heels.
Riku:
Do you not know the meaning of 'low profile'?
Emiko (ignoring his remark):
Your face says you're running away again. Trouble at school?
Riku (grinning):
Trouble is school. What are you doing here, Emiko? Shouldn't you be bossing around your subordinates or something?
She took a seat beside him, smirking.
Emiko:
You act like you don't enjoy my company. Besides, I came to give you this.
She handed him an envelope.
Riku:
More cryptic missions? Do you guys have a quota for this stuff?
Emiko:
Don't open it yet. You'll know what to do when the time comes.
Before he could press further, the door opened again, and Miyuki walked in, holding two iced coffees.
Miyuki:
I thought you'd like a drink, little brother.
Riku:
Little brother? What is this—family bonding time?
Miyuki (laughing softly):
You're amusing. We wouldn't gather here if you weren't so... special.
Riku:
Special? Feels more like 'target practice' lately.
The two women exchanged knowing glances before leaving as abruptly as they had arrived.
By the end of the school day, Riku was mentally and physically drained. But his luck wasn't improving. As he stepped outside, Miyuki's luxury car pulled up, and the door opened.
Miyuki:
Get in. We're going for dinner.
Riku:
Can't you pick someone else for your schemes today? I just want to go home.
Miyuki (smiling):
You're involved whether you like it or not. Now get in.
Sighing, Riku climbed in, the hum of the engine blending with Miyuki's cryptic warnings about the family's enemies.
That night, as Riku lay in bed, he thought about how ridiculous his life had become. Between balancing his school relationships, dodging rumors, and getting dragged into the Saionji family's business, he barely had time to breathe.
But as crazy as it all was, he couldn't deny that part of him enjoyed the thrill.
Riku (smirking):
Guess life was bound to get interesting eventually. Might as well see where it goes.
With that, he drifted off to sleep, unaware of the chaos waiting for him tomorrow.
--End--