As Ichinose Honami stepped into Class B, her heart was still beating slightly faster than usual—not from rushing to class, but from the lingering effects of her interaction with Aiden Takahashi. Her usual radiant smile was in place as she greeted her new classmates, yet a part of her mind remained stubbornly tethered to the silver-haired boy who had just jogged off with that signature playful grin.
The room was bright, filled with chatter and the energy of students meeting for the first time, but for Ichinose, it felt muted. She moved to a seat near the middle of the room, setting her bag down with practiced grace, but even as she exchanged polite pleasantries with those nearby, her thoughts kept circling back.
Takahashi-kun…
She rested her hands on her desk, her fingers curling slightly as if clutching at the intangible. There was something about him—a sharpness, an unpredictability—that made her feel unsteady in a way she wasn't used to. She prided herself on her ability to read people; it was part of how she navigated social situations so effortlessly. Yet with Aiden, there was a duality that she couldn't quite pin down.
The teasing, the playful winks, the over-the-top charm—those were easy to see through. He enjoyed pushing people's buttons, poking at boundaries in a way that was bold but never disrespectful. On the surface, it felt like harmless fun, but the sharp glint in his electric-blue eyes hinted at something more.
Ichinose frowned slightly, her smile fading for a moment. What is it about him? she wondered, tapping her fingers lightly on the desk. She replayed their morning interactions in her mind like a movie reel.
First, there was the bus. She had been taken aback by how effortlessly he'd coordinated with her, their silent signals aligning as if they'd known each other for years. It wasn't just clever—it was instinctive. He hadn't doubted her ability to catch on, nor had he hesitated to trust her judgment. That kind of confidence was rare, and it left a lingering impression.
Then there was the way he spoke to her. Every word was laced with charm, sure, but there was a sincerity woven beneath the teasing. He called her "angel" and "princess" with a grin that could have been insufferable if not for the warmth that accompanied it. Was he serious? Was he joking? Somehow, it felt like both at once, and that uncertainty made her heart flutter in a way she wasn't entirely comfortable with.
And then there were his actions. She remembered the moment he gave up his seat on the bus, the easy way he had handled the situation despite the tension. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes about his character. Yet even then, he hadn't seemed self-congratulatory or overly humble about it. Instead, he'd dismissed it with humor, as if kindness was second nature to him—a reflex rather than a calculated move.
Ichinose's gaze drifted to the window as she lost herself in thought. Outside, the lush greenery of the island stretched out under the golden morning sunlight, a picturesque view that mirrored the beauty of the campus. But even the serene landscape couldn't pull her focus away.
For someone like Ichinose, who prided herself on her ability to see the best in people, Aiden was a puzzle. He wasn't unkind—far from it—but there was an edge to him, a razor-sharp wit and a slyness that hinted at layers she couldn't yet see. And that smirk of his… it was like he knew something she didn't, like he was constantly three steps ahead in a game only he was playing.
She felt her cheeks warm slightly and shook her head to clear the thoughts. "Focus, Honami," she whispered to herself, though the words felt hollow.
As much as she wanted to dismiss it, the truth was undeniable—Aiden Takahashi had made an impression. She had met plenty of people before, even those who were charming and confident, but there was something about him that lingered.
Ichinose placed a hand over her chest, frowning faintly. It wasn't like her to feel this way—so distracted, so unsure. Normally, she could categorize people quickly, placing them into neat mental boxes: kind, arrogant, shy, outgoing. But Aiden didn't fit into any of those categories. He was too many things at once—funny yet serious, carefree yet calculated, open yet guarded.
Her thoughts drifted to their final exchange before parting. The way he had bowed dramatically, calling her "princess" with that infuriatingly charming grin, still made her smile despite herself. And the way he had winked at her before jogging off… It was so ridiculous, so over-the-top, and yet… endearing.
She leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms as a small huff escaped her lips. "Why does he get to me like this?" she murmured under her breath.
Was it jealousy? No, not quite. She didn't feel envious of his confidence or his ability to command attention. If anything, it was admiration—though she hated admitting it even to herself. She admired how effortlessly he navigated situations, how he seemed to take everything in stride without losing his sense of humor.
But there was something else, something she couldn't quite name. A subtle pull, like a thread tying their fates together. It was ridiculous—she barely knew him—but the feeling was there, faint yet persistent.
Ichinose sighed softly, her fingers curling into her palms. Maybe it's just curiosity, she reasoned. He's different, that's all. Unique. It's natural to be intrigued.
Yet deep down, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it than that. The way he looked at her, the way he spoke—it wasn't just teasing or playful banter. There was a weight to it, a depth that made her feel seen in a way that was both exciting and unnerving.
As the homeroom teacher entered and the room quieted, Ichinose straightened in her seat, forcing herself to focus. But even as she listened to the introductions and the schedule for the day, part of her mind remained tethered to the silver-haired boy with the electric-blue eyes and the infuriating smirk.
What is it about you, Aiden Takahashi? she wondered, her fingers brushing lightly against her notebook. Why can't I stop thinking about you?