The classroom buzzed with the usual first-day chatter, desks scraping against the polished floor as students settled in. Kazuki leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, while his friends filled the space around him with their usual banter.
"Man, high school already," Daiki muttered, stretching his arms. "Feels no different."
"Except we're in an elite academy now," Reo added, tapping his pen against the desk. "We're supposed to be the best of the best, right?"
Naoto scoffed. "You barely made it in. Don't act like you're some genius."
Reo shot him a glare. "Tch. I got in, didn't I?"
Kyouya smirked. "Barely."
Kazuki's eyes drifted toward the door absentmindedly as he half-listened to Daiki's teasing. Then—
She walked in.
His thoughts cut off like a snapped string. His mind, once filled with laughter and idle chatter, went completely silent.
Miyuki.
Her movements were effortless—graceful yet natural, like she belonged in a scene frozen in time. Dark, silky hair framed her delicate face as she quietly scanned the room. Without hesitation, she moved forward, her steps light yet purposeful. Kazuki had never seen her before, yet in that moment, it felt as if everything around him had blurred, leaving only her in focus.
The empty seat beside him.
She sat down, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she adjusted herself comfortably. No hesitation, no second thoughts. To her, this was just a seat, just a moment. To him? It was something far more.
His heart pounded against his chest.
"…What?"
He barely breathed the word, but even his own voice sounded distant. His pulse roared in his ears, drowning out the noise of the classroom. He couldn't look away. He physically couldn't.
"Kazuki?"
A faint voice reached him—Reo's, probably. Or Daiki's? He had no idea. He wasn't listening.
Why couldn't he look away?
His throat felt dry. His chest was tight. His mind raced, but he couldn't find a single coherent thought. Only the undeniable realization sinking in fast, like a wave crashing over him.
"…No way." The realization hit like a freight train. Am I actually in love? Just like that?
Miyuki remained unaware of the turmoil beside her, her gaze focused forward as if nothing had happened. Meanwhile, Kazuki sat frozen, processing the undeniable truth that had just slammed into him with full force.
Before he could even begin to regain his composure, the door slid open again. A woman stepped in, exuding both authority and ease. The classroom immediately quieted down as she approached the desk at the front.
"Good morning, everyone." Her voice was clear, carrying just enough warmth to keep the room at ease. "I'm Hoshino Mei, your homeroom teacher for this year."
Some students straightened up, others merely watched. Kazuki, for once, struggled to focus.
Hoshino's gaze swept across the class. "Welcome to Reikou Academy. You've all worked hard to get here, but this is only the beginning."
A few murmurs passed through the students.
"This school is unlike most," she continued. "As you may already know, we follow a House System—one that will define much of your experience here."
Kazuki barely registered the words, still struggling with the shock of his own emotions. But his friends perked up at the mention.
"House System?" Reo muttered. "This is getting interesting."
Hoshino went on, unfazed. "There are four Houses, each with its own history, values, and strengths. Where you belong will shape your journey here."
She gestured to the board, where four names appeared:
Seiryu (Azure Dragons) – Strategy, wisdom, and composure.
Suzaku (Crimson Phoenixes) – Passion, leadership, and determination.
Raijin (Thunder Beasts) – Power, unpredictability, and intensity.
Yami no Kiba (Shadow Fangs) – Mystery, cunning, and adaptability.
Kazuki felt his brain start working again—barely.
"Your performance, achievements, and reputation will determine your Prestige Points, which will affect not only your personal standing but also your House's influence."
"So basically, a ranking system?" Naoto mused.
Hoshino nodded. "In a way. But this isn't just about competition. It's about building your path in this academy."
"Sounds like bragging rights to me," Daiki whispered to Kazuki, who still wasn't fully listening.
"The Houses will engage in various competitions, challenges, and academic events," Hoshino continued. "Some rivalries have existed for years. Others form naturally."
"Rivalries, huh?" Reo smirked. "This could be fun."
"Dormitory life is also structured within this system," she added. "You'll have your own rooms, but Houses will share dorm floors, fostering teamwork and identity."
That got some reactions—mostly relief that they'd have their own space.
"As for rules, they are simple," Hoshino finished. "Respect the school, respect each other, and respect your potential."
She gave a small smile. "Let's make this year worthwhile."
A pause.
Then, with a clap of her hands, she signaled the start of the school year.
Kazuki exhaled, finally dragging himself out of his trance. But as he stole another glance at Miyuki, he knew one thing for sure—
This year was going to be different.