Renjiro's POV
I had anticipated Kaein so much I wasn't even paying attention again when the teacher droned on about class rules, after introducing some students. . My notebook was open, pen poised, pretending to write something but I kept looking out the window.
Then I felt it. That freeze. That tiny static in the air that said, someone's staring at me like I just grew a second head.
I lifted my head and saw him.
Kaein.
And, of course, he froze too. The shock on his face was obvious even from this distance. I could see the twitch in his jaw, the way his hands tightened around his bag straps like he wanted to look normal but couldn't.
I smirked. Because why not? Let him squirm a little. He deserved it.
"Surprised?" I might've whispered if anyone could hear.
He blinked like he wasn't sure if he'd just walked into a trap or the apocalypse. Honestly, I didn't care which.
He's here on a mission, just like me. Only difference? I get to enjoy this. Watching him flinch isn't just revenge it's entertainment.
My new plan finally all started when I got the news from my aunt. New demons feeding on high schoolers, emotions. Perfect. And of course, the Demon Slayer Corps would be right on top of it. I'm not dumb. I knew I'd need to be inside too.
That's where Kataoka came in.
I'd met her the night she almost died. She'd been bleeding, barely able to stand. She wasn't strong, not like the other demons, but she had brains. Tech brains, street brains, and the kind of stubborn that gets people killed if they don't respect it. I found her while catching air outside a fight. She'd been cornered by one of the Demon Slayers.
Shion.
And let's just say I couldn't let her die. So I was able to hold off Shion while she rejuvenated a little, you'd prolly understand now why I hate Shion so much and she couldn't see me clearly cuz it was dark but I'm a demon so I saw her clearly and then I ran. We ran. She patched herself together, I patched her ego together, and since then, she's been my eyes in the wires, my partner in chaos, the one who keeps me two steps ahead.
Now? She was managing the school system for me, hacking firewalls, tracking signals. And I had a little heads-up , she'd seen Kaein's hacking attempt too. My boy was about to show up any second. Perfect timing.
I let that thought sit for a second while the teacher kept yammering. Watching Kaein's shock was delicious.
He was gorgeous and so sexy, of course. Even like this: uniform shoved half-right, cap pulled down, trying to hide that natural, infuriating composure. He always looked like someone had to remind the universe that yes, he existed, and yes, he was everything you were supposed to hate but couldn't.
I had to fight the urge to roll my eyes at myself. Hate him. Revenge. Attraction. Pick one, Renjiro. Spoiler: I couldn't.
The teacher finished the introductions and pointed to the seats. I expected him to be directed toward mine. That would have been the obvious, painful, delicious move. But no.
"Kaein, please sit beside Nakano," the teacher said.
Nakano? Some random kid whose entire personality was apparently invisible. Kaein hesitated, and I swear I could see the muscle in his jaw twitch. My gut tightened. Not enough to admit, not enough to care, but enough to know this was going to be interesting. And Shion? If demon slayers could flash fire through their eyes she'd have stroke me to death with fire, at least I know our feelings for each other were mutual.
I kept my smirk polite. Professional. Teacher-friendly. I may want revenge, but I know how to hide it when it matters.
Inside, though, I was boiling. Seriously? He's sitting somewhere else? Fine. Enjoy your seat, buddy. I'll be seeing you. Closer than you think.
My thoughts went back to Kataoka again. She'd set all this up. She was genius-level insane, sitting, making sure my fake transfer looked real. Without her, I'd be exposed immediately, my cover blown before I even got to enjoy the first moments of watching Kaein squirm.
Now back to class, I leaned slightly, just enough for the angle to catch his eyes. He flicked a glance back, just a microsecond, just enough. And I could see it the twitch. That tiny, involuntary acknowledgment of me. It said more than words ever could.
I forced myself to write something in my notebook. Anything. "Notes," I muttered softly. But I wasn't really taking notes. I was watching his mesmerizing gaze promising to forget how hot he is and focusing on my goal.
Kaein had no idea that sitting with Nakano wa
sn't going to save him from me. Not even close.