The moment Ake and Rukia stepped through the school gate, all eyes at Ryonan High School turned toward them.
For a brief instant, the entire campus seemed to fall silent.
Students — both boys and girls — couldn't help but stare.
Ake's crimson red hair burned under the sunlight like a living flame. His calm yet commanding gaze carried a natural sense of authority, while his tall figure and composed demeanor gave off the unmistakable aura of a king.
Beside him, Rukia looked like a goddess who had stepped straight out of a painting. Her long black hair fluttered gently in the breeze, her brown eyes glimmering with warmth and confidence. She carried herself with an elegant nobility that somehow remained approachable, her beauty so striking it made people forget to breathe.
Together, the two of them walking side by side felt like watching an emperor and empress stroll down a red carpet.
Wherever they went, the crowd unconsciously parted to make way for them.
Even the club members who had been loudly calling out to recruit new students fell silent, tucking away their flyers and standing aside respectfully.
But neither Ake nor Rukia seemed fazed. Their expressions stayed calm, their steps steady. They were already used to such attention. Back in Seiyo Middle School, they'd been admired by everyone. This was nothing new — just a new stage.
Under countless gazes, the pair disappeared into the crowd.
Only then did the students begin to stir.
"Damn it! Why did I freeze up just now?"
"I wanted to recruit them to my club, but my body just wouldn't move!"
"Is that red-haired guy a freshman? He's seriously cool."
"Which class is that girl in? From now on, she's my dream girl!"
Ake and Rukia made their way to the freshman registration area. Sunlight streamed through the glass windows, illuminating them like a spotlight shining on the protagonists of a story.
They quickly finished the registration process and received their class assignments — both were placed in Class 1, Grade 1.
"That's great! I'm in the same class as Ake-kun," Rukia said with a bright smile, her voice full of genuine happiness.
Ake's usually calm lips curved into a small smile. "That's good. We can look out for each other."
Together, they headed to their classroom.
The moment the door to Class 1 opened, the chatter instantly died.
All heads turned toward the entrance.
It was as if a silent pressure had descended with their arrival.
Some students froze with their mouths open. Others dropped their pens to the floor with a clatter. A few instinctively straightened their backs as if bracing for something.
Ake and Rukia stood quietly at the doorway — their appearance, demeanor, and presence alone enough to make the air in the room feel heavy.
"Whoa… he's so handsome…"
"She's gorgeous…"
"So cute…"
"Kawaii!"
In an instant, the classroom exploded into hushed excitement.
The boys couldn't take their eyes off Rukia. Her long, glossy black hair framed her delicate face, and her brown eyes glowed like warm sunlight. Every smile and subtle gesture seemed to pierce straight through their hearts.
Meanwhile, the girls' gazes gravitated toward Ake. His crimson hair caught the light, his mismatched eyes radiated calm confidence, and his mature aura — unusual for his age — made hearts race.
He stood there like a lone mountain peak — distant, proud, and yet somehow irresistible.
But when the two of them entered together, walking side by side, a wave of envy swept through the room.
"Why isn't a girl like that walking in with me…"
"Why is that girl with my future husband? *.* "
Of course, Ake and Rukia were oblivious to the thoughts swirling around them. Even if they knew, they wouldn't have cared. They'd experienced the same thing countless times back in junior high.
The first day of school followed the usual routine — brief introductions and free time afterward. The classroom soon filled with laughter and chatter as students began forming small groups.
All except for one quiet corner — the one where Ake and Rukia sat.
"Ake-kun…" Rukia said softly, her tone carrying a mix of curiosity and anticipation. "Shall we walk around the school together?"
Ake shook his head slightly, his voice calm but firm. "I'm going to sign up for the Basketball Club."
"Eh?!" Rukia blinked, surprise flashing in her eyes. "You're joining the Basketball Club again?"
When Ake had quit the Basketball Club a year ago, she'd felt both confused and regretful. His basketball skills had always fascinated her — they were part of what drew her to him.
Ake didn't answer right away. His deep gaze met hers as he spoke quietly, "I never gave up on basketball. I just took a break."
After a pause, he added, "What about you? Have you decided on a club? Or will you stay with the Kendo Club?"
"Hmm…" Rukia tilted her head thoughtfully, her brows knitting slightly.
"I haven't decided yet," she admitted with a small sigh. "I'm not that interested in Kendo anymore. I've been in the Kendo Club for three years — I'm kind of tired of it."
She looked up again, a trace of uncertainty in her eyes. "I want to try something new, but I don't know what."
Ake's lips curved faintly. "Then take your time to figure it out," he said gently, his tone steady yet encouraging.
Turning toward the door, his eyes focused on the direction of the gym. "I'll head to the Basketball Club now. Want to come with me?"
Rukia blinked, then let out a small hmph, a pink tint coloring her cheeks. "Well, since you're asking so sincerely… I guess I'll tag along!"
And so, the two walked out of the classroom together.
Behind them, the classroom erupted in noise once more.
But even as the chatter resumed, everyone's eyes followed their backs until they disappeared from sight — leaving behind an air thick with envy, jealousy, and a hint of lemony sourness that filled the room.