Exam days. The library is quiet, filled with the rustle of pages and the soft tapping of pens. Students study intently.
In the corner, Miharu is focused on solving math equations, her brows slightly furrowed.
Suddenly, Rei enters with a small box of chocolates. He whispers with a casual grin.
"Hey guys… a little treat from Haruki."
He holds out the box, passing chocolates around. Yuta takes one and says.
"What's the occasion?"
Rei smiles, taking more chocolates from the box, and replies.
"It's Haruki's birthday."
A lowerclassman, Yumi, perks up excitedly and asks.
"Ooh, can I have one too?"
"Yeah, I've got plenty… but keep it down."
Yumi takes one chocolate after apologizing.
"Sorry!"
He hands out the chocolates one by one. Miharu glances up at him as he slowly approaches her. She looks at the box.
It has peanuts in it…
Rei stops in front of her, offering a different piece. Miharu, without looking up, says.
"I'm allergic to peanuts."
Rei pushes his hand forward and, with a gentle smile, replies.
"I know."
He places a chocolate carefully in front of her. Miharu's eyes widen slightly as soon as she sees it. It's the rare limited-edition Cadbury Caramel Macchiato.
She stops writing, picks up the chocolate with both hands, and just looks at it—surprised, mouth open.
Wait…Cadbury Caramel Macchiato? That's…That's the limited edition flavor! It sold out three days ago…
She stares at the chocolate, a soft blush rising to her cheeks.
It's my favorite. The smoothest caramel… How did he know that?
She watches him walk away casually, her heart racing.
How? Just… how? It's the only caramel chocolate I love.
That's it — I don't care about the rumors anymore.
Miharu decides to save it for now and keeps the chocolate in her bag. She tries to focus on her studies, but everything reminds her of him.
Rei doesn't leave her mind throughout the day and night. The next day, in front of the school, Miharu sees Rei talking with Haruki.
She stares at Rei, blushing.
What's your deal…?
Come on, look at me like you always do.
You only stare at me…
At least try to approach me.
Do something...
She passes by them, but Rei is still talking and doesn't seem to notice her. Walking slowly, she turns to look at him. Unable to resist, Miharu's lips move, and a whisper escapes.
"You dummy."
Miharu notices Haruki watching her. Her blush deepens. She turns and looked forward.
Crap… CRAP! He saw me. He's gonna tell Rei and… ahhh!
Miharu notices Haruki watching her. Her blush deepens. She turns and looks forward.
While Miharu spends her day overthinking about this embarrassing moment, Haruki manages to convince Rei to approach Miharu—or so Haruki thinks.
After school, Miharu walks home, her bag slung over one shoulder. Up ahead, she spots Rei and Haruki on a scooter.
Haruki notices her, nudges Rei, and the scooter slows down near a convenience store. Miharu's eyes widen as she stops.
Wait… is he gonna talk to me? Is he going to ask me out?
Haruki stops the scooter. Miharu's heart pounds as she holds a hand to her chest, blushing.
No way… it's really happening. What do I say? Should I play it cool? Be mysterious? I don't know what I'm doing!
But then—Rei gets off the scooter and casually walks into the store. Haruki looks at Rei and follows him, uncomfortably.
Miharu is frozen, then flustered. She feels relieved, but also desperate.
Aee…?!
Are you serious right now? At this point, just say something, you idiot!
She storms past, her pace quickening, muttering under her breath, scowling and making faces.
I was looking forward to it, you know. Maybe I should approach him…No! Out of the question.
Inside the convenience store, Rei crouches near a drink shelf, hiding behind a row of snacks, hands on his head in mild panic. Haruki stands over him, unimpressed.
Haruki, deadpan, sits beside him.
"Really, dude?"
Rei keeps his head down, blushing, muttering,
"Look, I tried, okay?"
Haruki sighs, grabs two packs of chocolate milk, and hands one to Rei.
"You did nothing. Here—chocolate milk. Reset. We'll try again next time. After the final exam."
Rei takes it, nodding faintly, slowly opening the packet.
"Thanks…"
As students prepare for the final exams, Miharu and Rei get busy with their studies. Rei struggles throughout the exam.
Days pass by. Students didn't expect the results to come this early—and Rei's fear comes true: he fails the finals.
A teacher suggests Rei meet the principal, just in case it was a mistake. But Rei turns out to be unlucky.
Outside the principal's office, Rei sits on a bench, motionless, eyes fixed on the tiled floor beneath him. His expression is empty—like the air has been punched out of his chest.
The soft echo of students' voices passes through the hallway, but he doesn't react. He's frozen in thought.
How did it come to this...? Why me...? Why now...?
A soft voice interrupts the silence.
"Um... excuse me. "
Rei slowly turns his head. A girl with long brown hair stands in front of him. The moment he looks up, she blushes, nervously averting her eyes as she twirls a lock of hair.
"Hmm you can me Rin.... Can we... talk? Somewhere private?"
She leads him to the back side of the school building. The two stand in quiet seclusion. Rin suddenly bows, her hair falling over her face, and nervously says.
"Will you... go out with me?"
Rei looked at her, he knew she was unaware but somehow it made him little frustrated.
Is this some kind of joke...? Or does she not know...?
Rei's expression doesn't change, and he tries to play along.
"Why? Why do you want to go out with someone like me?"
Rin gasps and stands straight, blushing.
"I've… had a crush on you since elementary school.
We only have one year left… and I know I'm probably not good enough, but—"
Rei looks her in the eyes and cuts her off, his voice sharp.
"I failed."
Rin is surprised and realizes the state he is in.
"I couldn't make it to 12th grade…"
He turns to leave, but Rin grabs his wrist. Eyes lowered, Rei decides to stop for a moment.
"Wait..."
"I guess... I picked the worst moment to confess.
Sorry...But... can I ask you something? About the rumors—are they true?"
Rei turns to face her, confused. He looks at her.
"What rumors?"
"So… they're not true?"
"What kind of rumors?"
Rin then explains the whole hierarchy of rumors about him.
"That you're...
Rei's face—his eyes widen in disbelief. He questions everything, but deep down he knows who was behind all of this. When Rin finishes, Rei tells her to leave and turns her down nicely.
At the school rooftop, Rei stands at the edge, staring blankly at the schoolyard below. The wind ruffles his hair.
Haruki arrives quietly, holding two cartons of chocolate milk. Softly, he thrusts a carton toward him.
"Here..."
Rei refuses with bitterness, still looking down.
"I don't want it."
"I know. That's why I brought it."
Rei shouts, eyes shut.
"I SAID I DON'T WANT IT!"
Footsteps approach from behind. It's Yuzuki, arms crossed, wearing a smug smile.
"So this is where you've been hiding.
Did you think I wouldn't find out about Miharu?"
Rei's expression tightens, his fists clenching. Yuzuki mocks him.
"You're such a loser. I thought you'd finally given up on her… I didn't even need to do anything.
She'll see what kind of disappointment you really are—"
"SHUT UP!!"
Rei turns and erupts in anger, storming toward her, rage in his eyes. Haruki quickly grabs his shoulder, holding him back.
Yuzuki is stunned, taking a step back—she wasn't expecting this.
I've... never seen him like this before...
Rei raises his voice, shouting through tears. He's almost too loud.
"JUST WHAT DO YOU THINK I AM?!
WHAT DO YOU EVEN KNOW ABOUT ME?!
YOU'RE THE ONE WHO SPREAD THOSE RUMORS, DIDN'T YOU?!
Haruki is shocked, eyes wide. He tightens his grip on Rei.
Wait..... who told...this is bad.
Yuzuki's eyes widen in horror. She covers her mouth and slowly steps back. Rei's voice starts to break. Haruki notices Rei isn't trying to rush forward now.
"THAT I'M A PLAYBOY—
THAT I SLEEP AROUND—
THAT I DRINK AND SMOKE..."
His voice cracks as tears stream down his face.
"I've never even touched any of that… Just what did I ever do to deserve this…?"
Rei breaks down, sobbing. His body loosens.
"I hate you. I hate you with every part of me."
Yuzuki turns and runs back inside, wiping her face. Rei shouts after her, his throat dry.
"LOSER, HUH...?
I'LL ACHIEVE EVERYTHING—YOU HEAR ME?!"