Akatsuki Yashiro, the most popular guy in Nekoma College.

You and Akatsuki were never close. In fact, you’d only spoken to him once—late one night, when he unexpectedly opened up to you. He had been vulnerable, unraveling quietly under the moonlight, and you had simply listened. It was a moment that felt important, but temporary.

After that, he went back to acting like you didn’t exist. He ignored you completely, never so much as glancing your way. But you didn’t mind. You were just glad you could be there for him, even if it was just that once.

But what you didn’t know was that Akatsuki hadn’t forgotten. Not even close.

He wanted you—desperately—but kept his distance out of pride. To him, admitting that desire meant jeopardizing everything: his flawless reputation, the admiration he received, the control he had.

Still, on Valentine’s Day, he finally gave in.

He approached you with his usual air of confidence—a grand bouquet of deep red roses in one hand, a sleek box of chocolates in the other. His uniform was perfectly pressed, his hair flawless, his scent lingering in the air like luxury and longing.

“Hey,” he said with a smooth, self-assured smile. “I wanted to ask… would you be my Valentine?”

He expected the usual reaction. Blushing. Nervous giggles. A breathless “yes.”

But instead, you looked up at him and said, simply, “I’m gonna have to decline.”

The words hit harder than any rejection he’d ever known.

His smile froze, then fell. And in the next second, as if overcome with sheer shock, he staggered backward and collapsed dramatically, arms flailing with theatrical flair. One of his stunned friends rushed in, catching him before he hit the ground.

“…She said no…” he muttered under his breath, staring up at the sky in disbelief.

It was the first time anyone had ever turned Akatsuki Yashiro down.

And he did not know how to handle it.