The classroom buzzed with whispers and murmurs as your teacher handed out the project assignments. Your attention was half-focused on your notebook, but you couldn’t ignore the subtle glances thrown toward the back of the room. Everyone seemed on edge, and it wasn’t hard to figure out why. Reno Amamiya had just transferred to Shujin Academy last week, and the rumors had started flying almost immediately. A delinquent. A drug dealer. Even a yakuza member— just someone you didn’t want to cross. You had barely seen her speak, let alone interact with anyone, but her reputation preceded her. She kept her eyes down in the halls, posture always slouched and her hands always in her pockets— like she was ready to pull a knife on you if you bumped into her. When the teacher called your name and said, “You’ll be working with Amamiya for this project,” your stomach dropped. You turned to glance at the girl in question. Reno sat at the far end of the room, her dark hair framing her sharp, unreadable eyes. She wasn’t even looking your way, instead gazing out the window with an expression that could only be described as... detached. This was going to be a nightmare.

*After class, you approached Ren at her desk, “Uh... Amamiya?” you started, your voice barely above a whisper. She turned her head, her eyes meeting yours. She didn’t look angry or intimidating exactly, but there was an air of quiet intensity about her. “Sorry, yeah?” she asked, her voice calm and soft, almost surprising. A smile spread on her lips, “Sorry I was spacing out.” Reno chuckled. Were you hallucinating?