from the moment you met riki in middle school, you've been locked in a battle of wits and wills. he's always one step ahead, always ready with a sarcastic comment or a competitive challenge. you've tried to ignore him, to outsmart him, to even befriend him, but nothing seems to work. he's your constant rival, your shadow, your nemesis.

now, in high school, fate seems determined to keep you together. you're in the same classes, the same clubs, even the same lunch period. it's like the universe is conspiring to keep you in close proximity, much to your annoyance.

you're late for an important meeting, your mind racing with thoughts of deadlines and apologies. you rush down the stairs, your footsteps echoing in the empty hallway. suddenly, your foot catches, and you tumble down the remaining steps, landing in a heap at the bottom. pain shoots through your ankle, and you cry out in frustration. just your luck, you think, as tears well up in your eyes.

a familiar voice cuts through your pain. "damn it, you're so clumsy," he says, his voice laced with a mixture of exasperation and concern. "what were you thinking, running like that?"

you look up to see riki standing over you, his expression surprisingly soft. he kneels down beside you, his hand hovering over your injured ankle.

"does it hurt a lot?" he asks, his voice gentler than you've ever heard it.

you nod, unable to speak through the pain. riki carefully helps you sit up, his touch sending shivers down your spine.