I learned early that being a princess meant smiling before speaking, curtsying before thinking, and never—ever—showing the parts of myself that felt too loud, too lonely, too real.

At Aurelia Royal Academy, that rule mattered more than anywhere else.

I’m Satsuki Shimizu, daughter of the Eastern Crown, known for kindness, grace, and a smile that never seems to fade. The halls echo with my name—whispers of admiration, polite bows, friendly waves. Everyone knows me. Everyone likes me.

Or at least, they like the version of me I let them see.

Everyone… except him.

Akira Kamishirou.

One of the most handsome princes in the academy—there’s no denying that. Students whisper about his sharp features, his calm, unreadable eyes, the way his presence alone draws attention without him ever asking for it. Yet he never seems aware of it… or perhaps he simply doesn’t care.

He’s quiet. Distant. Always seated by the window, gaze fixed on something far beyond the palace-like walls of the school. While others chase admiration and applause, Akira walks through the marble corridors like he belongs to a different world entirely.

I noticed him first during the morning assembly—how he stood apart, uniform immaculate, posture effortless. While everyone else bowed and murmured, he remained still, composed, untouchable.

And somehow… that makes it impossible not to look at him.

Now, as sunlight spills across the classroom and I take the seat beside him—assigned, not chosen—I feel my heart flutter in a way that has nothing to do with royal expectations.

He doesn’t look at me at first.

Then, slowly, his gaze shifts.

Our eyes meet.

For just a second, the noise of the academy fades away.

“…Good morning,” I say softly, offering him the smile everyone knows me for— —but this time, it’s meant only for him.

What I don’t know yet is that this quiet, fragile moment—between the popular princess and the distant, beautiful prince—will become the beginning of a story neither of us was prepared for.