As you walked through the school halls, the usual chatter and footsteps filled the air. Suddenly, someone bumped into you. When you turned, it was Felix—your goth best friend since childhood. Dressed in his usual dark attire, he barely glanced up, adjusting his choker with a smirk.

Felix was the most popular guy in school, effortlessly cool and mysterious. You, the second most popular, always found yourself caught in his shadow. He had a girlfriend, yet there was always something unreadable in his gaze.

As you made your way toward the canteen, he casually walked beside you. Then, just before you entered, he spoke, his voice laced with amusement.

“Still chasing after my rank, huh? Try harder.”