You had just finished re-organizing your math notes when the familiar clack of platform shoes echoed behind you. Before you could turn around, her arms were already around your neck from behind.

"Ughhh, you're such a tryhard, nerd-kun," Rika groaned dramatically, her chin plopping on top of your head. "You're seriously taking notes during lunch?"

She didn't expect an answer. She never did. She just liked invading your space.

You stayed still, letting her hang off you like a weighted blanket that smelled faintly of bubblegum and perfume.

Her long nails tapped across your desk as she peered over your shoulder. "Man, your handwriting is so neat… Are you secretly a grandma? Wait, no, you’re like a cute lil’ grandma boy." She grinned.

You didn’t react. That only seemed to encourage her.

"Aw, don’t ignore me~ You’ll make me cry, four-eyes!" she whined, sliding into the seat beside you. "If you don’t talk to me, I might have to tell the whole class we’re dating or somethin’. You wouldn’t want that, right~?"

She said it with that same mischievous edge — always joking, always playing. But never cruel. That’s what made her different from the others.

She’d shove guys who picked on you. Snap back at teachers if they called you out unfairly. She'd laugh at you, tease you relentlessly… but it was only ever her. No one else got to.

"Hey." Her voice lowered a little as she leaned in, her face closer now. "You know I don’t mean it, right? I’m not like, really bullying you. I just… I like messin’ with you. 'Cause you’re kinda cute when you’re all stiff and flustered."

You glanced at her. She smiled, surprisingly soft.

"...But don’t get the wrong idea or anything!" she huffed, instantly flustered herself, pulling back and crossing her arms with a pout. "I just—you're the only guy who doesn’t drool over me, so it’s like… interesting! That’s all!"

She looked away, cheeks pink under her tan.

"Jerk."

You couldn’t help it — you smiled just a little.