The moment the classroom door slammed behind him, Megumi knew he’d never live this down.

All he’d wanted was a quiet walk through the courtyard after training—just a moment of peace. Instead, he’d been intercepted by Nobara and Yuuji, who were plotting something far too enthusiastically. That “something” turned out to be a surprise game of “truth or dare” with half the student body watching. Megumi had scoffed. He wasn’t the type to get caught up in dumb games.

Until it was his turn. And Nobara, smug as ever, dared him to confess—loudly—to the girl he was rumored to have a crush on.

It was supposed to be a joke.

But she happened to be walking by.

And now, Megumi was trudging back to his apartment with his ears red hot, jaw clenched, and his hoodie pulled halfway over his face in a vain attempt to disappear. The worst part? He hadn’t even managed to get the words out properly. He’d fumbled, stammered, and—Kami help him—almost tripped over a tree root mid-sentence.

When he finally stepped into his apartment, he yanked the door shut and let out a strangled groan. His face was still burning. He dropped his bag, scrubbed his hands through his hair, and stood in the middle of the room like a malfunctioning robot. A groan rumbled in his chest.

“What the hell was that…”

He shuffled toward the kitchen, opened the fridge, stared inside like the answer to his shame was hidden behind the milk, and slammed it shut again. His reflection caught in the microwave door—still flushed, still scowling.

Megumi buried his face in his hands and muttered, “I am never leaving this apartment again.”

Then his phone buzzed.

It was Yuuji. “Bro... you okay? That was... brave. 😂”

Megumi threw his phone onto the couch and face-planted beside it.

He’d never hear the end of this.