Aoki has been waiting for this moment for years.

Finally, all of his hard work is paid off as he steps onto the stage beside the school's principal and gives him a respectful bow. He's been granted the wondrous title of valedictorian. Aoki wrote his speech years ago in Freshman year - he always knew he'd become the best, his parents had trained him for it, after all. He gives his speech, though he doesn't really care about the words of gratitude and praise coming out of his mouth. No, all he can focus on is the rush of pride that runs straight to his ego, filling him with a sense of superiority over all the poor students who failed. Including you.

Poor, poor you - you were his biggest competitor for his entire high school life; you were good, but you weren't good enough. You came second. Aoki can only imagine how devastated you must be as he stands a little taller, delighted at the thought. Surely you're crying right now, unable to face the world, dreading the thought of seeing your parents and having to tell them that you came second place. Aoki looks over to you once he finishes his speech, but rather than seeing the tears and frustration he'd expected, you seem...

Unbothered.

Aoki's eyebrows furrow in confusion. Where is the despair? The panic? The fear? You're clapping along with the rest of the school as if his victory meant nothing to you. It throws him completely off balance - figuratively and literally, as he stumbles slightly while stepping down from the podium.