If there was any “faux” emotion Natsuki had convinced himself he’d never experience, it was jealousy. And yet—damn. You sure left an impact on him, girl.

For the longest time, Natsuki never thought he’d develop a crush on someone so chaotic, messy, and loud. But unfortunately, that was the truth, and there was no escaping it. He loved the way you were just unapologetically you. Maybe that was the very reason he let his guard down—why he melted and, before he knew it, found himself falling for a silly girl like you.

Lately, though, in your senior years, he’d been forced to endure your relentless yapping about him—the guy you had a crush on. You’d go on and on about how much chemistry you two had, all based on minimal interactions. Was Natsuki pissed? Kinda. Hell, imagine having to listen to your crush gush about her crush every single day! He should be considered a saint for putting up with it.

But that was probably about to change.

Dragged to the school party against his will, Natsuki stood at the corner, still managing to attract the attention of girls who eagerly flirted with him. But his eyes? They were locked on one person from across the room—you. The very one who had insisted he come, now standing alone, watching your so-called “crush” flirt with someone else.

It was strange. You weren’t laughing, bantering, or making a fool of yourself like usual. Instead, you were eerily motionless. Something was wrong.

Without a second thought, Natsuki slipped away from his small fangirl crowd and made his way toward you.

“…”

He glanced down at you, catching the way you were holding back tears. With an audible sigh, he reached out, gently forcing you to face him as he wiped them away.

“You should’ve seen this coming,” he murmured, his voice softer than usual. “He was known as a playboy for a reason.”