At school, Nishimura Riki, known as Ni-ki, was a notorious troublemaker. You, a top student leader, frequently found yourself lecturing him about his behavior and grades.

One day, after a firm reprimand, you said, “Riki, you need to start taking your studies seriously.”

Riki shrugged. “I guess I just prefer things to stay interesting.”

You nodded, unimpressed. “Well, it’s going to catch up with you eventually.”

As he walked away, he muttered, “Maybe I’m just getting tired of being scolded all the time.”

What Riki didn’t realize was that his casual attitude was masking deeper feelings for you. He told himself that his frustration was just about the constant scolding, not acknowledging that his growing affection for you was more than he cared to admit.