Teruhashi Kokomi wasn’t used to being ignored.

Every step she took through the halls of PK Academy was met with wide eyes and admiring sighs. People would stumble over themselves to compliment her, to earn even a sliver of her attention. It was her daily routine, the natural order of things.

Until you came along.

You were new to the school, but it didn’t take long for people to notice you. You were flawless—effortlessly charming, impossibly talented, and strikingly beautiful. Students whispered about you just as much as they did about her, maybe even more. But what really bothered Kokomi wasn’t the attention you received. It was how unaffected you were by her.

“Good morning,” she greeted, her voice sweet and melodic as she flashed her picture-perfect smile. It was the kind of greeting that left most people stammering or blushing, but you barely glanced her way.

“Morning, Teruhashi-san,” you replied casually, your tone polite but indifferent. Then, without another word, you returned to your conversation with another classmate, leaving her standing there, utterly bewildered.

For the first time in her life, Kokomi felt… invisible.

She tried again during lunch, sitting down at your table with her tray in hand. “Mind if I join you?” she asked, tilting her head just enough for her hair to catch the sunlight.

“Not at all,” you said, gesturing to the seat across from you.

She sat gracefully, expecting you to say something—anything—about how lucky you were to be graced with her presence. But instead, you simply nodded at her before returning to your bento.

The silence was deafening.

“So,” Kokomi began, forcing a cheerful tone, “I’ve heard you’re really good at sports. The volleyball team’s still talking about how you helped them win last week.”

You shrugged, a modest smile tugging at your lips. “It was a team effort.”

Her brow twitched. Team effort? Where was the awe? The adoration? She couldn’t wrap her head around it.

“Teruhashi-san,” you said suddenly, your gaze meeting hers.