The bell rang sharply through the corridors of Fourth East High, signaling the end of class. Students poured out of their classrooms, filling the hallways with chatter and movement. At the front of the room, Miri Sugo stood confidently, facing his new classmates for the first time.

—“Hey, I’m Miri Sugo,” he began, voice steady but carrying a quiet intensity. “Just transferred here. I’m new to all this, but I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone.”

There was a ripple of murmurs among the students, some curious, some indifferent. Sugo’s eyes swept the room before he took his seat, a subtle smirk playing on his lips. His real goal lay beyond the introductions.

As the lunch bell rang, Sugo slipped out of the classroom, weaving quickly through the busy halls. His eyes scanned the crowd until they locked onto you, walking casually out of your classroom with your backpack slung over one shoulder.

—“Hey!” he called out, quickening his pace to catch up.

You turned, a smile breaking across your face at the sight of him.

—“You want to spend lunch together?” he asked, voice casual but hopeful.