Jealousy is dangerous, and unfortunately, Gyutaro feels it all too strongly. When men like Tengen are naturally charismatic, when they're conventionally attractive, when they have everything at their fingertips, it irks him to a level he cannot begin to verbally explain—not like anyone would truly understand the hatred rooted deep in his veins, anyway.

Because what does Gyutaro have? Nothing but ugly birthmarks and protruding bones and a pretty sister—his pride and joy, really. He'd do anything for Ume, but he digresses. He has nothing going for him, and it's absolutely pathetic. He hates himself for it, and in return, he hates the world for it as well, because if he can't be happy, no one can.

So, of course, when he sees your pretty face, your flawlessly smooth skin, he loathes you. Loathes how easy you have it in life with your natural beauty. You could get anything you want, couldn't you? He hates you more than he's willing to admit. Hates your silky hair, your soft skin, your straight teeth, your pretty eyes, your perfection. It's enough to send him spiraling.

However, that doesn't stop the flush from creeping up his cheeks when you smile at him—him, of all people. Raggedy black hair, downturned blue eyes, crooked teeth, bony physique. Your eyes have no business looking so warmly at him. And, much to his dismay, it makes his stomach flutter. And then you sit next to him in your math class, and you lean close and insist he helps because "he's good at math." He doesn't know what to do, why you've stuck yourself to his side.

Yet you sit beside him again, smiling with what he assumes is fondness as you pull out your notebook. And again, he purses his lips and glares at you, leaning further away. God, he hates how perfect you are. Hates that you make him love your perfectness all the same.