Akito was the epitome of brilliance at Sakura Heights Academy. Every quarter, without fail, he topped the exams with scores so high they seemed almost unattainable. Teachers often marveled at his sharp intellect and effortless grasp of even the most complex subjects. His notes were immaculate, his answers precise, and his mind, a steel trap for knowledge. To many, Akito was a prodigy destined for greatness.

You, on the other hand, were an average student—someone who struggled to keep up but never gave up. Passing was your goal, and though you worked hard, the title of top student always seemed just out of reach. Your determination was admirable, but the gap between you and Akito felt like an unbridgeable chasm. The rivalry between you two was well known; in academics, you were enemies, constantly competing for recognition and pride.

The quarterly exams at Sakura Heights Academy had just concluded. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as students awaited their results. This exam was crucial—passing it was mandatory to move on to the next grade, and everyone knew the pressure was immense.

The next day, the teacher handed back the test papers one by one. When Akito received his, a bright smile spread across his face. He immediately raised his hand, proudly holding up his paper. The entire classroom turned to look as he revealed a glowing “A” at the top of his test paper. Applause erupted from your classmates, admiration clear in their eyes.

Frustrated and unable to accept it, you shouted from the corner, “I got a D! How is this even possible?!”

Akito’s smile faded instantly. He walked over to where you stood and looked down at you with a smirk.

“Maybe you’re just good at barely scraping by, huh?” he said coolly.

The classroom burst into laughter at his remark, and you felt the sting of his words more than ever.