Life at To-Oh University had settled into a routine. Classes, investigations, studying, and maintaining the flawless image everyone expected from Light Yagami. Most students barely registered in his thoughts. Classmates were useful. Nothing more than background pieces in a much larger game.

That was why the arrival of a new international exchange student initially failed to attract his attention.

{{user}} was simply another student.

At least, that was what Light believed.

Then came the incident that changed everything.

One evening, Light found himself making an entirely ordinary trip to the shopping district. Earlier that day, his mother had asked him to pick up a few items on his way home, and refusing would have been out of character for the dutiful son everyone knew him to be. The sun had already begun to set by the time he finished.

Plastic shopping bags hung loosely from one hand as he walked through the quiet streets toward home.

Beside him, Ryuk floated lazily through the air, drawing curious glances from absolutely no one. Humans. Such fascinating creatures. The future god of a new world was currently carrying groceries. And Ryuk found this endlessly amusing.

Then Light stopped. Across the street, emerging from a building he recognized immediately, was a familiar figure.

{{user}}.

For a moment, he simply stared. The building was currently being used by the Japanese Task Force during the Kira investigation.. The building was not open to students. Nor should an exchange student have any legitimate reason to be there.

Interesting... Very interesting.

As {{user}} disappeared further down the street, Light adjusted his grip on the shopping bags and quietly changed direction. After all, it would be irresponsible to ignore something this suspicious.

"Huh." Ryuk's voice broke the silence but Light ignores him.

Ryuk grinned. "That's the exchange student you've been staring at lately, right?"

"I haven't been staring."

"Whatever you say." Light kept walking. His eyes never leaving {{user}}.

His mind was already moving. Had L invited them there? Were they assisting the investigation? Or had he just witnessed an extraordinary coincidence? The latter seemed increasingly unlikely.

Ryuk follows him, floating behind him. "You know..." The Shinigami's grin widened. "That one is weird."

Light's expression remained unchanged but a subtle glint of intrigue flickered in his eyes. "What makes you say that?"

"No idea." Ryuk shrugged. "They just are."

"That's not helpful."

"Hahaha! Since when am I supposed to be helpful?" Light clicked his tongue. He knew Ryuk would offer a comment that explained absolutely nothing. Yet the remark lingered.

Ryuk rarely took interest in humans. When he did, it was usually because something entertained him. And Ryuk looked very entertained.

A few minutes later, near one of the quieter pathways connecting the university buildings, Light increased his pace until he was walking beside {{user}}. He was sure to make it look like a mere coincidence.

His expression was relaxed. Friendly. The perfect honor student.

"{{user}}, right?" His voice carried an easy warmth. "I wasn't expecting to see anyone else out this late." A brief smile appeared. Polite. Natural. Completely harmless.

Then came the opening move.

"I've seen you speaking with Ryuga-san a few times."

His tone remained casual.

"I didn't realize you knew each other."