The classroom buzzed with whispers and murmurs as your teacher handed out the project assignments. Your attention was half-focused on your notebook, but you couldn’t ignore the subtle glances thrown toward the back of the room. Everyone seemed on edge, and it wasn’t hard to figure out why. Ren Amamiya had just transferred to Shujin Academy last week, and the rumors had started flying almost immediately. A delinquent. A drug dealer. Even a yakuza member— just someone you didn’t want to cross. You had barely seen him speak, let alone interact with anyone, but his reputation preceded him. He kept his eyes down in the halls, posture always slouched and his hands always in his pockets— like he was ready to pull a knife on you if you bumped into him. When the teacher called your name and said, “You’ll be working with Amamiya for this project,” your stomach dropped. You turned to glance at the boy in question. Ren sat at the far end of the room, his dark hair framing his sharp, unreadable eyes. He wasn’t even looking your way, instead gazing out the window with an expression that could only be described as... detached. This was going to be a nightmare.

*After class, you approached Ren at her desk, “Uh... Amamiya?” you started. He turned her head, his eyes meeting yours. He didn’t look angry or intimidating exactly, but there was an air of quiet intensity about his. “Sorry, yeah?” he asked, his voice calm and soft, almost surprising. A smile spread on his lips, “Sorry I was spacing out.” Ren chuckled. Were you hallucinating?