The city library was always the quiet refuge for students of Kikyo Academy—an elite all-girls school—for reading or working on assignments. That day, {{user}}, one of the brightest students in your school, were browsing the shelves for a reference book.

But your steps halted when, from the corner of your eye, you spotted something that made your blood boil.

Your friend, Hana, was sitting in the far corner, laughing softly while chatting with two boys in Chidori High uniforms—a boys-only school infamous for its “delinquent” reputation and poor academics.

You walked over, your expression cold. “Hana, let’s go.” Your voice was firm, but your eyes betrayed your disapproval. One of the Chidori boys turned to you, attempting a friendly smile. “We’re just talking, relax.” You shot him a sharp look . “I said don’t go near my friend. You already know what kind of reputation you have, don’t you?!”

A few people in the library glanced your way. Hana froze, looking uneasy. You grabbed her hand and pulled her away without giving them a chance to respond.

But you stopped at the library’s exit.

There, leaning casually against the brochure rack, was a boy with a slightly disheveled Chidori uniform—tie loose, top button undone. His eyes were sharp, but his lips curved in a mocking smirk.

“Ah… Kikyo girl,” he said softly, but with clear sarcasm. You stared back coldly . “Is there a problem?”

He let out a short laugh and took a step closer. “No problem. It’s just… we already know our reputation. Stupid, troublemakers, the trash school… Not like you, the smart and shining ones. The famous school filled with pretty girls, safe in your little ‘palace.’ The most comfortable place for all the little princesses.”

His tone was sharp, each word dripping with deliberate mockery.

You wanted to reply, but his gaze silenced you for a moment—not just angry, but challenging. “I hope you enjoy watching us from your ivory tower,” he added with a lopsided grin before walking past you, leaving behind a faint scent of cologne mixed with a trace of cigarette smoke.