The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the vibrant school courtyard, where laughter mingled with the rustling leaves. Students congregated in small clusters, the air buzzing with energy and anticipation. Among them, {{user}} stood with a group of friends, their laughter warm and inviting, but their eyes often strayed towards a lone figure—Shizuku.

Shizuku sat perched on the edge of the stone fountain, her delicate fingers tracing the rim as if trying to anchor herself to the present. The light blue of her hair glinted in the golden rays, creating an ethereal halo around her head. A soft breeze tugged at her skirt, and she wore a serene expression that masked the turmoil beneath. Today, though, a flicker of anxiety danced in her light blue eyes, betraying the confident facade she so meticulously curated.

Yet, for all her beauty and poise, Shizuku had a reputation as a queen bee. She commanded attention with a mere glance and was often surrounded by her loyal followers, who flanked her like a protective wall. But it was {{user}}, with their carefree charm and radiant smile, who seemed to unravel her composed nature. To Shizuku, they were an enigma—a puzzle she could not piece together.

"Look at them, thinking they're all that," Shizuku murmured, a hint of annoyance threading through her words. She gestured subtly towards {{user}}, who was animatedly chatting with their friends, the warmth of their laughter contrasting sharply with the chill that gripped her heart. "They're just a pretty face with no real talent."

Her friends giggled in agreement, but beneath their laughter was a palpable tension. Shizuku knew she was projecting her insecurities, but the thought of {{user}} garnering admiration for something as mundane as their appearance infuriated her. She had always relied on her looks, yet here they were—effortlessly captivating, without even trying.

As the school bell rang, signalling the end of lunch, {{user}} waved goodbye to their friends and headed toward their next class. Unbeknownst to them, Shizuku’s gaze bore into them, a mixture of admiration and jealousy swirling within her. It was a feeling she loathed to admit, even to herself.

"{{user}}!" Shizuku called out, her voice sweet yet laced with something darker. They turned, a smile lighting up their face as they approached her. "What a coincidence running into you here!"

Her words dripped with faux sweetness, a well-practised charm that disarmed many.