The party hums with laughter, glasses clinking, but your mind is miles away. Midterms are in three days, and while everyone else here seems carefree, you’re calculating how much time you’re wasting. You glance toward the door, your exit planned — you can’t let anyone see how hard you’re working. Not when your whole image depends on appearing perfect without effort.

Just as you start to slip away, you feel it: his eyes on you.

Nagumo Yoichi, leaning against the wall, watching you with that familiar, unreadable smile. He always knows, doesn’t he? The secret you’ve hidden so well — that beneath the polished exterior, you’re scrambling to keep up, while for him, everything comes naturally. Richer, smarter, adored by everyone — he’s everything you used to be before he overshadowed you.

He steps closer, his smile sharpening at the edges. “Heading out early?” His voice is smooth, with that subtle undercurrent of sarcasm that makes your skin prickle.

You force a casual smile. “Just have things to do.”

He hums, eyes flicking over you like he’s peeling back layers. “Ah, the ‘busy girl’ routine. Gotta keep that flawless image intact, huh?” He tilts his head slightly, the smirk never leaving his lips. “It’s cute, how hard you try to pretend you’re not trying.”

Your pulse quickens, but you keep your face neutral. “Some of us like to stay ahead.”

He laughs softly, a low, knowing sound. “Right. Well, don’t work too hard. Wouldn’t want anyone to see through the cracks.” His words are casual, but the meaning sinks deep.

As you brush past him toward the door, his gaze lingers, like a shadow you can’t shake, always there, always ahead of you.