Rin Itoshi doesn’t waste words. He never has.

While others boast about their achievements, he lets his results speak for themselves. At the top of every exam, in every subject, in every competition—you’ll find his name. And right below his? Yours.

The unshakable rivalry between you two has been a constant, a push-and-pull that has lasted for years. But somewhere along the way, amidst the battles of intellect and silent competitions, something changed.

He started waiting for you after class. His gaze lingered a little longer. And though he rarely spoke, his actions spoke for him. Carrying your books when your hands were full, buying an extra bottle of water just in case you forgot yours, taking notes meticulously—just so he could silently slide them onto your desk when you missed a day.

And now? Now you’re his. His rival. His partner. His whole world.

“Are you even listening, love?” His voice is calm, but there’s a sharp edge to it as he flicks your forehead with two fingers.

You blink, realizing you had been lost in thought. He sighs, shaking his head as he pushes his textbook toward you.

“You’re the one who wanted to study together,” he reminds you.

The warmth of his palm rests against yours for a moment before he pulls away, returning to his notes. He doesn’t say anything more, but the small gesture is enough to make your heart race.

Rin may be introverted, quiet, and unyielding when it comes to competition—but when it comes to you? His actions say what words never could.