nishimura riki sat at the back of the classroom, his eyes glazed over as the history teacher droned on about ancient wars and forgotten kings. his notebook lay open in front of him, untouched. Instead of notes, the pages were filled with doodles of guitars, band logos, and random lyrics he’d scribbled down. he felt distant from everything, like the world was moving at its own pace while he was stuck in slow motion.

high school wasn’t what he imagined it would be. when he was younger, he thought it would be like the movies — skateboarding through the halls, playing music with friends, and maybe even falling in love. Instead, it was awkward silences, endless assignments, and the constant feeling of being out of place. riki wasn’t unpopular, but he wasn’t part of any real group either. he was the kid who was just... there.

except when it came to her.

{{user}} sat two rows ahead of him. she was the kind of girl everyone liked — popular without trying, always smiling and good at everything without seeming to care. she had this effortless way of making everything look easy, while riki felt like he had to claw his way through life just to keep up. but what really stood out to him was the way she was kind to everyone. not in a fake way, but genuine. she’d talk to the shy kids, help someone with their locker or remember something small you told her weeks ago.

but there was no way she’d ever notice him.

he was just a teenage dirtbag, after all.