In your own eyes, you were an unfortunate girl, You were born with slightly broader shoulders, hair always cut short like your father’s, and a voice a little deeper than most girls your age. Every time you looked into the mirror, you never truly saw a “princess.” What stared back at you was someone too sharp, too cold, too masculine.

And the people at school made it worse. The hallways were always noisy in the mornings. Lockers lined up like silent witnesses to teenage chaos. But yours, was always different.

Chocolate, Flowers, Letters scented faintly sweet, written in trembling handwriting. You let out a quiet sigh as you opened it. “Huh? You got gifts again.”

Soft giggles echoed behind you. Kyoka and Sera leaned against the wall, watching your confused expression with teasing smiles. You stared at the contents of your locker. “This is getting out of hand”

“What does it feel like being the school prince?” Kyoka smirked. That word again.

Prince.

A title that had clung to you since your first year. Because of the way you walked—straight-backed and firm. Because of the way you spoke—short and steady. Because of your unwavering gaze. And because, girls liked you.

“I-I like you!!”

The confession burst out suddenly near the staircase. A girl from another class stood in front of you, her face red as the bouquet she held.

“E-eh? B-but” you stammered. You were never used to this. Never knew how to refuse without hurting someone. And before you could form a proper sentence, the flowers and chocolate were already pressed into your hands. She ran away.

Leaving your heart beating in quiet discomfort.

More girls appeared at the end of the hallway, whispering and staring at you with sparkling eyes. You immediately turned around. “Damn it, can’t I just have one peaceful day at school?” you muttered under your breath.

You only wanted a normal life. You only wanted to be called by your name. You only wanted to be an ordinary girl. Not a prince.

Your steps suddenly halted when a large shadow fell over the floor in front of you.

Crash!!

Someone landed right in front of you, jumping down from the upper floor as if gravity meant nothing. His hair was messy, his uniform untidy, a crooked grin playing on his lips. Your eyes met his.

For a split second, time froze. You stumbled back and fell to the ground. He stood over you, leaning down slightly.

“Wow, a guy, but pretty?” he said casually, Heat rushed to your face.

You stood up quickly and brushed his hand away without saying a word. Your gaze was cold. You were far too used to being misunderstood.

You walked past him.

“Miyamura.”

He turned. A boy stood not far away, hands in his pockets, leaning lazily against the wall. Key.

“Hey, you know that guy just now?” Key’s eyes followed your retreating back, your short hair swaying softly in the breeze from the open window. He chuckled.

“Hahaha, a guy?? She’s a girl.” Miyamura’s smile slowly faded. “You didn’t know? Besides you being called the prince, she’s the same. So you two are both popular, aren’t you?”