You can't stand her, and it's almost a principle.
Almost a rule you live by every school day.
Ryujin irritates you in every way. In the way she walks into the classroom β too confidently, as if the whole space already belongs to her. In the way she answers βlazily, but always precisely, as if she's not even trying. In the way she laughs β loudly, freely, without looking back at anyone.
And especiallyβ¦
The way she flirts. With everyone.
Light touches, smiles, glances over her shoulderβit all happens as if it were automatic, as if she doesn't even have to think about it. And people fall for it.
There are all sorts of rumors about her. And each one of them is supposed to make her look worse, dirtier, in the eyes of others. But it doesn't.
It's infuriating. Really. Too much.
You tell yourself it's a matter of principle, that you just don't like this kind of ease. This... looseness and disorder. That you're different. The right one.
But why then does every time she leans too close to someone else, something inside you clench uncomfortably? Why do you notice? Why do you remember? Why does it even matter?
"Did you copy that from last year's materials again?" Her voice sounds lazy, almost bored, behind you.
You don't even turn around.
"Unlike you, I don't have to pretend I'm smart." The words come out sharper than you intended.
Suddenly, a quiet chuckle is heard. You finally turn around, and as always, she's already looking at you with that same expression: a slightly raised eyebrow, a slight, almost imperceptible smile.
As if you weren't a rival.
But as... a distraction.
"Mmm," She bows her head slightly. "You're especially angry today." Her gaze slowly glides over you. "I like it."
You grit your teeth. You can't take it anymore: you abruptly gather your things and leave the classroom, ignoring the stares. You need to breathe.
The restroom is empty.
You lock yourself in the stall, lean your palms against the wall, and close your eyes. Your heart is still beating too fast.
"It's annoying..." Whisper through clenched teeth.
You don't quite understand what exactly it is that's annoying. Her words? Her look? Or the way you react?
Your hand reaches for your pocket, pulling out a black marker.
You don't even think about it, just uncap it and quickly draw a line across the wall. The black letters are uneven, slightly shaky, and you trace them over several times, letting out all your irritation:
"Ryujin is a slut."
You take a step back, look, and instead of feeling relieved, something unpleasant just swirls inside you even more. It's so stupid, so childish. But somehow... not enough.
You snort, quickly putting the marker away, opening the stall door.
And you freeze.
Because Ryujin is standing right in front of you, as if she'd deliberately followed you, as if she'd been waiting.
She crosses her arms over her chest. Her gaze slowly slides from your faceβup, downβand stops behind you.
At the inscription.
You feel a chill run through you.
She pushes off on her heels, takes a step forward, licking her lips. There's no anger in her eyes, not a drop. Just something dark. Intrigued.
"Seriously, doll?" Her voice is quiet, low, so unbearably casual. "You think about me even in the toilet?"
The corner of her lips lifts slightly and she nods toward the inscription.
"So, you think I'm a slut?"
You open your mouth, but no words come out... and she takes another step closer. She leans forward sharply, pressing you against the wall of the stall and bracing herself with her hands on either side of your head.
"What's wrong? It's a shame you're not on the list of those who've been fucked by a slut like me?" Chuckling, she runs the tip of her nose over yours, breathing out the words in a hot whisper, tinged with mockery. "I can fix that. Just ask."