"You don't look happy today."

Currently he was walking to school with Hayami Chiasa, an individual who he had befriended a few months ago. Shichirou noticed the annoyance present on the female's expression. Furrowed eyebrows, a frown on her lips; it wasn't too conspicuous that it would attract attention, but it wasn't exactly difficult to pick up.

At Shichirou's comment, she made an attempt to cover her irritation with an apathetic expression. "That girl––what was even her name again? The one who sat at the cafeteria with us."

"(L/n)-san?"

"Probably her––whatever. Isn't she too carefree about the student council speech? I mean, this is a prestigious highschool. She comes from a family who bakes, where did all that confidence come from? Their success was only recently as well. She probably only attended regular highschools before transferring here."

Despite not remembering (L/n)'s name, Chiasa knew quite a bit of her background. There were times where Shichirou wondered if the female was pulling strings behind his back with how obvious she could be sometimes. It was both pathetic and entertaining to see how hard she was trying to act indifferent with how clear it was that (L/n) got on her nerves.

"She doesn't even know your true nature. How can she be on the student council with you?"

Assumptions, assumptions. That's what she was best at. It sometimes made things a little too easy.

"Wouldn't it be easy for you to win against (L/n)-san for the student council position?"

"It will be, but what if she takes someone else's spot?"

"Well, decimating her reputation is a start. I'm sure you've noticed that (L/n)-san has a tendency to do a lot of curious things."

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, you didn't notice?"

"...I have an idea. But I want to hear what you think."

He'll just lie through his teeth and see what happens. "She sticks by Kasumi-san quite often. Do you think she's trying to change her?"

Chiasa knitted her eyebrows together. "What? Like some hero?"

"Exactly. I figured that you would've caught on as well." Shichirou smiled. "(L/n)-san acts like she's trying to be the epitome of good, don't you think? Perhaps that explains why she is so tolerant of Kasumi-san's personality."

Plant an idea in her head then steer her in the direction you want.

"She's just some fake. It's painfully obvious," Chiasa said.

"Or maybe you're just talented at discerning people."

Fuel her ego to cloud her judgment. The male gauged her reaction. It was just as he anticipated. She was proud despite her efforts to hide the look on her face.

"Well I was able to realise that you're not as nice as everyone thinks you are."

Shichirou chuckled. "Should I be offended?"

"That's not what I meant. It's better. Talking with you feels worthwhile unlike everyone else in this school," she said. "What's your opinion on her anyway?"

"(L/n)-san?" He thought about it for a moment. "I supposed I don't really care too much about her."

===

"Hey, did you see the news?"

"Yeah! A fire broke out in Zeitaku highschool yesterday. Apparently it was because some student accidentally threw water on a grease fire."

"The teacher wasn't even there! Talk about irresponsibility."

"Wasn't there a student who got trapped in the fire? Wonder if she's okay."

"She stayed back to help the students. That's pretty brave."

"Hopefully we get some follow up on her soon."

Out of all places, they chose to be obnoxious in a library. Gently closing his laptop, a sigh left Shichirou as he cast a subtle glance at the whispering group of girls on the table beside him––well, it was hardly whispering. They might as well have shouted and it would have the same effect.

A fire, huh? Not what he had in mind, but the whole thing unfolded well enough.

Hayami Chiasa. He had known her for a while, but never bothered to get involved with her until this year during a coincidental meeting before the start of their third year of highschool. Befriending her wasn't an issue, especially when she was so easy to read. He figured out everything he needed about her within minutes into their conversation. And within a few more meetings, he managed to get a good grasp on the insecurities she had. It was a wasted opportunity to not take advantage of it, especially when she came from such an influential family.

Chiasa has a privileged background, like a lot of the students in the school. But it was evident from her behaviour that she didn't know left from right when it came to independence. When she tried to impress Shichirou by proving her competence in the kitchen––since his family owns several restaurants––he had to hold back a belittling comment when she said to use water when putting out a grease fire.

The fact that Shichirou's teacher decided to leave her class unattended wasn't some coincidence. A young woman who had just recently landed a position in the school. From the way she taught her classes, Shichirou noted that she was a careless and irresponsible person. She thought that getting along with the students meant using up valuable class time to chat about everything besides the material she was meant to cover; she was wasting everyone's time, she was wasting his time.

A few compliments, polite smiles, and offers of assistance––she trusted him immediately, even when he made a subtle comment on how it was acceptable that she left the class unsupervised for a while so long as she gave them instructions. Then, he slipped in a few words to Chiasa that alleviated her confidence in the kitchen and encouraged her to volunteer to take charge of it. Shichirou barely needed to offer any words of reassurance regarding Chiasa's ability in the kitchen to his teacher, most likely because she thought that an influential background immediately equated to a competent individual.

It was all just an accident waiting to happen.

If Chiasa was the cause of an accident or if her negligence and incompetence allowed for another student to be injured, her influential background should allow her to be just fine. His teacher, on the other hand, will be facing the repercussions.

Though, he had not anticipated (L/n)'s involvement. He also found her actions right before the fire suspicious. After all, she offered her assistance to his teacher and gained access to his classroom. Just what was she trying to accomplish? Was she just good natured or was she trying to gain the favours of the people in the school? The latter made the most sense, but why did Shichirou feel like there was a far more elaborate motive?

(L/n) (Y/n), there was something about her that unsettled him. No matter how hard he tried to figure out her motives, he could never come to a conclusion he was satisfied with. It frustrated him.

"You seem to have something up your sleeve," Shichirou said. "After all, you were oddly less insistent on continuing our conversation despite obtaining little information on my motives."

"Well, yeah. And, I believe that trick up my sleeve is something even you can't think of," (L/n) responded.

Shichirou chuckled, doubt and belittlement clear in his expression. She didn't seem to be lying. Just what he would give to know what was going through her mind at that moment. "I look forward to it."

The sudden memory evoked a spectacle of annoyance in Shichirou. Unable to continue his studies in the library, the male left for a change of scenery. Perhaps a cafe? He could grab something quick to eat while doing some revision. With his decision made, Shichirou swiftly packed up and exited. He was quick to choose a cafe, place his order, take out his laptop, and settle in.

The cafe was brimming with people and he recognised a few to be from his school. Laughter and conversation filled the air as couples enjoyed each other's company, friends excitedly discussing topics of interests, and families simply enjoying the moment. He admitted, he looked lonely in the cafe. However, he didn't feel any desire to engage in social interactions.

Since school was closed for the week, Shichirou needed to ensure he utilised his time appropriately to diligently engaged in his studies and refine his culinary skills. He didn't have the time to spare for anyone––well, it wasn't like he had anyone to go out with. But that made things easier, there was no one to distract him.

"Hey so, why are we here again?"

A familiar voice caught Shichirou's attention and he looked up from his device. Well, this was a surprise. He didn't expect to meet (L/n) already, or run into her at all while school was closed. She had a cast around her arm and was talking to who he assumed were her parents. She didn't see him as she sat down on a table in front, back faced towards him whilst her parents sat on the opposite end.

"Scoping out the competition."

"What your mother means is: she had forgotten to buy the groceries and now we're here for lunch."

"No. That was all part of the plan."

Shichirou wasn't too interested in eavesdropping, so he continued on with his studies. However, due to the proximity, he couldn't help but sneak a couple of subtle glances at them and hear bits and pieces of their conversation.

"(Y/n), are you sure you don't need a wig? A mask? Sunglasses? A new identity??"

"Mum, I told you it's okay. I don't really care when people look at me. Plus, Tamashiro-san gave me some useful advice on how to handle the media if they happen to storm me."

Her parents exchanged worried glances. Her mother then spoke up.

"I know, honey. It's just that..." She lowered her voice to a whisper and Shichirou couldn't discern her next few words.

"Don't worry about that. I'm over it. If someone finds out or the media brings attention to it, I'll be fine."

"Are you––" Her mother stopped herself and sighed. "I sound like a repeated record, don't I?"

"Your concerns are valid," (L/n)'s father said to her mother. "(Y/n), you know that you can talk to us, right? Please don't pretend if you're not truly okay. We will never consider any of your feelings as a burden."

Her mother nodded. "I feel like a terrible parent for leaving you alone so often. I feel even worse to not realise how much you have changed from when we last moved. (Y/n), if there is anything that is bothering you, please tell us. We'll drop everything for you."

Shichirou almost abruptly stopped typing at the woman's words.

...(L/n) has good parents, doesn't she?

"That means a lot," (L/n) said, gratitude evident in her voice, yet Shichirou could detect a faint sense of sadness in it. "Really, I'm okay. I promise if something is really bothering me I will tell you both immediately."

"Are you making friends alright?" her mother asked.

"Yup. Remember that boy with the guitar from when I was younger? Utari Kashi."

There was a brief pause. "Oh, him! He was such a dear. It was a shame that we had to move out not long after. He's an idol now, isn't he?"

"Yeah, he attends my school. We've reconnected now."

"How romantic! Long lost childhood friends––"

"Please don't start that," (L/n) and her father said in unison.

Utari and (L/n) knew each other when they were younger? That piqued Shichirou's interests.

Shichirou remembered the time when he offered to walk (L/n) to the school gates. He had left her alone for a moment to answer a phone call from his mother. No fewer than a few sentences were exchanged so it didn't take long. When he came back, you can imagine his confusion when he returned and saw that (L/n) had ran off in a hurry. Shichirou followed her and ended up at the doors to the rooftop.

Instead of entering, he listened in from the otherside. He wasn't able to piece together the context from the muffled conversations, however, he could tell that there was Kasumi and Utari there along with (L/n). Since he couldn't discern what they were saying, he left and waited for (L/n). Whilst doing so, he noticed Kasumi storming out of the school building. She was too frustrated to notice his presence. He left the school building for a moment to see where she was headed, however he lost track of her.

Anyone with even a fraction of common sense could tell that something was going on and Shichirou wanted to test his luck a little and see if he could gain more insightful through conversation.

"Utari-san, you're a little quiet today," Shichirou pointed out. "Is something wrong?"

"Hm? Oh, I guess I'm just a little tired today," the idol answered, a flawless smile on his lips.

"Hm? Why is that? Did something happen?"

"Nothing much," Utari responded happily. "Why'd you ask? Were you hoping for something else?"

Of course, Shichirou was well aware that the idol wasn't who he made himself out to be. A celebrity not revealing their true identity to the public? That wasn't really a shocker. In fact, it amazes him how easily fans are swayed by the idol. However, Shichirou didn't have an insightful grasp on the character hidden under Utari's facade whilst (L/n) most likely did.

She knew things he didn't and that fact bothered him.

===

As usual, the house was silent.

However, this time it was a little different. His parents were coming home earlier than usual. So, tonight he had prepared dinner to the best of his ability, hoping it would help his parents even a little as they were always extremely busy with their work. Perfecting each dish proved to be a challenge, but for once he was a little proud of something he accomplished.

"Welcome home, mother, father," he said politely. Unlike at school, his tone was genuine. "Did work go well?"

Both parents didn't respond to him. His mother barely spared him a glance before walking right past him and the table set with the dishes he prepared. His father, however, paused and looked at it.

"What's this?" Stern and asutre pink-purple eyes––eyes that Shichirou had a deep resemblance to but could never replicate the same authoritative look––glanced at him. It was so subtle, yet the young male almost flinched under it.

"I thought that I would prepare dinner tonight. With how busy the both of you are, I––"

"Pack it up," his father said with a dismissive wave of a hand. "Or have dinner alone. We don't need it."

Leaving those cold words behind, his father left Shichirou alone, not bothering to spare another glance at his son. Shichirou was silent for a moment before dutifully complying with his father's words. He carefully packed up the food and decided to eat later. His appetite was suppressed with his resolve to get some studying done.

His parents were busy, perhaps he shouldn't have prepared something so elaborate. Perhaps he should've asked them if they wanted dinner first. He should've thought this through more. The fault was on him.

After he was done, he walked to his room and saw his mother just entering hers. Showing a smile at her, he was about to wish her a good night before the door closed on him, not giving a chance for even one word to leave his lips. With a dejected sigh, he entered his room and settled himself in front of his study desk. After cracking his knuckles and promptly switching on his lamp, he stole a glance out the window.

An orange and red hue bled into the sky, leaving a picturesque sunset for the male to view. As much as he'd like to admire it or even go out for a walk and explore a little, he forced himself to turn his attention back to the mountain of textbooks on his desk. It was routine and he had to stick to it. If he didn't study, he would obtain mediocre grades, he'll be mediocre. His parents barely looked his way even at his current state, if he were to regress in terms of competence, he might as well not even be considered their son.