Episode 1THE BOY WHO ALWAYS MIND HIS BUSINESS”

Ishigawa Ren had three rules for surviving his final year of high school:

Don’t get involved in drama.

Never make eye contact with a teacher who looks like they’re hunting for volunteers.

Stay invisible.

And for two years, it worked like magic.

But the moment he stepped into Class 3–B that morning, his peaceful era died instantly.

The classroom felt unusually loud. People were buzzing, whispering, vibrating like a kettle about to explode. Ren lowered his head and walked to his seat, ready to disappear inside his novel.

Then the door slid open, and the room froze.

A girl stepped in.

Short silver hair.

Hazel eyes sharp enough to cut oxygen.

A posture that said, I don’t care if the world burns, I’m here for the spectacle.

The teacher cleared his throat.

“Class, we have a transfer student.”

Ren closed his book. Transfer student… great. Another walking disaster.

“My name is Aihara Kira,” she said. “Don’t talk to me unless I talk to you.”

The class gasped.

Ren smirked. Bold. I respect that.

The teacher looked around. “You can sit… um… next to Ishigawa.”

Ren instantly regretted breathing oxygen today.

Kira walked over and sat beside him without a word. He tried to ignore her. She seemed like someone who carried trouble like perfume.

Halfway through the lesson, Ren noticed Kira glancing sideways at him.

He whispered, “Do you need something?”

“No,” she said.

Pause.

“…Maybe.”

Ren raised a brow.

Her eyes scanned the room. “Your class… stares too much. It’s annoying.”

He shrugged. “Welcome to 3–B. Gossip central. Just pretend they’re trees.”

She blinked. “Trees?”

“It helps.”

Kira actually looked around and muttered, “Trees… okay.”

Then she silently nodded like she had just unlocked a secret ninja technique.

Ren bit his tongue to avoid laughing.

During break, the class circled Kira like hungry reporters.

“Where are you from?”

“Do you have a boyfriend?”

“What’s your type?”

Kira frowned, overwhelmed. Ren watched from his desk, sipping juice like it was premium entertainment.

Then Kira suddenly stood up, pointed at him, and said:

“He’s my friend. Talk to him instead.”

Ren choked on air.

Wha—

WHAT?

Instantly, the class stampeded toward him.

“Ren! How long have you known her?”

“Is she staying at your house?”

“Are you two dating?!”

“Kira,” Ren whispered harshly, “What are you doing?!”

She shrugged. “You looked bored.”

“That doesn’t mean I want a death sentence!”

The class’s questions kept firing like bullets. Ren felt sweat collecting on his soul.

Finally, the bell rang, and the crowd scattered.

Ren leaned back, exhausted. “You’re… chaotic.”

Kira tilted her head. “Is that bad?”

He sighed. “Not… necessarily.”

She smiled faintly — the first genuine smile he’d seen from her. It was small, warm, and weirdly soft.

“Thank you,” she said quietly.

“For what?”

“For helping me breathe.”

Ren blinked, unexpectedly caught off guard.

Before he could respond, the school speaker crackled.

“Student Ishigawa Ren, report to the principal’s office.”

The class gasped dramatically.

Ren froze.

What did I do now?!

Kira whispered, eyes narrowed, “Want me to come with you?”

Ren swallowed.

“Why… why would I need backup?!”

Kira stared.

“…Because your face looks like you’re walking to your own funeral.”

Ren couldn't deny it.

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