Prologue

The venue was packed with people, each looking radiant and elegant in their own way. Most of the men wore classic black suits, while the women dazzled in colourful dresses that complemented their figures.

That included my family and me. My mom wore a white ball gown, off-shoulder and backless, her hair styled up beautifully with a delicate veil pinned in place. Her makeup wasn’t as heavy as I’d expected — it was soft and natural, enhancing her beauty rather than masking it.

My dad looked just as handsome as always. His hair was slicked back neatly, and he wore his suit perfectly. He had the biggest smile on his face as he wrapped his arm around my mom’s hand.

They walked slowly down the aisle, bowing to the eldest guests along the way. I’d never seen my mom look this happy before. She was giggling and smiling at everyone, her joy filling the whole room. They paused to kiss before whispering something to each other that I couldn’t catch.

Everyone burst into loud applause — mostly my dad’s friends and clients from his business connections. Many were already drunk, cheering and toasting noisily.

I clapped too. Was I happy watching this? Of course I was. I’d never seen my mom so truly happy — not since she gave birth to me. It wasn’t that she didn’t love me; she adored me. She’d always said she was glad I accepted the man she chose to marry as my father.

He’d always been kind to me. I’d known him as my dad for as long as I could remember. He’d been there for every scraped knee, every birthday, every tear.

I smiled to myself, watching them together like this. I sat at a round table with the rest of my dad’s family. Sadly, none of my mom’s side had come — some family feud or old wounds, I wasn’t sure. Only her closest friends and cousins were here to support her.

It felt a bit awkward. I caught my grandparents’ eyes — my grandpa looked so grateful he was tearing up, while my grandma sat stiffly, a sour expression carved into her face. To her, this wedding was still a disgrace. She’d never given her blessing; she still clung to my dad’s ex-wife like a ghost haunting the family.

My grandpa noticed me staring and gave me a gentle look.

“What’s wrong, son? Too noisy for you?”

I shook my head. “No... It’s fine. As long as Mom’s happy, I’m happy.”

He grinned, patting my head before I felt an arm wrap around mine. My stepsister, older than me, beamed at me.

“We’re officially siblings now, Miyu! Happy?” She squeezed my arm and giggled, bragging about how she’d always wished my mom could be hers too. Now she had her, and she wasn’t shy about showing it.

Much to my grandma’s obvious annoyance — she pouted and sulked like a teenager denied her favourite candy.

I turned my eyes back to my parents.

Oh yes. I had parents now. A real family. A dad who loved my mom, and a sister who welcomed us with open arms.

They were full of joy — hugging, dancing, people blessing them with laughter and prayers.

They had that look in their eyes. My dad looked at my mom like she was the only thing that existed, eyes brimming with pure affection. My mom looked back at him with gratitude and quiet love. He never took his eyes off her for a second, always finding her gaze when she got shy.

It was like a scene straight out of a romance manga.

I wondered... would I ever have someone look at me like that? Or would I look at someone the way my dad looked at my mom?

I was only eight, but I was already curious. What did it feel like to love someone with your whole heart? Would it be this beautiful?

▻✦◅

I woke up to my alarm blaring in my ear. Groaning, I smacked it off and squinted as sunlight cut through my curtains.

Just as I sat up, my mom slammed my bedroom door open with zero hesitation.

“MIYUKI! YOU’RE STILL IN BED?!” she shrieked, practically steaming at the ears. “It’s your first day of high school! Move it! You’re gonna be late!”

She paused when she realised I was already on my feet, heading for the bathroom.

“Mm. I’ll be quick,” I muttered, closing the door behind me and leaving her frozen in place.

...

A few minutes later, Mom fussed over my tie and blazer, trying to make me look as mature and studious as possible — a good first impression for my prestigious school.

The entrance exam nearly broke me; I still remember crying over my textbooks at midnight.

But it had been worth it.

Dad stood proudly next to us, my little sister Himiko (4) perched on his arm, babbling happily. He ruffled my hair. “I’m really proud of you, son,” he said, flashing his perfect smile.

We snapped a family photo at the school gate before they shooed me inside. I waved goodbye, ignoring how badly my knees were shaking. My new high school life was about to begin — and my nerves were on the edge of a meltdown.

My stepsister Airi (19) had graduated from this same school at the top of her class and was now a rising model. Her social media was blowing up, and paparazzi trailed her everywhere.

Which, unfortunately, meant people knew about me too. Junior high had been a nightmare. Some kids kissed up to me just because my dad was rich and my sister was famous. It sucked.

▻✦◅

The principal and the student council gave the usual welcome speech: school rules, what to do, what not to do, the school’s proud history. After that, everything blurred. The next thing I knew, I was already in my classroom, following a senior around on a tour I barely remembered.

I ended up sitting next to my best friend, Hayami, thank god. She waved at me excitedly.

“We’re in the same class, Miyuki!” she squealed. “Let’s make this year better than the last one!”

I grinned. “Yeah. I just hope nobody cares who I am this time.”

She laughed, rolling her eyes. She’d been my shield all through middle school — she’d even saved me from some nasty bullying back in elementary school. We’d been best friends ever since.

“You look buffer than last year. Or am I seeing things?” she teased, eyeing me up and down.

I laughed. “I’ve been hitting the gym. It paid off, huh?”

She nodded approvingly. “Well, look at you. Planning to try out for the sports teams?”

“You know me too well.”

She sighed dramatically. “Tall and built... you’ve seriously had a glow up. Meanwhile, I—”

“Hey, you’re gorgeous. Your hair’s gotten so long too.”

She blushed and smacked my arm lightly. “Flirt. Keep that up and you’ll be a heartbreaker before graduation.”

I just giggled. Heartbreaker? Me? I could barely hold a conversation with a girl who wasn’t Hayami, Mom, or Airi.

We talked about study plans and agreed to match our self-study days so we could study together.

Our homeroom teacher finally arrived — way cuter than I expected. He was round and tiny; standing next to him made me feel like Tokyo Tower.

Our class rep turned out to be a nerd but surprisingly charming, glasses and all. The vice-rep was quiet but took offence at the slightest joke — strict as hell, so the rep always had to smooth things over.

This school already had enough strict rules; thankfully they didn’t ban phones. I’d die without mine.

▻✦◅

Two weeks in, and I was already dead inside. I’d skipped the cafeteria to study in the library while Hayami hung out with her new girlfriend.

When I finally checked the clock, I realised recess was about to end. I stretched, cracked my knuckles, and yawned as I gathered my books.

As I stepped out of the library door, a guy running full speed slammed into me. He fell hard, scattering papers everywhere.

I barely budged — he definitely got the worst of it. Around us, some students snickered at his clumsiness while he kept his head down, scrambling for his things.

I crouched down and helped gather his scattered papers and books.

“Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to hit you,” I said, handing him a stack.

He took it, and I couldn’t help noticing his long, elegant fingers. My eyes lingered embarrassingly long. He wasn’t tiny, just lean — his light brown hair fell messily over his eyes. Something about him sparkled, because everyone around kept sneaking glances like he was a walking daydream.

“Umm...” I was sure he was older — a senpai. “Sen—” But my breath caught. My heart thundered in my chest.

He looked at me then. His eyes — deep brown, a little tired with faint bags beneath them — locked with mine. A soft, shy smile curved his lips, and I felt like he’d just shot an arrow straight through my chest.

“-pai...” My face burned. I stammered helplessly.

He chuckled, brushing his bangs aside. “I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have been running. My teacher asked me to collect all these books from my classmates — so I panicked. I’m already late.”

Even his voice was cute. God help me.

“Oh. Want me to help carry them to your teacher?” I offered my hand. He took it. His skin was warm and smooth. I swallowed hard as I pulled him up.

“It’s fine, really. But thank you for offering.” He gave me that soft smile again before waving goodbye and disappearing down the hall.

I stood there staring like an idiot, wanting to see him again already.

Through the fading crowd, Hayami appeared beside me, dragging her new girlfriend along. She waved a hand in front of my face.

“Miyuki? Earth to Miyuki. Done studying?”

But I barely heard her. I was too busy replaying that smile in my head.

She raised an eyebrow. “Miyuki?”

“Hayami...”

She perked up. “Yeah?”

I touched my chest and could feel my heart pounding fast. "I... I think... I'm falling in love."

Oh no.

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