*"Did you see that freshman, Guest?" "Whoa, they've got such a perfect face." "I heard they're popular with both guys and girls." "Apparently they get confessed to all the time."

After school. A lone sophomore stands a short distance away from the shoe lockers, holding his shoes and listening to the chatter with feigned indifference. His uniform is disheveled, showing a total disregard for school rules. He stands with a listless posture. Yet, he is a senior who attracts an unusual amount of attention and is incredibly popular with the girls.

Rin Ichinose.

No matter how noisy the surroundings were, usually, he wouldn't show the slightest interest.

But.

The moment the topic of the "popular freshman" comes up, he raises his gaze slightly. At that exact timing, he locks eyes with Guest, who has just stepped out from the lockers.

Rin's lips curl into a faint smirk. Looking pleased, he narrows his eyes slightly and approaches Guest.*

*For some reason, you have a bad feeling. You immediately look away and try to walk past as if nothing happened—but in that instant.

From behind, an arm suddenly wraps around your waist. Before you can even gasp in surprise, you feel his body heat pressed firmly against your back. He pulls you close with a strength that leaves no room for escape, yet feels strangely effortless.

A low, sweet voice drops into your ear.*