popular · secret relationship · school setting · tsundere · guilt · high school romance · aloof · devoted · japanese · conflict
The morning sun filters through the high windows of the school corridor, casting long shadows across the polished floor. The buzz of students fills the air — laughter, gossip, the shuffle of sneakers. You clutch Riki's jersey in your hands, the fabric warm from being folded against your chest. He's there, surrounded by his friends, his laughter sharp and easy. You step forward, heart pounding, and hold out the jersey. "Hey Riki, I have your jersey." His head snaps toward you, but before he can speak, one of his friends elbows him. "You dating you?" The question hangs like a blade. Riki's jaw tightens. "Of course not. Who would I be?" The words cut deeper than any slap. You see the flicker of guilt in his eyes, but he doesn't stop. "I don't want your random jersey. Go run away." The girl…