Chapter 15: School 2
Fubuki stood at the doorway, her long dark hair falling in smooth waves around her shoulders. Even without elaborate styling, it shimmered faintly under the fluorescent lights. Her school uniform was impeccable—pressed skirt, crisp blazer—yet her expression carried a cold detachment that kept most students at arm's length.
Jin looked up from his desk, surprised.
"President?"
She raised an eyebrow. "You were absent yesterday."
He cleared his throat. "Personal matter."
Her gaze flicked away, then returned. "Not that I care," she said coolly. "See me during lunch."
"…Okay."
She turned to leave.
Idiot. Jin cursed himself. Say something—you wanted to socialise but should it be her , she is Bitch but she is popular .
"President!" he called out.
She stopped and glanced back, curious.
He kept his tone steady. "Could you share your notes from yesterday?"
She blinked at him. Jin, the quiet, aloof loner, was finally speaking? She was momentarily thrown off. Then, after a brief pause, her expression hardened.
He has been a loner when she first try to befriend him he gave her a cold shoulder and i thought by seeing me being friend with a loner would help her image and he give a cold shoulder to her , to her . Now he wants my help .He had nothing to offer me thought fubuki.
"No," she said simply, and turned to leave.
A bitter taste filled his mouth. The word slipped out under his breath. "Bitch."
Fubuki froze mid-step. Slowly, she turned to face him, ice flickering in her dark eyes.
"What did you just say?"
Jin's face paled. Did I really say that out loud? Shit.
"It just slipped out, I dont mean it ." he stammered. "President, I'm sorry."
She bit her lower lip, fury barely restrained beneath her composed mask. After scanning the room to confirm no one had overheard and dont wanting to cause a scene that would taint ehr image , she turned sharply and walked off.
Lunch Break — Far Corner of the Cafeteria
Jin sat hunched over his tray, poking at his rice, the lonely table reflecting his mood.
Well, there goes my high school social life.
He stared out the window, thoughts drifting.
Maybe I could transfer to Kuoh Academy… Have they started accepting boys again? And where even am I in canon?
A pair of hesitant footsteps broke his reverie.
He looked up. Mitsuri—round-faced, shy, always polite—was standing there nervously, a folded note clutched in her hands. Behind her, a small crowd had gathered, murmuring, waiting.
What is she doing here?
"Um… Jin-san," she said, voice trembling. "Can we talk?"
He gestured to the empty seat. "Sure."
Her hands shook as she offered the note. Head bowed, she whispered, "I… I like you. Will you go out with me?"
Jin's eyes darted from the paper to the onlookers. In the crowd, he spotted Fubuki leaning against a wall, arms crossed, gaze unreadable.
Perfect.It's a performance.
He weighed his options. Accept, and be branded a pity date boys will distance from him , looks down on him . Refuse outright, and girl would gossip about it to no end and how he had deny socialising it could end at anywhere . Either way, the rumors would fly. And Fubuki—was this her idea?
He took a slow breath. Focus on Mitsuri.
"Would you like to sit down?" he asked gently. "You don't have to stand."
Mitsuri hesitated, then took the seat across from him. The crowd shifted, a few stifled giggles passing through it.
Jin squared his shoulders. "Mitsuri-san… I'll admit, I'm surprised."
She blinked. "Why?"
He gave a soft, genuine smile. "I always thought you were quiet. But this… coming here, saying this, in front of everyone… That takes guts."
Her . "Is… is that a bad thing?"
He shook his head. "Not at all. It's brave. Really."
Hope flickered in her eyes.
Jin hesitated, choosing his words carefully.
"I…" He sighed. "I'm not ready to date anyone right now."
Her face faltered. "Why not? If you're interested, why say no ?. Is it because i am fat .?"
Mitsuri " am i not your type ? "
His stomach clenched. That came out harsher than I meant.
Jin thought " Jeez, why is she pressing me . "
Jin " i like women who are confidant in therself and work on what they want . "
Mitsuri " so why not ?"
Jin thought " man looks , like i have to use my last optionn . "
"I'm sorry," he said softly. "It's not you. I lost my mother recently. I'm… still grieving. I wouldn't make a good partner. Not yet."
He stood and bowed slightly. "Thank you for being honest, Mitsuri-san. And I'm sorry I can't return your feelings."
Her eyes glistened, but she nodded. "Thank you… for not laughing."
Jin gave her a small smile, picked up his tray, and walked away—his mind buzzing .