The party's energy was still pulsing in the distance, but Rio had slipped away. She wandered along the shoreline, her feet sinking into the cool sand with each step, the sound of the waves calming her racing thoughts. The dance with Gakushuu still replayed in her mind, each moment vivid—the way he had held her close, the smirk on his lips, the way his eyes seemed to say more than his words ever could. It had been exciting, and a little overwhelming.

She let out a breath, stopping for a moment to look at the moonlit ocean. The sound of the waves lapping against the shore was soothing, helping her process everything. After a while, she had thanked Gakushuu, offering him a polite smile, and told him she needed some fresh air. He had accepted her words with a knowing nod, that same unreadable look in his eyes, before she walked away.

Now, with the cool breeze on her face, Rio could finally breathe. It wasn't that she regretted the dance with Gakushuu—it had been fun, in its own way—but there was a lot to think about. The way Karma had watched them, the tension between them all... It wasn't like her to get so caught up in something like this.

"Hey," a familiar voice called out from behind her, breaking her thoughts.

Rio turned, and there was Nagisa, walking toward her with his usual calm smile. He shoved his hands into his pockets as he approached, glancing between her and the waves.

"Figured you'd want some company," he said, his voice soft.

Rio offered him a small smile, grateful for his presence. "How'd you know I was out here?"

Nagisa shrugged, his eyes on the horizon. "You disappeared after the dance. Thought I'd check the beach."

Rio laughed softly. "Can't hide from you, huh?"

Nagisa smiled in response, his expression gentle as he sat down beside her in the sand. For a while, they sat in comfortable silence, the sound of the waves filling the air between them. Rio appreciated that about Nagisa—he never pushed her to talk before she was ready.

After a few moments, she let out a sigh. "You saw the whole thing, didn't you?"

Nagisa nodded, though his expression remained neutral. "Yeah. Gakushuu's got some nerve, I'll give him that."

Rio let out a small laugh, though there wasn't much humor in it. "I didn't expect him to ask me to dance, especially not in front of everyone."

Nagisa turned his gaze to her, his blue eyes thoughtful. "You handled it pretty well, though. I mean, it's Gakushuu. He's not exactly the easiest person to deal with, but you didn't seem rattled."

Rio ran a hand through her hair, feeling the wind play with it. "I don't know. It was kind of fun, but at the same time... it was a lot. I don't know what to think about him, and Karma looked like he was ready to explode the whole time."

Nagisa's expression softened with understanding. "Karma's just... well, you know how he is. He doesn't like when things are out of his control. Seeing you with Gakushuu probably triggered that part of him."

Rio hugged her knees to her chest, watching the waves roll in. "Yeah, I get that. But still, it felt weird. Like I was in the middle of something I didn't fully understand."

Nagisa gave her a reassuring look. "I think you're overthinking it. Gakushuu's smart, but he's not that complicated. He probably just saw you having fun and wanted to be a part of it. And Karma—well, he cares about you in his own way. Maybe a bit too much sometimes."

Rio chuckled softly, though her heart felt heavy. "You think so?"

"I know so," Nagisa said gently. He looked at her, his expression sincere. "You've got a good head on your shoulders, Rio. You can handle whatever comes your way."

Rio smiled at him, appreciating his words more than she could say. "Thanks, Nagisa. You always know what to say."

He stood up, brushing the sand off his pants. "That's what friends are for, right?" He flashed her a grin before glancing back toward the party. "I'll leave you to your thoughts. But just remember—don't let anyone else decide how you should feel. You've always got control of that."

Rio nodded, watching him as he headed back up the beach. Nagisa had a way of making everything seem so clear, so simple. She felt a little lighter now, having talked things through with him. Maybe he was right. Maybe she was overthinking it all.

As the sound of the party drifted back toward her, Rio sat there for a while longer, letting the cool breeze wash over her. But she wasn't alone for long. A few moments later, she heard the sound of someone sitting down beside her.

She didn't need to look to know who it was.

Karma didn't say anything at first, his gaze fixed on the ocean. They sat there in silence, the sound of the waves filling the space between them. Rio felt the tension between them again, but this time, it wasn't uncomfortable. It was just... there.

"I saw you leave," Karma finally said, his voice quiet, more thoughtful than usual.

Rio glanced at him. "Needed some air."

Karma nodded, still staring at the water. After a moment, he turned his gaze to her, his eyes softer than she was used to seeing. "You were amazing out there."

Rio blinked, taken aback by his words. "What?"

Karma smirked slightly, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Dancing with Gakushuu. The way you handled him. You didn't let him get to you."

Rio shrugged, feeling a bit self-conscious. "It wasn't that big of a deal."

Karma's gaze darkened slightly, and he shook his head. "No. It was. You... you're really something, you know that?"

Rio looked at him, her heart skipping a beat at the unexpected compliment. There was something about the way Karma was looking at her, something different from his usual teasing demeanor. It was like he was seeing her in a new light.

"Karma..." she started, unsure of what to say.

He cut her off, his voice soft. "Just... be careful, okay? Gakushuu's not like the others. He's smart, and he's always got some kind of plan. I don't want you getting caught up in something because of him."

Rio frowned slightly, her chest tightening at the concern in his voice. "You don't think I can handle him?"

Karma shook his head, his gaze serious. "I think you can handle anyone. But that doesn't mean you should have to deal with whatever game he's playing."

Rio was silent for a moment, absorbing his words. Then she smiled, reaching out to nudge him gently with her shoulder. "You're worried about me, aren't you?"

Karma's smirk returned, but there was still that softness in his eyes. "Maybe a little."

Rio laughed softly, though her heart felt warm. She appreciated that Karma cared—really cared. "Thanks, Karma. I'll be careful."

Karma nodded, his gaze drifting back to the ocean. "Just... don't forget who's on your side."

Rio looked at him, her smile widening. "I won't."

The next day arrived with the bright, clear skies that matched Rio's mood perfectly. As they boarded the plane to head back home, she was buzzing with energy, chatting with everyone and cracking jokes like usual. Her laugh filled the cabin as she moved from seat to seat, making sure to talk to as many people as she could, her usual carefree nature back in full swing.

Gakushuu watched her from a distance, sitting with his A-class friends, trying to keep up his composed, aloof image. But as much as he tried, he couldn't help the small smile that tugged at the corners of his lips every time Rio laughed or flashed that mischievous grin of hers. He was supposed to be unaffected, to be above it all. But somehow, her energy was contagious.

Okuda, sitting beside Gakushuu, noticed immediately. She caught him glancing at Rio one too many times and pulled out her phone. Without saying a word, she texted him.

*Okuda*: "Stick to the plan. If you want to know who your mother is, don't let your feelings get in the way."

The text was blunt, cold, and to the point—just like Okuda always was. Gakushuu's smile faded, and he quickly composed himself. He couldn't let his guard down, not now. Not when they were so close. He needed to stay focused, no matter how much Rio's laugh seemed to brighten his day.

Meanwhile, Karma was in a much better mood than usual. Sitting next to Rio on the plane, he seemed more relaxed, his usual cocky smirk present but softer. Rio kept nudging him, making snide remarks about the flight attendants and how he should have been nicer during the competition. Karma rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the amusement that glimmered in them.

"You're insufferable, you know that?" Karma teased, leaning back in his seat.

"Aw, you love it," Rio shot back, flashing him a grin. Her cheerfulness was infectious, and Karma found himself unable to look away from her for too long.

Throughout the flight, the tension from the previous night seemed to dissolve. Rio kept things light, and Karma, though still cautious, couldn't help but enjoy her company. She had a way of making things easier, making the world seem a little less complicated.

The hours passed quickly, and soon they were landing back home. As they got off the plane and headed back to their regular lives, Gakushuu caught one last glance at Rio, his expression unreadable. Okuda's words echoed in his mind, but he couldn't deny that something about Rio had gotten under his skin.

---

Back at school, the normal rhythm of their lives resumed. Lessons in assassination techniques, Koro-sensei's ridiculous classroom antics, and, of course, the ever-present attempts to kill him. But through it all, Karma couldn't shake the change in himself. Or more specifically, the way he kept looking at Rio.

She was as bubbly as ever, cracking jokes with Maehara and Chiba, always quick with a sharp comment or a mischievous grin. But every time Karma caught sight of her, he felt that same flutter of something unfamiliar. It wasn't like before when he could brush it off as simple amusement. Now, there was more to it, something deeper that he wasn't ready to acknowledge.

During class activities, he found himself distracted. His eyes kept drifting toward her, watching the way she moved, the way she interacted with everyone. It wasn't just her charm—there was something about her that drew him in, something he couldn't quite put into words.

He tried to focus, to keep his usual cool demeanor, but even Koro-sensei noticed. At one point during the day, when they were practicing assassination techniques, Koro-sensei zoomed up to Karma with his usual grin.

"Karma-kun! You seem distracted!" Koro-sensei teased, his large yellow face looming over Karma's shoulder. "Could it be that someone in class has caught your eye?"

Karma's eyes narrowed, and he shot the octopus teacher a look. "I'm not distracted. Just bored."

But Koro-sensei wasn't convinced. He chuckled, zooming off to another group of students, but not without giving Karma one last knowing look. Karma, irritated by the implication, ran a hand through his red hair, trying to shake off the thoughts swirling in his mind.

Still, no matter how hard he tried, his gaze inevitably found Rio again. She was standing by the chalkboard, drawing something silly with Isogai and laughing about it. Karma frowned slightly, not in annoyance but in confusion. What was it about her that kept pulling him in?

The rest of the day passed by in a blur of assignments, plans to kill Koro-sensei, and the usual banter between the students. But throughout it all, Karma couldn't stop thinking about the dance, the way Rio had been with him, and even the way she had laughed while dancing with Gakushuu. He hated it, how Gakushuu could get so close to her so easily, but more than that, he hated how much it was bothering him.

Rio, on the other hand, seemed as carefree as ever, completely unaware of the effect she was having on him—or Gakushuu for that matter.

As the school day ended, and the students began packing up their things, Karma couldn't help but wonder what was going to happen next.

As the day dragged on, Karma couldn't shake the unease building inside him. Each time Rio crossed his field of vision, his thoughts spiraled into unfamiliar territory. He wasn't used to feeling like this—off balance, unsure. Normally, he thrived on chaos, on control, but with Rio, things felt different.

During their final class of the day, the students were going over assassination techniques again, discussing their latest failed attempt at taking down Koro-sensei. Rio was sitting a few rows in front of Karma, leaning over her desk, engaged in the discussion with Sugino and Kanzaki. Her energy was infectious, and Karma found himself watching her again, though he tried to focus on the lesson.

What is wrong with me?

Karma tapped his pen against his notebook, trying to keep his mind off of her. It was maddening, the way his thoughts seemed to constantly drift back to her, to that stupid dance with Gakushuu, to the way she had laughed, completely unfazed by everything around her.

For the first time in a long time, Karma felt... uncertain. He wasn't used to caring so much. He didn't care about anyone, not like this. Sure, he had friends, people he was close to, but this was different. Rio wasn't just anyone. She was a whirlwind of chaos, someone who could disrupt his carefully constructed world just by being herself.

He was aware of how ridiculous it sounded, even in his own head, but the truth gnawed at him. Rio was slipping under his skin, and it terrified him.

"Oi, Karma," Maehara whispered from beside him, nudging his arm. "You good? You've been zoning out all day."

Karma blinked, snapping back to reality. "Yeah, I'm fine," he muttered, his usual smirk slipping into place. "Just bored."

Maehara raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced but too lazy to pry. "Sure, whatever you say."

Karma leaned back in his chair, forcing his attention back to the lesson. But it was no use. The more he tried to ignore it, the more obvious it became—this wasn't going away. Rio was always on his mind, whether he liked it or not.

As the class wrapped up, Koro-sensei zipped around the room, gleefully reminding everyone about tomorrow's new assassination plan, but Karma barely listened. When the bell rang, signaling the end of the day, he grabbed his bag and slung it over his shoulder, heading for the door before anyone else.

He needed air, needed to clear his head.

Outside, the sun was starting to dip below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the campus. Karma headed toward one of the more secluded spots behind the school, where he knew he could be alone. The quiet usually calmed him, but today, even the stillness couldn't ease the storm raging inside him.

He stood under a tree, looking out at the distant mountains, trying to center himself. Why was this bothering him so much? Rio was just a classmate, a friend—okay, maybe a bit more than a friend, but still. He'd never let anyone get under his skin like this before. Not even Nagisa.

Was it because of Gakushuu? The thought of that smug, calculating jerk getting closer to Rio made Karma's blood boil. Gakushuu always had a plan, always worked an angle. He wasn't interested in Rio for the same reasons Karma was. For Gakushuu, everything was a strategy, a means to an end. Karma didn't trust him, not for a second.

And yet, it wasn't just about Gakushuu.

It was Rio herself. Her carefree nature, her ability to shrug off things that would drive other people insane. She was infuriating, unpredictable, but also—damn it—fun. She didn't treat Karma like a ticking time bomb the way most people did. She didn't care that he could be dangerous. She just treated him like... him.

That scared him more than anything else.

Lost in thought, Karma didn't hear the footsteps approaching until they were right behind him.

"You okay?"

Karma turned, surprised to see Rio standing there, her usual mischievous grin in place. She tilted her head, studying him, as if she knew exactly what was going on in his mind.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice coming out harsher than he intended.

Rio shrugged, stepping closer until she was standing next to him. "You left in a hurry. Thought I'd come check on you."

Karma scoffed, trying to mask the tightness in his chest. "I don't need a babysitter."

Rio rolled her eyes, unfazed by his attitude. "I know that. But you've been weird all day. Did something happen, or are you just in a mood?"

Karma didn't answer right away, his gaze fixed on the ground. She was too perceptive for her own good.

"I'm fine," he muttered.

"Liar."

Karma glanced at her, expecting the usual playful smirk, but instead, she was watching him seriously, her blue eyes soft but curious.

"Come on, Karma," she said, her voice quieter now. "You can talk to me. You've been off since the party last night."

Karma clenched his jaw, his hands curling into fists. How was he supposed to explain this to her? How was he supposed to tell her that every time he saw her, it felt like something inside him was unraveling?

He stayed silent for a moment, trying to find the right words, but nothing seemed to fit. Finally, he let out a frustrated sigh and leaned back against the tree, staring up at the sky.

"It's nothing," he said, though even he didn't believe his own words.

Rio didn't push him, but she didn't leave either. Instead, she sat down in the grass beside him, pulling her knees up to her chest as she looked out at the horizon.

They sat like that for a while, neither of them speaking, the sound of the wind rustling through the trees the only noise between them. Karma felt the tension in his chest slowly ease, just a little, in the quiet of her presence.

After what felt like an eternity, Rio finally broke the silence.

"You know," she said softly, her voice thoughtful, "you don't always have to be strong, Karma. It's okay to let people in sometimes."

Karma glanced at her, his usual snarky retort dying in his throat. She wasn't teasing him. She wasn't trying to get under his skin. She was just... there. Honest and open in a way that made him feel even more conflicted.

He hated how much her words affected him.

"I don't need anyone," he muttered, his voice gruffer than intended.

Rio looked at him, her gaze steady. "Yeah, you do."

And just like that, Karma felt the wall he'd built around himself begin to crack. He didn't know what scared him more—that she could see right through him, or that a part of him wanted her to.

The days that followed were a blur of chaos, assassinations, and the usual unpredictability that filled Class 3-E. But for Karma, something had shifted. Every day seemed a little off, not in the sense that things were out of control—he could handle that—but because of Rio.

Since their conversation under the tree, Rio had been more present around him. It wasn't that she was clingy or in his space in any obvious way. She just *was*. She noticed the little things—like when he spaced out during a lesson or how he stayed unusually quiet at lunch. She'd pop up next to him with a snack, something she probably knew he liked, without asking him if he wanted it, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"Here, eat this," she'd say casually, tossing him a drink or a pack of his favorite chips. And he'd take it, even though he wouldn't have accepted it from anyone else.

At first, Karma tried to shrug it off. He told himself it didn't matter, that she was just being her usual friendly self, but deep down, he knew it was different. No one had ever taken care of him like this—not in a way that felt so... effortless. The fact that she didn't expect anything from him in return made him uncomfortable in a way he couldn't quite explain.

It started with small moments, like when she'd poke fun at him for not paying attention during training exercises, or the way she'd subtly nudge him when she knew he was getting too lost in his own thoughts.

"Earth to Karma," she'd say with that teasing smile of hers, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You're spacing out again."

And just like that, she'd bring him back to the present.

The more time they spent together, the more Karma realized how much Rio had worked her way into his life. She wasn't just a distraction anymore; she was becoming an anchor, someone who grounded him in a way he didn't think he needed. He felt himself slipping, the walls he'd spent so long building beginning to crack with each passing day.

Every time he saw her, a strange warmth spread through his chest, and that terrified him. She was making him *care*. Worse, she was making him feel vulnerable, and that was something Karma had never allowed anyone to do. He'd always been the one in control, the one who kept his emotions in check. But with Rio, it was different. She was different.

There were moments when he'd catch himself watching her during class or training, the way she interacted with their classmates—her laugh, her quick-witted banter, the way she seemed to effortlessly float through the chaos around her. He hated how much he noticed, how much he was starting to *need* her presence.

And yet, he couldn't pull away.

***

Meanwhile, Rio had her own inner turmoil brewing beneath the surface. She enjoyed spending time with Karma, probably more than she should have. It felt good, easy even, to be around him in a way that wasn't tied to the chaos of assassination plots or classroom drama. She didn't have to perform or be anything other than herself.

But there was Gakushuu.

It wasn't that she had feelings for him—not in the way that others assumed. Gakushuu was sharp, charming in his own calculated way, and clearly interested in getting closer to her. But he wasn't subtle, and that bothered her. She could feel his presence even when he wasn't around, like an invisible weight pressing on her. Every interaction they had felt like a test, a puzzle she wasn't sure she wanted to solve.

She couldn't deny that she was intrigued by him, though. His confidence, the way he seemed to always know what to say, how to play people like pieces on a chessboard—it was fascinating, but also unnerving.

As the days went on, she found herself caught between the easygoing comfort she had with Karma and the strange tension that lingered between her and Gakushuu. It didn't help that Okuda was clearly pushing Gakushuu's agenda, nudging him to make moves, to pursue her more directly. Rio could feel it, the way Okuda watched her, as if she were waiting for Rio to make a mistake or give Gakushuu an opening.

But it wasn't Gakushuu she was focused on.

Every time she tried to think about what was happening with him, her thoughts inevitably drifted back to Karma. Something had shifted between them, and she wasn't sure how to handle it. Karma wasn't like anyone else she knew—he was chaotic, dangerous even, but there was something about him that pulled her in. She couldn't help but feel protective of him in a way that surprised her. He didn't need her help, didn't need anyone, really, but that just made her want to be there for him more.

And so, she kept an eye on him. She made sure he didn't retreat too far into himself, that he didn't drown in whatever was going on in that complex, guarded mind of his. She didn't know what he was struggling with exactly, but she could sense it—Karma was fighting something, and she wanted to be there for him, even if he never asked for it.

Gakushuu's advances became more frequent, though. He'd approach her after class or during breaks, trying to engage her in conversations about everything from schoolwork to their assassination plans. His words were always smooth, calculated, but there was an edge to them, a subtle pressure that made Rio uncomfortable. She wasn't naïve—she knew he was trying to get closer, trying to win her over in his own strategic way.

But no matter how hard he tried, her thoughts kept drifting back to Karma.

It all came to a head one afternoon after school when Gakushuu caught her alone as she was packing up her things. His expression was calm, confident as always, but there was something in his eyes that made her pause.

"Rio," he said smoothly, stepping closer. "I've been meaning to ask you something."

Rio raised an eyebrow, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "Yeah? What's up?"

Gakushuu smiled, a small, calculated curve of his lips. "How would you feel about having dinner at my place tomorrow night?"

She blinked, caught off guard by the invitation. Gakushuu wasn't the type to make casual plans like this. There was always something more behind his actions, a reason for everything he did.

"Your place?" she asked, her tone skeptical. "Why?"

"My father's out of town," Gakushuu explained, his voice casual, but there was something in his eyes that made Rio's stomach twist. "It would be a good opportunity for us to get to know each other better, don't you think?"

Rio hesitated, her mind racing. She knew what this was—Gakushuu was making his move, trying to pull her closer into his orbit. And yet, as she stood there, staring at him, all she could think about was Karma.

How would he react if he knew about this? And why did that even matter to her so much?

After a long pause, Rio finally forced a smile, nodding. "Sure. Why not?"

But even as the words left her lips, she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that something was about to change, and she wasn't sure she was ready for it.

The next evening, Rio found herself standing outside Gakushuu's house, her nerves a strange mixture of curiosity and hesitation. She had agreed to this, but the uneasiness hadn't left her since. Still, there was something about Gakushuu that intrigued her. Maybe it was the way he always seemed so composed, as if he had everything figured out. She wondered if there was something beneath that exterior, something he wasn't showing anyone. And maybe, just maybe, she'd find out.

She rang the doorbell, and within seconds, Gakushuu opened the door, dressed casually in a button-up shirt and jeans, a rare sight for someone usually so put together. He smiled, his expression as calm as ever.

"Glad you made it," he said, stepping aside to let her in. "Come on in."

The house was quiet—too quiet. It was large and elegant, with dark wooden floors and minimalist decor, all too pristine. It felt like a place where no one ever truly lived, and Rio wondered if that was how Gakushuu himself felt sometimes, stuck in a space that looked perfect but felt empty.

They moved toward the dining room, where the table was set simply. Gakushuu had made an effort, it seemed. As they sat down, Rio noticed the small details—candles that weren't too overwhelming, soft music playing in the background. He had planned this evening meticulously.

"I didn't take you for someone who enjoys cooking," Rio commented as she glanced at the meal in front of her.

Gakushuu chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "I didn't cook. My chef did. But I did pick the menu, so that counts for something."

Rio smiled. "Figures. Still, this is nice." She paused, looking around. "It's quiet here. I didn't expect that."

"Well, my father's out of town, as I mentioned," Gakushuu said, his tone casual, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes. "So it's just me."

"Must be lonely sometimes," Rio said, picking up her fork.

Gakushuu hesitated, his hand stilling over his glass. "You get used to it."

They ate in silence for a few moments, and Rio felt herself relaxing despite the tension she had initially brought with her. Gakushuu was different in this setting—less guarded, more open, though still restrained. She could feel it, the way he was trying to keep control of the conversation, but something in his posture told her he wasn't as closed off as usual.

"You don't talk about your dad much," Rio said after a while, her tone casual, as if she were making an offhand comment. But she was curious.

Gakushuu glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "There's not much to say. He's busy, focused on his career. The usual."

"Is that why you work so hard? To keep up with him?"

He leaned back, taking a sip of his drink before answering. "Something like that. It's expected, I suppose. He's always been... demanding."

Rio nodded, sensing the tension in his words. She wanted to ask more but knew better than to push too hard, not yet.

After they finished eating, Gakushuu stood, motioning for her to follow him. "Come on, I'll show you around."

As they walked through the house, Rio took in the paintings on the walls—abstract, vibrant, and full of emotion, so unlike the composed person standing beside her. She paused in front of one particularly striking piece, a swirl of dark and light shades, almost chaotic in its energy.

"You painted these?" she asked, surprised.

Gakushuu nodded. "Yeah. It's just a hobby."

Rio raised an eyebrow. "Just a hobby? These are amazing."

He shrugged, but there was a hint of pride in his eyes. "I guess it's a way to get out of my own head sometimes."

They continued walking, and Rio noticed the shift in the atmosphere as they reached a hallway filled with family photos. Most of them were stiff, formal pictures—his father looking stern, Gakushuu standing beside him, composed and serious. But one photo near the end of the hallway caught her attention. It was different, softer. A younger Gakushuu stood beside a woman with warm eyes and a gentle smile. The tenderness in the picture struck Rio, and she turned to him.

"Is this your mom?"

Gakushuu's expression tightened for a fraction of a second before he nodded. "Yeah. It's from a long time ago."

There was something in his voice—something he wasn't saying. Rio could tell he didn't want to talk about it, but she didn't back off completely.

"You don't talk about her much either," she said softly.

Gakushuu's eyes remained on the photo, and for a moment, it looked like he was weighing his words carefully. "She's not around anymore."

"I'm sorry," Rio said, not prying further, though she could feel the weight of what he wasn't telling her.

He didn't respond immediately, his gaze still fixed on the picture. "It's fine. It's been a long time. But... things changed after that."

Rio didn't need more details to understand what he meant. She knew that kind of loss, the kind that changes everything. After a pause, she decided to share something of her own.

"My mom had a huge alcohol problem," she said quietly, surprising even herself with how easily the words came. "She left when I was younger, and I live with my dad now. It's... complicated. But I know what it's like to deal with an absent mother."

Gakushuu looked at her, his guarded expression softening. "I didn't know that about you."

Rio shrugged, forcing a small smile. "I don't talk about it much either."

They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of unspoken truths between them. It wasn't an awkward silence, though. It was the kind that came from shared understanding, from knowing someone had gone through something similar even if the circumstances were different.

"You're not what I expected, Rio," Gakushuu said after a while, his voice quieter, more thoughtful than usual.

She raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"I thought you were just... different. But you're more like me than I realized." He hesitated, then added, "You don't let people in easily, do you?"

Rio chuckled softly. "I could say the same about you."

Gakushuu smiled, a real one this time, not the calculated kind she was used to. "Maybe."

They continued walking through the house, talking about everything and nothing at the same time. Rio found herself enjoying his company more than she had expected. Gakushuu was different tonight—honest, in a way that surprised her. And as much as she had tried to resist it, she was starting to like their time together.

As they walked through the house, the silence between Rio and Gakushuu felt comfortable, almost peaceful. They had shared just enough to understand each other without needing to fill the space with words.

Suddenly, Rio began humming softly, her voice carrying a tune that seemed to linger in the air. At first, it was just a whisper of a melody, something casual, but it caught Gakushuu's attention immediately. His steps faltered, and he turned to look at her, his eyes wide with surprise.

It was an old song—a hit from years ago, one that held a special place in his heart. His mother had sung it to him when he was a child, and hearing it now, so unexpectedly, stirred something deep inside him. He hadn't thought about that song in years, hadn't heard it since... since she left.

Rio noticed the shift in his expression and smiled slightly, amused by his reaction. "What?" she asked, her tone teasing, though she knew there was more to his silence than he let on.

Gakushuu's lips parted, but he didn't immediately respond. Instead, he just shook his head, a small, almost disbelieving smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I haven't heard that song in a long time," he said quietly, the weight of nostalgia thick in his voice.

Rio tilted her head, curious. "It's an old favorite of mine. My dad used to play it sometimes."

Gakushuu's gaze softened. "My mother used to sing it to me," he admitted, almost reluctantly, as if revealing that piece of his past was more intimate than anything he had said before.

Before Rio could respond, they entered a room off to the side, one she hadn't noticed before. The walls were lined with bookshelves, but at the center of the room sat a grand piano, its dark surface gleaming under the soft light. Rio's eyes lit up, and without thinking, she walked over to it, her fingers trailing lightly over the keys.

"I didn't know you had a piano," she said, her voice light with curiosity.

Gakushuu stood by the door, watching her with a quiet intensity. "I don't play often anymore."

Rio smiled as she sat down at the bench, her fingers hovering over the keys. "I'm not much of a piano player either," she admitted with a laugh. "But I know a little." She pressed down on the keys, tentatively playing the melody of the song she had been humming. It was a bit off, not quite perfect, but the notes were there, the tune recognizable.

She glanced up at Gakushuu, expecting a comment, maybe even a teasing remark about her lack of skill. But instead, he just walked over and sat down next to her on the bench, his expression serious, yet gentle.

Without saying a word, Gakushuu placed his hands on the keys and began playing the melody, perfectly this time. The notes flowed smoothly under his fingers, filling the room with the song they both knew. Rio paused, impressed, her gaze drifting to him as his focus remained on the piano.

"You're really good," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Gakushuu didn't respond right away, but there was a faint smile on his lips. He continued playing, and after a moment, the sound of his playing invited her in, gently coaxing her to join. Rio's voice returned, this time singing the lyrics softly, her voice calm and angelic, blending beautifully with the piano's melody.

Her singing was effortless, and yet, it was clear she didn't often do this. There was a vulnerability in her voice, a rawness that made the moment feel even more intimate. She wasn't trying to impress; she was just... feeling the music, letting it flow through her.

Gakushuu glanced at her, his fingers still moving across the keys. He hadn't expected her voice to be so mesmerizing, so pure. It reminded him of something Karma had once mentioned in passing, about how Rio had a hidden talent for singing. But hearing it for himself now, in this quiet room, was different. It was personal.

They continued like that for several minutes, the music and her voice filling the space between them. Gakushuu found himself lost in the moment, forgetting everything else. There was something magical about the way they had fallen into sync, their breaths and the music entwining as naturally as if they had done this a thousand times before.

When they finally stopped, the last note fading into the silence, Gakushuu turned to look at her, his gaze intense and thoughtful.

"You've never sung like that to anyone, have you?" he asked softly, his voice low, as if he didn't want to break the spell they had just created.

Rio shook her head, still catching her breath. "Not really. Only my family... and Karma, once. But that doesn't count. I was drunk."

A soft chuckle escaped Gakushuu's lips, but his expression quickly became more serious, more contemplative. "Your voice..." he began, his words coming slowly, deliberately, as if he were choosing each one with care. "It's like something out of a dream. Pure, unguarded, fragile... and yet, so powerful in its honesty."

Rio blinked, not expecting such poetic words from him. It wasn't just a compliment; it was something deeper, as if he had reached into her soul and pulled out the very essence of what her singing meant to her.

He continued, his voice even softer now. "Your voice speaks to something... raw, something that most people hide. It's beautiful in a way that I can't quite explain. Like the kind of beauty Dostoevsky wrote about, or Kafka... tragic, but hopeful."

Rio felt her heart skip a beat at his words. She wasn't used to being praised like that, especially not with such depth, such meaning. Her gaze met his, and for a moment, the air between them felt charged, as if something unspoken passed between them.

Neither of them moved. They just sat there, looking at each other, the weight of the moment hanging in the air. Rio's breath caught in her throat, and she could see the same quiet tension in Gakushuu's eyes. It wasn't just about the song anymore. It was about them—about the way they had connected in a way neither of them had expected.

Rio's lips parted slightly, as if she were about to say something, but no words came out. Instead, she just smiled, a small, genuine smile that reached her eyes, softening the moment.

Gakushuu returned the smile, his usually composed expression showing a rare warmth. For the first time, Rio saw him as more than just the calculating, ambitious student she had known him to be. He was... human. Just like her.

And in that moment, they both felt it—the simple, undeniable truth that they had found something special in each other, something neither of them had been looking for, but couldn't ignore.

Rio opened her mouth to speak, the warmth of Gakushuu's words still lingering in the air between them, but before she could get a single word out, he gently placed his hand over hers. His touch was soft, almost hesitant, as if he wasn't quite sure of it himself. The moment their skin made contact, though, it was like a current of electricity pulsed through her, igniting something deep within her that she hadn't expected.

The moment Gakushuu took Rio's hand, something shifted. It was no longer about the piano, no longer about the music or the teasing. His touch was light at first, guiding her fingers over the keys, but there was a hesitancy there too—a kind of caution that neither of them had expected. The sensation of his hand against hers was electrifying, like a spark of warmth that slowly spread through her entire body, curling in her chest and making her pulse quicken.

For Gakushuu, it was something entirely new. He had always been calculated, his every move deliberate, but the moment his skin met hers, the control he held so tightly began to slip. His chest tightened as he felt the softness of her fingers under his, the delicate way she responded to his touch. Time felt like it had slowed down, the world outside this moment fading until it was just the two of them, the quiet tension filling the space between them.

Rio's breath hitched slightly as he moved closer, her body acutely aware of the proximity, of how his arm brushed against hers, of the warmth radiating from him. She wasn't used to feeling like this—so vulnerable, so open—and yet, it wasn't uncomfortable. In fact, it felt... right. But it was overwhelming too, this rush of emotion that surged through her, the connection that seemed to grow with every touch, every second that passed.

Her mind scrambled to find something to say, anything to break the spell that had settled between them, but before she could form a coherent thought, Gakushuu gently turned her hand, his fingers brushing hers with an almost unbearable tenderness. His grip was firm but careful, as though he were afraid of holding on too tightly, as though he were just as unsure of this as she was.

The room felt smaller now, the air thicker with something neither of them could name. Rio could feel his breath, soft and warm, ghosting across her skin as he leaned in closer, adjusting her hand on the keys. Each movement was slow, deliberate, and every brush of his fingers sent a shiver up her spine. She was hyper-aware of the way their bodies were touching, the subtle heat that passed between them, the way his presence seemed to fill the space entirely.

Her heart raced, her thoughts spinning wildly as she tried to focus on the piano, but it was impossible. All she could think about was him—his touch, his closeness, the soft cadence of his voice as he murmured instructions in her ear.

"Relax," he said quietly, his voice lower than before, barely above a whisper. "You're too tense."

Rio let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, trying to relax, but it was difficult with him this close. His fingers moved over hers again, gently guiding her, and the sensation of his skin against hers sent a surge of warmth through her. She could feel the tension building in the space between them, the air crackling with an energy that neither of them could ignore.

She turned her head slightly, her eyes catching his, and for a moment, everything seemed to stand still. His gaze was intense, darker than usual, as if he were seeing something in her that neither of them had acknowledged before. The teasing, the lightness, it all faded away, replaced by a raw, unspoken connection that was impossible to deny.

Gakushuu's heart pounded in his chest as he looked at her, the plan he and Okuda had devised slipping further and further from his mind. This wasn't supposed to happen. He wasn't supposed to feel like this. But the more he tried to fight it, the more it consumed him. Her presence, her warmth, the way her eyes sparkled with something he couldn't quite name—it all drew him in, made it impossible to focus on anything else.

He adjusted her posture again, his fingers lingering on her arm a moment longer than necessary, and the touch sent another jolt of warmth through her. Rio's breath quickened, her heart racing as the space between them seemed to shrink. She felt like she was teetering on the edge of something—something intense, something unfamiliar—but she wasn't sure if she wanted to pull back or lean into it.

Gakushuu could feel it too, the pull between them growing stronger, more insistent. His mind screamed at him to stop, to pull away, to remember the plan, but his body betrayed him. He leaned in just a little closer, their shoulders now pressed together, the heat of her skin seeping into his. He could smell the faint scent of her shampoo, something light and sweet, and it sent his senses into overdrive.

"Am I a good student yet?" Rio's voice broke the silence, though it was softer now, her usual playful edge gone, replaced by something more tentative.

Gakushuu swallowed, trying to keep his composure, though his pulse was racing. He smirked, but there was a softness in his expression that hadn't been there before. "You're terrible," he teased, his voice quiet, though the words lacked their usual bite. "But I'm patient."

She laughed, a soft sound that seemed to ease the tension just a little, but it didn't erase the intensity of the moment. Her fingers shifted on the keys, and without thinking, Gakushuu reached out to adjust them again, his hand covering hers entirely. The simple touch sent another wave of warmth through them both, and this time, neither of them could ignore it.

Rio's breath caught, her heart pounding so hard she was sure he could hear it. The room felt impossibly small now, the air between them thick with something unspoken. They were sitting so close, their bodies almost touching, and she could feel the tension building, pulling them closer together with every second that passed.

Gakushuu's fingers tightened slightly around hers, his breath shallow as he fought to keep his composure. But it was no use. He was caught in the moment, caught in her, and no amount of planning or strategy could have prepared him for this. His gaze flickered to her lips for the briefest of moments, and the temptation to close the distance between them was almost unbearable.

Rio noticed the shift in his expression, the way his eyes darkened just a little, and her own heart skipped a beat. She wasn't sure what to do, wasn't sure if she should pull away or lean in, but the pull between them was undeniable. It was like gravity, drawing them closer and closer until their breaths mingled in the space between them.

They were so close now, their faces inches apart, their breaths shallow and uneven. Rio could feel the heat radiating from him, the tension in his body, the way his hand lingered on hers as if he didn't want to let go. Her pulse raced, her skin tingling with the anticipation of what might happen next.

Gakushuu's mind was spinning, his thoughts a chaotic mess as he tried to remind himself of the plan, of why he was here. But in this moment, none of that mattered. The only thing that mattered was her—Rio, sitting beside him, her breath warm against his skin, her eyes wide and uncertain, and yet full of something he couldn't quite place.

He hesitated, his gaze locked with hers, and for a brief, fleeting moment, it felt as if they were the only two people in the world. The air around them seemed to hum with energy, the connection between them so strong it was almost overwhelming.

And then, as if drawn by some invisible force, they both leaned in just a little more, their faces now mere inches apart, their breaths mingling in the charged silence. Neither of them moved, neither of them spoke, but the intensity of the moment was undeniable, filling the space between them with a tension that neither of them could ignore.

Rio's breath hitched as they leaned closer, her lips almost brushing against his. The moment felt surreal, like time had slowed, and all that existed was the warmth between them and the pounding of her heart in her chest. Her mind screamed at her to stop, to snap out of it, but the pull was undeniable. The urge to close the gap, to give in to whatever this was, grew stronger with each passing second.

But just as their lips were about to meet, Gakushuu shifted, his face moving to the side, his lips brushing against her ear instead. The change in contact sent a jolt through her, her body tensing in a way that made her feel completely exposed. His breath was hot against her skin as he whispered softly, his voice low and velvety, "You're so pretty, Rio."

The words sent a shiver down her spine, making her stomach flip. It wasn't the kind of compliment she was used to from Gakushuu. He was always so calculated, so careful with his words. But this—this felt different. There was something raw and intimate about the way he said it, something that made her feel vulnerable, and yet, she couldn't bring herself to pull away.

"I knew we had this connection," he murmured, his lips grazing the shell of her ear again, his voice almost hypnotic. "From the very beginning."

Rio's body betrayed her, a soft gasp escaping her lips as she felt his breath against her neck. Normally, she would've snapped out of it by now, regained her senses and put distance between them. But this—this was different. The way he whispered in her ear sent a wave of heat through her, a shudder that she couldn't control. It was her weak spot, and as Gakushuu noticed her reaction, a slow smirk tugged at his lips.

He leaned in even closer, his lips brushing her neck this time, his voice dropping even lower as he continued. "I can feel it," he whispered, his words sending a tremor through her body. "You can too, can't you?"

Her breath came faster now, her pulse quickening as he spoke, her thoughts a muddled mess. His voice, the soft brush of his lips—it was too much. She could feel herself losing control, her mind hazy as the sensations overwhelmed her. She wanted to say something, to pull away, but the way he whispered in her ear made her feel weak, powerless to resist the pull between them.

Gakushuu's eyes darkened as he felt her body respond, as he realized how much control he had in this moment. His lips lingered near her neck, the delicate skin there reacting to his touch in a way that made him feel triumphant. He reminded himself to stay focused, to keep his emotions in check, but it was becoming harder and harder. The connection between them was undeniable, and the way her body responded to him made him want to push further, to explore this power he held over her.

"You're trembling," he teased softly, his lips still dangerously close to her neck, his voice a low murmur that made her feel lightheaded. "Am I making you nervous?"

Rio's heart was pounding in her chest, her breaths shallow as she fought to regain control of herself. But the truth was, she *was* nervous—nervous and overwhelmed by how much she wanted him in that moment, how much his words and touch were affecting her.

Just as Gakushuu began to lean in again, intent on fully taking control of the moment, the sharp sound of the doorbell rang out, piercing the tension between them.

The spell was broken instantly.

Rio blinked, the sound pulling her back to reality, her body jolting slightly as the world came rushing back. Gakushuu pulled away just a fraction, his eyes widening for a brief moment as if he too had been snapped out of the trance they had fallen into.

For a second, they both just sat there, frozen, the energy between them still crackling in the air, but the interruption had brought them both back to their senses.

Gakushuu's jaw clenched, frustration flickering in his eyes as he turned toward the door, though his hand still lingered on hers. "I'll... get that," he said, his voice a little more strained than usual, the control he had been fighting so hard to maintain now slipping away entirely.

Rio sat there, her mind still reeling from what had just happened, her body buzzing with a mix of adrenaline and confusion. She watched as Gakushuu rose to his feet, moving toward the door, and for a brief moment, she wasn't sure if she was relieved or disappointed by the interruption.

The days following that interrupted moment with Gakushuu were a blur for Rio. She tried to bury herself in routine, focus on her studies, and laugh along with Karma's teasing as usual, but nothing felt the same. Every time she thought back to Gakushuu—his touch, his words—her mind would wander. She felt a pull toward him that she couldn't quite explain, but the uncertainty of his intentions kept her guarded. Was it real? Or was he just playing her, setting up some elaborate plan like always?

Meanwhile, Gakushuu was in a different kind of turmoil. He had always prided himself on his control, on his ability to calculate every move in his life like a chess game. But ever since that night with Rio, his thoughts had been consumed by her. He could still feel the warmth of her skin under his fingertips, the sound of her voice in his ear, the way her presence had made the world fade away. And it terrified him. He hadn't slept much, tossing and turning as his mind replayed every moment they had shared. It wasn't part of the plan. It wasn't supposed to happen this way. He wasn't supposed to *feel* this much.

At school, he was distracted—something no one ever expected from the ever-composed Gakushuu. His grades didn't slip, of course, but his focus was nowhere near as sharp. During meetings with his father, his mind would wander. And during class, he'd often catch himself staring off, lost in thoughts of Rio. It was getting harder to maintain the mask, especially as the Heroic Sports Festival approached.

The memory of losing to Rio last year still stung, though it was also what had made him take notice of her in the first place. He needed to win this time, especially against E-class. But the more he tried to focus, the more distracted he became. He couldn't stop thinking about her—her laugh, the way she'd looked at him, and that quiet moment they had shared when time seemed to stop. It was maddening.

Across campus, Karma was picking up on the tension. He'd always had a knack for noticing what others missed, and lately, Rio was acting strange. She still hung out with him, joked around, but there was something off—especially when Gakushuu's name came up. She would tense, her smile would falter just for a second, and her responses would come a little too quickly, as if she were trying to cover something up.

"You're off your game, Nakamura," Karma teased one afternoon, leaning casually against the wall outside their classroom.

Rio shot him a look, forcing a smirk. "What are you talking about? I'm always on top of my game."

Karma raised an eyebrow, studying her. "Uh-huh. So you're gonna pretend you don't act weird every time Asano's name comes up now?"

Rio's smirk dropped, and she looked away, but only for a moment. "You're imagining things," she said, her voice too even, too controlled.

"Right," Karma drawled, his grin widening as he crossed his arms. "So... nothing happened between you two, huh?"

Her heart skipped a beat, and for a split second, she thought about telling him the truth. But the uncertainty of what was going on with her and Gakushuu held her back. She didn't know how to explain it—how to explain *him*. So instead, she shrugged it off.

"Nothing worth talking about," Rio said breezily, though Karma didn't miss the way she fidgeted with the sleeve of her shirt.

"Sure," he said, drawing out the word. But he wasn't convinced. Karma knew her better than most, and he could tell when something was up. The fact that she wasn't talking meant whatever was happening between her and Gakushuu was bigger than she wanted to admit.

Over the next few days, Karma kept a closer eye on both of them. Gakushuu, usually composed and methodical, seemed unusually distracted. Rio, normally carefree, was more reserved whenever he was around. It was subtle—so subtle that no one else seemed to notice—but Karma saw the way her gaze would linger on Gakushuu when she thought no one was watching. He saw the way Gakushuu's eyes flicked toward her, his expression betraying a hint of frustration or confusion whenever she was near.

By the time the Heroic Sports Festival rolled around, Karma was sure of it: something had happened between them. He hadn't gotten the full story out of Rio yet, but he didn't need to. It was written all over her face.

As the events of the festival began, Karma and Nagisa stood together, watching the different matches unfold. Gakushuu was up against E-class again, and while he was performing well, there was something off about him.

"Is it just me," Karma mused, leaning toward Nagisa, "or does Asano seem distracted?"

Nagisa glanced at Gakushuu, noting the brief hesitations in his movements, the way his eyes occasionally flickered toward the stands. "He's not as sharp as usual," he agreed. "Why?"

Karma smirked, his gaze flicking to where Rio sat, watching the match intently. "Let's just say I've noticed a change in our friend Nakamura. And I think *someone* in Class A might have something to do with it."

Nagisa followed his line of sight and raised an eyebrow. "You think something's going on between them?"

"Oh, I'm sure of it," Karma said, a gleam in his eyes. "I just haven't figured out all the details yet. But trust me—something definitely happened."

As the festival continued, Karma kept up his teasing with Rio, dropping hints and making offhand comments, waiting for her to slip up. But she remained tight-lipped, determined not to let anything show. Still, the way she watched Gakushuu didn't escape him, and he could see the confusion and uncertainty in her eyes whenever their paths crossed.

By the end of the festival, it was clear to Karma that whatever had sparked between Rio and Gakushuu wasn't over. And as he watched them exchange a brief glance after one of the events, he knew that the tension between them was far from resolved.

Karma grinned to himself, already planning his next move. He'd get to the bottom of this, one way or another. And when he did, Rio wasn't going to hear the end of it.

Karma's plan was already taking shape as the Heroic Sports Festival wound down. He had observed everything—the fleeting glances, the awkward tension, the way Rio seemed both drawn to and wary of Gakushuu. It was too good to pass up. Karma loved nothing more than poking at people's soft spots, and this was gold.

The next day, Karma found his moment. The class was winding down, with students trickling out for lunch, and Rio was lagging behind. Karma leaned back in his chair, watching her out of the corner of his eye. He knew she was avoiding Gakushuu today, keeping her distance, but that wouldn't last forever.

"So," he began, his voice casual but with that signature Karma edge, "Nakamura, what's the deal with you and Asano? You two seemed *awfully* in sync yesterday at the festival."

Rio shot him a glare, her usual sass ready. "Shut up, Karma."

"Ah, but see," he continued, ignoring her protest, "you didn't deny it. I knew something was up. You've been acting *so* weird lately." He stood up, walking over and leaning on the desk next to her, his grin widening. "And he's been weird too. It's almost like you're both thinking about the same thing."

Rio crossed her arms, rolling her eyes in a show of defiance, though her heart raced. She wasn't about to let Karma pry into this. "You're reading into things. Asano and I are the same as always. Annoying and competitive."

Karma chuckled. "Right. That's why you haven't been able to take your eyes off him for the past week? And he's practically falling asleep in class, which—by the way—is very unlike Mr. Perfect."

Rio opened her mouth to fire back, but Karma was relentless, leaning in closer. "You two didn't just compete last year, huh? Something else happened. You're quieter than usual, and he's been distracted. Come on, Rio. Spill it."

She shot him a frustrated look, her defenses starting to crumble. "I said shut up, Karma. It's none of your business."

He shrugged, but his eyes were gleaming with amusement. "Maybe not, but it's hard not to notice when the two of you are acting like this. The others might not see it, but I do." He paused, giving her a sly look. "You like him, don't you?"

That hit a nerve. Rio's face flushed, and for the first time, she didn't have a sharp retort ready. She turned away, hoping to mask the mix of emotions that flickered across her face—confusion, frustration, maybe even a hint of embarrassment.

"I don't—" she began, but even she knew the words were unconvincing.

Karma's smirk widened as he leaned back, clearly satisfied. "You're a terrible liar, Rio. But don't worry, I won't push you—yet. I have other ways of finding out what's going on."

With that, he gave her a wink and strolled out of the classroom, leaving her standing there, stewing in her thoughts.

---

As the week went on, Karma kept his distance but watched closely. He noticed every little change in Rio's demeanor around Gakushuu and kept tabs on how Gakushuu seemed even more sleep-deprived and distracted. Karma's plan wasn't just about teasing Rio—it was about seeing how far the two of them would go before one of them broke.

It wasn't long before Nagisa picked up on it too.

"Hey," Nagisa said one afternoon when they were sitting together during a break. "You mentioned before that you think something's going on between Rio and Asano."

Karma grinned. "I don't think. I *know* something's up. They're both acting like they're stuck in some bad rom-com."

Nagisa raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure it's not just... I don't know, them being competitive again? Gakushuu did lose to Rio last year. Maybe he's just still annoyed about it."

Karma shook his head. "No, no, it's not just that. It's more than their usual rivalry. I've been watching them all week. They're avoiding each other, but also not. It's weird." He glanced over at Nagisa, his smirk returning. "You've seen it too, haven't you?"

Nagisa hesitated. "Well... they're definitely acting different. I thought maybe Rio was just messing with him again, but you're right—she's not being as obvious about it this time. And Asano's been off his game lately. It's not like him."

Karma leaned back, satisfied that Nagisa had noticed too. "Exactly. Something happened between them, and neither of them knows what to do about it. But hey, I'm not in a rush. They'll crack eventually."

Nagisa gave him a sideways look. "And what are you planning to do when they do?"

Karma grinned wickedly. "I'm gonna make sure to be right there when the whole thing falls apart."

---

A few days later, Karma's patience paid off.

It happened during an sport session at the main building. Karasuma was somehow able to reserve the field for them. Rio had been sparring with some of the others, her usual competitive edge shining through. But as Gakushuu arrived with the A-class martial arts club—late, of course—something shifted.

Rio glanced over at him, her expression guarded, but there was something in her eyes that made Karma's grin widen. Gakushuu, on the other hand, looked like he hadn't slept in days, still keeping the club motivated of course. But his posture was tense, his face drawn, and yet there was a flicker of something in his gaze when he looked at Rio.

Karma could see it now, clear as day. Neither of them could stay away from the other, no matter how hard they tried.

As the session ended, Gakushuu lingered for a moment longer than necessary, his eyes briefly meeting Rio's before he turned and walked away. Rio stood there for a second, watching him leave, and Karma knew—this was it.

Later, Karma found Nagisa again, a smug look on his face.

"Okay," Karma said, leaning in conspiratorially. "I've been watching them, and I'm telling you—it's going to blow soon."

Nagisa gave him a wary look. "Blow?"

"Oh yeah. And when it does, it's going to be *glorious*."

The rest of the E-Class students began to pack up their gear, but Rio's eyes were still fixed on Gakushuu's retreating figure.

She told herself to drop it, to let him go, to return to normal. But something about his brief glance gnawed at her. There was something unfinished between them, something she couldn't quite name but couldn't ignore.

Without thinking too much, Rio threw her bag over her shoulder and hurried after him.

Karma immediately caught her movement. He raised an eyebrow, an amused smirk creeping onto his face. This was exactly what he'd been waiting for.

He hung back for a moment, letting Rio get a head start, before quietly following her. His instincts told him this was going to be good.

Rio's footsteps echoed softly as she followed Gakushuu through the quieter part of the campus, where A-Class students usually roamed. Gakushuu walked briskly, his back stiff as though he were trying to escape the thoughts swirling in his head. He hadn't noticed her yet, but Rio knew she had to talk to him. She didn't care if it was impulsive or irrational—she couldn't shake the feeling that they needed to confront whatever had been simmering between them since their "date".

"Gakushuu!" she called out before she lost her nerve.

Gakushuu stopped abruptly, his shoulders tense. He didn't turn right away, but after a pause, he slowly looked over his shoulder, his expression guarded.

"Rio," he said quietly. His voice was calm, but there was a weariness to it, like he already knew where this conversation was heading.

Rio caught up to him, trying to keep her expression neutral, even though her heart was pounding in her chest. "You've been avoiding me," she said, her voice more accusatory than she intended. "What's going on with you?"

Gakushuu turned fully to face her now, his gaze hardening. "I haven't been avoiding you," he said, though it was clear to both of them that he was lying. He glanced down for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts, before meeting her eyes again. "I've just had a lot on my mind."

Rio folded her arms, her frustration bubbling up. "That's not it, and you know it. You've been acting weird ever since the festival. We both have."

Gakushuu's jaw tightened, and for a moment, it looked like he was going to deflect again. But something in Rio's steady gaze seemed to wear him down. He let out a small sigh, rubbing the back of his neck.

"I don't know, okay?" he muttered, his voice unusually unsure. "I haven't been able to think straight since then. I keep telling myself it was nothing, that it's just competition... but it doesn't feel like that."

Rio blinked, caught off guard by his honesty. She'd expected Gakushuu to put up more of a fight, to brush her off with his usual cool confidence. But seeing him like this, raw and uncertain, made her realize that he was just as confused as she was.

"Yeah," she said softly. "Same here."

For a moment, the tension between them was almost suffocating. They stood there in awkward silence, neither knowing what to say next, both acutely aware of the strange shift in their dynamic. It was more than just rivalry now, more than just a competition they had been entangled in for years.

Before Rio could speak again, a voice interrupted the moment.

"Wow, look at this. The *rivals* having a heart-to-heart?" Karma's voice was dripping with amusement as he strolled up, hands casually tucked into his pockets.

Both Gakushuu and Rio whipped around to face him, startled by his sudden appearance. Rio narrowed her eyes. "Karma, what the hell are you doing here?"

Karma shrugged, feigning innocence. "Oh, you know, just taking a little walk. Funny how I keep running into you two, though." His grin widened. "What's going on here? A secret meeting?"

Gakushuu's expression hardened, his calm exterior snapping back into place as if Karma's presence had reminded him of where he was. "It's none of your business, Akabane."

"None of my business?" Karma tilted his head, his grin never faltering. "It's everyone's business when you two keep sneaking around and acting all... weird."

Rio shot Karma a glare, but inside, she was cursing herself for not having been more discreet. Of course Karma had followed them. He probably knew more about this situation than they did at this point.

Karma stepped closer, his eyes glinting with that mischievous spark that usually meant he was about to cause trouble. "So, what's going on? I've been noticing the way you two have been avoiding each other. Gakushuu here barely looks awake these days, and Rio, you've been... well, not your usual self." He glanced between the two of them, his grin widening as if the pieces of a puzzle were coming together. "Could it be... feelings?"

Rio's face flushed, and she immediately regretted not throwing something at him earlier. "You're an idiot, Karma."

Gakushuu, on the other hand, bristled at the suggestion. "You have no idea what you're talking about."

"Oh, but I do," Karma replied smoothly. "See, I've been watching. And I'm not the only one who's noticed. Even Nagisa thinks something's going on between you two." He paused, enjoying the way both Rio and Gakushuu stiffened at that. "So what is it, hmm? Did the heroic sports festival stir up some feelings?"

The silence between Rio and Gakushuu was telling, even though neither of them spoke. Karma's grin widened further, the thrill of having cracked open this tense, unspoken connection between them lighting up his expression.

But before he could push further, Rio stepped forward, her frustration getting the better of her. "Karma, seriously. You need to drop this."

Karma chuckled. "Oh, don't worry, I'm done—for now." He took a step back, his grin still firmly in place. "But just so you know, you two aren't as subtle as you think. Whatever this is, it's only a matter of time before everyone else starts to notice."

With that, he turned on his heel and strolled away, whistling to himself, leaving Rio and Gakushuu standing there in the uncomfortable aftermath.

Rio let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through her hair. "I swear, he's the worst."

Gakushuu was still staring after Karma, his expression unreadable. "He's not wrong, though."

Rio blinked, looking back at him. "What do you mean?"

Gakushuu hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke, his voice low. "This... thing between us. We can't keep pretending it's not there."

Rio's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't say anything, unsure of what to make of the confession hanging between them. All she knew was that Karma had already set things into motion, and now there was no going back.

Rio stood there, her mind spinning as Gakushuu's words hung in the air between them. She swallowed hard, unsure of how to respond. "This thing between us" — it wasn't just a fleeting thought anymore, something she could brush off. Gakushuu had acknowledged it, and now, it was real.

Gakushuu took a step closer, his eyes softening for the first time in what felt like ages. His guarded expression slipped, revealing something deeper. Vulnerability, maybe? She wasn't sure, but the shift was palpable.

"You feel it too, don't you?" he asked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper, as though speaking any louder might shatter the moment.

Rio didn't move. The space between them seemed to close, even without either of them physically doing much. Her heart pounded in her chest, and for once, she was speechless. She didn't want to admit it, but the truth was written all over her face. Gakushuu had always been her rival, someone who pushed her in ways no one else did, but lately, he was more than that.

Before she could say anything, Gakushuu stepped closer still, their breaths mingling in the cool air. Rio could feel the tension growing between them, the pull neither of them wanted to acknowledge but couldn't resist. For a brief moment, she wondered if he was about to do something impulsive—something neither of them would have expected a year ago.

But just as his hand hesitantly began to lift, like he might reach out to touch her, the sound of voices approaching broke the spell.

Rio's eyes widened, and she instinctively grabbed Gakushuu's wrist, yanking him behind a nearby column, the both of them crouching low, hidden from view. They were in the A-Class section, after all. If someone saw them together, especially like this, questions would be asked.

The footsteps grew louder, and Rio pressed herself against the column, realizing too late how close she had pulled Gakushuu. He was right there, mere inches from her, his breath brushing against her cheek. She could feel the warmth radiating from his body despite the chill in the air. The small space forced them even closer, and for a second, she felt like she could hardly breathe.

Gakushuu's heart was racing, though he kept his expression under control. His calm facade faltered slightly, though, as he realized just how close they were. He could feel her breath against his neck, her presence overwhelming in the tiny space they occupied. Despite himself, a part of him wanted to stay like this a little longer, to savor this unexpected closeness that shouldn't have felt so right.

Neither of them dared to move, afraid to make even the slightest sound. The voices—students from A-Class, no doubt—were just around the corner now, and Rio's heart thudded in her chest. She could feel Gakushuu's gaze lingering on her, and in the stillness of the moment, her thoughts scattered.

They waited in tense silence, both aware of the undeniable electricity between them. Rio tried to focus on the noise outside, the sound of footsteps fading as the group moved further away. But she couldn't stop noticing how Gakushuu's presence seemed to fill every inch of the small space they shared. Her hand was still on his wrist, and she realized with a start that her fingers were gently brushing against his skin.

As soon as the voices disappeared, Gakushuu shifted slightly, but neither of them made any move to fully separate. The closeness was still there, thick in the air between them.

Meanwhile, not too far away, Karma was watching from a distance, his arms crossed casually over his chest, his signature grin plastered on his face. He'd followed them, of course—just far enough not to be noticed, but close enough to see how things were unfolding.

And now, there they were, practically glued together behind a pillar. Karma let out a low chuckle, feeling pretty damn pleased with himself. He'd known it all along. They were tangled in something more than just rivalry, and now he had proof. He was right.

But as he stood there, something tugged at the edges of his mind—something he wasn't used to feeling. It was like a weird pit in his stomach, a heaviness that didn't sit right. Was it... jealousy? He frowned, pushing the thought aside immediately.

No way. This was just entertaining. Watching Gakushuu—the flawless student council president—falling into some messy, emotional territory was amusing. That's all.

Still, Karma found himself lingering a little longer than he intended, his smirk faltering as he looked at how close Rio and Gakushuu had gotten. He forced himself to turn away, shaking off the strange feeling that gnawed at him.

Instead of focusing on the awkward tightness in his chest, he distracted himself with thoughts of how he'd tease them both once they inevitably cracked. Oh, he had plenty of material now, and he was going to enjoy every second of it.

---

Back behind the pillar, Rio finally exhaled as the last of the footsteps faded away completely. She pulled back slightly, her hand releasing Gakushuu's wrist, though the moment was still heavy between them.

"We should... go," she said awkwardly, her voice quieter than usual, trying to break the tension.

Gakushuu, still catching his breath from the closeness, nodded slightly. "Yeah."

But neither of them moved right away. They both knew that whatever had just passed between them wasn't over, not by a long shot.