June 1st – 8:00 AM – Class 1-B
The morning sun filters through the window blinds. Mrs. Sora stands at the front of the classroom, her shoulders drooped, dark circles under her eyes. She looks like she hasn't slept a wink.
Lizzy raises her hand. "Mrs. Sora, what happened to you?"
"Yeah, you look rough," Hana adds, tilting her head.
Mrs. Sora taps the board with her pointer. "It's nothing. I'm here to announce this month's class points. Your individual points will be deposited tomorrow."
With a beep, the large screen on the wall lights up. A row of numbers flashes across it.
Hana's eyes widen. "Our class points went up!"
Mira beams. "That's great!"
Mae nods thoughtfully. "It must be because of our test results."
The three girls turn toward Lizzy.
"Our scores improved thanks to the study group," Hana chimes in.
Lizzy gives a modest smile. "It's not just that. Everyone worked hard."
Suddenly, Hana lunges at her and wraps her arms around her.
"Lizzy, you're the best!"
"H-Hana!" Lizzy stumbles back, flustered.
"Let me join!" Mae jumps in, hugging both of them.
"You guys…! Stop it!" Lizzy's cheeks turn pink.
Hana laughs. "I'm honestly so happy I got into Class B. Being with you, Lizzy… it just feels right."
Lizzy's expression softens. She gently pats Hana's head. "I'm happy too. The teacher's weird, but everyone here's really nice… That's why I want to rise to Platinum Rank—with all of you."
---
Meanwhile…
A low hum echoes in the dorm elevator lobby.
Kairon stands in front of the elevator, yawning, hair a mess. The elevator doors slide open.
Inside, Aria stands quietly with Ivy, who waves.
"You getting in or not?" Aria asks flatly.
"Yeah. Excuse me," Kairon mutters, stepping in.
"Morning, Kairon," Ivy smiles. "Your hair's a mess."
Kairon smirks, golden eyes half-lidded. "It's a trend now."
Ivy giggles. "You're funny. I should try it."
Kairon glances at her, a faint flicker of memory surfacing—something shared, something secret.
"Yeah. It'll suit you," he says softly.
Aria remains silent beside them. Kairon leans in slightly, whispering to her, "Rare seeing you and Ivy together."
"She caught me outside my room. I had no choice," Aria responds coolly.
Ding—the elevator doors open. Aria steps out first.
"I wanted us to walk to school together…" Ivy sighs, trailing behind.
"Morning!" Lizzy's voice calls out from across the hall.
Ivy perks up. "Lizzy!"
Lizzy eyes Kairon, then grins. "Wait… is he your boyfriend?"
"No!" Ivy blurts, cheeks instantly flushed.
"Are you sure he feels the same?"
"Y-Yes!"
Lizzy chuckles. "Anyway, did you see the class points today?"
Ivy and Kairon glance at each other silently.
---
Class 1-D
Mrs. Elira stands before the room, smile sharp as a blade.
"As you know, this class has been denied points this month."
Rei clenches his fists under his desk.
Torin groans, head down. "How will we survive without money?!"
Mrs. Elira's smile widens. "There's a free section at the mall… for students like you."
Torin gasps. "We're saved!"
Nervous laughter spreads. Kairon sits quietly, unreadable. Aria's nose is buried in her book, saying nothing.
---
3:00 PM – Abandoned Building
The moonlight casts a silver glow across the Academy grounds.
Kairon walks toward a quiet, old building, hands in his pockets. He spots Lizzy standing alone.
"Sorry for calling you out so late," she says, voice low.
"It's fine. What's going on?"
Lizzy hesitates. "I need your help."
He raises an eyebrow. "Why me? Why not someone from your class?"
"Because only you can help."
She hands him a folded letter. Kairon opens it.
"…A love letter?"
Lizzy nods. "But I don't want a relationship. Not now. Not when I have goals."
"Then tell the person that."
"I think they're in my class… I don't want to hurt anyone."
Kairon eyes her. "So… you want me to pretend to be your boyfriend?"
Before she can respond—
"Lizzy?"
They both freeze. Hana stands there, trembling.
"Is he your… boyfriend?" she asks.
Lizzy stammers, "He's my—"
"I'm not," Kairon says firmly. He steps forward.
"I'm just her friend. Lizzy, don't lie. You'll hurt the one you care about most."
He looks at Hana. "It takes courage to confess your feelings. People struggle with it, thinking about it every night. 'I like you'... those words don't come easy. But they deserve an honest answer."
He turns and walks away.
"Then again… who am I to give advice?"
---
Under a Blinking Streetlight
Kairon sits alone on a bench. His phone buzzes.
Points Deposited: 0
He looks up, just in time to see Hana running past in tears.
Moments later, Lizzy walks up slowly.
"Looks like it's over," Kairon mutters.
"I didn't want to hurt her… but I guess I did."
She stares at the stars. "Still, I hope things won't change between us… though it probably will."
"That depends on you two," Kairon says, eyes closed.
"Sorry for tonight. I asked you to do something weird."
"No worries. I like some spice in my life."
She chuckles. "I owe you one."
Kairon stands. "Good night."
Lizzy watches him walk off, whispering, "Thank you, Kairon."
---
Somewhere in the Academy
A dimly lit room. Kael sits at a desk, flipping through papers. The glow of a mana lamp casts long shadows.
A girl approaches and hands him a folder. "Here's the report you asked for."
Kael smiles slightly, eyes sharp.
"…Interesting."