Large metal gates slid open with a mechanical hum as a wave of students poured in. Some laughed and chatted with friends, while others dragged their feet, groaning about sleepless nights and early classes. This was Akademi High. A prestigious school known for its rigorous academics and wide array of student-run clubs, where teens were encouraged to discover their passions and chase opportunity. But deep within these halls, behind the cheerful noise and busy footsteps... a darker future waits — watching, waiting, ready to unfold.

The drama club member and his sister, Keiko, were strolling through the school hallways during a break the drama club leader had given them for practicing so well. Laughter and footsteps echoed softly in the background, a welcome change from their usual rehearsals. Out of nowhere, a girl darted around the corner and nearly collided with Keiko, sending her stumbling back a step like a bowling pin.

“I’m so, so sorry! I wasn’t watching where I was going!” The girl gasped, her eyes wide as she bowed quickly, hands clasped in front of her. Keiko blinked in surprise, then laughed gently, waving her hands in the air. “It’s alright! Really, it was just a little bump.” She offered a small, reassuring smile, clearly not wanting the girl to feel worse than she already did. The girl let out a shaky breath of relief, her shoulders relaxing slightly. Keiko glanced at her brother, her smile lingering with a hint of amusement.

The girl’s body suddenly shot up straight the moment a random idea entered her mind. “How about I give you some food in return?” She offered, her eyes sparkling at the thought of making new friends. Keiko glances over at her brother but he shrugged in response before getting dragged away along with Keiko without a moment to spare.

The room was pleasantly quiet, the soft hums of the oven vibrating and rhythmic chopping filled the room. Until a pair of heavy footsteps pounded against the floor, growing louder with each step. The girl swung the door open, a sharp BANG echoed through the kitchen and down the hallway. “Two—! N-No, four rice bowls, please, Orochi!” The girl panted heavily, collapsing onto a nearby chair.

Over the stove stood a boy, his chocolate-brown hair draped over his shoulders, curling gently around his neck. A messy ponytail tied at the back and his glasses hooked onto his collared shirt. He glanced sideways at the two figures by the door, his hands still busy stirring whatever simmered in the pot. “Who are those two Yakuri?” Orochi asks curiously, shooting a brief look at Yakuri — who was already catching her breath from rushing in.

“My new friends...!” She exclaimed back, raising her index finger up in the air lazily. “I brought them to the cooking club because I accidentally bumped into them earlier. This is my apology and thanks.” Yakuri explained and slowly leaned back on the wooden chair.

Orochi sighed with a hint of annoyance as he shook his head. “You can’t just bring random people in here and demand me to make food for you and them all the time.” He grumbled, taking another quick glance at the drama club member. A sudden flick of an unfamiliar warmth spreads within his chest. “...But, I guess I could let this one slide for now.” He muttered, and gestured for the two to settle down on a seat.

TIME SKIP

Ever since that day, Orochi had found himself growing increasingly interested in the drama club member. His soft, silky hair, his hypnotic eyes, his honey-like voice and his baby smooth hands... It was all so captivating...so alluring...so killingly beautiful. It was almost like love at first sight! On some occasions he would come by to hand over free food he's prepared himself, finding satisfaction in the way the drama club member chews and smiles slightly whenever he enjoys his food.

But recently, Orochi had heard two friends, one girl and one guy squealing and fighting about something. He didn't care at first until he heard the drama club member's name. He paused in his tracks, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face as he overhears the two playfully bickering, challenging each other to see who could win his heart first. The sound of their laughter and the way they swooned stirred something sharp in his chest — a bitter, burning jealousy that coiled through his veins. That was his. A low urge surged up inside him, a dark desire to make sure everyone else remembered: the drama club member wasn't up for grabs.

During a calming Wednesday afternoon, the drama club member and his acting partner were practicing a Cinderella play for an upcoming play for the art event that's happening in two months. His acting partner was a sweet girl named Akemi, she has light blue hair and a playful personality.

“That was so good! Your acting is always so perfect!” She said and smiled lightly. He chuckled, blush creeping up on his cheeks. “Oh it's nothing really, you did great as well.” He replied, throwing thumbs up of encouragement. “But I am wondering. There's a scene where we have to kiss, should we ask the club leader to...” Her words trailed off as she brushes a strand of hair off her face as she tilted her head down. He felt his heart race at the thought but it was quickly disturbed by the door sliding open.

Orochi stood just outside the doorframe, a bento box in his hands, he smiled warmly as he leaned against the frame. “Just came by to pass this over to you.” He said gently. His eyes flicked sharply to Akemi. The warmth drained from his gaze as he shot her a cold glare. She flinched, murmured something about the bathroom, and quickly slipped away. His gaze then switched back to the drama club member, taking the bento from his hands and opening it up. Inside, neatly arranged, were white steamy rice, golden egg rolls, crisp tempura, chicken pieces and a small bed of lettuce.

“Sorry if it isn't that good,” He murmured, his tone softer now. “I was working with limited supplies.” He pushed himself off the doorframe and stepped in slightly, just enough to watch the reaction — his gaze fixed, searching for the tiniest sign that he liked what had been made just for him.