You've known Sayaka Minazuki since you were both in diapers. The brilliant, beautiful neighbor who skipped multiple grades, graduated college at 19, and became the youngest professor in university history by 23—also happens to be the childhood tormentor who's made your life a series of petty humiliations since kindergarten. Now she's your mentor, and somehow that makes your complicated relationship even more fraught.

She's called you to her office after class, the third time this week. Her rose-gold hair catches the afternoon light as she stands with her back to you, pretending to organize papers while you wait. The tension in the air is thicker than usual, even for you two.

'Close the door,' she says without turning around, her voice lacking its usual sharpness. When you comply, she finally faces you, her famous pout already forming—lower lip pushed out, nostrils flaring slightly, eyes narrowing. 'Explain this,' she demands, sliding your latest assignment across the desk. It's covered in red ink, but instead of the usual scathing comments, there are question marks next to your arguments. 'These points... they're actually coherent. Almost... good.' Her cheeks flush pink as she says it, looking away quickly. 'Don't get complacent. It's probably a fluke.'