Chapter Text
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Seiryū Academy:Early morning (8:00 a.m)
Step!! Step!! Step!! Step!! Step!!
The sounds of crowded footsteps from Seiryū academy students lighten up the school early in the morning—well why don't they? Today is the results for their final exam for 11th grade students.
Here let me tell you of how Seiryū Academy works:
Each grades only had 100 students max—meticulously screened from the best of the best across Japan. There's no room for mediocrity here.
If your merit aren't 100%?!
Say bye bye for your Seiryū Academy dreams~!!.
The rules are strict, because Seiryū Academy isn't just any high school—it's the top of the top, a breeding ground for the next generation of geniuses.
Top Doctors
Top lawyer
Top engineers
CEO
they all began their journey here, climbing the ladder of excellence before soaring to the world stage. Graduates? Every single one goes on to a top ten university, no exceptions.
———
By now, the hall outside the ranking boards was packed with students craning their necks, buzzing with anticipation. Each board is meticulously dedicated to the exams taken, a constant reminder that Seiryū Academy students compete against the absolute best—not just within their grade, but across the entire school.
"Ahhh...which number will I be...?" one student groaned, pushing through the crowd. "I've been studying non-stop for the past six months...my nose even bled once..."
"Gosh, I even considered boiling my textbooks...which I actually did," another admitted sheepishly.
"You crazy?! Who the hell boils textbooks? If you ask me, I'd rather just steam them..." someone else snickered.
"I studied using one of the senior's notes I bought...honestly, it's like a Hogwarts sacred book. If I don't get into the top ten, I'll be completely baffled," a third student muttered, eyes wide with anxiety.
"Gosh~~!!! The paper seemed easy enough when I answered it...hoping the teacher has mercy on my silly mistakes. I misanswered one question, but the others? Perfect. I even triple-checked my calculations with the calculator!" The other students who literally stand too damn closed at the ranking boards.
And then, inevitably, the topic shifted to the big names of the grade:
"Nee~~?? Who did you betting to be on the first ranks? It's either Satoru or (name)..., ohh I admire them both..as expected from Ryūjin class student...The top class from our grades...ughhh they are so smart...especially Satoru Gojo arghhhhh, he's tall, handsome, smart!!!, rich?!! What else is lacking?!?!?! GOSHHHH!!! Well I'm betting for himmm!!!" Another students who watching the rank boards from the edge—crossed their arms slightly
Okay okay stop right there, let me tell you about 11th grades class:
Each class had 20 students, and different class different subjects—but for the core subjects, it was mandatory for all of the student to take—which is will determine their ranks at the ranking board :
Grade 11 (Juniors) – 100 students per grade
-Class 1: Ryūjin (龍神) Class – "Dragon God" – elite scholars, top tier.
-Class 2: Tenjin (天神) Class – "Heavenly God" – academic prodigies, math/science.
-Class 3: Sakura (桜) Class – "Cherry Blossom" – art, literature, and culture elite.
-Class 4: Shinsei (神聖) Class – "Sacred" – elite leadership and philosophy.
-Class 5: Hōō (鳳凰) Class – "Phoenix" – high achievers, symbol of rebirth & excellence.
for the sophomores year:
-Grade 10 (Sophomores) – 100 students per grade
-Class 1: Seiryū (青竜) Class – "Azure Dragon" – top academic class, symbolizes strength & wisdom.
-Class 2: Hoshizora (星空) Class – "Starry Sky" – excellence in science and logic.
-Class 3: Kōyō (紅葉) Class – "Autumn Leaves" – elegance, art, and literature focus.
-Class 4: Shirayuri (白百合) Class – "White Lily" – top humanities & etiquette.
-Class 5: Takanawa (高輪) Class – "High Hill" – leadership, athletics, and prestige.
and...senior year:
Grade 12 (Seniors) – 100 students per grade
-Class 1: Tenryū (天竜) Class – "Heavenly Dragon" – pinnacle of prestige, leadership & honor.
-Class 2: Ryōsei (良星) Class – "Good Star" – perfect balance of intellect & character.
-Class 3: Kōun (幸運) Class – "Fortune" – top achievers with ambition & influence.
-Class 4: Shinkai (深海) Class – "Deep Sea" – mysterious, elite strategists.
-Class 5: Seika (聖華) Class – "Sacred Blossom" – top scholars, destined for top universities.
"Hmmm I cannot decide!! Their position always switch sometimes, for the mid sem it was Satoru right? Then for this one I will betting for (name)..UGHH she such a role model...I like her so much, she used to help me with my biology paper and I tell you she aren't beating around the bush just straight to the point..." the students palm rest on their chins slightly calculating
"Really? That's amazing! But Satoru's teaching methods are great too! Even when he does those silly jokes in the middle of explaining things, it actually helps me remember stuff. I swear, some of his weird humor sticks in my brain longer than the lesson itself!" Another students join in the conversation
"Eeh? You study with him?!? How lucky!!" And another
"Yea, kinda, but it was more of a general group thing. He opened a last-minute revision class for the physic paper right before the real exams started. Honestly, he's so patient and thoughtful—he goes over the parts people don't understand and makes sure everyone's on the same page before we head into the exam hall. It really helps calm the nerves, too, because he explains things in such a clear way that even the tricky concepts suddenly make sense" and another another..
"Yeah, I've noticed that. Satoru tends to be more open in group settings, while (name) prefers more private, one-on-one teaching when it comes to really helping someone understand something deeply. But wow...bet he looks so ridiculously hot while teaching, isn't he?!?" More another
"He always looks hot...even with that nerd glasses he had..."
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Your figure finally appear around the crowds—arms crossed with index fingers tapping your arms while quietly waiting for the ranking to appear—since the announcement was digital.
No one dared to approach you even though they want to since your face usually looking so mean...nyenyenye...
You just had resting bitch face...
Your uniforms are different than the rest making you stand out since you wants to be unique—as long as it still follows the dress code..
Blazer are like the rest..navy blue blazer and school crest around your chest—the proudest crest for academic achiever in japan..
ribbon are dark blue tied neatly against your collar and more longer than others since you were the top student..
Skirt are match with navy blazers but for your skirt it was a bit altered since you don't like how short it is, so you makes it a bit longer..while for the sock it was white patterned with the schools crest and for the shoes it was polished black loafers—match perfectly with the stocking.
Your hair are neatly held back by a simple and elegant red Alice headband—the one that keeps your bangs out of your eyes but somehow managed to make you looks composed and Aura...Aura...yea...
"Tch—how much longer does it needs to take.." you muttered to yourself slightly—toned sounds so irritated somehow..your right shoes keep tapping against the hall floor..
Until—
"BAAA!!"
Someone arms snake around your shoulder making you let out a slight yelp— eyes widened as you looks at your side to see who it was..
"Shoko...!!!!!"
Shoko chuckles looking at your reaction it was funny (just small chuckles..) mouth moving around to savour her lollipops candy that she always eat when she stressed about assignments (NO MORE CIGARETTES FOR SHOKO!! GIRLY POP FINALLY FREE FROM STRESS) before her light brown eyes also darted to the screen where the ranking will appear soon..
"Mhmh I wonder what ranks will I be..hoping for the top ten..." Shoko said in her usual tone
Your pupils darted to Shoko who still at your sides—that kind of stare that everyone mistaken as a mean stare
"You will be at the top ten don't worry.." you said trying to reassure your best friend despite the tone that sound like you trying to belittle her
"Mhmhm...yeaa of course I will be there, I copy your paper..a little.." Shoko said while continue on to waiting for the ranking to appear
the crowds voices who keep whispering with anxiety and panic already fading away from your ears—all you can think about is who will be at the top 1 ranking system for Seiryū. 11th grade students..
It was a lie if you don't feel nervous like the rest—but the kind of nervous that you felt are clearly different than other students..because you know the only place that you will belong is second or top—the battle of you and Satoru..
Gojo Satoru...
You hate that name..ughhh Satoru are so infuriating and annoying!! With that stupid grin of his..his silly nerd joke, and stupid personality—he always manage to steal your spotlight!!!
He was infuriating, impossibly talented without ever seeming to try. Your fingers clenched into a tight fist as your mind replayed the countless injustices of his effortless brilliance—eating KFC with Geto Suguru after school, laughing and joking, never opening a book, yet somehow achieving the highest marks with a smug grin plastered across his face.
Veins already etched around your forehead and temples..
Yet your mother always asking you to be nice to Satoru since your family relationship with his are closed.. you both are FREAKING NEIGHBOURS!!! SO DAMN ANNOYING!!!.
Your forehead veins were more pronounced now, temples pulsing slightly with frustration. Your mother's constant reminders to be cordial to Satoru didn't help. Your families were close, neighbours in the prestigious Hoshigahara district, with sprawling estates and every luxury imaginable. You found it nearly impossible to reconcile your respect for family ties with the sheer exasperation Satoru caused you daily.
"Annoying... square 100," you muttered under your breath, a phrase that would have made no sense to anyone else but perfectly captured your simmering irritation.
Don't let you talk about his daily routine at his house.......UGHHHH!!!!!!!
The hum of the crowd shifted, a subtle ripple of energy that caught your attention before you even saw him. Your eyes narrowed instinctively, every muscle in your body tightening. And then—of course—it happened.
Satoru Gojo arrived, just as infuriatingly casual as ever.
He sauntered in with that signature lazy, teasing grin plastered across his face, snow white hair slightly tousled, light blue eyes scanning the hall like he owned the place—which, for him, wasn't entirely wrong.
Beside him, Geto Suguru walked with effortless composure, his calm demeanor the perfect counterbalance to Satoru's chaotic aura. The moment they entered, a wave of whispers rolled through the students. Everyone knew them, everyone feared them, and you could practically feel the collective envy in the room rise like a tide.
Your jaw clenched. You could feel your pulse quicken, not from fear but from irritation—a fiery, burning type that made you want to stomp your foot and scream at the sheer audacity of him. There he was, Satoru, looking like he hadn't lifted a single pen for the past month, yet walking in with the confidence of someone who had already secured first place.
Satoru's eyes, of course, found you immediately. He tilted his head, that grin stretching wider. "Well, well... if it isn't Miss (name)?. Looking... intense, as usual," he said, his voice carrying that infuriating mix of teasing and smugness.
Your hands tightened into fists at your sides, the urge to shove him—or at least glare him into submission—almost overwhelming. "Satoru," you said through gritted teeth, "why are you even here so early? Planning to distract everyone from your... so called natural talent?" your tone was sharp, but calm, the kind that could slice through the chatter of a crowded hall if you really wanted.
Geto, meanwhile, let out a quiet, amused chuckle, his gaze flicking between Satoru and you. "you guys got anything going on in between? feels like I'm answering the chemistry paper..," he commented in his usual serene manner, voice low enough that only Satoru caught it. "Don't take it personally."
Satoru still grinning. "Careful (name) chan..I can smells the enviousness from afar~." He winked, as if deliberately poking the fire beneath your composed exterior.
You could feel heat rise to your cheeks, not from embarrassment, but from pure, unadulterated annoyance. Your eyes narrowed, staring daggers at Satoru's teasing form. Every instinct screamed at you to challenge him—to show him, once and for all, that you wasn't someone he could overshadow with a lazy grin and effortless charm.
Shoko, still leaning against your side, watched the exchange with mild amusement, blowing a small bubble from her lollipop. "Oooh, I like this," she whispered under her breath, eyes glinting. "The tension... it's delicious."
You rolled your eyes at your best friend but didn't take your eyes off Satoru. The ranking board flickered, preparing to display the results, and the moment felt electric, like the calm before a storm. Every nerve in your body hummed with anticipation. you wasn't just competing for a rank—this was personal. And as Satoru's grin met yours, a silent battle ignited between both of you, invisible to everyone else but scorching in its intensity.
The hall went silent as the large digital display flickered to life, its bright, sterile light reflecting off polished floors and anxious faces. A low murmur of anticipation swept through the students.
The first few names scrolled by, each rank announced with digital precision. Your heartbeat picked up, a steady drumbeat against the silence in her mind. You barely noticed the whispers, the gasps, the occasional stifled cheer that fluttered through the crowd.
All you cared about was the top spot—the one you had been chasing, the one that had become an obsession ever since you had first glimpsed Satoru's smug grin in class.
And then—
1st Place: Gojo Satoru
A collective gasp rippled through the hall. Satoru, of course, was first—top of the class, the golden boy of Seiryū Academy, the one person that you had been silently vying against for months. He didn't even flinch at the announcement, only letting that infuriating grin spread wider across his face. Blue eyes sparkling, he gave a small, almost theatrical bow in your direction, as if to say, Better luck next time.
2nd Place: (full name)
The hall erupted with a wave of applause, but for you, it was almost background noise. You held yourself perfectly still, only the faintest exhale betraying the surge of emotion you felt. You had done it—you had secured your place among the absolute best, and though you wasn't first, you had maintained your dignity, your precision, and your power. It was a victory, albeit one tinged with the frustrating brilliance of your neighbour and rival.
3rd Place: Ieri Shoko
Shoko let out a triumphant squeal, pumping her fists in the air, lollipop nearly flying from her mouth in the excitement. She bounced slightly on her heels, entirely unselfconscious about the attention she drew. You shot her a sidelong glare that, to any ordinary observer, might have seemed like disdain, but beneath the surface was a quiet smile—pride, mixed with amusement. Shoko had worked hard, even if it involved a "little help" from your papers.
4th Place: Geto Suguru
The room hummed with the knowledge that these four students were, without a doubt, the elite of Seiryū Academy's 11th grade. Geto's calm, unshaken presence only amplified the contrast between Satoru's flamboyant triumph and Miya's disciplined excellence.
———
You exhaled, your body relaxing just slightly. The tension that had coiled through your veins loosened, but only just. Your gaze flicked back to Satoru, whose smug expression hadn't softened in the slightest. He was the first, the top, the one you wanted to surpass but had yet to.
"Annoying... so annoyingly perfect," you muttered under your breath, your eyes narrowing into a glare that could have cut steel. You refused to let the moment rob you of composure, but inside, a storm of frustration and determination raged.
Your hands unclenched, tapping your arms lightly as you processed the results. You felt a strange mix of irritation, and motivation—an almost intoxicating combination that made you want to storm straight over to Satoru, glare him into oblivion, and make a mental vow to reclaim that first place.
Shoko leaned closer, whispering with a sly grin, "See? Top three, and I'm third! Told you I'd make it."
Your lips twitched, barely hiding a smirk, though your eyes remained sharp. "Yes, yes. Congratulations," you said, voice calm, even if her mind was racing.
Even as the crowd erupted into applause and congratulations, your mind already plotting, scheming. Next time, you swore, the first place wouldn't be his. You would find a way to outshine him.
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That evening still at school: 6:pm
That evening, the school grounds were eerily quiet, the last remnants of students filtering out toward the parking lot or waiting for their rides.
You, however, hadn't moved an inch. Despite the final exam results being announced earlier, you had no intention of heading home.
Senior year loomed in just a few weeks, and you wasn't about to waste a single moment. You wanted to get a head start, reviewing topics from the 12th-grade curriculum—light, yes, but essential for keeping your edge.
Shoko, of course, had gone home hours ago, waving goodbye with a carefree grin, not understanding—or perhaps not caring—why you would stay behind. You didn't expect her to. Shoko thrived in chaos and distraction; you thrived in focus and silence
Thirty minutes had passed.
Your hands hovered over your watch repeatedly, eyes darting down at the glowing screen. Each glance seemed to increase your restlessness, as if the ticking seconds themselves were mocking you. You had meticulously planned your evening, down to the minute, and this delay was an unwelcome disruption.
Your polished black loafers tapped impatiently against the concrete floor as you paced, your phone pressed to your ear in repeated attempts to contact your driver.
The call went unanswered. The phone rang once, twice, three times—still nothing. You let out a sharp, frustrated huff and slammed your phone gently into your palm before place it inside your pocket. You bit down on your lower lip in irritation, muttering under your breath.
"Where is everyone at home?! Did they all vanish from the earth?! This is beyond annoying!" Your eyes scanned at another empty pick-up area, lingering briefly on a few lingering students who had clearly been left behind by their drivers, though none could be compared to your own sense of urgency. Your schedule was precise, unbending; every delay was a personal affront.
Your irritation reached a crescendo just as a familiar roar cut through the evening calm. The unmistakable growl of a superbike tore through the air, echoing across the courtyard with a sound that seemed custom-tailored to annoy. Your eyes narrowed, immediately locking on the school gates as the vehicle approached.
God, please... not him.
The bike skidded to a stop, its engine still rumbling like a caged beast. Your hands curled into fists at your sides, your entire body tensing. His timing was inexplicable. It was 6 PM—why was he still here? He was The fastest person you knew who usually vanished from the school grounds in a blink after class finish, had inexplicably chosen to linger.
Your gaze traced the bike in exasperation. The sheer volume was intolerable; even with the sprawling size of your family's estate, the noise carried. You could practically predict his schedule, the exact times he roared out of his house, circled the neighborhood, and returned. And yet here he was, violating your carefully constructed evening plan, adding his obnoxious presence to your carefully curated solitude.
"Tch—acting like he's the only one in the world with a bike... ssssoooooo annoying!!" You muttered, teeth gritted, your voice a low hiss. Your thoughts darkened with the urge to somehow make that loud, ostentatious bike disappear from the earth.
Before you could make a move to hide it, the bike skidded to a controlled stop right in front of the pick up area where you were standing, Satoru didn't get off instead of he sat casually on the bike, stop the engine, one foot resting lightly on the ground, the other tucked against the superbike gear, He take off his helmet..revealing that messy snow white hair of his and placed the helmet which is sleek and black with a hint of reflective visor right there between his crotch on the the gas tank—leaning his arms slightly forward against the helmet as he fixed you with that infuriating grins.
"Ooooh~~MISS GRUMPY PANTS AREN'T HOME YET?" His tone was light, mocking almost, as if he knew precisely how to push every one of your buttons.
Your eyes narrowed dangerously, the glare so sharp it could slice through steel. "What do you want, Satoru?" Your voice was calm, controlled, but every syllable dripped with irritation.
Satoru tilted his head, giving you a lazy, playful look that made you grip your bag strap a little tighter. "Want? Nothing," he said smoothly, though the grin betrayed him. "I just happened to notice someone pacing like a caged tiger. Thought I'd come see if the little tiger of Seiryū needed rescuing."
Your nostrils flared, lips pressing into a thin line. "I don't need rescuing. And stop calling me that."
Satoru chuckled softly "Fine, fine, no tiger. But... since we're practically neighbours—" he gestured vaguely toward the street, where their massive estates were separated by just a few walls and gardens "—how about I give you a ride home? Or are you going to insist on sulking here for another hour?"
Your teeth ground together. Huh-huh!?!? Asking you to ride that obnoxious bike of his? MOREOVER WITH HIM?!? "I'm not riding that goofy looking bike of yours. That bike is way too loud—do you ever stop showing off? Or is it your only talent?"
Satoru's grin widened, eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, this little thing?" He patted the sleek curves of the superbike affectionately. "Hello, this is Ducati Superleggera, okay? Not just some noisy toy. Class, elegance, speed... all in one. It's practically a work of art."
Your hands flared at your sides, fingers twitching as you muttered through gritted teeth. "Work of art? More like a walking alarm clock that ruins my life. Seriously, how can you live next door to me and not know any respect?!, OH PLEASE~~ "I'd rather walk ten miles over broken glass than sit on that ridiculous... so called Ducati alarm machine of yours. I can wait for my driver. I have my own schedule, unlike some people," you said, tone crisp, sharp as a blade.
Satoru raised an eyebrow, grinning wider, clearly amused. "Ohhh, so proud of that perfectly timed schedule, huh? Must be exhausting keeping track of all that genius energy." He leaned a little closer, just enough to tease, and added softly, "You know... I could make it easier for you. Skip the waiting, skip the annoying calls to your driver... hop on. I promise, I won't talk too much."
Your lips pressed together in a thin line, fists clenching at your sides. Your pride wrestled with the convenience of his offer. If you accepted, it would be humiliating—you?, the disciplined, unstoppable you?!?, riding with him. But... a fraction of your mind couldn't deny how practical it would be. One short ride, and you could start your evening study on time.
Your eyes flicked toward his grin, that irritating, infuriating, yet impossibly charming grin.
"Your call," he said, giving you a teasing wink. "Neighborhood shortcut or stubborn wait? Your choice, tiger."
You inhaled sharply, gripping your bag strap, your pride warring with practicality. You opened your mouth to refuse... then paused, calculating—then noticed there is no other helmet besides the one that only for him.
"How can I ride those?!? You don't even have another helmet in the first place?!? I wouldn't risk my life just for your silly rides..!" Your voice are yes annoyed as you crossed your arms and looks away
Satoru chuckles, fingers went through his messy hair "Oh, come on," he drawled, glancing toward you with half-lidded eyes, "our neighborhood isn't that far. What, you'd rather sit here till the streetlights flicker on? Till night swallows this place whole? I doubt your driver's still circling around, waiting like some loyal hound. Nah..." he tapped his fingers idly on the handlebars, "by now, he probably thinks you're already home, tucked under your blankets, snuggling comfortably on your bed."
He tilted his head, studying you with a precision that felt both playful and stubborn. The faint glow of the evening caught in his pale eyes, making them sharp, almost unreasonably so, like he was cutting through every flimsy excuse you might try to make. The grin on his mouth softened into something even more provoking, the kind that dared you to push back but also tempted you to give in.
"So," he let the word stretch, his tone dripping with smug amusement, "what's it gonna be?
Your voice finally came out, calm but sharp: "Fine. But—" you stepped closer, eyes locked on his, "—you will keep your stupid comments to a minimum. Understand?"
Satoru's grin widened, teeth flashing. "Oh, I can do stupid comments... but you know I'm terrible at keeping them to a minimum."
You groaned quietly, eyes rolling, you climbed onto the back of his bike passenger seat—oh this is uncomfortable..why you need to arch your damn back like this?!? Your ass will be on display for every—UGHH whatever, you want to go home quickly.., arms gripping slightly around his waist...hesitate...you can feel his subtle abs around your palm.. ugh what the hell.., you tried your best to maintain your composure despite the absurdity of the situation.
Satoru then grab both of your arms which is gripping slightly on his waist earlier to wrapped around his waist more properly (more closerrr~) —"hug me tightly (name)...if you don't want to fly away later on while we were on the road" he said in teasing tone as his grips still aren't faltered from your arms.
Your cheeks turned red...because of his grip that forcing your arms to wrap around his waist more tightly—now your damn cheek pressed against his back, lips forming a pout."H—heyyy don't touch me!!"
"Yea, then hug me properly, you aren't riding a horse right now missy~~ to hold me like that—how delinquent~~" he teased
You slap his waist in annoyance "Fine!! Fine!!! Can you just hurry up Satoru?!?!!"
Satoru's laughter rang out softly as he wear his helmet once again and revved the engine, the bike roaring to life again, and with a teasing glance over his shoulder, he called, "Ready, tiger?"
you huffed, gripping tighter. "I said... keep the comments to a minimum!"
Satoru only laughed louder, and with a rev, both of you off, the suburban streets of Hoshigahara stretching ahead, the evening air carrying away some of your tension—though you refused to admit it aloud.
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