The city glittered beneath the night sky.
From the top floor of a towering glass building, everything looked small—cars like moving lights, people like shadows, life like something distant.
Arata Kurosawa stood by the window, his reflection staring back at him.
Perfect posture.
Perfect face.
Perfect life.
At least, that's what everyone believed.
"Congratulations, Arata-sama!"
The voices behind him echoed through the luxurious hall. Executives, investors, social elites—all gathered to celebrate his 17th birthday.
Someone handed him a glass of sparkling juice.
"Truly, the future of the Kurosawa Group," a man said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
Arata nodded politely.
Another voice followed.
"My daughter admires you greatly. Perhaps you two could—"
"Arata-kun!" a girl interrupted, stepping forward in an elegant dress. "I've liked you for a long time."
Her cheeks were slightly red. Her hands trembled.
To anyone else, it would look genuine.
But Arata had seen this too many times.
Her eyes flickered—not with love, but calculation.
Not him.
His name.
His status.
His wealth.
"I'm sorry," he said calmly.
Her expression froze.
"I don't feel the same way."
Silence spread for a brief moment before whispers filled the room again.
Rejected.
Again.
Arata turned away, walking toward the balcony. The cool night air brushed against his face.
Behind him, the party continued like nothing had happened.
That's how it always was.
People came.
People smiled.
People wanted something.
But never… him.
---
Later that night, the mansion was quiet.
Too quiet.
Arata sat in his room, staring at a stack of unopened gifts.
Expensive watches.
Limited-edition items.
Luxury brands.
None of them meant anything.
A soft knock came at the door.
"Enter," he said.
An older man stepped in—calm, composed, dressed in a formal suit.
"Father."
Kurosawa Haruma, the head of the Kurosawa Group, looked at his son with sharp eyes.
"You handled yourself well tonight," he said. "As expected."
Arata remained silent.
"There are discussions underway," his father continued. "A potential engagement. It will strengthen our position."
There it was.
Not a question.
A decision.
"…I refuse," Arata said.
The room grew still.
His father's gaze hardened slightly. "This is not a matter for refusal."
"I won't marry someone who only sees me as a tool."
"And what do you expect?" his father replied coldly. "Love?"
Arata didn't answer.
Because that was exactly what he wanted.
"Love is irrelevant," Haruma continued. "Power and stability are what matter."
"Not to me."
For the first time, Arata looked directly at him.
"I want someone who chooses me… not my name."
A long silence followed.
Then his father turned away.
"You're naïve," he said. "But if you wish to prove yourself…"
Arata's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…then find this 'true love' of yours," Haruma said. "Without your name. Without your status."
Arata froze.
"You will leave this life temporarily. No wealth. No identity. Live as an ordinary student."
"…You're serious?"
"If you succeed, I will reconsider the engagement," his father said. "If you fail—you will accept your duty without complaint."
The deal was clear.
Win… or lose everything.
Arata slowly stood up.
"…Fine."
For the first time in his life—
He made a choice for himself.
---
A week later.
A new school.
A new identity.
A new life.
The classroom buzzed with chatter as students filled their seats.
The door slid open.
"Alright, settle down," the teacher said. "We have a transfer student."
All eyes turned.
A boy stepped in.
Simple uniform. Calm expression.
No luxury. No presence of power.
Just… normal.
"Introduce yourself," the teacher said.
The boy paused for a moment.
Then spoke.
"…Ren Takahashi."
Not Arata Kurosawa.
Not the heir.
Just Ren.
"I recently moved here. Nice to meet you."
Whispers spread instantly.
"He's kinda handsome…"
"Yeah, but quiet type…"
"Seems normal though…"
Normal.
That word felt strange.
But not unpleasant.
As he walked to his seat near the window, something inside him shifted.
No one bowed.
No one flattered him.
No one expected anything.
For the first time…
He was free.
The class continued, but Ren's gaze drifted outside.
Blue sky. Passing clouds.
Simple things.
Things he never noticed before.
The bell rang.
Lunch break.
Students rushed out, laughing and chatting.
Ren stood up slowly, unsure of what to do.
Cafeteria?
He had never been to one.
As he stepped into the hallway—
Thud!
He collided with someone.
"Ow—!"
A girl stumbled back, holding her forehead.
"Watch where you're going!" she snapped.
Ren blinked.
She wasn't bowing.
She wasn't apologizing.
She was… annoyed.
"…Sorry," he said.
She sighed. "Seriously, pay attention."
Her hair swayed as she turned, walking away without another glance.
No fake smile.
No hidden intention.
No recognition.
Just pure, honest reaction.
Ren stood there for a moment.
Then…
A small smile appeared on his face.
"…Interesting."
For the first time in years—
Someone had treated him like a normal person.
And he didn't hate it.
Not at all.
As the noise of the school surrounded him, one thought quietly formed in his mind—
> Maybe… this is where everything begins.
---
End of Chapter 1
---