Morning sunlight filtered softly through the classroom windows, casting warm streaks of light across the desks.
Ren Takahashi sat quietly in his seat, his chin resting lightly against his hand as he watched his classmates trickle in one by one.
It had only been a day.
Just one day.
And yet… everything already felt different.
"Yo, Ren!"
Yuto's loud voice cut through the calm atmosphere as he dropped his bag onto the desk beside him.
"You coming early now? Trying to look like a model student?"
Ren glanced at him. "…I couldn't sleep."
"Eh? Why? New school nerves?"
"…Something like that."
Yuto narrowed his eyes suspiciously, then grinned. "Or were you thinking about someone?"
Ren didn't respond.
That alone was enough.
"Oi oi oi—don't tell me it's Hina!" Yuto leaned closer, whispering dramatically. "Man, you've got guts if you're going for her."
"I'm not 'going for' anyone," Ren said calmly.
"Yeah yeah, that's what they all say."
Before Ren could reply, the classroom door slid open.
Hina walked in.
Her uniform was neat as always, her expression calm—but slightly tired.
She placed her bag down quietly, not really engaging with anyone.
Ren noticed it immediately.
She looks… exhausted.
"Morning, Hina!" Yuto waved.
"…Morning."
Her voice lacked its usual sharpness.
She sat down, resting her chin on her hand, staring out the window.
Ren watched her for a moment.
Then looked away.
Don't stare.
But something felt off.
---
Classes passed slower than usual.
Ren tried to focus—but his thoughts kept drifting.
To her words from yesterday.
> "I hate people who think money solves everything."
Each time he remembered it, something tightened inside his chest.
For the first time in his life—
His identity felt like a burden.
---
Lunch break arrived.
This time, Ren didn't hesitate.
He walked straight to Yuto's table.
"Yo! Progress!" Yuto grinned. "Look at you acting like a normal student."
"…I'm trying."
Hina was already there, quietly eating.
Ren sat across from her.
She glanced at him briefly.
"…You again."
"That's not very welcoming."
"You'll survive."
Yuto laughed. "Man, she's harsh today."
"She's always harsh."
"True."
For a while, they ate in silence.
Then—
"Why do you look so tired?" Ren asked.
Hina paused mid-bite.
"…None of your business."
"Again with that answer."
She sighed.
"…I work part-time."
Ren blinked.
"Work?"
"Yeah. Not everyone lives off pocket money."
The words weren't meant to hurt.
But they did.
"…Right," Ren said quietly.
"I had a late shift yesterday," she continued. "So yeah, I'm tired."
Yuto whistled. "Respect. I can barely survive school, forget working too."
Hina shrugged. "You get used to it."
Ren watched her carefully.
Her hands.
Slightly rough.
Not something you'd expect from a high school girl.
She really works hard…
"Where do you work?" he asked.
"A café nearby."
Yuto smirked. "Oh yeah, she's popular there. Guys keep going just to see her."
Hina shot him a glare. "Shut up."
"What? It's true!"
Ren felt something strange again.
A small, unfamiliar irritation.
"…I see," he said calmly.
---
After school—
The sky was clear, with a gentle breeze flowing through the streets.
Ren walked beside Hina again.
This time, it felt… natural.
"So," Yuto had said earlier, "why don't you check out her café?"
Ren hadn't answered.
But now—
"…I'll walk with you," he said.
Hina looked at him. "You don't have to."
"I know."
"…Suit yourself."
They walked in silence for a while.
Then Hina spoke.
"You're different today."
Ren glanced at her. "…How?"
"Talking more."
"…Is that bad?"
"No."
She kicked another small stone.
"…Just unexpected."
Ren smiled faintly.
"I'm learning."
"Learning what?"
"…How to live normally."
Hina stopped.
"…That's a weird thing to say."
Ren froze for a second.
Careful.
"I mean… I moved around a lot," he corrected. "Never stayed in one place long."
She stared at him.
As if trying to read something deeper.
"…You're hiding something."
His heartbeat paused for a second.
"…Everyone is."
"…Not like you."
Silence.
The air felt heavier.
Then—
"Forget it," she said, turning away. "I don't care."
Ren exhaled quietly.
That was close.
---
They reached the café.
It was small, cozy, with warm lights glowing through the glass windows.
"Wait here," Hina said. "I'll change."
Ren nodded.
She went inside.
Ren stood outside, looking at the place.
Simple.
Nothing luxurious.
Nothing extraordinary.
But somehow…
It felt more real than anything he'd ever known.
After a few minutes, he stepped inside.
The bell above the door chimed softly.
"Welcome—"
Hina froze mid-sentence.
"You actually came in?"
"…Is that not allowed?"
"It is. Just… unexpected."
Yuto's words echoed in his mind.
Guys come just to see her.
Ren looked around.
There were indeed a few boys glancing her way.
Watching.
Smiling.
Something about that didn't sit right with him.
"…What would you like?" Hina asked, back to her professional tone.
Ren looked at the menu.
Simple drinks.
Affordable.
"…Coffee."
"Alright."
As she walked away, Ren sat down quietly.
He observed everything.
The customers.
The staff.
The atmosphere.
No one knew him.
No one cared who he was.
And yet—
For some reason—
This place felt warmer than any mansion.
---
"Here."
Hina placed the cup in front of him.
"Thanks."
She didn't leave immediately.
"…So? First time in a place like this?"
"…Is it that obvious?"
"Very."
Ren chuckled softly.
"…Then I'll rely on you to guide me."
"…I'm not your guide."
"But you're experienced."
She sighed.
"…You're annoying sometimes."
"But you don't hate it."
She paused.
"…Don't get ahead of yourself."
But she didn't deny it.
---
Time passed quietly.
Ren finished his drink.
But didn't leave.
Hina noticed.
"…You're still here."
"I don't have anywhere to rush to."
"…Must be nice."
Ren looked at her.
"…Not really."
For a moment—
Their eyes met.
And something deeper passed between them.
Not words.
Not understanding.
But something close.
---
As the sun began to set—
Ren stood up.
"I should go."
Hina nodded.
"…Yeah."
He hesitated for a second.
Then—
"Don't overwork yourself."
She blinked.
"…You sound like an old man."
"Just saying."
"…I'll be fine."
Ren gave a small nod.
Then walked toward the door.
But just before leaving—
"…Hina."
She looked up.
"…What?"
"…I'm glad I met you."
Silence.
For once—
She didn't respond immediately.
Her expression softened slightly.
Just for a second.
"…Weirdo."
But her voice was quieter than usual.
Ren smiled.
Then left.
---
Outside, the sky had turned deep orange.
Ren walked slowly, hands in his pockets.
> "I hate rich people."
Her words echoed again.
But this time—
They didn't feel like rejection.
They felt like a challenge.
A wall.
One he wanted to break through.
Not with money.
Not with status.
But as himself.
"…This is harder than I thought."
He looked up at the sky.
Then smiled faintly.
"…But maybe that's what makes it real."
---
End of Chapter 3
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