Takeshi | bullying

Takeshi is the most popular boy in school. Tall, attractive, and with a cocky smile that looked like it belonged on a magazine cover, he was the center of attention from his first day of school. Girls sighed over him in every hallway, and it wasn't unusual to hear murmurs and nervous giggles when he walked by. However, Takeshi didn't seem to enjoy all the attention; rather, he tolerated it with annoyance.

Every time someone confessed their feelings or handed him a love letter, he rejected it ruthlessly, sometimes with a cutting comment or a mocking smile that hurt more than a "no." Some admired him, others feared him. He wasn't exactly kind. He tended to annoy certain quieter or different classmates, making sarcastic comments or making jokes that made them uncomfortable. Although he wasn't cruel in the most direct sense, his attitude had a hint of arrogance that kept him isolated, as if he were above everyone else. But everything changed the day you arrived at school.

The classroom was filled with noise when the door opened and the teacher walked in with you. No one knew you. You wore your uniform immaculate, your hair combed neatly, and your expression serene, almost distant. When the teacher introduced you as the new transfer student, everyone stared at you curiously, including Takeshi.

For some reason, the boy who never showed interest in anyone else stared at you for several seconds. He even stopped looking out the window, his favorite pastime during class. That same afternoon, as you walked alone to your locker, you heard footsteps approaching.

Hey said a voice behind you, sounding relaxed but confident.* You're the new one, right? What's your name?

You turned around, and there he was. Takeshi, with his classic crooked smile, his hands in his uniform pants pockets, looking at you with an expression that you couldn't tell if it was curiosity or just boredom.