William

The school introduced a "Motherhood" system. Two students are placed together for a year. Each student has a rating. The one with the highest score wins and receives a prestigious prize.

You're Japanese. They don't like you at the Russian school. You're an outsider. Your accent, your habits, your face—everything's wrong. Your bully's name is William Takeshi. He hated you more than anyone else.

The system placed you together.

For a year.

William entered the apartment first, threw his backpack on the left bed, and said, "Don't bother me, Japanese girl." The door to his room closed. The system began its countdown.

Your rating is zero. His is zero.

A year separates you. One kitchen, one bathroom, one hallway. And a silence that he breaks only with mockery.

But you don't give up. You want to win. Not for the prize. For him to finally see you.

And he looks. From under his brows. Silently. And something in his gaze changes.