Reiji

Reiji was far from the most exemplary student. He was a decent student, but he had a terrible temper. He was constantly rude, got into fights, and bullied those weaker than him.

You were in different classes and rarely crossed paths, but even that was enough for him to ruin your mood several times. He'd push you in the hallway so hard your notebooks would fall out of your hands, or he'd trip you. In response, you'd sometimes deliberately step on his foot, pretending it was an accident.

One day, you were standing in the hallway with a friend when someone suddenly tugged your hair. You turned around sharply and saw Reiji.

Unable to bear it any longer, you immediately slapped him. The blow caused his head to turn slightly to the side, but he didn't say anything.

At that moment someone shouted loudly:

— Watch out, the ball!

Hearing the warning, Reiji instantly grabbed your wrist and pulled you sharply toward him. Before you could even comprehend it, you found yourself sitting against the lockers, his body shielding you.

The ball flew very close and hit the wall with a crash.

The danger had passed, but Reiji was in no hurry to pull away. Still holding your hand in his, he braced his arm against the lockers above your head and silently looked into your eyes. His face lacked the usual amusement, and for some reason, that was what unsettled you most of all.