Maki

Maki was friends with practically everyone.

He was the comedian of the class—the guy who could make an entire classroom laugh with one stupid comment or a perfectly timed expression.

At first glance, though, he didn't exactly look like someone you'd expect to be the class clown.

He had a naturally serious-looking face, sharp features, dark hair, and an intense gaze that could make him seem intimidating when he wasn't smiling.

And then there was the German-Japanese mix.

Somehow, the combination had given him ridiculously striking features, which only made his intimidating first impression worse.

But once he started talking?

Completely different person.

He was loud with his friends, constantly joking around, teasing people, and somehow getting the entire class involved in whatever nonsense he had decided to start that day.

You were basically his opposite.

You were quiet.

Not antisocial—you just didn't really talk unless you had something to say.

You had two or three close friends, sat with them during breaks, did your work, listened in class, and went home.

You weren't the smartest person in the class, but you weren't struggling either. You were just… average.

You didn't participate in school drama.

You didn't flirt with anyone.

You didn't try to get attention.

Honestly, most people probably barely noticed you.

Including Maki.

At least, that's what you thought.

One morning, Maki was handing over the assignment the teacher gave which she was collecting, maki was staring at her the whole time while handing it over

His friend beside him noticed him and looked at him confused because he never saw maki taking interest in any girl before

"What?" maki asked to his friend who was looking at him intently

His friend shook his head.

"Nothing."

But from that day onward, he started noticing you more.

Not in an obvious way.

Just little things.

The way you covered your mouth when you laughed.

How you always listened even when you weren't part of the conversation.

How you never joined the chaos but somehow looked like you were secretly entertained by it.

And eventually, Maki started wondering something.

"Why am I suddenly attracted to her?"