Heartbeats and Illusions

Kasumigaoka Utaha had a reputation. Quiet, elegant, and intellectual, she exuded a refined literary aura that, when paired with her stunning appearance and striking figure, made her unforgettable. On the surface, she was the ideal image of a cultured and educated young woman.

However, those who knew her better—like Natsukawa Kanade and, unfortunately, Eriri Sawamura—had discovered the sharp edge behind her graceful demeanor. Utaha had a biting wit and a knack for turning ordinary conversations into ones laden with double meanings or provocative remarks. It was this mix of brilliance and cheek that had left many simultaneously fascinated and infuriated.

But for all her faults, people forgave her—she was just that pretty.

Which was why her rejection of Kanade had stung so much.

"Useless as always, Sawamura-san."

Eriri's head snapped toward the familiar voice, her initial hesitance in Kanade's presence evaporating in an instant.

"Kasumigaoka Utaha? What are you doing here?"

Utaha, already halfway down the corridor of the second-year classrooms, paused to push a strand of hair from her face. Her deliberate movements and relaxed expression radiated elegance as she answered, "What do you mean? Seniors can visit the lower-grade floors if they wish, no?"

Though Eriri glared daggers at her, Utaha paid no attention, her gaze fixed squarely on Kanade.

"Good afternoon, junior."

Kanade blinked, momentarily startled by her sudden appearance. "Good afternoon, Kasumigaoka-senpai..."

The scene felt oddly familiar to him, but before he could place why, Eriri stepped in, brimming with suspicion.

"Hey, Kasumigaoka, what are you doing here really?" Eriri demanded, her blue eyes narrowing.

Utaha tilted her head, as though mildly entertained by Eriri's hostility. "I could ask you the same, Sawamura-san. But if you must know..." She smirked. "What do you think I'm here for?"

Eriri froze, realization dawning on her. Of course. Utaha must've used Kato to get information on Kanade's situation!

"Damn you, cow monster!"

The insult made Utaha's brow twitch, but she kept her composure.

"Such aggression," Utaha mused aloud. "I suppose it's not surprising from someone with so little grace. But do try to remember—timid girls who hesitate lose opportunities."

"You're one to talk, you sneaky thieving cat!"

"Cat? How original. If you're so concerned, I could offer you advice on how to grow as a person, though I doubt it'd help." Utaha's lips curled into a sly grin. "Or perhaps you're more worried about... other growth?"

Eriri turned scarlet. "I-I'm not envious of those! They're just fat deposits that'll sag eventually!"

That was the final straw. Utaha's calm veneer cracked. "Do you have any idea how offensive that is?!"

"Golden-haired loser!"

"Cow monster!"

Kanade, who had been quietly observing the chaos, finally stepped in. "Okay, okay, you two. Enough!"

Both girls turned to glare at him, though the sheer absurdity of their argument drained any real venom from their expressions.

"We're high school students," Kanade sighed. "Don't you think it's time to focus on something more important than... this?"

Utaha was the first to regain her composure. "Apologies, junior," she said, brushing off her uniform. "It seems I let myself get carried away."

Eriri, meanwhile, pouted and muttered under her breath.

"Anyway," Utaha continued, her tone softening as she turned back to Kanade, "if you're free, would you like to have lunch together?"

Her face, still slightly flushed from the argument, took on a hopeful expression.

But Kanade shook his head. "Sorry, I'd rather eat alone today."

Utaha froze, her mind scrambling to process his refusal. "Alone? Why?"

Kanade scratched the back of his neck, feeling a bit awkward. "I think I need some time to myself. You know, to clear my head."

"Time... to yourself?" Utaha echoed, her voice faint.

"Yeah. It's nothing personal," Kanade assured her, offering a small smile before turning to leave.

Utaha stood rooted to the spot, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and disbelief. He rejected me?

Eriri, who had been watching from the sidelines, finally stepped forward, emboldened by the turn of events. "Ha! Serves you right, cow monster!"

"Shut it, Sawamura-san!" Utaha snapped, her usual composure slipping.

The two were at it again in moments, their bickering echoing down the hallway.

Meanwhile, Kanade, oblivious to the chaos he left behind, made his way to a quiet spot to eat. For the first time in a long while, he felt at peace.

Even if it meant distancing himself from the drama, he decided he would figure out his path—one bite at a time.