Summer was supposed to be uneventful.
For Kaiser Klein, every day was just another page in a never-ending schedule—training, studying, ignoring the world.
But fate doesn't follow schedules.
It happened in the final week of summer break. Kaiser had gone to the mall alone, more out of habit than interest. He didn't expect anything to catch his attention.
And yet—she did.
She stood near the bookstore, browsing titles with an effortless grace. Brown hair cascading down her back, and crimson eyes that seemed to glow with confidence. Her presence was warm and calm, like a soft breeze in the middle of a storm.
Her name was Shinoa Kurai.
She was beautiful—but that wasn't what struck Kaiser. It was her aura. Quiet, humble, but mentally strong. There was something fearless about the way she looked at him, talked to him—as if she saw through the layers everyone else was too scared to touch.
They spoke briefly. Nothing deep. Just simple words, a gentle smile. But it stuck with him. And for someone like Kaiser, who cared for nothing beyond his goals... that was rare.
He didn't expect to see her again.
But life at Holy Cross High had other plans.
---
The first day after summer break arrived. The school buzzed with energy—new classes, old rivalries, and fresh chances to prove yourself. As Kaiser walked through the courtyard, indifferent as always, something made him pause.
A familiar figure stood beneath the cherry tree near the front gate.
Brown hair. Red eyes.
Shinoa Kurai.
In a crisp school uniform, she looked even more striking. And when their eyes met, she smiled—just like before. Not shy, not afraid. Just… real.
"Yo, Ice Prince," she said with a grin. "Didn't think I'd see you here."
Kaiser didn't respond immediately. He never did. But inside, something stirred—an odd warmth, a flicker of curiosity.
She walked up to him, her steps light but full of purpose.
"We're classmates now," she added. "Guess you'll have to get used to me."
He blinked once, then turned away without a word.
But he heard her soft laugh behind him.
And for the first time in a long while… Kaiser smiled, if only for a second.