Ch-197 the next protagonist and his half Russian childhood sweetheart

The next morning at Seiren Private Academy, the sun filtered through the tall windows of the main building, casting golden streaks of light across the polished marble floors. Raghav stood at the front of the acting studio, arms crossed, as his students began filing in.

Alya Mihailovna Kujo was the last to arrive. She walked with quiet grace, her silver-white hair catching the sunlight as she slid into a seat near the window. Her expression was as composed as ever, but her gaze drifted toward a boy sitting two rows ahead of her—a boy with tousled black hair and sharp blue eyes.

Masaki Seuno.

Raghav's gaze sharpened subtly. His system had already flagged the connection between Alya and Masaki.

[ Masaki Seuno – Age: 17 ]

Background: Heir to the Seuno Group, a multinational conglomerate based in Tokyo.

Intelligence: High.

Combat Proficiency: Moderate (Trained in Kendo and Aikido).

Relationship with Alya: Childhood friends. Possible romantic attachment.

Masaki sat back in his chair, relaxed but focused. His gaze drifted toward Alya for only a moment before shifting toward Raghav. There was a guarded sharpness behind his eyes—a quiet intensity masked beneath an easy smile.

"Interesting," Raghav thought.

"Alya."

Alya's eyes flicked toward Raghav as he addressed her directly.

"Come to the front," Raghav instructed. "You'll demonstrate today's exercise."

Alya's eyes narrowed slightly. "With whom?"

Raghav's gaze slid toward Masaki. "Masaki."

Masaki's brow lifted slightly, but he rose from his chair without hesitation. Alya's gaze sharpened in quiet surprise as Masaki approached her.

The other students whispered among themselves as the two most admired figures in the academy stood side by side.

"The exercise is simple," Raghav said, his tone calm. "Connection. One of you will speak. The other will react—not with words, but through expression and movement."

Masaki's eyes lingered on Alya's face as he stepped into position. Alya's gaze, cold and steady, met his without a flicker of emotion.

"Masaki, you first," Raghav said. "Confess something."

Masaki's gaze sharpened. Slowly, his expression softened, and the tension in his shoulders eased.

"I've liked you for a long time, Alya," Masaki said, his voice low and even. "But I never said anything because I was afraid you'd push me away."

The room stilled. A subtle shift passed over Alya's features—a flicker of emotion beneath the surface—but her gaze remained guarded.

"React," Raghav instructed quietly.

Alya's eyes darkened. She took a step closer, closing the gap between them until only inches remained between their bodies. Her gaze never left his.

"You're a fool," Alya whispered, her tone icy. "To think I'd care."

Masaki's jaw tensed. His gaze lowered for a brief second—but then he smiled faintly.

"Maybe," he murmured. "But you didn't walk away."

Alya's expression froze. A sharp breath slipped past her lips as Masaki's gaze held hers with quiet intensity.

Raghav's gaze sharpened. Masaki isn't bluffing.

"Enough," Raghav said. "Well done."

Masaki stepped back. Alya's gaze lingered on him for a second longer before she turned toward Raghav. Her expression was composed again—but Raghav didn't miss the subtle shift in her breathing.

As the students filed out of the room, Alya stayed behind. Masaki lingered near the doorway, his gaze flicking toward her for only a moment before disappearing down the hall.

Alya approached Raghav with smooth, measured steps.

"You planned that," she said.

Raghav's smile was faint. "Did I?"

Alya's gaze narrowed. "You know."

"I know that you're playing a dangerous game," Raghav replied evenly. "And Masaki's feelings are real. The question is—are yours?"

Alya's eyes flashed with quiet calculation. "You think you've figured me out?"

"Not yet," Raghav replied calmly. "But I will."

Alya leaned in slightly, her gaze colder than before.

"Ты действительно опасен."

("You truly are dangerous.")

Raghav's smile sharpened.

"Ты ещё не видела ничего."

("You haven't seen anything yet.")

Alya's lips curved into a rare smile before she turned and walked toward the exit.

Raghav's gaze lingered on her retreating form. His system chimed softly in his mind.

"Analysis complete. Probability of emotional vulnerability: increasing."

"Masaki's attachment will become a point of leverage," the system noted.

"Noted," Raghav replied. "But it's not Masaki I'm after—it's Alya's heart."

"And her mother?" the system prompted.

"One step at a time," Raghav said, his gaze glinting with quiet resolve.

As he left the classroom, Masaki leaned casually against the hallway wall, his gaze cool and steady.

"You're playing with fire, Mr. Ye," Masaki said.

Raghav's smile was faint. "I always win."

Masaki's gaze sharpened. "We'll see."

As Raghav walked down the hall, his smile deepened.

The game had already begun.