Harsh_Solanki_1350

*The Secret Life of Riku Kisaragi*

Riku Kisaragi was once a nobody—a shy, awkward middle schooler who couldn’t catch a break. After a crushing rejection left him humiliated, Riku vowed to reinvent himself. Now, as a high school sophomore, he's a completely different person: confident, charismatic, and secretly juggling relationships with multiple girls from all walks of life.  

But life isn’t all roses and romance. Behind the charming smile lies a web of secrets. Riku's carefully curated image is put to the test as he navigates his daily life with Yumi, the feisty athlete; Sakura, the shy artist; Aiko, the perfectionist class president; and Miyuki and Emiko, two wealthy women whose worlds collide with his in unexpected ways.  

As if keeping up with his relationships wasn’t enough, Riku’s life takes a dangerous turn when he becomes entangled in a mystery that threatens not only his secrets but also his life. With old enemies lurking and new challenges on the horizon, Riku must rely on his wit, charm, and a little bit of luck to survive.  

In a story filled with humor, heart, and high-stakes drama, Riku learns that the hardest part of balancing love isn’t the romance—it’s the lies you tell to keep it all together.  

**Will he keep his secret life intact, or will everything come crashing down?**

The Secret Life of Riku Kisaragi

Riku Kisaragi leaned back in his chair, the hum of the classroom fading into the background. His first day had gone surprisingly smooth—almost too smooth. He couldn't help but smirk as he thought back to Yumi's surprised expression, Sakura's flushed cheeks, and Aiko's sharp words. It was all too easy to get under their skin.

But as the lunch bell rang, he realized the real challenge had just begun.

Hey, Riku! Eat lunch with me. It's been a while since we caught up.

Riku looked up to see Yumi grinning at him, her arms casually draped over her track jacket. Before he could respond, another voice interrupted.

U-Um, Riku... I brought some extra lunch. If you don't mind...

She held out a neatly packed bento box, her face a shade of pink.

Riku glanced between the two of them, a bead of sweat forming on his temple. This was exactly the kind of situation he wanted to avoid.

Riku (chuckling nervously):

Uh, actually, I was planning to eat in the library today. Got some stuff to read.

Yumi (raising an eyebrow):

Library? Since when do you read during lunch?

Since I became irresistible and mysterious.

Yumi rolled her eyes, but Sakura giggled softly, clutching her bento tighter.

Escaping to the library, Riku finally exhaled. He wasn't actually there to read, but it was the perfect hideout from the chaos. Or so he thought.

Riku froze mid-step. Aiko Fujimoto was seated at one of the tables, her neatly organized notes spread before her. She adjusted her glasses, fixing him with a look that could pierce steel.

Fancy seeing you here, Madam President. Planning the next school reform?

Some of us use lunch breaks productively. You, on the other hand, seem to be running from something.

Riku chuckled, brushing off her observation. But before he could sit down, his phone buzzed.

As he stepped out into the hallway to check it, the message on his phone made him pause.

Are you free this evening? Let's meet. – Emiko

Riku's eyes narrowed slightly. Emiko Saionji wasn't someone to take lightly. A meeting with her usually meant something big—or something dangerous.

Riku (muttering):

Guess I'll need to suit up for this one.

After school, Riku slipped into a quiet café on the edge of town. The atmosphere was calm, with soft jazz playing in the background. At a table near the window sat Emiko, her sharp gaze locked onto her tablet.

She looked up as Riku approached, her lips curling into a small smile.

Riku (sitting across from her):

And you're as intimidating as ever.

Emiko smirked, sliding a folder across the table.

I have a proposition. But first, tell me—how long do you think you can keep up this act?

Riku stiffened for a fraction of a second before recovering his composure.

Act? You'll have to be more specific.

Emiko's smile didn't waver, but her tone dropped, filled with quiet menace.

Secrets have a way of unraveling, Riku. Let's see if you can handle what's coming.

Riku left the café with a knot in his stomach. Emiko always had a way of getting under his skin, but this time felt different. Her words lingered, a warning he couldn't shake.

As he walked home, he passed a group of middle schoolers laughing and chatting. For a moment, he saw his younger self among them—awkward, ignored, and powerless.

Shaking off the memory, Riku smirked to himself.

No matter what's coming, I've already beaten the odds. Let's see if the world can keep up with me this time.

2 | The Art of Balancing