Sparks and Strategies

The morning sun painted the school in warm gold, but inside my chest, there was a storm brewing. The battle with Rin Kazuki had begun — and I wasn't going to lose.

"Morning, Isagi!" Kaito greeted me with his usual grin as I slid into my seat.

"Morning," I muttered, my mind already racing with plans.

Kaito noticed my serious face and raised an eyebrow. "You look like you're heading into war."

"I am," I said. "The war for May Minase's heart."

Kaito let out a low whistle. "Man, you've got guts. Rin's already ahead, you know. He's practically the school's prince."

"Yeah, well… even princes can fall."

Before Kaito could respond, the classroom door opened — and in walked May, looking radiant as always. My heart did its usual somersault.

"Good morning, Isagi!" she said, her smile bright.

"G-Good morning, May-chan," I stammered.

Before I could recover, Rin entered behind her, his perfect aura filling the room. He flashed his movie-star smile at her.

"Morning, May-chan," he said smoothly.

"Morning, Rin-kun," she replied politely.

It was subtle — but I noticed it. The slight difference in her tone when she spoke to him and when she spoke to me. I wasn't imagining it. I still had a chance.

The Student Council room buzzed with activity as we gathered for the next round of festival planning.

"Alright!" Saki clapped her hands. "We need to finalize the event lineup today!"

Rin immediately spoke up. "I reached out to some local performers who'd love to help with the concert."

It was a good idea — annoyingly so — but I wasn't backing down.

"Actually," I said, "what if we held auditions for students instead? Let's give everyone a shot to be part of the spotlight."

May's eyes lit up. "That sounds wonderful!"

Rin's smile slipped for just a second.

"I like that idea too," she added.

Score one for me.

Later that afternoon, I found myself helping May carry boxes of decorations.

"Thanks for helping, Isagi," she said, brushing her hair back.

"Anytime," I said, trying not to sound like a lovestruck idiot.

As we walked, I noticed her slowing down.

"Everything okay?" I asked.

She sighed. "It's just… sometimes I feel like everyone expects me to be perfect. It gets exhausting."

My heart ached. I wanted to tell her she didn't have to be perfect — that she was amazing just as she was.

Instead, I said, "If you ever need a break, I'm here. No expectations, no pressure."

She looked up at me, her eyes warm. "Thanks, Isagi. That means a lot."

I nearly floated away.

The next day, Rin cornered me after class.

"You're getting bold," he said, his smile sharp.

"I'm just being myself," I replied calmly.

"May deserves the best," he said.

"And maybe the best isn't always the most perfect," I shot back.

His eyes flashed — and I knew the war was far from over.

But I wasn't going to back down.

Not when May Minase's heart was on the line.