Chapter 7 Familiar Walls, New Distance

The hallways of Hoshikawa High hadn't changed—white walls, bulletin boards with forgotten flyers, and the echo of student chatter. But Naoto felt like a stranger here now.

He passed familiar faces. Some smiled politely. Others looked at him, then at Rika—who was now surrounded by her usual circle—and whispered behind cupped hands.

"Isn't that the guy staying at her place?"

"Wait, is he like... her servant or something?"

"I heard he's broke and her dad's making him work for them."

Naoto kept walking. He didn't respond. Rumors were part of the background noise of high school. He'd survived worse.

Rika, on the other hand, kept her expression unreadable. But inside, every whisper felt like a needle to her pride. She hated this. She hated them. And most of all—she hated that it was happening because of him.

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A Harsh Reminder

During lunch, Naoto sat alone beneath the old cherry tree behind the science building. It was quieter here. Away from the noise. Away from the stares.

He opened his bento, carefully packed leftovers from the housekeeper. Just as he picked up his chopsticks, a shadow fell over him.

Rika stood there, arms crossed, face unreadable.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, almost suspicious.

"Eating," he said calmly. "You?"

She hesitated. "This is where I usually sit."

Naoto moved his things aside without a word, silently offering her space.

She looked down at him. "Aren't you going to say something smug? Like how I should be thanking you?"

He shook his head. "You don't owe me anything."

That answer threw her off. Again.

With an annoyed sigh, she sat down beside him—farther than necessary—but it was the first time they'd shared space voluntarily outside of their study hours.

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An Unseen Enemy

Later that day, Naoto found himself cornered by a pair of seniors in the hallway.

"You think you're hot stuff, huh? Living in her mansion?" one sneered.

Naoto didn't react.

"She's way out of your league, peasant," the other muttered, shoving his shoulder.

Naoto didn't flinch. "I'm not trying to be in her league."

But before things could escalate, a voice cut through the hallway like a whip.

"Get lost."

The two boys turned and paled slightly.

Rika stood there, arms folded, eyes narrowed dangerously.

"This hallway's too small for cowards," she said coolly.

They backed off quickly, muttering curses under their breath as they disappeared around the corner.

Naoto looked at her, slightly surprised.

"You didn't have to—"

"I didn't do it for you," she snapped, brushing imaginary dust off her blazer. "I just don't want idiots thinking I associate with trash like them."

She walked off without another word.

But Naoto noticed—she never denied associating with him.