"Those goddamn good-for-nothings relying on me all the fucking time. I should just rip their limbs one by one like what I did to all those b-"

Rule #1: Always make sure that when you're eavesdropping on someone, never make any kind of sounds that'll reveal your location. In short, don't be dumb.

The creaking of the classroom's door made Kozan stop whatever it was that he's doing which was wiping away the windows with such force.  

You see, it's not like it was your intention to sneak up on the male. But supposedly, based on the trivia that you had read in your previous life, you might or might've not caused damage to your brain by your repeated bouts of staying up late at night resulting in you in being forgetful at times- And thus, here you were, facing the consequences of you leaving behind your phone in your classroom that was designated for your class in Music.

If only you came at a different time, then perhaps you wouldn't have encountered Kozan complaining about his peers. About to make a break for it, someone taking ahold of your arm made you stop your upcoming steps. That person's hand pulled you inside the classroom, almost making you trip on your own feet.

You felt the air escape from your lungs once your back hit the wall, and in all his bitchy glory, Kozan was there, hands pinning your own ones on the side with a blank look on his face, But to be honest, his visage lacking emotions were all the more frightening than him being outright furious at you for eavesdropping.

"How much have you heard?" He asked you, not even a tint of anger laced in his tone. Looking at him in the eye to feign the fact that you're not scared at all, you opened your mouth to answer, "I don't know, just enough that your reputation can get ruined if word gets out. But hey, who will even believe a rumor that is spread by a nobody?"

"You think that this is a joke? You think I'll let you off with that idiotic excuse?" 

"I mean, it's not like I care enough for your existence that I'll deliberately do something out of spite by changing how other people view you." You just wanted to retrieve your phone from your desk, was that too much to ask for, world? 

Surprised that he had actually let you go, your eye subsequently scanned the room to check if your phone was right there where you left it, but you guessed that the distress you'd felt was colored on your face, because not long after that, Kozan said, "Looking for something? A black-colored cellphone perhaps?"

"Yeah. Wait–"

Kozan was now dangling your device right in front of your face, with it firmly held by his hands, swinging it side to side. His mouth held a simper on it that you would love to just smack away with your fists, but he had the upper-hand so you decided to keep your violent tendencies just to yourself.

"Was this what you were looking for?" 

"Yes." The more you showed separation for the gadget, the more he would try to keep it away from you. Worse if he wanted something in exchange for it. You'd read in so many books about scenes like this happening, so of course, you would use that knowledge to not get caught in his traps.

"Hm? You've said you were searching for this, aren't you going to take it from me?" The smirk was long gone, and now, his face only indicated boredness. 'Best to not give him some kind of entertainment by creating a fuss,' you thought. Okay, Y/m, act as nonchalant as possible.

"Yeah, no. You don't seem like the returning-type type of person so what's the use of wasting my energy if you don't even have plans on giving it back to me. Plus, I'm rich. I can just buy another one." Though you would prefer not to.

"Such a bland answer. Thought you'd make things interesting for me, but I guess not. Here," and he threw your phone towards your way, causing you to scramble because your catching skills were way off, yet luckily enough, it was now safe in your hands.

The silence was awkward and you'd prefer to leave this place as soon as possible. "So like, can I leave now?" 

"Go ahead, but if I caught wind about you talking about what happened in this room to other people..." And you already knew what he was insinuating. "Very threatening. Bye." You speeded towards the exit of the classroom and in a matter of seconds, you were gone.

Kozan was sitting on top of the teacher's table, his hands were pressed on it as his eyes were now fixated on the ceiling. A chuckle left him.

"She's smart, I'll give her that, yet quite dumb as well. To think that girl thought she outwitted me by acting as uninteresting as possible...

But that act of hers ended up catching my attention more than I would've liked."
.
.

"Care to explain why you invited me to eat some sweets with you?"

"I'm not doing this to spend more time with you, okay. I'm just making sure that you aren't planning to jump off a fucking bridge again."

Jiryu was such a sweetheart even if he tried to always inherently deny it. Hell, he's even treating you one of his favorites in the menu, and now, you knew why a tough guy like Jiryu loved the parfaits here in this cafe. Heavenly was one word to describe what it was, and even that term is somehow an understatement.

"So? No one's giving you a hard time at school? Say the name and I'll beat that fucker up." After Jiryu said that, your mind immediately wandered towards what had happened awhile ago with Kozan. Yet you weren't one for drama, so you opted to keep that information under the wraps.

"Don't worry 'bout me, everything's going fine." You took another spoonful, luxuriating in every bite as you did so. "Slow down, dumbass. You'll choke if you eat as if you're in a race." Jiryu scolded you but you were having none of it. Moments after, you glanced down at the glass only to see that there's none left. Woah, you inhaled that like a champion.

"Tsk. You eat like a barbarian.

... Do you want more?"

Wasn't he acting too generous for his own good? 

"What? You're seriously going to buy me another one?" Your hand was ready to fish out your wallet from your skirt's pocket, yet Jiryu already stood up, heading over to the counter to order and pay for you using his own money.

If he continued being this nice, you were sure that you'll soon forget that he was even a delinquent to begin with.
.
.
The next day...
.
.
The day had been normal so far. You and Kane conversated over meaningless topics, Enki was still being the darling that he was, Jiryu was acting as always, Yukio was, thankfully, out of your sight, Ruri clung unto you which you eventually got used to because he frequently did that, and Hideaki and you were discussing what things should you two do to improve your presentation.

Yes, that was what 'normal' to you.

The only thing strange was the rumors going around that there was a transfer student. Great, like all those cliches that you were given the opportunity to witness on your favorite Japanese animations. 

Well, as long as he was out of your sight, it's all good. You'd already formed a relationship with almost all of the novel's main characters and obviously, you wouldn't want to add another one to your list.

Currently walking on one of the school's corridors, your eyebrows furrowed in confusion when the groups of people parted like a sea to make way for someone.

'What the hell is happening?'

Oh no.

How could you forget?! This was the time wherein-

"Miss?" Your blood ran cold when you saw that white hair accompanied by cherry-colored eyes. 

Yes, it's not like he said to you specifically. Now, if you could just move to the side like what the others were doing, then you would be all good.

Alright, Y/n. Let's just-

When the male with white locks bent down on one of his knees right in front of you, it was immediately game over.

"Miss, I believe that I've fallen in love at first sight for you."

"Oh, cut the crap."

╔.▪.══════════════════════╗

Takuma Rowe.

A detective appointed to investigate the recent and brutal murder at Royal Brix.

He was a charming young man, as many had described. He used his looks and his smooth way of uttering words to bewitch those that would contribute to him successfully clearing his mission.

Not much was known about his past, however, it was indicated that he grew up without having his parents by his side. Reason for his parents' disappearance? Unknown.

╚══════════════════════.▪.╝

-

A/n:
Takuma is inspired by Twilight from Spy x Family. I suggest that you read that manga if you haven't yet because it's. just. too. damn. good. 🥺

Unedited