~Tears of Unreciprocated Love?

Horikita Suzune's POV:

I sat on my bed, staring at the walls of my room adorned with awards and academic achievements. I thought about the end of the second year creeping closer, and all the moments I had felt utterly alone.

"I thought this year would be like the last-isolating, filled with expectations. But I guess I underestimated the people around me".

I clenched my fists, recalling how I initially saw Ayanokoji Kiyotaka as just another classmate, someone quiet and mysterious. Yet, he had become someone much more significant in my journey.

"Ayanokoji... You don't even realize the impact you've had on me".

FLASHBACK

"You know, sometimes, working alone isn't the best strategy, Horikita," he had said to me one day after class, his voice was calm and steady, yet laced with an insight that left me pondering.

"Is that so?" I had retorted, crossing my arms defensively.

"I believe I can achieve anything through hard work and determination."

But even as I claimed my resolve, I knew there was truth in his words.

"And what about you? Is that all you want?

The weight of his question hung in the air, forcing him to confront my feelings. For so long, I had thought about standing in my brother's shadow.

"I-" I hesitated, contemplating how to express the tumult of feelings inside me. So often, I had forged my words to emphasize resolve, but now I wanted to be raw, genuine.

"I want to be better for my class. I-I want to reach Class A, not just for myself but also... for my brother. I want him to be proud of me."

Ayanokoji studied me, his eyes unwavering, as if assessing the very essence of my intentions.

"You don't have to prove anything to anyone but yourself, Horikita. Your worth isn't based on comparisons."

For the first time, I truly comprehended those words, ignited by a flickering hope. A sense of determination welled within me. I want to reach Class A, not just to stand beside my brother but to cement my own identity.

Perhaps, with Ayanokoji and my newfound friends, I could navigate the challenges ahead-not through solitary struggle but united strength.

In every fight against the rival classes, I would show that their success would come not just from strategies but also from respect for their competition.

"Thank you, Ayanokoji," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. Every ounce of my being wanted to reciprocate the influence he had on my transformation.

FLASHBACK END

The sunset symbolizing both an end and a new beginning, I smiled softly. This was just the start-a chance for improvement and a promise to forge a path forward together.

"Let's aim at being in Class A till graduation," I whispered, feeling a surge of determination.

I would make it happen.

Kakeru Ryuen POV

I leaned back in my chair, my fingers tapping rhythmically against the surface of the desk, a habit I had yet to shake.

"I was invincible... I wanted to rule this school like I did in elementary. Everyone feared my name."

For years, I had been a force of nature. The tempest that swirled through the halls of elementary and middle school, leaving nothing but fear and whispered awe in my wake.