Oneshot Collection

❥ Karma x Rio x Gakushuu ?

Rio Nakamura sat perched on the ledge of the E-Class building's rooftop, her legs dangling as she stared out into the forest beyond Kunugigaoka. A faint smile played on her lips, but her mind was elsewhere. Last semester's sports games had been a turning point for her in more ways than one.

She had beaten Gakushuu Asano—Kunugigaoka's top student, the A-Class genius, and the Chairman's son. No one expected her, an E-Class misfit, to outperform him, least of all Asano himself. It was meant to be a minor victory, a fluke, something to laugh about. But the aftermath hadn't been so simple.

Now, he kept showing up. Not here, of course—Koro-sensei made sure the A-Class students rarely ventured into E-Class territory. But Rio had noticed him more at joint events, lingering at the edge of her awareness, always watching. His sharp, calculating eyes followed her, and she could feel the weight of his attention whenever they crossed paths.

"You're daydreaming again, Nakamura."

Rio didn't need to turn around to know who was speaking. Karma Akabane's voice was unmistakable—laid-back and sharp all at once. He sauntered over, dropping himself beside her without ceremony. His usual smirk was in place, but there was something else in his eyes—something unreadable.

"I'm always dreaming, Karma," she replied, flipping her hair back and flashing him a grin. "Keeps things interesting."

"Interesting, huh?" Karma's gaze flickered over to her. "You're not thinking about that match with Asano, are you?"

Rio shrugged. "Maybe. He's been acting weird ever since I kicked his ass. Like, come on, it was just one game."

Karma's eyes narrowed slightly. "It's not just about the game. Asano's the type who doesn't take losing lightly. Especially not to someone from E-Class." He leaned back, balancing on his hands as he studied her. "You've noticed he's been hanging around more, right?"

"Yeah. What, are you jealous?" she teased, elbowing him playfully.

Karma's grin widened, but it didn't reach his eyes. "As if. Just... keep an eye on him. He's not the type to lose without a reason. There's always a bigger plan with guys like him."

As Rio opened her mouth to respond, a flicker of movement caught her attention. Down below, by the edge of the forest path leading to the school, stood Gakushuu Asano. He wasn't supposed to be here. The A-Class president rarely set foot near E-Class, but there he was, leaning casually against a tree, his sharp gaze fixed on her.

"Speak of the devil," Karma muttered, following her line of sight.

Rio narrowed her eyes, feeling a chill despite the warm breeze. Why was Gakushuu here? It wasn't like he had any business with E-Class. Unless...

"He's up to something," Karma said quietly, a dark edge to his voice. "I knew it."

Before Rio could respond, Gakushuu turned and walked away, disappearing into the shadows of the forest. It was as if he had been waiting, watching, confirming something.

"Whatever it is," Karma continued, "just don't get sucked in. Guys like him... they don't play fair."

Rio nodded, though her thoughts were spinning. She'd beaten Gakushuu in a game—an academic underdog's victory over the school's golden boy. But now, he seemed to be circling her like a shark, waiting for his chance. What did he want?