Everything Was a Mistake

Chapter 1: The Wrong Beginning
Riko Hayashi, an ordinary high school student, had spent countless hours perfecting a heartfelt love letter for her longtime crush, Sota Nakamura. Sota was the charming and athletic boy who seemed to brighten every room he entered. Nervously clutching the envelope, Riko slipped it into what she thought was Sota's locker before rushing away, cheeks blazing.

The next day, Riko's world came crashing down. Instead of Sota, Kaoru Takeda-the school's aloof and intimidating top student-approached her, holding her letter. Kaoru's sharp eyes pinned her in place as he said, "Is this yours?" Embarrassed and horrified, Riko stumbled through an explanation. To her surprise, Kaoru didn't laugh or mock her. Instead, he suggested something unthinkable: they should pretend to be dating to protect her secret. Reluctantly, Riko agreed, never imagining the storm this decision would unleash.

Chapter 2: Lies on Top of Lies
Pretending to date Kaoru turned out to be far more complicated than Riko anticipated. By lunchtime, rumors about their sudden relationship spread across the entire school. Riko's friends bombarded her with questions, while Sota seemed strangely distant. Meanwhile, Kaoru's indifferent demeanor only added fuel to the fire, making everyone believe he had secretly harbored feelings for Riko all along.

Riko struggled to keep up the charade, especially when Kaoru's intense reputation made her the center of unwanted attention. Despite this, she noticed small cracks in Kaoru's stoic facade. He subtly guided her through awkward moments and deflected prying questions with ease. Though she was grateful for his support, she couldn't shake the feeling that Kaoru was hiding something beneath his composed exterior.