Chapter 7 : The Genius Behind the Glow-Up
The classroom buzzed with energy.
New semester. New uniforms. New rumors.
But some things were already clear on Day One.
Rinako Fujii wasn't just "the funny chubby girl" anymore.
She was Respected.
It wasn't about popularity — she wasn't flashy or loud in the usual sense.
It was the way she helped classmates without bragging.
The way teachers smiled a little brighter when she entered.
The way her name was still at the top of last year's final exam rankings, right above the honor students who spent fortunes on cram schools.
She was the kind of genius who didn't show off — just quietly devoured books with one hand and melon bread with the other.
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"Rinako-san is amazing."
"She helped me study last term, and I passed math for the first time."
"She's hilarious too. Like a friendly walking brain."
Nobody dared bully her. Not because they were afraid — but because they admired her.
---
And Haruki?
He wasn't the same boy from before.
When the teacher called on him now, he didn't flinch.
He answered. Calmly. Confidently.
He even helped others understand the problem afterward.
People stared. Yua stared.
Was this really the same Haruki who used to stutter when called on?
---
At lunch, in the cafeteria, Haruki and Rinako sat at their usual corner.
Rinako was juggling chopsticks, three rice balls, and a bag of shrimp chips like she was competing in the food Olympics.
"Why do you eat like there's a time limit?" Haruki asked, sipping tea.
"Because the cafeteria runs out of curry bread at 12:07 sharp."
"Are you tracking bread like it's the stock market?"
She nodded, mouth full. "Survival 101."
Haruki chuckled, reached over, and bent her cheek.
Boing.
Rinako yelped. "Hey! Personal space, Mr. Cheek Squeezer!"
"Just checking if you're still real. Might be an illusion."
"I am an illusion. I exist to bring wisdom and mochi."
Haruki smirked. "My personal study Buddha."
---
He leaned back in his seat.
"Seriously, though. I wouldn't be passing class without you."
"Aww. Are you being grateful?"
"I'm trying something new. It's called not failing."
"Well, you've come far, young grasshopper," she said in a sage voice. "You have learned… the ways of the midterm."
Haruki grinned. "You mean you learned me. I'm just the demo version of 'Rinako Sensei.'"
"You're version 1.7. Still buffering in PE class, though."
"Phys Ed doesn't count. I nearly died last week."
"You tripped over a shadow."
---
Behind them, at another table, Yua watched.
She couldn't wrap her head around it.
Haruki wasn't just dressing better. He was doing better.
Talking to teachers like it was normal. Explaining homework to classmates. Smiling when Rinako smiled. Teasing her like they'd known each other forever.
And Rinako… that bubbly, snack-obsessed girl…
She was the reason.
Yua felt something twist in her chest.
She didn't hate Rinako.
But she hated that Rinako had seen something in Haruki… before anyone else did.
And now he only saw her too.
---
Back in class, the teacher threw out a surprise question.
"Can anyone explain the core concept behind this formula?"
No hands went up.
Except Haruki's.
He explained it perfectly. Clearly. Like it was natural.
The teacher smiled. "Excellent, Arai."
Yua's eyes widened.
What the hell?!
Haruki turned slightly — not to brag, but to nod at Rinako, who was chewing on a grape jelly stick.
She gave him a thumbs up… then almost dropped her candy.
"Oops. That was the last one too…"
Haruki pulled another one from his bag and slid it to her desk like a ninja.
"Emergency rations. I come prepared."
Rinako clutched her chest. "You… you care."
"Don't make this emotional."
"You're the best fake boyfriend ever."
"Don't get used to it."
---
And still… he hadn't said a single word to Yua.
No smile. No glance.
Only to Rinako.
---
Rumors flew.
"Is Haruki in love with Rinako?"
"No way, right?"
"She's the only one he talks to like that…"
"Honestly? They'd be kinda cute together."
---
But all that noise faded for Haruki.
Because for the first time in his life…
he liked who he was becoming.
And Rinako had everything to do with that.
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