Mr. Pretender

Kiyoshi leaned back against the wall, eyes half-closed, as the gentle breeze brushed past him. The warmth of the sun, the rustling leaves—it was all a rare moment of tranquility. But peace never lasted long.

A voice cut through the stillness.

"You just wait. Once I become a government officer, girls will line up for me," boasted Ryo sitting near the edge of the rooftop.

His friend Yuta left out a mocking laugh. "You? A government officer? Dream on. You couldn't even pass the last math test!"

The first boy scoffed, unbothered. "Who cares about tests? My dad's got connections. He'll pull a few strings, just like he got me into this school. That's how things work in life, genius."

Kiyoshi opened his eyes, his calm demeanor unshaken, though his thoughts churned.

This School... the pinnacle of privilege. A place designed by the government for the elite, for those with power. Students here aren't just students—they're future leaders, decision-makers, puppets of influence. And me?

His gaze shifted to the horizon. I'm just an orphan.

He chuckled internally, darkly amused by the irony. You're probably wondering why I'm here, right? How an orphan ended up in a school meant for the privileged? There's an old man at the orphanage. I told him I wanted to study here, and somehow, he made it happen. I never asked how, but he did. This isn't just a school—it's a political playground. They say students here have the potential to become presidents one day. Connections with the powerful, opportunities to mold the future… that's why I'm here. That's why I chose this place.

Kiyoshi stood up, brushing dust off his blazer. "Let's go," he said, his voice low but firm.

Yuri and Aiko paused their conversation to glance at him. He didn't wait for their response, already heading toward the staircase.

As he descended, his thoughts wandered again. Six months. It's been Six months since I came here. And from day one, I learned what this school is really about.

---

Flashback: The First Day

The bustling courtyard was a sea of designer uniforms and proud faces. Kiyoshi stepped in, his presence barely acknowledged by the others. He was just another face in the crowd—or so he thought.

The moment he walked through the gates, a sharp voice called out.

"Hey, new kid!"

Kiyoshi turned, only to find himself surrounded by a group of boys. At the center of them stood Takashi Sato, his stance exuding authority and menace.

"You don't belong here, do you?" Takashi sneered, his lips curling into a cruel smile. "What's an orphan doing in our school?"

Kiyoshi didn't reply, his silence only fueling Takashi's arrogance.

"Answer me!" Takashi barked, grabbing Kiyoshi by the collar and shoving him against the wall. The crowd around them laughed, some whispering, others openly enjoying the show.

"Maybe we should teach him what happens to people who don't know their place," one of Takashi's lackeys suggested.

The next moments were a blur of shoving, jeers, and humiliation. Kiyoshi's blazer was torn, his books scattered across the ground. Takashi stood over him, his grin widening with each moment of Kiyoshi's silence.

"You're nothing," Takashi spat, his voice low and venomous. "Remember that."

Kiyoshi met Takashi's gaze, his face calm but his mind burning with resolve. He didn't say a word, but the look in his eyes was enough to unsettle anyone—except Takashi, who only laughed.

"Look at him, pretending to be tough," Takashi said, turning to his group. "Don't worry, kid. I'll make sure you never forget who's in charge here."

---

Present Day

Kiyoshi paused on the staircase, his hand brushing against the cold metal railing. The memory of that day lingered like a shadow. Six months… and yet nothing's changed. The same rules, the same game. But I've learned how to play it.

As he reached the ground floor, he noticed Takashi in the hallway. Their eyes met briefly, and Takashi's lips curved into an all-too-familiar smirk—calculated, confident, and dripping with malice.

Kiyoshi's expression didn't falter, but his thoughts were razor-sharp. The king of this playground, huh? Let's see how long you keep that crown.

Takashi walked away, his laughter echoing down the corridor. Kiyoshi stood still, his hands in his pockets, his mind already strategizing.

The game had only just begun.