"Please welcome Hakuto Tendo of the Kurotsuki family. Starting today, he'll be your new classmate," Ms. Misaki Yuunami says.
Hakuto stands stiffly in front of Class 2-B at Tsugumi High School, trying not to panic under the weight of everyone's stares.
He has a feeling they're all thinking the same thing: Who is this guy? Some stray the prestigious Kurotsuki family picked up off the street?
This is Hakuto's introduction to Class 2-B of Tsugumi High School.
To his surprise, he only now learns that Rika is in the same class as him.
Yuzu, on the other hand, is in Class 1-A.
"Good. Let's continue the lesson. Who can solve this logarithmic equation?"
Behind her, the blackboard is covered in numbers and symbols that might as well be alien runes to Hakuto.
But that's not entirely his fault. It's the result of his previous school — a den of delinquents on the outskirts of Tokyo.
After Shin lost his real job, it was all they could afford.
A moment later, Rika, seated at the front of the classroom, rises to her feet and gives the answer.
"Excellent work, Miss Kurotsuki. Brilliant as always."
The teacher's praise is followed by polite applause as Rika solves the complex equation as if it were the simplest thing in the world.
"Your stepsister really is incredibly smart. It's no coincidence she's both the student council president and the most admired student in the entire school. Living with a genius must be amazing, right?"
The voice comes from the desk beside Hakuto.
He turns and sees a boy with messy orange hair smiling at him.
Hakuto is completely caught off guard by what he's hearing about Rika.
He and Rika hadn't exchanged a single word the day before, let alone talked about their personal lives.
Then again, Yuzu had warned him about her older sister's reserved and introverted personality.
"Yeah... I guess it is..."
"Anyway, I'm Itsu Chihane. Nice to meet you."
"Mr. Chihane! Mr. Tendo has been here for two minutes and you're already leading him astray?! One slacker in this class is more than enough!"
"I'm sorry, Ms. Yuunami! I'll be as quiet as a mouse! I promise!"
Itsu jumps to his feet and bows theatrically.
The class responds with a wave of annoyed looks. Rika most of all.
Yeah... he's definitely not the most popular guy in school...
RIIIING!
The moment the bell rings, the entire class floods into the spacious hallways of Tsugumi High.
As always, Rika doesn't even get a chance to enjoy her snack in peace.
Students from all over the school — even upperclassmen — gather around her like bees to honey.
They ask for help with their studies, advice, or simply a chance to talk to the famous student council president.
Hakuto and Itsu — now the official outcasts of Class 2-B — watch the scene from a distance, leaning against a wall.
"Your stepsister is a real VIP. There's no denying it. Not a single person at Tsugumi doesn't admire her. I mean... it's like she gives off some kind of magical aura that makes people obsessed with her. She's like a cat in heat!"
"Watch what you say. You're talking about my sister."
"Whoa, relax! You're already in overprotective big-brother mode, huh, Hakotto?"
"My name is Hakuto..."
"Anyway, what I mean is... look at how people act around her. Did you know female cats in heat release pheromones that can be detected from miles away and attract males? That's what Rika is like. She doesn't do anything special, yet people are drawn to her."
"What kind of ridiculous comparison is that supposed to be...?"
Suddenly, the crowd around Rika stirs.
"Trouble's coming..." Itsu mutters.
A huge, imposing boy pushes through the crowd and stops right in front of her.
The look he gives her — somewhere between contempt and a threat — immediately sets off alarm bells in Hakuto's mind.
"What do you want from me, Enjou Kanzuro?!" Rika asks coldly.
She meets his gaze without the slightest hint of fear.
"Enjou Kanzuro...?" Hakuto repeats, confused.
"He's a third-year student. The heir to Kanzuro Industries, Japan's largest pharmaceutical company. Or at least it was before Seiryu Biotech — your stepmother's company — took its place. Seriously, you live with one of the richest women in Japan and didn't know that?" Itsu says.
Hakuto clenches his fists.
"So... he's not here to offer her a drink from the vending machine, is he?"
"I'd say definitely not."
"Have you thought about what I told you last time, Rika Kurotsuki?" Enjou asks.
"There's nothing to think about. I already gave you my answer, and it hasn't changed. I will not marry you."
T-That guy... actually asked Rika to marry him?! Isn't it a little early for that? Then again, from what Itsu told me, it's obvious there are financial motives behind it...
"H-How dare you reject me?! There are countless girls who would kill to join the Kanzuro family. Do you really think you're that much better than them?!"
Rika shrugs.
"All the more reason to leave me alone. Since you have so many options, go bother someone else."
Enjou lunges at her and tries to grab her shoulder, but Rika intercepts him with a flying kick to the stomach.
The impact makes him spit blood, and he doubles over in pain.
The moment her kick lands, Hakuto notices something.
A red glint flashes across her eyes for a split second.
Right after, he notices the look of surprise on Itsu's face.
She's a martial arts expert too? Is there anything Rika can't do?
Blinded by rage over the rejection and humiliation, Enjou charges at her again, this time with a punch aimed straight at her face.
But before she can react, Hakuto steps in.
In one smooth motion, he grabs Enjou's wrist, throws him off balance, slams him to the floor, and pins him down with a knee pressed against his back.
♡♡♡
After school, Hakuto, Rika, and Yuzu come home to find a note on the big glass table in the living room:
[We've left for our honeymoon and we'll be away for a few days.Be good and don't slack off with your studies.If you need anything, don't hesitate to call.Smack! 💋]
They all stare at the note in silence.
«Guess the honeymoon is on Mom's credit card...» Rika mutters, clearly annoyed.
Yuzu, on the other hand, starts bouncing around the room. «We've got the whole house to ourselves for days?! This is gonna be the best week of my life!»
Then she eyes Hakuto. «So... how good are you at cooking?»
«Why would that matter?» Hakuto asks.
«Seriously?! You don't expect me and Rika to do all the cooking, do you?!»
«Last I checked, I'm the guy and you two are the girls. Obviously, housework's your job.»
«For once, I agree with Yuzu!» Rika snaps. «There's no way we're your maids these days. We're splitting chores. And since you're not touching my underwear or stepping into my room—the kitchen's all yours.»
Her tone is cold.
Dead serious.
Hakuto slumps. «But I... I only know how to make instant yakisoba...»
Rika shakes her head in disappointment. «I'd never marry a guy who can't cook. Even if he were the last man on Earth.»
«Big sis, are you saying the way to your frozen heart is with a hot bowl of ramen?» Yuzu smirks and elbows Hakuto. «You heard her! Time to learn, if you ever wanna get into Rika's panties!»
«I-I NEVER SAID THAT!!!» Rika explodes, red as a tomato. «It was a general comment!!»
Yuzu's already off in her own world. «Come on, Hakuto! I'll teach you how to make restaurant-level ramen! Leave it to your adorable little sister! Wait here—I've got the perfect outfit!»
She bolts down the hall, full speed.
Rika sighs. «I've got studying to do. Call me when dinner's ready.»