Morning mist hung lightly over the courtyard of Hollow High Academy as students gathered before class.
Whispers floated through the air like drifting smoke.
"She's so chill… like she doesn't even care Dante basically protects her now."
"I heard Rika's not gonna like that," another student muttered. "She keeps saying Dante belongs to her."
Jinx Kagami walked through the courtyard with her headphones on, chewing gum lazily. Her long black hair swayed behind her as she ignored the staring students.
Then someone else entered the courtyard.
Rika Akane.
Her long blue-black hair fell smoothly over her shoulders, and her icy blue eyes scanned the crowd with a practiced smile that didn't quite reach them.
"Morning, boys," she said sweetly. "Have you seen Dante? Or is he still playing guard dog?"
The boys around her laughed awkwardly.
Jinx slowly removed one earbud.
She looked directly at Rika.
"You lose something," Jinx asked casually, "or just your pride?"
Rika's smile widened.
"Oh no," she replied smoothly. "I just like checking on strays."
Jinx tilted her head slightly.
"Then get a mirror, babe."
A few nearby students gasped under their breath.
The tension between the two girls felt sharp enough to cut through the morning air.
Later that morning, the classroom buzzed with quiet conversation as students took their seats.
Jinx dropped into her chair near the window.
A moment later, Sayaka Minoru—better known as Pixie—plopped into the seat beside her, sipping from a neon pink water bottle.
"Did you hear Rika earlier?" Pixie whispered dramatically. "She's about to go full mean-girl mode. You need a shield charm… or maybe a slapping glove."
Jinx leaned back lazily in her chair.
"Nah," she said. "I'll pass. I like my drama hand-delivered."
Pixie giggled.
"You and Dante are giving serious main-couple energy."
Jinx slowly turned toward her with a glare.
"You've started again."
Pixie only giggled harder.
Just then, Kazuki walked into the classroom and stopped near Jinx's desk.
"Morning, Kurokagami," he said with a respectful nod. "Don't let Akane get in your head."
Jinx shrugged casually.
"Don't worry," she replied. "She'd have to climb to reach my level."
Her eyes flashed with confidence.
"As a Kurokagami, I don't let cowards like her bother me."
Kazuki smirked slightly before taking his seat.
Pixie leaned closer to Jinx.
"Okay," she whispered, impressed. "That was kinda badass."
At lunchtime, the rooftop was quiet.
Warm sunlight spread across the concrete floor while a gentle breeze played with Jinx's long black hair.
She lay on her back near the edge, one arm resting over her eyes.
Then a soft sound landed nearby.
Dante Kurobane dropped lightly onto the rooftop ledge.
"You seem vulnerable up here," he said calmly.
Jinx peeked at him from under her arm.
"What are you doing here?"
Dante reached into his pocket.
"I bring snacks."
He tossed something toward her.
Jinx caught it and sat up.
A chocolate bar.
She grinned.
"Are you stalking me," she asked playfully, "or protecting me?"
Dante smirked faintly.
"Yes."
The wind blew softly around them.
Without thinking, Jinx leaned her head against his shoulder.
Dante stiffened for a moment.
Then slowly relaxed.
"…Don't do that unless you mean it," he said quietly.
Jinx looked up at him.
"Mean what?"
Dante's crimson eyes met hers.
"Everything."
For a brief second, neither of them spoke.
The silence felt strangely warm.
After school, the hallway had mostly emptied.
Jinx was heading toward the exit when someone stepped directly in front of her.
Rika.
"Let's make something clear," Rika said coldly. "Dante isn't yours."
Jinx crossed her arms.
"Funny," she replied. "He acts like he is."
Rika's smile twitched.
"He used to walk me home," she said. "He used to—"
"And then he met me," Jinx interrupted smoothly.
For a moment, Rika's icy eyes flashed with anger.
Then she turned sharply and walked away.
From around the corner, Pixie watched the whole thing while munching on popcorn.
"Wow," she said casually. "You two are definitely gonna need an audience for this feud."
She raised her hand dramatically.
"I volunteer."
That night, Jinx lay on her bed in the dorm room, staring up at the ceiling.
Her hand rested over her chest.
Her heart felt strangely heavy.
Why does it hurt when he's near… she wondered.
But hurt even worse when he's not?
Her phone buzzed suddenly.
A message from Dante.
Dante:
Are you safe? Or do I have to come save you?
Jinx snorted and quickly typed back.
Jinx:
I'm fine, idiot. Just because I let you protect me doesn't mean I'm weak. I can handle myself… though it's kinda cute when you ask.
A moment later, another message appeared.
Dante:
Malady… don't worry. I won't take advantage of that.
But I'll keep asking.
Every night.
Until you say I don't have to.
Goodnight, malady. Sleep tight.
Jinx stared at the message for a moment, her cheeks warming.
She typed a reply.
Jinx:
Goodnight, Sir Dante.
A heart emoji appeared on her screen.
Jinx smiled softly before placing the phone on her chest.
Outside the window, the night wind whispered quietly across the campus.
And somewhere deep inside her…
The flame in her heart burned a little brighter.