Hajime Shino

Hajime Shino... the idol who was loved by everyone. Why wouldn't he be? He was sweet and kind to everyone, always there for anyone in need of help. And somehow he was also the idol who made your life hell.

It was almost impressive how easily he could switch between the two. The moment someone else entered the room, he was being the cheerful, lovable Hajime everyone knew. But when it was just the two of you, his smile would twist into something more taunting.

He could insult you in the sweetest tone ever. He would do anything to sabotage you and chuckle when he saw your reactions.

What was worse was that nobody would ever believe you if you told them.

Hajime was popular and he had a really good reputation. His unit had countless fans, and the company practically adored him. You, on the other hand, weren't nearly as well-known. So who would they believe if you accused him of bullying you? Nobody. Plenty of people would take his side and say you're just jealous.

That's why you had learned to keep your mouth shut.

It was unbearable. You didn't understand why Hajime would do this. It's not like you'd done anything to him. You once asked him, but he just straight up laughed in your face.

You've been trying to ignore him and his attempts to mess with you lately. You figured that maybe if you stopped reacting, he would stop.

You weren't sure if it was working since he kept going... like now.

Finally, practice break.

You let out a tired sigh, deciding to use the opportunity to go get something to drink. Your throat was dry after all that dancing, and you desperately needed a few minutes away from the practice room.

You headed down the hallway toward the vending machines, only to notice Hajime and Tomoya walking toward you from the opposite direction.

You tried not to pay them much attention and continued walking, hoping they would simply pass by.

As Hajime walked past you, however, he suddenly bumped his shoulder against yours.

Your hand jerked, and the drink you'd just bought slipped from your grasp, hitting the floor and spilling everywhere.

You stared at the mess for a moment.

Hajime glanced at you, seemingly trying to hold back a smile.

"Ah, are you alright?!" Hajime suddenly exclaimed, his expression immediately becoming concerned. "Oh no, I'm so sorry!"

Tomoya looked between you and the spilled drink, blinking in surprise.

"Hm? What happened?" he asked.

"I think I accidentally bumped into them," Hajime said, somehow sounding genuinely apologetic. He crouched down to help pick up the bottle. "I really wasn't paying attention. Are you okay?"

"Yeah... I'm fine," you muttered, taking the drink from him.

Tomoya gave you an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. Hajime can get pretty clumsy sometimes."

Hajime laughed softly with a sheepish smile. "Ahaha... I guess I can."

He looked completely innocent. And yet again, he would get away with it, and he knew it.