Shoko ieiri

Reputation is an easy thing to maintain—at least for some people.

For you, reputation and self image was like a gilded cage, you were worshiped by everyone, but trapped by your own perfect image. One wrong step could shatter your flawless, glittering illusion.

However, Shoko seemed to manage her reputation easily for someone so popular. She was so laid back—almost as if she were untouchable. She always manages to please everyone around her without lifting a finger.

As for you—who were currently being chased down the polished halls by a bunch of college fans that had no self control whatsoever—You had quite some trouble maintaining your self image.

A few weeks back, rumors spread that you hated your fans—which wasn't entirely true. Then word spread that you had apparently sold your soul to the devil, which was just fake news made by some jealous spectator.

Now, back to the part where you were being chased by overwhelming fans.

Your shoes clicked against the polished ground as you ran. The fluorescent lights seemed blinding as you tried to escape the shouting and enthusiastic crowd.

You turned a corner and sprinted toward an empty room, twisting the silver knob in a frantic rush.

The sound of the door clicking shut behind you echoed through the quiet space, even though you hadn't slammed it. You looked around, flinching as you noticed another student—or wait, a teacher?— Never mind, it was a student sitting behind the desk.

The overwhelming wall of noise from the crowded hallway suddenly broke aa you shut the door and locked it, parting like water around a steady rock.

Staring at the figure in the dark sunlit room, you realized it was Shoko, another popular student who seemed to handle crowds with an ease—an effortless, fluid nonchalance that you could never copy.

Where you felt suffocated by the overlapping voices and enthusiastic cheers, Shoko thrived, offering easy smiles and quick waves as if navigating the chaotic school corridor was as simple as breathing.

"I-" You started, about to apologize for interrupting the peace. But you were quickly cut short by moderately low and laid–back voice.

"You can stay, but only if you keep quiet. If your fan club sniffs you out and ruins my peace and quiet, I’m throwing you out the window. Deal?" She stated, her tone of voice so calm it was hard to tell if she was nonchalant or just annoyed.