COTE: Dominating The So-Called Geniuses!

Yuki returned to Class 1-D's classroom. It was silent and deserted, a stark contrast to the earlier chaos. The first day of school had been marked as free time, with formal classes only commencing on the second day. Naturally, most students had scattered across the campus, exploring their new environment or bonding with their classmates.

Yuki picked up his bag, ready to leave. His expression remained indifferent, as though he wasn't particularly invested in mingling or exploring. As he descended the staircase, he spotted a girl ascending from the opposite direction.

She had striking honey-blonde hair tied into a simple ponytail with a blue ribbon. Her vivid blue eyes carried a mix of confidence and unease. The uniform, casually worn with a red blazer tied around her waist and knee-high white socks, hinted at a carefree, rebellious attitude. Yuki recognized her immediately—Kei Karuizawa.

Her appearance was deliberate, masking the vulnerability she desperately hid. Yuki knew her backstory from the original narrative—this "gyaru" façade was her armor against a traumatic past of relentless bullying. She had resolved to reinvent herself, clinging to the strong to secure her social standing, no matter the cost.

What piqued his curiosity was her presence here, at this specific moment. This was no chance encounter. He had noticed her earlier, lingering at the end of the hallway, observing him. And now, she had strategically placed herself on the staircase.

Karuizawa hesitated before taking a few steps closer. Her voice was steady but carried a hint of nervousness.

"Yuki-kun, you're still here? I thought you'd gone back already."

Yuki tilted his head slightly, his gaze sharp and calculating. "I stayed back to help Chabashira-sensei with something. After that, I was on my way." He paused, his eyes narrowing. "You're Kei Karuizawa, right?"

Karuizawa nodded, her composure wavering under his intense scrutiny. She clutched at her blazer, fidgeting slightly.

"Yes, that's right. I, uh, forgot something in the classroom. Thought I'd come back to get it."

Yuki's expression didn't change, but his words sliced through her like a blade.

"You have a past, don't you? One you're desperate to hide."

Her breath hitched.

How does he know!?

Karuizawa's eyes widened in terror. Her body froze, trembling as though Yuki had unearthed a secret she thought was buried forever. She hugged herself instinctively, trying to shield her vulnerability.

"Relax." Yuki's tone was calm, almost dismissive. "If you want to talk, follow me. But do it quickly. The school has cameras everywhere, and I don't feel like explaining why I'm standing here with someone who looks like they're about to cry."

He turned and walked away without waiting for her response. Karuizawa hesitated briefly but realized she had no choice. She trailed behind him, her steps hesitant, her mind racing.

The path led them to the dormitory building. The first-year boys' and girls' dorms were separated, but the lack of activity in the halls meant no one noticed them. Yuki opened the door to his room, stepping aside to let her in.

Karuizawa entered, looking around nervously. The room was sparse, a functional space with minimal personal touches. Yuki tossed his bag onto the floor and placed two bottles of tea from a vending machine on the small coffee table.

"Sit." He gestured to the floor opposite him.

Karuizawa hesitated but complied, kneeling awkwardly. She glanced at the tea but made no move to touch it. Her hands clenched tightly on her lap.

"Yuki-kun… how did you…?"

"Know?" Yuki finished for her. He unscrewed a bottle cap and took a sip, studying her reaction. "It's obvious. People who've been bullied for a long time give off a distinct aura. It's a mix of fear and desperation. It practically screams, 'Target me.'"

Karuizawa flinched, her face paling as his words struck her like a physical blow.

He sighed, placing the bottle back on the table. "It's not your fault. You were hurt, scarred—physically and mentally. But that doesn't mean you can keep pretending forever."

Before she could react, Yuki stood and walked around the table. Karuizawa froze as he approached, her instincts screaming at her to move, but she couldn't. Yuki crouched beside her, his hand moving toward her abdomen.

"Wait! What are you—"

He ignored her protests, lifting the edge of her shirt just enough to reveal the scar on her left side. It was jagged and cruel, the kind of mark left by someone with malicious intent. The stitches had been rough, a reminder of the brutality she had endured.

"No wonder," Yuki muttered. "You've been through hell."

Karuizawa yanked her shirt down, her face burning with shame and anger. Tears welled in her eyes, but she bit her lip, refusing to let them fall.

"Don't look at me like that!" she snapped, her voice cracking.

Yuki leaned back, his expression neutral. "I'm not judging you. I'm just saying it's a shame to let your past control your future. If you really want to escape it, then stop running and face it head-on."

Karuizawa stared at him, her anger fading into confusion. His words were harsh, but they carried an unexpected sincerity. For a moment, she wondered if this boy, who seemed to see through her so easily, could be the ally she needed.

Yuki stood, grabbing his tea again. "You're free to leave or stay. But if you want my help, don't expect me to sugarcoat things. Life's not that kind."

For the first time, Karuizawa felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this wasn't the worst decision she'd ever made.

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