Yuuki Hiroshi strode through the gates of Nara High School, his backpack slung casually over one shoulder, sunlight glinting off his tousled blonde hair. He was a picture of youthful entitlement, a confident smirk playing on his lips as he navigated the familiar path adorned with cherry blossom trees. The scent of spring filled the air, but Yuuki was preoccupied with the excitement of another day in his privileged world.

“Yuuki!” a voice called out, pulling him from his thoughts. It was Yuuto Kitayama, his best friend since childhood, catching up as they walked towards the imposing entrance of the private school. Yuuto had always been more grounded and responsible, a steady presence in Yuuki’s whirlwind life.

"Hey, bro, what's up!" Yuuki replied cheerfully, his smile brightening even more as he high-fived Yuuto. "I just got us tickets for the next NBA seasonal game!" he announced, barely containing his excitement.

Yuuto's eyes lit up with interest. "This is for next week?" he asked, clarifying the details. Yuuki nodded enthusiastically, his grin still plastered on his face. "Yeah," he confirmed, already mentally preparing for the thrilling experience ahead.

Yuuto's expression turned skeptical as he said, "Bruh, next week are our finals. You forgot?" His tone was laced with a mix of surprise and concern, as if he couldn't believe Yuuki had overlooked something so important.

Yuuki's grin faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered, waving his hand dismissively. "Relax, the game is on the weekend," he said, as if that somehow made it less of a conflict.

Yuuto raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Uh, I don't think my mom will allow it," he said, his voice firm. "Besides, we should focus on studying. Finals are just around the corner, and we can't afford to slack off." His words were a stark reminder of the reality they faced, and Yuuki's carefree attitude seemed out of place in the face of their upcoming exams.

As Yuuki made a mocking face, Yuuto's expression turned serious, and he added, "Come on, bro, you can't rely on your dad forever. Things might not always go your way in the future." His words were laced with a hint of warning, a subtle reminder that Yuuki's privileged life might not always be a guarantee.

He shot Yuuto a mock-offended look. "Bro, what's gotten into you? You're starting to sound like my dad or something. I thought we were still young, not worrying about the future just yet." He chuckled, trying to brush off Yuuto's concerns. "Besides, I've got my whole life ahead of me. I can afford to have a little fun and not sweat the small stuff. You're not going to start telling me to eat my vegetables and go to bed early, are you?" Yuuki teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Yuuto's expression softened, and he chuckled, "Yeah, you're right, why did I suddenly sound like Mr. Hiragi?" He was referring to their discipline teacher, notorious for his strict and no-nonsense attitude.

Yuuto's expression turned serious again, and he added, "But seriously, I think I can't go. You know my mom well." His tone was resigned, and he seemed to be acknowledging that his mother's strict rules and expectations would likely prevent him from attending the game.

Yuuki's face fell, and he let out a disappointed sigh. "Damn, the ticket's gonna go to waste," he said, clearly frustrated that his plans were being ruined.

Yuuto replied with a grin, "Sorry bro... but you can bring Mai, she's surely happy to go with you." He seemed to be suggesting that Yuuki could take his girlfriend, Mai, to the game instead, and that she would likely be thrilled at the opportunity.

However, Yuuki's response was less than enthusiastic. "What's fun in that?" he said, his tone dismissive. "That girl only knows makeup and those girly things." His comment was a clear indication that he didn't think Mai would be able to appreciate the game, and that he wouldn't have fun with her.

Yuuto's expression turned amused, and he said, "Bruh, she's your girlfriend." His tone was teasing, and he seemed to be pointing out the obvious fact that Mai was Yuuki's significant other, and that he should be more considerate of her feelings.

Yuuki's response was simple yet telling. "Geez," he said, his tone a mix of frustration and annoyance, as if he was being reminded of something he would rather forget. The single word spoke volumes about his feelings towards Mai, and his reluctance to spend time with her.

As they entered the main building, a quick glance at the campus art showcased the flamboyance typical of such a prestigious institution. Yuuki felt a sense of pride swell within him. He had everything—money, status, a loyal friend, and the undivided adoration of his classmates. Nothing could touch him, not in a world where his family held significant sway.

But as they climbed the stairs to their first class, an unusual thought crept into Yuuki's mind, an itch he tried to ignore. There had been whispers around school regarding something dark surrounding the Hiroshi name. A chill occasionally brushed against him when he heard rumors about his family name.

“You okay?” Yuuto’s voice broke through his musings. “You’ve gone quiet.”

“Yeah, I'm fine,” Yuuki lied, forcing a carefree smile. “Just thinking about dinner tonight. I want to head to that new sushi place with my dad!”

Yuuto nodded, seemingly reassured, but Yuuki felt a heaviness he couldn’t shake. The talk at school was incessant, whether it was casual whispers or altered conversations behind closed doors. What did it truly mean to be a Hiroshi?

They settled into their classroom with Yuuki in his usual seat near the window, where he could daydream while pretending to absorb the teacher’s words. But his gaze drifted outside, the clouds shifting lazily across the sky, as if urging him to escape the confines of his life, if only for a moment.

In a moment of introspection, he wondered what it would be like to have a life unburdened by expectations, where his name didn’t carry the weight of speculation. Of course, there were benefits to his entitlement, but what about the darker undercurrents he’d begun to sense?

As the lesson droned on, he tapped his pen against the desk, feigning interest while grappling with a simmering curiosity about his family’s secrets. Yet deep down, he pushed those thoughts aside—the world was too vibrant and full of potential for him to dwell in darkness. But the nagging feeling lingered, a reminder that even in his privileged life, the shadows were never far behind.