A few days later, the afternoon sun bathed Seiren Private Academy in golden light as Raghav walked through the quiet courtyard. Classes had ended for the day, and most of the students had already left for their after-school activities.
Raghav's mind was occupied, processing the complex threads of his growing influence over Alya and Masaki. His system had already begun calculating deeper routes—Masaki's attachment to Alya was evident, but Alya's guarded heart presented a greater challenge.
"Masaki is dangerous, but predictable," Raghav thought. "Alya, though… she's still hiding something."
As Raghav passed beneath the shade of a cherry blossom tree, a soft voice drifted toward him from nearby.
"Onii-sama, wait for me!"
Raghav's gaze sharpened. He turned toward the voice and spotted a young girl hurrying toward Masaki, who stood near the academy gate. She had short, dark blue hair tied with a ribbon, and wide sapphire-blue eyes that mirrored Masaki's. Her petite frame was dressed in a modified version of the academy's uniform, and her small hands clutched the handle of a leather bag.
Masaki turned toward her with a rare softness in his eyes. "You shouldn't be running, Rin."
"I'm not a child!" the girl—Rin Seuno—pouted as she stomped toward her brother.
[ Rin Seuno – Age: 14 ]
Background: Younger sister of Masaki Seuno.
Intelligence: Above average.
Personality: Cheerful, curious, but sharp beneath the surface.
Status: Strong attachment to Masaki. Possible interest in Raghav Ye King.
Raghav's gaze darkened slightly. Seuno Group heirs… both in the same school?
Masaki noticed Raghav's presence and his gaze cooled immediately. "Raghav."
Raghav's smile was faint. "Masaki."
Rin's eyes widened as she spotted Raghav. She immediately straightened, her cheeks faintly pink. "Ah! Are you… are you the new teacher?"
"Raghav Ye King," Raghav said smoothly, offering a faint smile.
Rin's eyes sparkled. "Wow! You're even cooler than I imagined!"
Masaki's gaze sharpened. "Rin…"
"What?" Rin said innocently. "Everyone's talking about him! He's already the most popular teacher at Seiren!"
Raghav's smile deepened. "Interesting."
Masaki's gaze darkened. "Don't bother him, Rin."
"I'm not bothering him!" Rin huffed, turning toward Raghav. "You're a teacher, right? What do you teach?"
"Language, acting, and sports," Raghav replied.
"Cool!" Rin's eyes widened. "Can you teach me too?"
"Rin," Masaki's tone was low.
"It's fine," Raghav said smoothly. His gaze sharpened slightly as he crouched to meet Rin's curious gaze. "But I'll expect you to keep up."
Rin's smile widened. "Deal!"
Masaki's gaze darkened. His posture tensed subtly as Raghav stood to his full height.
"Be careful with her," Masaki said quietly.
"Of course," Raghav replied with a subtle smile. "She's your sister, after all."
Masaki's gaze remained cold as he placed a protective hand on Rin's shoulder.
Rin's eyes, however, were still fixed on Raghav with open admiration. "I'm serious though! Can you teach me acting?"
"Acting?" Raghav's gaze sharpened.
Rin nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I want to be an idol—like Ai Hoshino!"
Raghav's gaze flicked toward Masaki. Masaki's expression tightened almost imperceptibly.
"Ah." Raghav's smile deepened. "Masaki isn't fond of that idea."
"I see." Raghav's tone was thoughtful. "I could teach you… but it'll require hard work."
"I don't mind!" Rin said brightly.
"Then come to my next acting class," Raghav said. "We'll see if you have talent."
"Yay!" Rin practically bounced with excitement.
Masaki's gaze sharpened. "Raghav…"
Raghav met Masaki's cold stare with quiet amusement. "Relax, Masaki. It's just a lesson."
Masaki's jaw tensed, but he didn't argue. Instead, he turned toward Rin. "Come on. We're going home."
"Aww…" Rin sighed, but obediently followed her brother toward the gate.
Before disappearing down the path, Rin turned back and waved at Raghav. "See you tomorrow, Sensei!"
Raghav's gaze lingered on them as they walked away.
"Interesting," the system's voice echoed in his mind. "Masaki is protective of his sister. Exploitable?"
"Potentially," Raghav replied.
"Emotional influence confirmed," the system continued. "Progress with Alya and Masaki is linked to Rin's presence."
"Noted."
As Raghav turned toward the main building, his expression darkened. Alya was sharp. Masaki was protective. Rin was a wildcard.
The Seuno siblings were already tangled in the threads of his growing influence.
"And soon," Raghav thought with quiet resolve, "they'll be part of the game."
Just as he approached the main entrance, a familiar silver-haired figure leaned casually against a marble pillar.
Alya Mihailovna Kujo's pale blue eyes glinted with quiet amusement.
"You've been busy," Alya said softly.
Raghav smiled faintly. "You were watching?"
"Of course." Alya's gaze darkened slightly. "I see Masaki isn't fond of you influencing his little sister."
"And what about you?" Raghav asked.
Alya's eyes flashed coldly. "I don't care what you do to Masaki."
"Ah…" Raghav's smile deepened. "But you care what I do to you."
Alya's gaze sharpened dangerously—but before she could respond, Raghav leaned in close, his voice low enough for only her to hear.
"Ты начинаешь чувствовать это, да?"
("You're starting to feel it, aren't you?")
Alya's breath hitched—barely—but Raghav saw it.
Her gaze narrowed. "Be careful, Raghav. If you push too far, you might regret it."
Raghav's smile was razor-sharp. "I never regret anything."
As Alya's gaze burned into his, Raghav walked away, leaving her standing beneath the soft afternoon light.
"The board is set," Raghav thought as the system pulsed faintly in his mind.
"And the pieces are already in motion."