Well damn, I have a new title to add my name. I can introduce myself now as the author who destroyed the English language and ChatGPT slop. And here I was happy that Grammarly was giving me scores of 95 to 97. Nothing to do about that.

This character is an awkward villainess character that is just pure.

Victoria Williams leaned back against the cool leather of the black sedan's interior, gazing through the tinted windows at the early morning activity outside. Tokyo's streets zipped past in a familiar symphony of hurried pedestrians and rumbling engines, but her focus was elsewhere. She absently tucked a loose wave of dark chestnut hair behind her ear, her Liz-colored eyes narrowing slightly in thought.

The driver, well-accustomed to her routine, remained silent, respecting her need for quiet. An open tablet rested on her lap, displaying her lecture schedule in sharp, bright text. Today was packed with back-to-back classes, but one course stood out: computer science. For most, it might seem dull, but delving into code, algorithms, and logical puzzles felt almost... invigorating. For my family, we excel in it.

As they approached the university gates, the faintest hint of a smile touched her lips. Despite the expectations her family placed on her, today was hers to conquer, on her terms.

0000

The bustling energy of the computer lab struck me as I stepped inside, accompanied by a beautiful, slender woman with beautiful blue eyes. An average man with the flattest, most indifferent eyes I'd ever seen. He had a strand of hair sticking up. They moved with such quiet purpose that I felt like an afterthought, a misplaced figure in the silent world they seemed to share. There was an unspoken connection between them, an invisible bond that showed in a single, shared glance. I hesitated, watching them before I slipped into the seat beside them, trying to ignore the slight awkwardness settling in my chest.

I nodded politely in their direction and arranged my notes, the familiar paper and ink bottle a small comfort—a methodical ritual I'd relied on countless times before. But here, it felt out of place. Every movement felt intrusive, like a flaw marring their calm, self-contained sphere.

Stealing a sidelong glance, I noted the man's fingers flying across his keyboard, his focus unwavering. The woman beside him arranged her papers with a nearly cold elegance, her expression unreadable, her manner a mask of quiet authority. Though they sat shoulder to shoulder, there was a strange, unspoken distance between them—so vast, it seemed almost tangible. And I could only sit there, shrinking into myself as I prepared for class, quietly hoping that something might break through this chill.

The professor finally arrived and launched into the syllabus, and as he outlined our goals for the semester, anticipation stirred within me. I looked at my classmates again, noticing a subtle shift in their demeanor as they listened. The cool wall between them seemed to thaw, if only slightly, as we all focused on the material ahead.

When the professor encouraged us to connect with our peers, my heart quickened. This was my chance. I took a deep breath and adjusted the rich red dress I wore—a piece that could easily belong at a Renaissance fair. The gold mesh sleeves caught the light, and the golden panel running down the center was grounding, something to hold onto as I prepared to reach across the silence.

I straightened, turning to the pair beside me. "Greetings," I said, voice steady and refined, "I am Victoria Williams. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

The man's expression shifted, his eyes widening slightly before he cleared his throat and nodded. "Hikigaya Hachiman. Likewise."

The woman's elegant reserve softened by the faintest degree as she inclined her head. "Yukinoshita Yukino. A pleasure to meet you, Williams-san."

I relaxed, feeling a spark of warmth in their acknowledgment. Emboldened, I ventured to share a bit about my family's legacy and my ambitions in science and engineering. To my surprise, both listened with genuine interest, curiosity replacing the earlier chill. They, too, offered glimpses of their backgrounds, the cool reserve between us melting as they spoke.

For the first time, I felt we had something more than polite proximity. A connection, perhaps—small but real. And in that moment, the distance between us seemed almost conquerable, the first step toward something that might—just might—become a friendship.

0000

By the time the professor concluded the lecture, I felt a sense of satisfaction at the progress we had made. What began as a cold introduction had thawed into a promising alliance, grounded in mutual respect and understanding.

As I found myself beside Hikigaya and Yukinoshita. My heart still racing as we encountered a group. A group that wants my attention. A rush of relief washed over me at their steady, protective presence, scared the group away.

Hikigaya's voice broke through my thoughts, his tone unusually gentle. "Williams, you know you're beautiful, right?"

My cheeks warmed at the unexpected compliment, and I met his gaze, feeling a shy smile form. "Th-thank you, Hikigaya."

Yukinoshita raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Oh? So now you're a beauty expert, Hikigaya?"

He shrugged, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "I have my moments of insight, Yukinoshita. Besides, I'm just stating the obvious."

I watched their banter, caught between confusion and amusement, uncertain how to interpret this playful exchange. Were they arguing? The lines seemed blurred to my inexperienced eyes.

Yukinoshita's smirk widened as she teased, "Careful, Hachiman. Your charm might be too much for Williams-san to handle."

Hikigaya rolled his eyes, a smirk playing on his lips. "Please, Pan-san the panda-loving cutie. I'm sure Williams can handle a compliment or two."

Listening to their playful jabs, my confusion grew. "Um, are you two... arguing, or...?"

Hikigaya chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, just our usual form of communication. You'll get used to it."

Yukinoshita nodded in agreement, her eyes twinkling. "Indeed. Consider it a crash course in navigating our dynamic."

As we continued walking together, I couldn't help but marvel at the ease with which they interacted. Despite my initial confusion, I found myself drawn into their banter, the laughter and camaraderie a welcome respite from the more controlled interactions I was used to. Perhaps this was what people called 'friendship.' My past relationships with peers had been about 'idols and followers'—they did as I told them. A cold interaction, with no bonds.

And as I caught Hikigaya's affectionate nickname for Yukinoshita, "Ice Queen," and her teasing remark about him being "good-looking," I couldn't suppress a smile. Their banter, I realized, hinted at something deeper than mere friendship.

As the afternoon sun began to dip, casting long shadows across campus, it was time for Hikigaya and Yukinoshita to part ways with me.

With a nod, Yukinoshita turned to Hikigaya, her expression softening with gratitude. "Thank you for walking me to my next class, Hikigaya."

He smiled, a rare warmth in his eyes. "Anytime, Yukinoshita. Take care, okay?"

With a final wave, Yukinoshita disappeared into the crowd of students, her graceful figure blending seamlessly into the bustle.

Turning back to me, Hikigaya offered a small smile. "Looks like it's just you and me now, Williams. Let me walk you home."

I returned his smile, feeling a swell of gratitude. "Thank you for the offer, Hikigaya. I appreciate it."

Together, we made our way out of the university gates, the quiet hum of campus life fading as we ventured into the tranquil streets beyond.

0000

As we walked, I couldn't help but feel a quiet contentment with Hikigaya by my side. The companionship we shared brought a sense of ease I hadn't felt before, different from any connection in my past.

When we reached the gates of my family's estate, Hikigaya paused, eyeing the imposing gate before us. "Well, this is it for me."

I nodded a soft smile on my lips. "Thank you again, Hikigaya. I'll see you in class."

With a final wave, he watched as I disappeared through the grand entrance. The mansion's gates closed softly behind me, marking the end of a pleasant afternoon.

Inside the foyer, I was greeted by the sight of my older brother, Alexander, deep in conversation with our maid, Eliza. Their hushed words echoed slightly in the elegant surroundings.

"Ah, Tori, you're home," Alexander exclaimed, turning to me with a warm smile. "How was your day at university?"

I returned his smile, my mood brightening at the sight of him. "Eventful. I'll tell you all about it over dinner."

Eliza, ever attentive, stepped forward with a gentle smile. "Shall I prepare red rice for you, Victoria-sama?"

The mention of red rice piqued my curiosity. Red rice? That sounded intriguing. What made it special?

I nodded gratefully, touched by her thoughtfulness. "That would be lovely. Thank you, Eliza."

Alexander's grin widened, clearly enjoying the chance to tease me. "Ah, Tori, red rice is a traditional Japanese dish. It's made with glutinous rice and azuki beans and is usually served during celebrations and special occasions. The red color symbolizes happiness and prosperity."

My eyes widened in surprise as I grasped the significance of the dish. A faint blush rose to my cheeks at the thoughtful gesture. "Oh... I didn't know. Thank you, Alexander."

He chuckled softly, reaching out to ruffle my hair affectionately. "You're welcome, little sister. Just remember, red rice is for special occasions. Tonight, we have something to celebrate."

A warm glow settled in my chest at my brother's words. Though I hadn't understood the meaning of red rice before, I now recognized it as a symbol of happiness, prosperity, and family bonds. Blushing, I looked forward to the dinner and its celebratory feel.

Alexander and Eliza exchanged a knowing glance, a subtle understanding passing between them. With a mischievous smile, Alexander added, "You know, Tori, it's not every day a gentleman walks you home. Especially someone other than me or Father."

I blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Yes, it's unusual. But he's just a classmate—nothing special about that."

Eliza's eyes twinkled as she chimed in, "Oh, I wouldn't be so sure, Victoria-sama. Not every classmate escorts you to the gates of your mansion."

A flush rose to my cheeks at her observation, my mind racing at the implications. Could Alexander and Eliza have seen something in Hikigaya's actions that I'd overlooked?

As I tried to brush off the thought, Alexander placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Just keep an open mind, Tori. You never know what surprises life might have in store."

I nodded, a mixture of uncertainty and excitement swirling within me. It wasn't until later that I realized that red rice held yet another meaning—one my brother hinted at with a teasing remark. It wasn't just about happiness, prosperity, or family. In a romantic context, it also represented a 'first time.'

To my horror, they might believe Hikigaya and I had shared our first kiss. The embarrassment was overwhelming. That's something meant for after marriage!