**Chapter 1: The Unrequited Crush**

The sun beat down on the bustling streets of Tokyo, casting a warm glow over the crowded sidewalks. Aoko Katsura walked with a confident stride, her long black hair swaying behind her like a dark waterfall. Her piercing green eyes scanned the crowd with a hint of amusement, as if she dared anyone to try and take her on. She was the epitome of cool, calm, and collected, a force to be reckoned with. Kaito Kidou, on the other hand, trailed behind her, his eyes fixed on the back of her head with a mixture of adoration and longing. He had harbored a secret crush on Aoko since middle school, and it seemed like no matter how much time passed, his feelings only intensified. He had given up trying to confess to her, convinced that she would never feel the same way. As they walked, Aoko suddenly stopped in front of a street food vendor, her eyes narrowing at the vendor's silly antics. Kaito hastened to catch up, his heart skipping a beat as he watched her expertly negotiate a discount on a steaming hot takoyaki ball. He couldn't help but smile at her prowess, his mind wandering to all the times she had saved him from bullies or helped him with his studies. The vendor, a jovial old man with a bushy mustache, grinned at Aoko. "You're a shrewd one, Aoko-chan! I'll give you a special deal, just for you." Aoko raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "I'm counting on it, old man." Kaito watched, mesmerized, as Aoko devoured the takoyaki ball with a fierce relish, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction. He felt his chest ache with a familiar pang of love and longing. Why couldn't she see him, really see him, for who he was? As they continued on their way to school, Kaito couldn't shake the feeling that he was stuck in a never-ending cycle of unrequited love. But he couldn't help himself; he was drawn to Aoko like a moth to a flame, helpless to resist her charms. The sound of the school bell pierced the air, and Aoko quickened her pace, her eyes fixed on the school gates. Kaito followed close behind, his mind racing with the possibilities of the day ahead. Little did he know, today would be a day that would change everything.