The next day, Haru faced the first real challenge of his double life.
In his original body, he was shoved around as usual in the crowded hallways. A group of students, led by the notorious Riku Sato, blocked his path. "Move it, Haru," Riku sneered. "Or do you want another faceplant?"
Haru flinched, but before Riku could push him, a strange thought crossed his mind. Switch.
Instantly, his reflection shifted. He was in the lean, confident body. Riku's smirk faltered. Haru didn't just stand his ground—he moved with a sudden precision, blocking Riku's advance, glaring in a way that made the bully freeze.
The hallway fell silent. Students stared. Even teachers noticed the commotion. Riku backed off, muttering under his breath. Haru felt a thrill—but also fear. This new body came with expectations he didn't fully understand, and every action drew attention.
In class, Haru tested the limits further. As his handsome self, he could answer questions confidently, his words carrying weight. Classmates listened, some curious, some envious. But when he switched back to his original body during a break, the contrast was jarring. Friends ignored him, and whispers followed.
By the end of the day, Haru realized something: he couldn't rely on the new body alone. To survive—and maybe even thrive—he had to learn when to show which self, and how to manipulate perceptions without losing himself.
That night, he stared into the mirror, fingers tracing the two faces he now owned. One was weak but safe, the other strong but dangerous. And somewhere deep down, Haru knew: this was only the beginning.