Mao had always been seen as smart. Not top of the class, not flashy, but the kind of student teachers trusted. Quiet. Consistent. Sharp in a way that didn't ask for attention.
He never chased first place. It was enough to be known.
But this semester, something changed.
The top ten rankings were posted after midterms, and there it was:
#1 – Ren Hayashi
#2 – Emi Sakamoto
#5 – Mao Tanaka
Ren Hayashi.
A new name—transfer student, just a few weeks into the school year. Tall, friendly, confident without being arrogant. He answered questions like he'd been in the class for years. Teachers praised his insights. Students followed his lead without hesitation.
Mao noticed the shift immediately.
Ren wasn't just smart—he was social. He bridged the gap Mao had always struggled with: excelling without being alone.
One afternoon, during a group study session, Ren glanced at Mao's notes.
"Your handwriting's neat," he said. "And your logic's solid. You ever think about joining the quiz team?"
Mao blinked. "No."
Ren shrugged. "Shame. You've got the mind for it."
It wasn't an insult. But it landed like one.
From that point forward, comparisons followed.
"Ren's already leading the quiz team."
"He's got a scholarship offer from two schools."
"And he's only been here a month."
Even Emi, who used to ask Mao for help, now partnered with Ren in group projects. They laughed a lot. Too easily.
The next round of rankings made it worse:
#1 – Ren Hayashi
#4 – Mao Tanaka
Mao's name was slipping. His image—the calm, dependable one—was fading into Ren's glow.
No one teased him directly. But praise drifted elsewhere now. Teachers passed by Mao to high-five Ren. Classmates followed Ren's lead in discussions. Even his silence no longer felt mysterious—just empty.
One day, in the hallway, Ren caught up to him.
"You know," he said, casually, "you're one of the few people here who actually pushes me. Don't disappear on me."
Mao said nothing.
Because inside, he felt it:
He was being outpaced. Outspoken. Outshined.
And for the first time, he realized—being smart wasn't enough if no one saw it.