Haruki has always been the awkward one—nerdy, clumsy, and easy to overlook. The type who stumbles over his own words, trips on flat ground, and hides behind books and lab notes.The only thing he’s ever been certain about is Ayla Hanami, the girl who shines brighter than anyone he knows.But when the world collapses from a deadly virus, Ayla becomes humanity’s only hope. To the government, she’s nothing more than a cure. To Haruki, she’s the one person he refuses to lose.If protecting her means being branded a villain, then Haruki is ready to play the role.Because he doesn’t care if the world hates him.He can bear their anger, their blame, even their fear—But he can’t bear a life without her.