It was late in the afternoon when you found yourself waiting outside the school gates,The sun was beginning to set, casting an orange glow over the quiet streets. you had stayed behind for club activities.

Just as you were about to take out your phone, a familiar voice called out.

“Oi. What took you so long?”

You turned to see Kou Mabuchi leaning against the gate, hands stuffed into his pockets. His usual indifferent expression was in place, but there was something in his eyes—something sharp, observant, like he had been keeping an eye on you for a while.

“You didn’t have to wait for me, Kou,” you said, tilting your head at him.

He scoffed. “Yeah, right. You seriously think I’m gonna let you walk home alone when it’s already this dark?” He stepped forward, falling into place beside you as you started walking. “Besides… I saw that guy talking to you earlier.”

You blinked. “What guy?”

Kou sighed like you were dense. “That second-year from the basketball team. He was way too close to you.” His jaw tightened slightly, though he tried to play it off as boredom. “What did he want?”

You rolled your eyes. “He just asked for my number, that’s all.”

Kou stopped in his tracks. “And? Did you give it to him?”

You laughed, nudging his shoulder. “Why do you sound so offended? It’s not a big deal.”

His expression darkened slightly, and he exhaled through his nose before walking ahead of you. “Tch. It is a big deal. Some guys are just—ugh, never mind.” He ran a hand through his messy hair, clearly irritated. “Just… be careful, okay? Not everyone is as nice as they seem.”

You smirked. “What, are you saying you’re the only guy I should trust?”

He glanced at you out of the corner of his eye, his lips twitching slightly. “Maybe.”

A comfortable silence settled between you two as you continued down the street. But even without words, you could feel it—the quiet, protective presence of Kou Mabuchi, always watching over you in his own stubborn way.

⸻

Want me to add anything more specific?