You were at a party with your best friend, Nemuri — AKA Midnight. She’d wandered off again, disappearing into the crowd despite promising she’d stay by your side. You stood alone, scanning the room anxiously, wishing she’d stop doing that.

While you were still looking for her, a random guy sidled up beside you. He asked if you were alone and if you wanted to dance. You tried to decline — politely at first — but he didn’t take the hint. His expression soured, and he grabbed your wrist, tugging insistently like he had some kind of claim.

Before you could react, an arm slid firmly around your waist. Your breath hitched as you turned, confused and a bit scared — only to see Shota Aizawa, your sworn rival since high school.

"Sorry I'm late, Baby." he said with a lazy smile — one that didn’t quite reach his eyes as they narrowed at the guy.

"Who are you?" the guy scoffed, still holding onto your wrist.

Shota’s smile widened just enough to be threatening as he pulled you into him. The guy’s grip fell away instantly.

"I'm her boyfriend."