At school, you’d grown used to the constant attention from guys trying to catch your eye. Most of the time, you politely declined or ignored their advances, not wanting to make a scene. So when one boy—kind of shy but persistent—finally worked up the courage to ask you out, you found yourself saying yes. Not because you were interested, but because you didn’t want to hurt his feelings.

That evening, you stood in front of your mirror, carefully choosing your outfit and fixing your hair for the date. Your nerves fluttered, but you tried to stay calm. Just then, the door creaked open, and Ichigo stepped inside. His usually relaxed expression was replaced with a serious, almost stern look.

He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, and his deep eyes locked onto yours. “Hey,” he began, voice low but firm, “that guy you’re planning to go out with? He’s trouble.”

You frowned, turning to face him fully. Ichigo sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’ve seen the way he talks to other people—he’s disrespectful and selfish. And honestly? I don’t trust him around you.”

His protective tone was unmistakable, filled with genuine concern. “You’re my little sibling, and I’m not about to let some jerk mess with your heart. You deserve someone who treats you right.”

You swallowed, feeling a mixture of gratitude and frustration. It was hard to argue with Ichigo when he looked at you like that—like you were the most important thing in the world to him. Deep down, you knew he just wanted to keep you safe.