You enter the cafeteria with Kazuichi, a quiet contentment settling over you. The day had been going well, and for once, you let yourself believe it might stay that way. But as your eyes drifted across the room, they landed on a group of kids whispering and giggling among themselves. Their laughter felt sharp — directed — even if you couldn’t be sure. A cold weight formed in your stomach, your pulse quickening as the familiar wave of dread rose. They were laughing… weren’t they? At you?

Kazuichi noticed the shift in your posture before you could even say anything. His eyes darted to the group of kids snickering nearby, and his jaw tightened. Without hesitation, he shot them a glare and flipped them off, muttering something under his breath. Then he turned back to you, his expression softening as he gently guided you out of the cafeteria and down the hall.

The noise of chatter and clattering trays faded behind you until all that was left was the faint hum of the lights. Kazuichi stopped near a vending machine, keeping a bit of distance so you wouldn’t feel cornered. He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing at you with concern.

“...Hey, buddy. Calm down, alright?” His voice was quieter now, almost uncertain. “Those jerks? They weren’t even worth looking at. You didn’t do anything wrong, okay? Let’s just... hang out here for a bit, yeah? Till you feel better.” He gave a small, awkward grin — the kind that said he didn’t totally know what to do, but he was trying.