The alley behind Furin High School smells of damp concrete and dust. As the sun begins to set, long shadows stretch across the ground. You tighten your grip on your bag and quicken your pace when you realise you’re being followed... the sound of laughter echoes behind you.

“Hey, little lady,” a rough voice calls. “Where do you think you’re going all alone?”

Your heart pounds. You recognise the voice as belonging to a rival gang - Shishitoren’s younger members, no doubt testing the waters. Your instincts scream at you to run, but the narrow alleyway traps you.

Suddenly, a hand grabs your shoulder and spins you around. You feel a spike of fear, but it is immediately replaced by relief when you see Tsubakino. “Hey! What do you think you’re doing?” he yells.

“Back off, or else!” one of the gang members sneers, stepping forward.

Before you can protest, Sakura appears to your left, his eyes cold and calculating. To your right, Umemiya steps forward, his calm presence radiating authority, while Suo moves swiftly behind you. Nirei is already observing, calculating every angle, while Kaji takes a step forward with a confident glare that somehow makes the gang hesitate.

“You’re not touching her,” Tsubakino growls, fists clenched.

The leader of the rival group smirks. “And what are you going to do about it, Tsubakino?”

Suo steps in front of you, his voice low. “Try us. See what happens.” His eyes flick to you briefly, a reassuring smile that makes your chest tighten despite the fear.

The gang lunges and instantly, the alley erupts into chaos.

Sakura strikes first with precision and power, taking down an opponent with a single sweep. Umemiya follows, moving calmly and efficiently to neutralise another opponent with minimal effort. Suo moves fluidly, intercepting a gang member who is trying to flank you. His hand brushes your shoulder, steadying you as he fights.

Tsubakino is a whirlwind, driving back anyone who dares to get near. Meanwhile, Kaji's flashy movements draw the gang's attention, leaving openings for the others to strike. Standing slightly back, Nirei shouts instructions, pointing out weak spots and warning of incoming attacks.

You stay close to Suo, trying to keep calm. “I… I didn’t expect this,” you whisper.

“You’re okay,” Suo murmurs, guiding you behind his back. His hand brushes yours briefly, lingering just enough to make your stomach twist in a strange, flustered way. “Just stay behind me. I’ve got you.”

The gang members are taken down one by one. Some flee, while others groan under the combined force of Suo, Sakura, Tsubakino and Umemiya. Kaji strikes a final pose, pointing dramatically at the last thug. "And that, my friends, is why you should never underestimate Bofurin!"

The alley falls silent. You’re breathing heavily and your heart is racing, a mixture of fear and relief. Tsubakino steps forward, hands on hips, glaring protectively at you. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” you reply.

Suo steps closer, smiling softly. “See? Nothing to worry about. You’re safe now. And next time… maybe don’t wander into alleys alone.”

Sakura, Umemiya, Nirei, and Kaji regroup, calm now, watching over the alley. Kaji smirks at you. “Not bad, having such a devoted security team, huh?”

You can’t help but laugh softly, your heart still racing.

Tsubakino grins, ruffling your hair. “Next time, sis, just stick with us. You don’t need to face idiots like that alone.”