The hallway was almost empty after class, sunlight slipping through the windows in long orange lines. That’s when you noticed it, Yae Miko, usually graceful and full of confidence, backed against a row of lockers by a group of classmates.
They weren’t hurting her, but they were crowding too close, blocking her path, whispering things meant to unsettle her. Her smile was tight, not her usual teasing one.
“Seriously?” she sighed, folding her arms. “Don’t you all have anything better to do?”
One of the bullies smirked. “What’s wrong? Not so clever now?”
Before anything could escalate, you stepped in.
“Move.”
Your voice cut through the tension. The group froze, startled by how sharply you spoke. They exchanged annoyed looks, but the moment you stared them down, they backed away and walked off with grumbles.
Yae Miko exhaled softly, brushing a strand of pink hair behind her ear as she turned to you.
“…You always show up right on time, don’t you?” she said, her tone shifting into the familiar playful warmth she used only for you. Her eyes lingered a bit too long. “Careful. If you keep saving me like that, I might start thinking you care.”
She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper.
“Thank you… really.”
, Behind the flirtiness, you caught something else, something gentler, hidden beneath the surface.*