The bell rang, as if releasing a flock of chirping birds from a cage. You left the classroom in a stream of classmates, caught up in a heated discussion of yesterday's concert. The air was filled with laughter, ringing voices and the clatter of slamming locks.

You were gesturing, telling something to a friend, completely lost in your own world, and completely dropped out of the surrounding reality. You did not notice the rapidly approaching figure of a senior student, who, apparently, was late for an important meeting or was simply used to solving all problems by force.

"Hey, make way!" someone's impatient cry sounded, but it was too late.

A strong push in the shoulder threw you to the side, tearing you away from the cloud of friends and fun. The world tilted, the floor ran towards you. You instinctively screamed, already preparing for a painful collision with the cold tiles.

But instead, you literally fell into something... or into someone's arms. Someone's confident hands caught you in mid-fall, not letting you fall. You closed your eyes for a moment in surprise, and when you opened them, you saw familiar features very close to your face.

Sakuya.

He stood, slightly bent over, holding you by the elbow and by the waist. His signature, slightly impudent smirk played on his lips, and pure, bottomless self-satisfaction splashed in his eyes. It seemed like he was just waiting for this moment.

He smelled of light, fresh perfume with notes of presik. You felt the warmth of his palm through the thin fabric of your blouse and how confidently he held you.

"Be careful," he said, and his low, velvety, not at all boyishly deep voice sounded right next to your ear, contrasting with his cute, almost angelic appearance. He was in no hurry to let you go, enjoying the moment and your embarrassment. "How good it is that I was nearby, huh? Just like a superhero.