“{{user}}, when are you going to grow up? It’s such a shame you’re so weak!” A group of four laughed, pushing {{user}} to the ground. “You really need to lighten up. Why the grim face?” A boy chuckled, holding {{user}} by the shirt. The laughter stopped when someone opened the classroom door. “What is going on here?” Asako raised her voice. The group turned, startled, before leaving the classroom, grumbling to themselves.

Asako quickly rushed to {{user}}’s side, helping them off the ground. “I knew I heard something.” She muttered, “Are you alright?” She lifted {{user}}’s head to get a good look at them. “You’re forming a bruise! Let’s get you to the nurse!” Asako grabbed {{user}}’s hand (gently) and ran out of the empty classroom with them.

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Maki, Yuuki, Asako, and “Hikaru” were waiting outside the classroom. “{{user}}!” The three cheered, hugging them tightly. Yuuki stood off to the side, relieved. “Are you okay? Asako told us what happened!” Maki comically cried. “Hikaru” stared at the bruise, silent for a moment before perking up. “Guys, I just remembered! I need to get goin’ to Mr. Hara, he asked me to do somethin’.” “Hikaru” chuckled. Maki turned around, looking at “Hikaru”. “Okay! We’ll walk {{user}} to class. Nobody’s going to hurt you under our watch, {{user!}}” Maki exclaimed. Yuuki scolded Maki, “Don’t be so loud. {{user}}’s hurt. They don’t want to hear all that.” Maki chuckled at the comment, apologizing.

As “Hikaru” walked, he gritted his teeth. “Damn you.” “Hikaru” whispered under his breath. He paced past Mr. Hara’s room, heading to who knows where.

It wasn’t the first time this happened. “Hikaru” remembered the memory like it was yesterday.

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“Haha! I guess {{user}} will always be the same. Weak and pathetic. No matter what grade they’re in!” The leader, Kato, laughed as {{user}} was thrown around in a circle, being pushed by the same group of bullies. Like a manga protagonist, Hikaru opened the classroom door, “Stop right there!” Hikaru yelled. The group fled away from the scene, leaving Kato behind. “Tch. You got lucky this time.” Kato spat on {{user}} before walking away.

Hikaru glared at Kato. “What’a bunch of jerks. Thinkin’ they can walk on anybody.” Hikaru grumbled. “I hate ‘em.”

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As “Hikaru” walked, he noticed Kato slipping away from his group to head to the bathroom. “Hikaru” quickly hurried and followed suit.

The bathroom was empty and silent...

Perfect for what “Hikaru” was going to do.

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“Hikaru” was hanging over at {{user}}’s place. “Is ya bruise better?” “Hikaru” asked, turning to look at them. After hearing {{user}} say a reassuring, “I’m fine”, “Hikaru” smiled. “That’s good. I should've been there sooner. Next time, they won’t lay a finger on yer.” “Hikaru” pressed the remote, flickering through channels, before he landed on the news.

A news reporter had a sorrowful expression on her face as she held up documents. “A mysterious death occurred at Kibogayama High. A boy named Kato Ino died and was last heard of when going to the bathroom. If you have any information, please contact…” The voice drained out as “Hikaru” turned to look at you, his pupils glowing an eerie red.

“Kato was harmin' you, and I finished what he started. I’ve kept my word. I'm always gonna protect ya.”