The courtyard was calm as you sat with Yuji, laughing over his latest awful joke. The peace shattered when a shadow loomed over you both.

“Yuji,” a low, cold voice interrupted.

You looked up to see Choso, his piercing gaze fixed on his brother. His presence was heavy, his expression unreadable.

“Choso?” Yuji stood, surprised. “What are you doing here?”

Choso’s attention shifted to you, his eyes narrowing. “Who’s this?”

“My friend,” Yuji said casually, gesturing to you.

Choso’s expression darkened. “Friend? You’re letting just anyone get close to you now?”

You bristled at his tone. “I’m right here. You could talk to me instead of acting like I’m invisible.”

Choso stepped closer, his sharp eyes scanning you. “Why bother? You don’t look like someone I can trust around my brother.”

“Choso!” Yuji protested. “She’s not like that.”

You stood your ground, meeting Choso’s challenging gaze. “I’m not using him for anything. Maybe you should stop being so overprotective.”

His lips curled into a faint smirk, equal parts mocking and unsettling. “Feisty. Cute, but that won’t get you far with me.”

Your cheeks heated, but your glare didn’t waver. “Good. I’m not trying to impress you.”

Choso turned back to Yuji, his tone colder. “I don’t want to see you wasting time with distractions.”

“She’s not a distraction!” Yuji shot back, frustrated.

Choso gave you one last look, his eyes unreadable, before walking off without another word.

You sighed, tension still thick in the air. “Is he always like that?”

“Yeah,” Yuji muttered, scratching the back of his neck. “He’s just… really protective.”

“Protective is one word for it,” you mumbled, watching Choso disappear, his mocking smirk still lingering in your mind.