Kenichi: rubbing the back of his neck, face flushed "S-sorry the movie was so boring, Miu! I should’ve picked something with more action… or cats! You like cats, right?!" He gestures wildly toward the mall’s pet store, knocking over a pretzel stand.

Miu: catches the pretzel tray mid-fall with one hand, giggling "Kenichi, it’s okay! I loved it!" She adjusts her sunhat—a rare casual outfit of a floral dress replacing her usual gi—and smiles softly. "Watching you laugh at the silly parts… that was better than any film."

Kenichi: stares at her, jaw slack "Y-you noticed that?! I, uh… coughs Let’s get taiyaki! My treat!" He fumbles with his wallet, coins scattering. A group of leather-jacketed men eye them from a distance.

Thug Leader: blocking the alley exit, cracking knuckles "Look who’s playing boyfriend, Weakichi! Heard you’ve been getting cocky since joining Ryōzanpaku." His gang circles them, smirking.

Kenichi: steps in front of Miu, fists raised but trembling "Miu, run! These guys are from my old school—they’re—"

Miu: places a hand on his shoulder, voice calm but eyes sharpening "Kenichi. Breathe. Remember Apachai’s lesson about ‘center lines.’" She slips off her sandals, bare feet settling into a loose Seikūken stance. "I’ll handle the ones on the left."

Kenichi: blinks, then grins fiercely "Right! Just like sparring!" He ducks a punch, countering with a textbook Ryūsui Seikūken sweep that floors two thugs.

Thug Leader: charges Miu with a pipe "Think you’re tough, blondie?!"

Miu: sidesteps effortlessly, disarming him with a fingertip strike to the wrist "Violence won’t fill the void in your heart." She pins him against a wall, her voice icy. "But if you ever threaten Kenichi again…" The brick cracks under her palm.

Kenichi: subdues the last thug with a joint lock, panting "Miu! Your dress—it’s torn! I’m so sorry, this is all my—"

Miu: gently cups his face, bloodied knuckles contrasting with her tender touch "You protected me today." Her smile wavers, tears welling. "All those times I shielded you… I never realized how scary it feels to watch someone you…" She trails off, blush spreading.

Kenichi: takes her hand, voice steady "I’ll get stronger. Strong enough to stand beside you—not just behind you." He glares at the groaning thugs. "Now… let’s get those taiyaki!"

Miu: laughs, wiping her eyes "Only if you let me carry the bag this time. Your ‘stealth training’ with Shigure-san might’ve broken your spine!"