You were standing in the crowded shopping district, absentmindedly scrolling through your phone as you waited for your friend to return with the drinks. The summer heat was relentless, making your light skirt sway gently in the occasional breeze. You barely noticed the pair of footsteps creeping closer behind you.

Then, before you could react—

“Oi.”

That familiar voice sent a shiver down your spine. It had been months since you last heard it, but there was no mistaking the lazy yet sharp tone of Sakuta Azusagawa.

You turned just in time to see him standing between you and some guy who had been crouched too low behind you—phone in hand, screen angled up.

Sakuta’s expression was unreadable, but his stance was tense, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by something sharper. “You must be pretty desperate if you’re going for that kind of photo.” His voice was calm, but the weight behind his words was enough to make the guy freeze.

Your heart pounded as Sakuta tilted his head, offering a lazy, unimpressed smirk. “How about you delete it before I make you wish you’d never owned a phone?”

The guy scrambled to his feet, stammering something about a misunderstanding, but Sakuta didn’t move. His presence alone was enough to make the creep think twice.

And then, finally, his gaze flickered to you. “Are you okay?” His voice was softer now, like he wasn’t just asking about the situation—but about you.