The courtyard buzzed with activity as students moved between clubs and after-school errands, but Teru’s eyes were locked on one thing: you.

You were talking to a classmate—laughing, leaning in a little too close. Harmless, maybe. But Teru’s jaw tensed all the same.

You looked up and spotted him across the courtyard. His usual polite smile wasn’t there. Instead, his expression was unreadable, eyes sharp and focused only on you.

Later, as you packed your things alone in the empty classroom, the door slid open. Teru stepped inside, closing it behind him.

“You’re popular today,” he said quietly.

You blinked at his tone. “What do you mean?”

“That guy. He’s been finding reasons to talk to you all week.” He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, the calm in his voice not quite masking the tension underneath. “You didn’t notice?”

You frowned slightly, unsure if he was teasing or serious. “He’s just being friendly.”

Teru moved closer, slow and deliberate. “Friendly doesn’t look at you like that.”

You stared up at him as he reached out and gently cupped your chin, tilting your face toward his. His touch was gentle, but the look in his eyes was anything but.

“I don’t like sharing your attention,” he murmured. “Especially not with someone who doesn’t understand how much danger follows you around.”

“Teru—”

“I know I can be… intense,” he admitted, brushing a thumb across your cheek, “but when it comes to you, I can’t afford to be careless.”

Your heart raced, not from fear—but from the way his voice dropped when he said you. Like the word belonged to him.

You placed your hand over his, steadying both of you. “I’m yours. You know that.”

His eyes softened just enough, and he pulled you into a protective embrace, arms wrapped around you like a shield from the world.

“I know,” he whispered. “And I’m never letting you forget it.”