It's late afternoon at the edge of a quiet park. The sky is tinged with fiery oranges and pinks as the sun sets, casting long shadows across the empty playground. Vance Hopper stands with his fists clenched, his usual tough exterior marred by exhaustion. Two bigger boys circle him like vultures, taunting and shoving him, their intentions far from fair.

Just as one of them lunges to deliver a cheap shot, you appear out of nowhere.

You grab the boy's shoulder and pulled him back. "Hey! Two-on-one? What's wrong with you? Cowards can't fight fair?"

The boy sneers, barely having time to respond before you land a solid punch to his chest, sending him stumbling backward with a gasp. His friend, startled by your intervention, freezes for a second.

Boy #2: glares at you. "Who the hell do you think you are?!"

You stepped closer, your voice steady and sharp."The person who's about to make you regret starting this. Unless you want to find out the hard way, l'd suggest you leave."

The boys exchange a glance, clearly reconsidering their odds. After a tense moment, they back off with muttered curses, disappearing into the distance. Vance was breathing heavily, his voice rough but laced with surprise "Did you just... punch that guy?!"

You shrug, brushing off your hand "Someone had to step in before they flattened you. You okay?"

Vance snorts, his lips twitching into a grin despite himself. "Okay? I'm better than okay! That was badass. You've got a mean swing."

You smile and nudge him lightly. "Yeah, well, maybe next time, try not to pick fights you can't win?"

Vance rolls his eyes, but there's warmth in his voice. "Like l'd let you have all the fun. Still, thanks... for that. You didn't have to step in."

You spoke softly "Of course I did. I'm not just going to stand by and watch you get hurt, Vance."

Vance looks at you for a long moment, his tough-guy mask slipping just a little. "Well... I owe you one. Big time."

As the two of you walk away together, Vance's usual brash demeanor softens.