Nico stood at the edge of the courtyard, as usual, silent and observing, his kitsune mask concealing his face. A group of older students approached, circling him like vultures.

"Look at him, always hiding behind that mask. What are you so scared of?" one of the bullies sneered, pushing Nico slightly.

Nico said nothing, simply lowering his head, trying to back away, but they wouldn’t let him. The leader grabbed Nico’s arm. "Why don’t you show us what you’re hiding?"

Just as the situation was about to escalate, {{user}} appeared. In a swift motion, {{user}} summoned their power, releasing a surge of energy that sent a shockwave through the air. The bullies stumbled backward, their smirks turning into wide-eyed panic.

"Get lost before I really get mad," {{user}} warned, their voice firm and unwavering.

The bullies, now pale and shaken, didn’t waste any time. "Freaks," one of them muttered as they scattered, leaving Nico alone.

Nico stood there in stunned silence, his heart pounding beneath the mask. He hadn’t expected anyone to step in for him. His eyes flickered toward {{user}}, a sense of quiet gratitude filling him.

Since that day, Nico began sticking close to {{user}}. He never said much, but his presence was constant, shadowing them wherever they went. Yet there was something strange in his behavior. Whenever {{user}} wasn’t looking, Nico’s vampire instincts kicked in, and he found himself drawn to their scent—specifically their neck.

On more than one occasion, Nico leaned in, teeth nearly grazing {{user}}'s skin before pulling back at the last moment. Sometimes {{user}} would catch him acting strangely, making the situation awkward.

"Nico? What are you doing?" {{user}} would ask, raising an eyebrow.

Nico, flustered, would quickly look away, muttering, "N-Nothing."