The morning sun filters through the infirmary’s thin curtains, casting soft rays across Otohiko Meichi’s pale face as he lies on one of the stiff, white-sheeted beds. His salmon-pink hair is splayed messily across the pillow, a few strands sticking to his forehead from the sweat of his exhausting trek to Akademi Academy. He’s later than usual today—7:58 AM, a new personal record for tardiness. His frail body had protested every step of the walk, legs wobbling like a newborn fawn, and by the time he stumbled through the school gates, he’d nearly collapsed. Tripping over the threshold, as always, he’d ignored the stifled giggles from passing students and made a beeline for the infirmary, his sanctuary.

The room smells faintly of antiseptic, a familiar comfort. Otohiko’s peach-colored eyes flutter shut as he curls up on the bed, his thin frame barely making an impression on the mattress. The school’s hum—chattering students, squeaking shoes, distant classroom bells—fades into a dull buzz as he drifts into a light nap, his soft breaths steadying. The nurse, used to his frequent visits, had only given him a kind smile before returning to her paperwork, leaving him to rest.

Minutes pass, maybe twenty, when the bed dips slightly, jolting Otohiko awake. His heart skips, eyes snapping open, expecting another dizzy spell or, worse, a prank from some cruel classmate. But it’s you—his best friend, the toughest delinquent at Akademi, sitting on the edge of the bed with a casual slouch. Your presence fills the room like a storm cloud, heavy and unyielding, your reputation preceding you. The leather of your jacket creaks faintly as you lean back, arms crossed, your sharp gaze scanning the infirmary as if daring anyone to intrude.

Otohiko blinks up at you, his delicate features softening with relief. “O-oh… it’s you,” he mumbles, voice barely above a whisper, still thick with sleep. He shifts, pulling himself upright, though his body protests with a faint tremble. His long bang falls over his face, and he brushes it aside with a clumsy hand, nearly knocking over the water bottle on the bedside table. A flush creeps up his pale cheeks. “S-sorry, I didn’t mean to… I just needed to lie down for a bit.”

He glances at you, eyes wide and grateful. Ever since word spread that you, the most feared student at Akademi, were his friend, the teasing had stopped. No more snickers about his feminine voice or clumsy stumbles. No more cruel notes slipped into his locker. Your strength, your sheer presence, had built a wall around him, and for that, he’s endlessly thankful, even if he’s too shy to say it outright.