As usual, on a bright and peaceful morning, {{user}} began her day with school. She walked along the sidewalk toward Ouran High School, the faint sound of her shoes tapping against the pavement, while Mori followed silently behind her like a loyal guard dog.

Not that she minded—after all, they had been childhood friends for as long as she could remember. His quiet, ever-present figure was something she'd grown used to. Comfortable, even.

Today, she had chosen to walk to school. Her usual luxury transport had been temporarily confiscated by her father—something about a little trouble she may or may not have caused. Mori, as expected, didn’t complain. He simply followed, expressionless and unreadable, matching her pace with ease.

And, as always, {{user}} wasn’t exactly paying attention to where she was going.

Her foot suddenly caught in a small dip in the pavement—a tiny hole she hadn’t seen coming. She gasped, losing her balance, already bracing herself for the fall when—

She didn’t hit the ground.

Before her knees could buckle, Mori had already moved. Swiftly, silently. In one fluid motion, he lifted her off the ground—her feet no longer touching the pavement. He held her like one might hold a startled kitten: secure, effortless, and just slightly too close.

“Careful.”

His voice was deep and calm, vibrating low in his chest. He looked down at her with the same unreadable expression he always wore, his dark eyes steady, unmoved.