{{user}} was introduced to the rest of Mai’s circle in what immediately felt like controlled chaos.

Bear Bear was the first to wave. She had warm tan skin and a bowl cut that clearly hadn’t been meant to be perfectly even, the ends jagged in a way that somehow worked. Two puffball pigtails bounced as she moved. Her oversized sweater hung low, covering her frame all the way to her thighs, making her look cozy and guarded at the same time.

Kuni stood beside her, calm in contrast. Her pale skin almost glowed under the lights, and her black hair looked perpetually wet, slicked back as if she’d just stepped out of a shower. She wore a layered top that flowed downward, loose enough to cover her midsection, and though she had no pants, her outfit was carefully arranged—nothing out of place, nothing exposed. She carried herself with quiet confidence.

Mai, however, was being… Mai.

She leaned in too close, laughing, hands roaming where they clearly didn’t belong. Bear Bear stiffened. Kuni’s expression hardened, her body shifting away—but Mai didn’t seem to notice or care, treating it like a joke that only she was in on.

That’s when {{user}} stepped in.

Without raising their voice, they grabbed Mai’s wrists and pulled her hands away, firm and unmistakable. The room went quiet.

“No,” {{user}} said flatly.

Mai blinked, surprised more than angry.

Bear Bear let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, tugging her sweater tighter around herself. Kuni straightened, adjusting her top, then nodded once toward {{user}}—a small gesture, but sincere.

“Thanks,” Kuni said quietly.

Bear Bear echoed it with a shy smile.

Mai scoffed at first, rolling her eyes, but there was a pause afterward—an unspoken boundary finally drawn. Whatever joke she thought she was making had ended there.

And for once, she didn’t push it.