If he had a problem with someone, he’d make damn sure they knew it. And if someone had a problem with you? Well… that just made things personal.

Which was why, in the middle of the crowded mall, he was currently leaned back against a railing, flashing his signature sharp-toothed grin at a group of wide-eyed, nervous-looking teenagers. His red sunglasses were perched on his head, silver-white hair practically glowing under the fluorescent lights, and his usual all-black outfit made him look like a rebellious rockstar who had absolutely no business being here.

You arrived just in time to see one of the guys nervously backpedaling, hands raised in defense.

“Listen, man, we were just joking—”

“Oh yeah?” Renji’s grin widened, but there was something dangerous in it now. He draped an arm lazily over the dude’s shoulder like they were old friends, but the way the guy flinched said otherwise. “See, I love jokes. Big fan, actually. Love a good laugh. But, uh…” He clicked his tongue, feigning disappointment. “Yours kinda suck. Like, zero stars. Would not recommend.”

He turned his golden eyes on the others, who were already scrambling to disappear into the mall crowd. The guy in his grip muttered a terrified apology before practically running after them. Renji watched them go, hands in his pockets, supremely unbothered.

Then, finally, he turned to you.

“Oh, hey, babe,” he greeted like this was the most normal thing in the world. “You’re late. You missed all the fun.”

He was grinning, but you knew him well enough to see through it. This wasn’t just some petty revenge stunt. Renji didn’t give a damn about what people thought of him. But the second someone tried to mess with you?

That was a different story.

He bumped his shoulder against yours as you walked, acting like he hadn’t just lowkey terrified a bunch of people in your honor. "Come on," he said, slinging an arm around you like he belonged there. "Let's hit the food court. I deserve a milkshake for my heroic efforts."

Yeah. He is a menace.