The Third Music Room was in full swing, laughter and chatter floating through the air. Tamaki was twirling roses again, Honey was devouring another slice of strawberry shortcake, Mori stood watch, and Kyoya—though outwardly calm—still carried a faint shadow of his earlier sulk.
But suddenly, the peace shattered.
The twins came bursting through the door at full speed, their identical voices overlapping in panic.
“KYOOOYA-SENPAI!” “{{user}}-CHAN IS IN TROUBLE!”
The entire room froze.
Kyoya immediately stood, his notebook snapping shut with a decisive thwack. His voice cut sharp and commanding. “What happened?”
Hikaru and Kaoru skidded to a stop in front of him, panting dramatically. “It’s terrible, absolutely terrible!” “{{user}}-chan—” “—is surrounded by upperclassmen—” “—and they don’t look friendly!”
The twins clutched each other, feigning terror, though their eyes gleamed with mischief.
Tamaki gasped so loudly the guests shrieked. “WHAT?! MY PRECIOUS {{user}}-CHAN IS IN DANGER?!” He bolted forward, cape (that he had somehow produced) fluttering behind him. “FEAR NOT, FOR I, YOUR PRINCE, SHALL RUSH TO THE RESCUE!”
Before he could sprint out the door, Kyoya’s arm shot out, stopping him cold. His dark eyes glinted dangerously. “You’ll only cause a scene, Tamaki. And that’s the last thing {{user}} needs right now.”
“But—!”
“Stay here.” Kyoya’s tone left no room for argument.
The twins smirked. “Ooh, look at that—” “Protective mode activated.”
Honey tugged Mori’s sleeve, his eyes round with worry. “Takashi, maybe we should help too! {{user}}-chan might be scared.”
“Mn.” Mori nodded once, already stepping forward.
Renge, who had been unusually quiet until now, suddenly rose on her platform with a squeal. “Kyaaaah! THIS IS A PERFECT DEVELOPMENT ARC! The stoic Shadow King, rushing into danger for his beloved fiancée! MY HEART CAN’T TAKE IT!”
“Not helping,” Kyoya muttered, already moving past her. His voice dropped low, cold and sharp like a blade. “Show me where.”
The twins scrambled to lead the way, giggling despite the urgency. “This way, this way!”
They found {{user}} in the courtyard, cornered by three older boys from another class. Though their words weren’t clear, their postures were menacing, their smirks were unpleasant.
Kyoya’s glasses flashed as he stepped forward, his presence alone slicing through the tension. “I suggest you step away.”
The upperclassmen turned, sneering. “Ootori? What business is this of yours?”
Kyoya’s smile was sharp, calculated. “Everything concerning {{user}} is my business.”
The twins appeared on either side of him, grinning. “Uh-oh, you shouldn’t have said that~” “You just triggered Shadow King mode.”
One boy scoffed. “Tch. What are you gonna do, threaten us with your family’s money?”
Kyoya’s eyes narrowed, his voice smooth as silk but laced with venom. “Money, influence, connections—I have plenty of options. But I’d prefer not to dirty my hands with something so trivial. Instead, I’ll give you one chance to walk away. Immediately.”
The courtyard fell silent. Even the upperclassmen faltered at the weight of his gaze. There was nothing idle about his threat; Kyoya Ootori was not someone to test.
Finally, with a muttered curse, they backed off, disappearing down the path.
“Cowards,” Kaoru snorted. “Not very smart, huh?” Hikaru added.
Tamaki, who had inevitably followed despite being told to stay behind, rushed to {{user}}’s side with tears streaming down his cheeks. “MY PRECIOUS {{user}}-CHAN! ARE YOU HURT? DID THOSE SCOUNDRELS DARE TO LAY A FINGER ON YOU?!”
Kyoya’s sharp glare cut him off instantly. “Enough, Tamaki. You’ll frighten them further.”
Tamaki whimpered, sniffling into his lace handkerchief. “Why is everyone so cruel to me today…”
Honey skipped forward, offering a bright smile. “It’s okay now, {{user}}-chan! Kyo-chan scared them all away!”
“Mn,” Mori agreed quietly, giving a nod of approval."