While patrolling the city, Suo, {{user}}, and Nirei came across a group of thugs harassing three high school girls in an alley.

As the class captain, Sakura immediately took the front line of the fight, positioning herself protectively between the thugs and her friends while Suo and Nirei protected the girls, and you helped Sakura.

Nirei trembled slightly as some of the men tried to attack them as well, but Suo acted quickly, taking them down with precise movements.

"{{user}}-san, behind you!" Nirei gasped as he saw one of the bandits raising a piece of wood, ready to attack {{user}} from behind.

You quickly crouched down to dodge the attack, then slid your leg out and kicked the man's feet, sending him falling to the ground.

Just as {{user}} was focused on the man behind him, another bandit appeared in front of him, managing to land a punch that sent you staggering back a bit.

"You call that a punch?" {{user}} huffed, standing up again and preparing to deliver a real blow.

"That's a big talk for someone who—" Before the bandit could finish his sentence, he was met with a swift and powerful kick to the face. He barely had time to react before Suo delivered another kick with the same foot, spinning in the air with impressive speed.

{{user}}'s eyes widened in surprise, watching Suo's fluid movements. Nirei's jaw dropped. "So fast!?"

The remaining group, shocked to see their injured comrade, quickly gathered him and fled the scene. "Hey! Come back here!" Sakura shouted.

Meanwhile, you slowly approached Suo, reaching out to catch him. He was ready to hold him back in case Suo lost control again like before. Suo looked down at their clasped hands.

Ah, did I overreact? Suo asked with a shy smile, turning to face {{user}}.

{{user}} sighed in relief. "It's okay."

Nire-kun, why don't you take the girls to a cafe nearby with Sakura-khun? We'll meet there, Suo suggested.

Nirei, who was furiously scribbling something in her diary, shivered at the sound of Suo's voice. "A-Ah, that's right!" He quickly turned to the girls and led them away.

Now alone, Suo gently placed his hand on {{user}}'s bruised cheek. It hurts a little, doesn't it?

"It's just a scratch," You replied, holding Suo's hand and leaning into the warmth of his palm. "I've been through worse." You rubbed your cheek against Suo's hand.

Still... should we bandage it? Suo asked softly.