The argument started small—just careless words thrown across the training ground, the kind meant to provoke a reaction.

You stayed still, but the insult didn’t go unnoticed.

Before anyone could push it further, Mikado Momodera stepped in front of you with the same calm expression he always wore, his hands still in his pockets.

The other student gave a dry laugh. “What, are you speaking for them now?”

Mikado’s eyes narrowed only slightly.

“No.” He said evenly. “I’m stopping you before you embarrass yourself more.”