Shangri La Pt. 1

30: Sympathy

As he reached his hand out to Izumi and appeared like he was about to pull her hair–thinking it was a wig–he was abruptly halted when a strong hand grabbed his wrist and stopped him.

Izumi, Kendo and Neito all froze up as they looked to see that a disguised Katsuki was the one that stopped Neito from doing anything further. Izumi was completely speechless to see the Captain standing right behind her but protecting her from Neito's actions from getting any further, and she could easily tell that Katsuki seemed pissed. 

"Ah– Why're you here?" 

"You– Haha– Would you kindly release me from your grip, sir?" Neito sarcastically asked, but Katsuki's gaze remained intense. 

"Tch– You talk a lot of shit for someone that I can easily tell can't fight back. I bet you can't even handle hearing someone talk shit about you either, huh?" Katsuki growled with glaring eyes. Izumi remained speechless at how the disguised blond was reacting, as she didn't think he was listening or paying attention to what was going on inside the shop.

"Aha~ Are you just trying to protect her, is that it?" Neito questioned. 

"I have to, it's my job, otherwise I wouldn't be here dealing with your ignorant ass." Katsuki spat back. 

'He's... protecting me? N-No one's ever done this for me in public before.' 

"I see~ So then what other purpose is there for you to try and protect her?" 

"The same reason an asshole like you is deciding to speak bullshit." It was clear that this little altercation was starting to cause problems as many people around were beginning to get interested in what was going on. 

"Oh look, now you're causing a scene, this might be quite embarrassing for you, hm?" 

"Not at all." 

"Excuse me?" 

And without any hesitation, Katsuki used his left arm to wrap around the disguised greenette and pulled her into his embrace while still glaring at Neito. 

"I'm just doing my job, and that job is to protect this woman from pieces of shit like yourself." Katsuki announced, leaving Izumi's chest to suddenly get warm.

"Y-You– I-Itsuka, do something!" Neito yelled, turning back at Kendo. 

"Ah– M-Maybe it would be best to just stop this now before a fight breaks out, gentlemen." Kendo tried to suggest. 

"Y-Yes yes, that's a good idea. Now sir, will you kindly just let–" 

"Not yet." Katsuki interrupted as he tightened his grip on Neito's wrist. 

"Hey! Let go of me!" 

"I said not yet, as you still need to make an apology." 

"A-Alright alright, I apologize for getting in your way, good sir, now will you please just–" 

"Not me." Katsuki spoke. 

"H-Huh?" And without waiting another second, Katsuki lifted his left hand and rested it on Izumi's left shoulder while leaning his face to be almost on top of her right shoulder. 

"You gotta apologize to her since that's the reason I'm here." he added, causing Izumi's ears to turn red. 

"I-I what?" 

"Ah– Actually, I think it would be right that you don't apologize, we can make another solution that's even more satisfying. Maybe if you got on your hands and knees and begged for mercy, or... Heh– We could settle this with a fight if you want?" Katsuki suggested with a smirk.