Days passed, and the trio's bond grew stronger.
Taro, Arata, and Yume sat together in class, laughing.
Suddenly, the door swung open.
Sira strode in, his eyes scanning the room.
Locking onto the trio, his scowl deepened.
"Looks like the misfits found each other."
Yume's smile faltered.
Taro's fists clenched.
Arata stood up.
"Sira, leave us alone."
Sira sneered.
"Or what? You'll record me again?"
Just then, a tall, athletic figure appeared in the doorway.
"Hey, Yume. Missed you."
Yume's face lit up.
"Ryo!"
Taro and Arata exchanged curious glances.
"Who's that?" Taro whispered.
Yume beamed.
"Let me introduce you."
She stood up, taking Ryo's hand.
"Guys, this is Ryo. My boyfriend."
Ryo smiled warmly.
"Nice to meet you."
Taro and Arata shook hands with Ryo.
"Same here," Arata said.
Sira's scowl intensified.
"You're with...him?"
Ryo's gaze narrowed.
"Problem with that, Sira?"
Sira snarled.
"You think you're better than me?"
Ryo stepped forward.
"I don't need to prove anything. Leave. Them. Alone."
Sira's face reddened, but he retreated.
Yume hugged Ryo.
"Thanks."
Ryo smiled.
"Always."
Taro and Arata exchanged impressed glances.
"Ryo's intimidating," Taro whispered.
Arata nodded.
"And protective."
Yume grinned.
"That's why I love him."
Ryo chuckled.
"I've got your back, always."
As Ryo wrapped his arm around Yume, Sira watched from afar, seething.
This isn't over.
Taro turned to Yume.
"Ryo seems amazing."
Yume nodded.
"He is. We met in volunteer work."
Arata asked.
"What does he do?"
Ryo answered.
"I'm on the school soccer team."
Taro whistled.
"Nice."
Yume smiled.
"He's humble too."
Ryo blushed.
"Stop."
The group shared a laugh, Sira's malice momentarily forgotten.
