Panda Black

004

They all stood there, frozen. Yuki tilted her head, confused, unable to comprehend why everyone was staring at her so intently. Trying to figure out what was causing their confusion, she awkwardly smiled and said, "Uh, guys, I didn't do any hacking or anything. It was just an online forum for worldwide chat—it's nothing special."

Chifuyu laughed. "Why are you explaining it to them?"

Baji chimed in, exclaiming, "Yuki-chan is amazing! Oi, Mikey, why don't you add her to Toman? She could gather information for us!"

Chifuyu quickly stepped in front of Yuki, protesting. "No way! She's not joining Toman." His tone was firm, his protective stance clear.

Mikey, who had been silent the entire time, said nothing at first. Draken shook his shoulder, snapping him out of his thoughts. Mikey glanced at Draken, then at Chifuyu, before finally sitting down on the bed. "Don't worry, Chifuyu. I won't make her a member of Toman," he said, flashing his usual friendly smile. "But, you know, I could always change my mind. She seems pretty capable."

Chifuyu gasped, shocked by Mikey's comment. "No, Mikey-kun! Yuki is small, she's weak, and she can't fight those dangerous guys. It's too risky!" he protested.

Yuki, sitting behind Chifuyu, gently pushed him aside so she could come into view. "Get out of my face for a second," she said, nudging him slightly. Turning her attention to Mikey, she added, "First of all, Mikey-kun," and Mikey looked at her attentively. "I don't want to waste my time on nonsense. Second, my brother and mom would never allow it. And third, I've got plenty of other things to do, so don't even think about it."

Mikey met her gaze and, with a challenging smirk, asked, "Are you afraid of bloodshed?"

Before Chifuyu could protest again, Yuki cut him off. "You think fighting is everything, huh?" She stood up, walked over to Mikey, and leaned in slightly, her hands in her pockets, staring him down. "Why don't you ask your sister first? See how she reacts," she said with a sly smile.

Mikey remained silent for a moment, and Yuki raised an eyebrow. Then, unexpectedly, Mikey burst into laughter. Confused, Yuki frowned. "What's so funny?" she asked, her voice edged with irritation.

Mikey, still laughing heartily, wiped away a tear. "Chifuyu, you've got one amazing sister. She's fearless!" He continued to chuckle. "Yuki-chan, you've made my day."

"Uh, thanks?" Yuki replied, unsure how to respond.

Mikey jumped off the bed, still grinning. "Relax, I was just joking! Don't take it seriously."

"Oh... okay," Yuki said, her awkwardness returning.

Suddenly, Mikey slung an arm around Yuki's shoulders, leaning heavily on her and causing her to tilt slightly under his weight. "Since you've made me happy, how about a ride?" he asked, flashing her a mischievous grin.

"A ride?" Yuki echoed, looking up at him.

Mikey nodded. "Yeah, on my CB250T. Emma told me you're into bikes."

Yuki's eyes lit up with excitement, and she eagerly nodded. "Yes, definitely!"

Mikey smiled wider. "Then what are we waiting for?" He headed toward the door. Yuki grabbed her jacket and shouted, "Oni-chan, I'm going!" as she rushed after him.

"Hey, wait for us!" Draken called, hurrying to catch up, followed by Baji, Chifuyu, and Takemichi.

As they scrambled to put on their shoes, Mrs. Matsuno called from the kitchen, "Kids, lunch is ready!"

"Later, Mom!" Yuki and Chifuyu replied in unison as they dashed out the door.

"See you, Auntie!" Draken added, closing the door behind them.