The faint melody of jingles drifted down the street, mingling with the laughter of preschoolers chasing each other in little races. Vendors called out as they opened their shops, the bustle of morning life wrapping around Aoi as she walked with her hands shoved into her pockets, eyes fixed on the pavement.

Her mind wasn’t on the street, though. The stranger from last night lingered in her thoughts. That warm, cheeky smile flashed in her memory, making her cheeks heat as she blinked hard.

Who was that guy? she wondered, lips pressing together. What’s his deal? And how’d he know my name…?

A sudden shift of presence behind her made her instincts flare. She sidestepped just in time, catching the wrist of the figure who nearly toppled forward.

“Whoa—!”

“What’re you doing, Ayane?” Aoi muttered, steadying the brunette, who looked back with a sheepish grin.

“Morning, Aoi!” Ayane chirped, ignoring the jab.

“…Morning,” Aoi replied flatly, one brow arched.

“That was close,” came another voice. Both girls glanced back to see Mei approaching with her usual serene smile, a black backpack slung over one shoulder.

“Good morning, Aoi. You really weren’t paying attention just now, were you?” Mei teased lightly.

“Huh?” Aoi blinked.

“We’ve been calling your name forever,” Ayane added with a mock pout. “Were you daydreaming?”

Caught off guard, Aoi averted her gaze, her ears-tinged pink. “It’s nothing.”

Mei chuckled softly. “Whatever it was, you reacted quickly.”

“Yeah!” Ayane pumped her fist. “To dodge my sneak attack like that—you’re really sharp, Aoi.”

Aoi hummed faintly, her gaze slipping past the two girls. What’s with the bags? she wondered, one brow arching.

“Anyway,” Mei’s tone softened as her eyes flicked to Aoi’s right hand, “how’s your injury holding up?”

“It’s fine. Doesn’t hurt anymore,” Aoi answered, lifting her hand briefly, studying the faint mark before letting it fall back to her side.

“Think it’ll leave a scar?” Mei teased, her smile curling playfully.

“…Shut up,” Aoi muttered, shutting her eyes in mild annoyance. Mei only chuckled, clearly amused.

Ayane, meanwhile, had gone quiet. Her gaze dropped to the ground, her father’s words from the night before echoing in her mind: “Sometimes people like her don’t need scolding. They just need someone to show they care. That alone can be enough.”

Her fists tightened with resolve before she lifted her gaze again. “Um… Aoi?”

“Hm?” Aoi glanced over, Mei following suit. Both caught the uncertainty flickering across Ayane’s face.

“I… I want to give you these.” She fumbled in her pocket, pulling something out. Aoi blinked, her eyes narrowing on the item in Ayane’s hand.

“Gloves?” she muttered.

“Leather gloves,” Ayane confirmed, cheeks faintly pink as she looked down. “They’re thick, good for fights. My sister gave me way too many pairs, so… I thought you could use them.”

Aoi’s heart thumped softly as she stared, silent for a moment.

“You can wear them when we’re up against opponents,” Ayane added, glancing sideways, voice dipping. “Or… whenever you feel like it. If you want to, that is.”

Come to think of it, she did put some on back then. Aoi’s mind flickered back to the exams two days ago—the moment Ayane had pulled on her own pair before the first phase.

“…I just don’t want you to get hurt again,” Ayane admitted at last, still unable to meet her eyes.

Mei’s smile curved, gentle and knowing. Aoi exhaled quietly, reaching out to take the gloves from Ayane’s hands.

“Thanks,” she murmured.

Ayane’s eyes brightened, glimmering as Aoi slipped the gift into her back pocket.

“I’ll use them,” she added, her voice steadier now. “And I’ll be careful.”

“You’d better,” Mei teased lightly, “otherwise your whole body will end up in bandages next time.”

Aoi twitched, eyes snapping shut in annoyance. “I won’t mind being the one to wrap you up in them.”

Both Mei and Ayane broke into laughter at her retort, while Aoi cracked one eye open, lips barely tugging into the faintest smirk.

“Also…” Ayane suddenly blurted; eyes fixed on Aoi as she pulled out her phone. “Can I have your number? I’ve been meaning to ask since the day we met!”

Mei gave a soft chuckle, taking out her own phone. “I’d like yours too, Aoi.”

Aoi blinked, then sighed as her hand slipped into her pocket. “...Fine.” She pulled out her phone lazily, tapping across the screen.

“Whoa~!” Ayane’s eyes lit up, and Mei leaned closer in curiosity.

“What?” Aoi raised a brow.

“That’s the newest model! How do you even have this?!” Ayane practically sparkled.

“It’s pretty rare. Didn’t it come out just last year?” Mei added calmly.

“It’s not important,” Aoi muttered, holding her phone out. “Here. Just type it in.”

Ayane snatched it eagerly, fingers flying as she entered her number, then passed it to Mei. After adding her contact, Mei offered her own phone to Aoi. She typed in her info quickly and handed it back, only to notice Ayane grinning mischievously while hammering away at her screen.

“…What now?” Aoi asked, suspicion in her tone.

Ayane flashed her phone at them with a wink. “Ta-da! I made us a group chat!”

“Huh?!” Aoi’s eyes widened.

Mei’s phone buzzed, and she smiled as she checked the new notification. “That’s clever. Now we can stay connected anytime.”

“Exactly! This way, we’re always together—even when we’re not.” Ayane giggled, bouncing on her heels.

Aoi shoved her phone back into her pocket with pink cheeks. “…You’re ridiculous.”

“It’s gonna be fun, you’ll see!” Ayane sang, while Mei chuckled softly at Aoi’s embarrassed scowl.

“Anyway, what’s up with the—”

“Let go of me!” A sharp voice cut Aoi off. The three turned their heads toward the commotion across the street. A masked man was pinned to the ground by a policeman; arms twisted behind his back as handcuffs clicked into place.

“On your feet,” the officer ordered, hauling him up. “You’ll explain yourself to the chief when we arrive at the station. Stealing this early in the morning? Really?”

“I just needed some cash!” the thief barked as he was shoved toward the patrol car.

The girls exchanged looks, brows raised, before watching the squad car roll away.

……………..

“So, Sokyoshi actually has police?” Aoi asked as they climbed the stairwell, turning into their hallway.

“Mm-hm.” Mei nodded lightly.

“They’ve always been around. Small force, but reliable. They handle what they can—but when things get too rough, that’s where we come in.” Ayane explained.

“Rough like gang fights?” Aoi guessed.

“Exactly,” Ayane smirked, pumping a fist. Aoi slowed her pace as they stopped in front of their classroom door. She narrowed her eyes at the two bags hanging from Ayane and Mei’s shoulders.

“…Alright, but seriously,” she muttered, tilting her head, “what’s with the luggage?”

“Luggage?” Ayane blinked before exchanging a look with Mei.

“You didn’t read the schedule, did you?” Mei asked with her usual calm smile.

“Schedule?” Aoi’s brow shot up.

Ayane smacked her forehead with a groan. “Knew it. No wonder you’re walking around empty-handed.”

“Wait, what are you talking about—” Before Aoi could finish, Ayane swung another small backpack around with a smug grin.

“…Where the hell did that come from?!” Aoi gawked, pointing accusingly.

“It’s strange you didn’t know,” Mei chuckled softly.

“Know what?!” Aoi barked, still confused.

“Classes,” Ayane said matter-of-factly. “As in, lectures. You know… actual school stuff.”

“That’s right,” Mei added, nodding. “We may be fighters, but Sayonaki still makes sure we crack open a book or two.”

Aoi groaned, pressing a palm to her face. “And you two didn’t bother telling me sooner?!”

“We thought you were just… choosing not to carry anything,” Mei teased.

“Relax,” Ayane said with a sunny grin, holding out the extra bag. “You can stash it in a locker if it’s too much for you. I already stocked it with notebooks, pens, and even crayons.”

“Crayons?!” Aoi snatched it, her face burning as she avoided their amused looks. “You’re so dead, Ayane.”

“Aw, don’t be shy,” Ayane chimed. “It’s cute!”

“Enough! We’re going in.” Aoi snapped, swinging the door open with more force than necessary.