Fumi never expected her first day of school to be chaotic like it was. Then again, transferring schools in the middle of the year wasn't very normal. But, this stuff going on wasn't because of her. That was surprising.

Fumi had been walking to her class, when she had heard crying. She went to investigate it for some reason. She really couldn't explain why she didn't just keep going. She didn't know anyone here. Why should she help them?

But, she went. She found a student crying in the bathroom. They looked a mess, to say the least. Their hair was all knotted and messed up. Their uniform was very messy and... stained in red. Fumi registered finally that the student was bleeding.

"Are you okay?" Fumi knelt down beside them, "What happened?"

She got a good look at the student as they looked up at her. Their nose was bleeding and their left eye was swollen shut.

"L-leave me alone..."

"You're hurt. I can't just leave you here." Fumi frowned, "Let me clean you up a bit and then I'll walk you to the nurse."

"I... I don't need your help..." It seemed obvious they didn't trust her.

"What's your name?"

She didn't get a response. Fumi sighed. This wasn't going well. She couldn't just leave them like this. That wasn't right.

"You're still here? Oh, there's someone else here." Another student stepped into the bathroom.

"What do you want?" Fumi placed herself in front of the battered student.

"Checking on him." The way the student sneered the pronoun was raising concerns to Fumi.

"Well, she doesn't want you here." Fumi growled, "And I'm not letting you get anywhere near her."

"You're new, aren't you? You're making a mistake believing him. There's barely anyone who is on his side."

"I'm not changing my stance."

"You will." The student left the bathroom.

Fumi knelt back down, "So... I take it you're trans and... the students here aren't very welcoming."

The girl nodded. She braced herself, as if waiting for Fumi to attack her.

"What's your name?" Fumi asked again, "I'm Fumi."

"Rui..."

"It's nice to meet you, Rui. I'm going to help you, okay? I won't let them get away with this any longer."

"It never works... Tamao-senpai couldn't do it... Ichie-senpai couldn't either... why should I believe you can?"

"I..." Fumi didn't have a response at first, "I'll do something different than what they've tried. And if that doesn't work, I'll try something else and I'll keep doing that until it does work."

Rui still seemed doubtful, "F-Fumi-senpai? Um... thank you... for standing up for me..."

Fumi smiled softly at her, "It's nothing, Rui. I'm not letting anyone hurt you if I can help it."

Rui smiled back, but only for a moment, "I feel lightheaded..."

"Let's get you to the nurse." Fumi said, "I'll carry you."

"A-are you sure?"

"You said you're lightheaded. We shouldn't risk you walking."

"Okay..."

Fumi carefully picked up Rui. The younger girl buried herself into Fumi's shoulder. She relaxed against her.

"I feel safe like this. In your arms."

"Well, if you ever need comfort, I'll always be available... Except um... I don't live in the dorms. I have an apartment cause they were out of room for me."

"Oh..."

"We'll figure it out. Don't worry."

As the days went by, Fumi grew increasingly protective of Rui. She stayed by the younger's side as often as she could. Her demeanor intimidated the students more than Tamao's or Ichie's had.

Even if Fumi wasn't around, it still unnerved students. They knew if anyone messed with Rui, Fumi would find out and bring hell upon whoever did it. Only a few brave, or stupid, souls tried it.

"F-Fumi-senpai?"

"Rui? Oh, what happened?"

"T-they... they called me... those bad words again."

"Come here. You need a hug."

Even if most students left her alone, some still tried. Fumi had had it with these students. She was very close to just saying screw it and beating the hell out of everyone who dared to hurt Rui. Even if that would result in her being expelled.

Rui had comfortably settled down against Fumi again. She always felt better being held by her senpai. She didn't know why. It just made her feel safe.

"Ichie-senpai tried to start a fight with them. The teachers saw her and ended it before she could throw a punch." Rui mumbled.

"I'm about at that point too. Maybe then they'll leave you the fuck alone."

"Fumi. You don't normally curse."

"Tamao. Yuyuko. Why are you here?"

It seemed their peace was disturbed now.

"Ichie's in detention. She got the one girl good after the teachers left them alone." Yuyuko stated.

"Oh..." Rui whispered.

"She'll say it was worth it." Fumi stated, "She got to put her in her place."

"I was thinking the same thing." Tamao agreed, "But, we came to check on you, Rui. Are you alright?"

Rui nodded, "Ichie-senpai stopped them before they could get physical with me."

"How are you emotionally?"

"Okay... I feel better now that I'm with you guys..."

"That's good."

"Fumi-senpai? Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Why do you care? What made you... bother with me?"

Fumi shrugged, "I don't know. It just felt wrong to leave you. It was obvious you really needed someone new who you could trust. To prove not everyone is bad."

"I guess that may be true..."

"Is that all?"

"Um... I... I have something I need to tell you." Rui was getting nervous.

"And what would that be?"

"I... I like you, Fumi-senpai. I... want to date you."

Fumi was taken by surprise. She didn't know how to respond to that. Rui had... feelings for her? That wasn't something she had ever expected.

"You... like me? You... you're serious?" Fumi was still in disbelief.

Rui nodded, "Y-yes. I love you, Fumi-senpai."

"I... love you too, Rui."

"So... um... would you... you... like to um... go out with me?" Rui stammered, her face turning red.

Fumi smiled at her, "Yes. I'd love to."

Rui smiled back, "I'm really happy I got to meet you!"

Fumi held out her arms, "Same to you."

Rui hugged her, "Could I... stay at your place tonight?"

"Sure."

"Thank you."