IT WAS ABOUT LUNCH TIME AND YAMAMOTO WAS GETTING READY TO OPEN HIS BENTO FOR THE DAY. Everybody in his classroom were scattered around, chatting animatedly with each other. He was about to take a happy big bite out of his lunch until he heard a few soft gasps echo around him. He looked up to see what caught almost everyones attention and almost choked on his food when he saw who it was standing there. Staring straight at him, was Ryo Takagi.

The girl was absolutely beautiful he had to admit. Everytime she walked in the hallway she had this mysterious and ethereal presence that left you curious. He always thought that due to her being in a high and respectable position she would flaunt it off but most of the time she kept to herself and never really reached out to anyone.

Except until now. He tensed a bit when he noticed her approaching his table. She grabbed a chair from one of the desks, some students were backing up so that they weren't in the way. And placed the chair right so that it was facing him. Yamamoto on instinct stood up quickly to bow but she raised her hand to stop him.

"There is no need to be formal with me Takuya Yamamoto. You can sit back down." She said calmly. His grey eyes meeting her dark ones. Slowly and nervously he sat back down and placed both of his hands on the desk.

"Umm if you don't mind me asking Takagi-senpai, but is there something that I did that caught your interest?" He asked meekly. Ryo looked back up to stare at the boy she was currently digging through her backpack to get her notebook.

"Well yes." She cleared her throat and set her notebook and pen on his desk. The 2nd year moved his bento closer to him to give her some room. Before Ryo could speak again she gave a slight glance around the classroom meeting the eyes of the students watching. As if on que all of them quickly went back to minding their own business.

Humming contently to herself she refocused her attention back on Yamamoto. "You are friends with Takemichi Hanagaki correct?" The boy nodded not knowing what else to say. He then widened his eyes in panic thinking that something bad happened.

"Oh please Takagi-senpai if Takemichi did something to disrespect Toman please don't hurt him, my friends and I will set him straight. He means well really. I'll even do anything." He quietly begged her. The boy looked desperate. His words made her rethink to when he was about to fight.

"So this basically confirms it." She said mostly to herself but the boy could still hear her. He narrowed his eyes slightly confused. "Huh?" He then leaned back against his chair when he was met with her eyes again.

"That you would do anything to protect your friends, even if you have to fight so they don't have to. Knowing full well you don't have the skills."

Yamamoto was speechless. Yes he would do anything for his friends. It was just in his nature, he knew that he was probably the most fragile and physically weakest member of the group. Takemichi at least could his own for so long. But he didn't have that type of strength. He couldn't do what Takemichi did. Which made his respect for his childhood friend grow even stronger.

Ryo could see him thinking. He was probably going over her words. She looked down at her notes briefly before asking him another question.

"How long have you been friends with Takemichi? If you don't mind me asking."

"Ever since we were five. Really me, Yamagishi and Makoto met him around that age. Akkun though, him and Takemichi have been close ever since they were babies."

"And so on you guys have formed a group ever since. Thats touching really." She told him sincerly. He smiled softly at her.

"Thank you."

"How is Takemichi like usually? Has he always been like this." Yamamoto didn't know what she meant at first. But then realized she was probably talking about his personality. With that he couldn't understand himself. He was the same Takemichi hes always known but he couldn't help but sense that there was something different about his friend.

"Well yeah, I can't say that hes any different from before. But..." Yamamoto trailed off, he didn't want to say anything that could potentially lead Takemichi in trouble. He heard somebody clear their throat, and saw it was Ryo who was looking at him expectantly. He straightened up and muttered a quick apology to her.

"But I feel like hes definetly more mature than the rest of us. He knows alot more, stuff we couldn't think of ourselves." Ryo perked up at hearing that. She thought back to the time where Mikey asked if Takemichi was in middle school due to to him being more self aware for his age. It seemed not only her and Mikey noticed it but his friends as well.

"And you don't think your mature Yamamoto?" She knew that wasn't what he was implying but she was curious about his thoughts.

"Well not like Takemichi really, I have a lot to learn."

"I think you'll get there. You may not believe it. But it takes so much guts to stand up to something that you know you won't be able to defeat. But your intentions were clear and you only did it so your friends wouldn't have to do it."

"Yeah... but regardless Takemichi still got involved to protect me and he got hurt, because of me." Ryos hand slightly slammed against the table to get his attention. Yamamoto widened his slightly. A bit shocked to see such impulse from the black haired girl.

"Don't blame yourself. Your intentions were still good. Do you think other kids from other schools would do what you did. Nobody would stand up for their friends like that, they would mostly cower away to save their own ass. But you took one for the team and Takemichi decided to take one too. And he got noticed for it." Ryos words sunk into Yamamoto. It had him thinking. He defiantly knew what she meant. Everything that happened wouldn't have happened if he didn't step in the first place.

"I think your stronger than you think and Takemichi may have gotten the spotlight that day but don't think that your bravery didn't get over looked. You really impressed me Takuya Yamamoto." He smiled at that, getting a compliment from the Secretary of Toman. He thought just like everybody else that she was some anti social and cold teen who only focused on her work. But she was more than that, she seemed to care. Maybe it was an act at this moment and she was using him for information, he didn't know. But for some reason he didn't care.

He was just happy that he actually got acknowledged for once.

They spent the rest of the lunch period with Ryo asking Yamamoto about Takemichis home life, his relationships, what he did for fun and she even asked him about his group of friends and what they did. Five minutes before the lunch period would end. Ryo stood up to leave and shook his hand goodbye.

"Thank you so much for answering my questions Takuya Yamamoto. It was a great talk. Remember my words and I hope to see you more of you." She told him formerlly and place a small sheet of paper in front of him before leaving. His classes eyes trailing her every move once again. Yamamoto picked up the sheet of paper that read.

If you ever need a favor or any help please call this number.

RYO TAKAGI (012-987-4560)

He smiled to himself blushing a bit.

I definitely will

"RYO-CHAN THERE YOU ARE." MIKEY SAID HAPPILY AS HE ENTERED HER CLASSROOM without a care in the world. Draken and a nervous looking Takemitchy were behind him. Ryo had already been expecting them as her bag was packed. She didn't know that they were picking Takemitchy up first. She approached where Mikey stood and he placed his hand on her back guiding her to the door. Her Teacher wasn't even fazed as he was looking at his computer. He didn't even seem to notice Mikey enter in. But a majority of her class did which caused them to exchange whispers amongst each other. Ryo tried not to acknowledge them as the two left the classroom. Draken bumped her shoulder in greeting while Takemitchy just gawked at her.

Mikeys hand was still on her back, not that she minded at all. She actually liked it there. Clearing her throat she leaned in to whisper to Mikey. Draken and Takemitchy were trailing behind the two.

"I'm surprised the poor boy hasn't fainted yet." Referring to Takemitchy. Mikey chuckled at that.

"How was your day?" He always asked her this when he would pick her up from school sometimes.

"It was a regular day, although I did talk to one of Takemitchys friends to get more information on him. He's a nice boy." Mikey nodded then did a slight double take.

"Takemitchy has friends?" He questioned generally curious. Ryo bumped his shoulder slightly causing him to pout a bit.

"Hmmm that's what I thought too, but when you think about it. I can understand why people would want to be friends with him." Mikey nodded agreeing with her.

"That's true he definitely caught my attention."Ryo raised her eyebrow.

"In what way?" She asked, teasing him. Mikey rolled his eyes and it was his turn to nudge her.

"Silly silly Ryo."

"Only I can do that."

"Welp! Not anymore." And he stuck his tongue at her in a playful manner. Ryo just rolled her eyes and waved him off. She looked back when she noticed both Draken and Takemitchy stopped for a bit. Draken put his arm around the nervous 2nd year leaning in close. One thing Ryo noticed is that Draken and Mikey were very touchy at times with the boy, she wondered if there was something they weren't telling her. She gave a slight glance at Mikey before chuckling to herself.

"You feeling okay." Draken asked peering at Takemitchy. Takemitchy jumped a bit his eyes twitiching back and forth. Ryo wouldn't be surprised if the boy peed himself right then and there.

"Well its so soon after yesterday." He said the nervousness was obvious in his voice.

"You're free today aren't you?" Mikey asked him, the smile never leaving his face.

"We don't bite, promise." Ryo added in, Takemitchy didn't know if she told him that to reassure him or scare him. He thought maybe it was the latter because she said it with such a unbothered tone and straight face.

"Lets hang out for a while." Mikey said happily clearly ignoring when Takemitchy tried to add in that he couldn't. Drakens arm was still around his shoulder and began following his other two friends who resumed their stroll out of the school. Unbeknownst that a certain someone was headed their way.

"HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!" A loud voice demanded. It was a females voice. The four of them turned around to see a young girl with light brown hair. She walked up to them with a determined look on her face. Confusion was obviously shown on Mikeys and Drakens faces. But Ryo observed Takemitchy who looked very very shocked and worried to see the girl here.

"Hah who are you?" Draken demanded. But the girl ignored him and walked straight towards her target. Takemitchy raised his arm above his head nervously. "I'm sorry Hina... Today is actually busy for me, so.-" But he was cutoff when she decided to something that none of the four of them could have expected.

A loud slap was heard as her hand collided with Mikeys cheek. Takemitchys mouth gaped as he stuttered not knowing what to do, Drakens tilted his head as one of his eyes twitched, and Ryo clenched her fist but didn't react. She was interested to see what would happen next. But if the girl ended up being a problem she would have to step in.

Mikey just stood there not reacting while Hina went on to grab Takemitchys arm. "Lets go!" She told him and the pair walked off. "You musn't do what these people want. I will protect you." She said firmly to him. Takemitchy stopped protesting and just stared at her in awe. She was so strong. Ryo as usual observed but then an idea popped into her head. She stared at Draken and he seemed to have been thinking the same thing. Before the pair of 2nd years could leave he approached the two and grabbed Hinas arm that was holding Takemitchys hand. Preventing them from escaping.

"Imma murder you bitch." He said threateningly to Hina. "You just gonna slap someone and then say 'see ya later?' Don't make me laugh!" Hina jumped when she noticed the black haired girl from earlier suddenly appear in front of her. Her face was unreadable as she peered at the younger girl and her eyes were dark and cold as if she could read right through her. Hina would not let these people walk all over her, even though she herself was terrified.

"What part of this is a joke?" She asked seriously. Glaring at the two deliquents. "Coming into their school and forcing someone to go with you. Isn't something a friend would do."

"Lately Takemichi-kun has just been covered in wounds." Hina continued to speak. "If that was because of you guys." She turned to stare at them with a determined look on her face. "The I won't forgive you." It was silent for a moment before she heard a chuckle and glanced to see it was the older girl.

Ryo was quite amused. Takemitchys circle was something else. His friends were interesting enough but this girl had guts telling them off like that. Her amusement got the better of her and she wanted to see if Hina could hold her ground some more.

"Forgive us? Oh I missed the part where we became friends. What is there to seek forgiveness from a girl like you? You're disposable just like Takemitchy boy over here." Hina slightly winced at the taunt but still stood her ground. Ryo slowly approached Hina again and circled them like predator would to its prey. She wanted to test her. "Look at you playing the hero for your friend I didn't know you were assigned as his personal bodyguard. But given how the poor boy is I can understand. But what makes him so important?" Hina narrowed her eyes at the girl and the two of them had a stare down Ryo had slight smirk on her face.

"You tell me. The lengths you guys went to come and disrupt class just to take him. I'd say your obsessed." The younger girl sneered. Ryo raised her eyes and reached to touch a strand of Hinas hair twirling it with her fingers. Hina winced again but didn't move. Takemitchy jumped ready to try to step in but Draken just held him back.

"Oh so the brave bodyguard still has some fire and spirit in her." Ryo smiled so briefly that nobody could catch it. Before moving her head closer with wide cold eyes. "I'll make sure thats gone soon." Hina was shaken. There really was something about the third year that was so intimidating. She didn't know what to do. But she knew one thing for sure is that these people were bullies. And they knew it too.

She just wanted to take Takemitchy and leave. Then they would figure things out. Together

The two girls were suddenly interrupted from their staredown when Takemitchy grabbed Drakens shoulder. "Let go of her." He demanded. His voice was shaky but it still had a sense of anger and determination. Draken leaned in to glare at the boy.

"Whatcha say? I didn't quite hear ya!" The taller boy taunted. Takemitchy gritted his teeth before yelling. "I SAID LET HER FUCKING GO!" A flash of his girlfriend saying she'll protect him crossed his mind. This time he would protect her at any cost. She deserved it the most.

"You bastard? Who the fuck do you think your talking to?" Draken was riled up but Takemitchy still didn't let go.

"I AIN'T GONNA GIVE HER UP A SECOND TIME!" He yelled even louder. This caused both Draken and Ryo to stop in their tracks. They were curious when he said for a second time.

Mikey finally decided to make his presence known again. "Ahh and here I thought you could be my friend. Too bad."

"Well then." He closed his eyes and smiled for a moment before opening them again and staring at the boy dead in the eye asking him "How ya wanna die?"

Takemitchy shuddered at the stare but he didn't want to show any signs of weakness. Mikey began approaching him, his hands in his pockets, smiling again. "You're making a face like you won't be able to stand on your own again."

Takemitchy clenched his fist. "Just promise me one thing." He told Mikey which cause The president to slow down his approach. "Hm?"

"Promise that you won't lay a hand on Hina!"

This looks like a scene that could be in a romance movie. Ryo thought to herself chuckling, Draken noticed and stared at his friend wondering what was so funny.

Takemitchy felt a presence behind him but before he could turn and see, the person held his shoulders in place leaning his back against their stomach slightly.

"Don't worry this will help that way the pain won't be as effective." She whispered to him a sadistic tone to her voice. Takemitchy widened his eyes, scared. She came out of nowhere.

"Hah? I don't give a damn about her." Mikey raised his fist getting ready to punch him. Takemitchy braced himself for the punch but it never came. Instead he was met with a smiling Mikey. "Just kidding!" Mikey laughed causing Takemitchy to look at him quite perplexed.

"Takemitchy you dummy." The president patted his shoulder as if they were longtime friends.

"Huh?"

Mikey made his to way out to the entrance of the school and turned back again. "Theres no way I'd lay a hand on a girl." He said simply. Ryo let Takemitchy go getting ready to follow Mikey outside but before that she gave the second year a pat on the shoulder as well.

"Good job." Was all she told him before leaving again.

"HUH?!"

THE FIVE OF THEM REUNITED OUTSIDE with Hina standing before Mikey apologizing to him profusely for her actions earlier. Mikey waved it off. "Don't worry about it." He reassured her and raised his hand to touch his cheek. "It was an amazing slap!" He complimented a dazed look on his face. Hina didn't feel any better about that though and looked even more horrified.

"I AM SO SORRY!"

Ryo approached the girl and placed a hand on her shoulder causing Hina to jump a bit. Oh yeah she had forgotten that she kind of threatened the second year earlier before even thought it was a test.

"You'll have to excuse Mikeys masochism. I promise you he's not always like this." She apologized to Hina on his behalf. Mikey winked at her. She felt her heart jump at that.

Stop it heart. Must act professional

"It's fine to do your best for the man you like. But don't get too carried away. Things would have been bad if you'd hit someone that'd fight back you know?" Mikey reprimanded Hina. The younger girl understood and immediately nodded her head. "YES!"

"Ah Hina is it?" Ryo asked her. Hina widened her eyes to see the third year talking to her. She didn't know how to feel about the girl. She was so unreadable and had quite a mysterious presence. And their altercation before didn't help either.

"Y-yes." In her mind Hina cursed herself for stuttering.

"I apologize for my actions earlier. You seem like a lovely girl. Protect Takemitchy with your life." The black haired girl bowed and Hina raised her arms nervously telling her she didn't have to do that. But of course she was ignored.

Mikey stared at the scene with a small smile on his face. She was always so polite.

"Ahhhh thank you Takagi-Senpai." She scratched her hand behind her head quite awkwardly. "No hard feelings really, it was my fault." Ryo hummed and reached down to grab a sheet of paper from her bag. She handed it to Hina.

"If you need anything." And Hina looked down to see it was her number. "But you seem like a strong girl, you can handle yourself." Ryo teased her a bit. Hina chuckled.

"But really anytime." Ryo then blushed a bit. "Plus I need more female friends, hanging out with Male testosterone can get quite tiring." She added in a fake sigh with a roll of her eyes and Hina laughed even harder at that.

"Of course Takagi-senpai." Maybe the girl wasn't that bad, Hina thought. With a slight wave she made her way back to the entrance of the school. Takemitchi then stopped her for a bit asking about their date. "We can post pone it for now. Since your friends went out of their way to hang out."

"Bye Bye! Next time don't hit me!" Mikey waved, the smile never leaving his face.

"What a nice girl. Its rare to see one like that." Mikey complimented Takemitchy. "Be sure to take care of her." He advised the boy. And Takemitchy blinked he didn't know what to say. He noticed Mikeys eyes were on someone else. He was looking at Ryo who was currently texting someone on her phone, probably someone from her family.

"Just like how I'm doing my damn best to protect her." Mikey whispered to himself.

Like how he always promised to always be there no matter what.

And he'll be damned if someone or something gets in the way of that.

AN: HEYY GUYYS I am so sorry this chapter is so late. Honestly writing is so hard times cause I have so many ideas in my head but its so hard write them down at times. I feel very bad for stopping it here but next chapter I hope I can present something better than this mid. 😭

I will admit i feel like i'm writing Mikey OOC like I just love him SM that I feel like I won't be able to do his character any justice. So again feedback is always appreciated!

Also wondering how you guys feel about Ryo as a character so far, hope shes not too boring or annoying 🙏

PS: Sorry for any grammar errors or if any wording seems funky. I'll make sure to edit them later.

See you guys next chapter! I love y'all!