Haruka was resigned as she stepped onto the train. She had spent all morning thinking of ways to get home while avoiding the train but there was no way. Taking the bus and walking home were two options but it would take too long for Haruka to get home. Taxis were also available but they were expensive and Haruka's allowance wasn't enough for her to take a taxi. She didn't want to ask Masami because they lived in opposite directions.

As soon as the train doors closed, Haruka felt someone standing behind her and a feeling of disgust immediately overwhelmed her.

"You've been such a good girl. It would be wrong of me to withhold your reward."

Haruka felt anger spiking through her veins and she tightly clenched her fists. Not only did the pervert have the guts to harass her, but he dared to speak to her? Haruka was royally pissed. She knew she was a victim but she didn't want to be a victim anymore. She didn't want to end up on the news as a statistic.

She decided to go for it. She didn't care if she hit a random person or if she hit the wrong person. She needed to take action and she wasn't going to let herself be helpless anymore. Haruka quickly made a move and she snatched the hand that was groping her thigh. Turning around, Haruka clenched her fist and prepare her arm to launch a punch but she was too late.

Gasps filled the train and the crowd had parted, leaving an empty space in the middle of the train. Standing in between Haruka and the fallen pervert was Kyosuke. Men in suits suddenly appeared and they restrained the pervert, dragging him off the train once the train stopped. Haruka wordlessly followed Kyosuke out of the train and she watched as the men in suits handed the pervert over to the police, who had been waiting outside of the train station.

"How did you-"

"Kureno-san told me you were in trouble so she said you needed my help."

"But those guys-"

"Kureno-san sent them; they're her bodyguards."

Haruka felt her knees grow weak and she slumped to the floor, tears gushing from her eyes. Embarrassed, Haruka covered her face and willed herself to stop crying but the tears didn't stop. Kyosuke knelt down and gently patted her head,

"You have a good friend, Haruka. I'm sorry we couldn't help you sooner."

Haruka shook her head,

"I'm sorry, Kyosuke. I should've said something but I...I was too scared! I was too weak!"

Kyosuke pulled Haruka up and he wiped her tears. His face was stern, as if he was trying to make some sort of decision.

"Let me walk you home."

Haruka nodded, allowing Kyosuke to hold her hand as they walked side by side.

The next day at school, Haruka brought a large lunch box for Masami.

"What's this for?" Masami asked.

"It's for you...to thank you...for always looking out for me."

Masami smiled and she set the lunch box aside, pulling Haruka in for a tight hug.

"You silly girl. We're friends. No, we're better than friends. We're sisters. I will always protect you and I know you will always protect me."

Haruka teared up and she sniffled, causing Masami's eyes to well with tears.

"You're the best, Masami!"

"You dummy! We can't cry during lunch!" Masami laughed tearfully; she wiped away her tears and blew her nose, "You should also thank your special friend. He's the one who ran after you when I told him you were in trouble."

"He...ran?" Haruka was in disbelief.

Masami rolled her eyes,

"He's in the Stride club. Of course he ran. He ran like the wind."