The classroom hummed with activity as students settled into their seats, but Yumi could hardly concentrate. Dani, the new transfer student, had spent the morning sending soft smiles and casual glances her way, each one making her cheeks warm.
Pherrie, sitting right beside her, noticed immediately. His protective gaze sharpened whenever Dani approached, and his teasing smirk grew wider.
"Princess," Pherrie whispered, brushing his shoulder against hers, "looks like someone thinks he can steal your attention again."
"I—I can handle it," Yumi murmured, flustered.
"Oh, I know you can," Pherrie said, fingers lightly grazing hers in a playful touch. "But can he handle me?"
Dani leaned casually against the edge of her desk, flashing a soft, charming smile. "Yumi, how about we partner up for the next project? I think we'd make a great team."
Pherrie's eyes narrowed slightly, and he shifted closer to Yumi, his arm brushing hers in a protective yet teasing manner. "Nice try," he said smoothly. "But the Princess already has a partner—and that partner is me."
Dani's confident grin faltered just a little. "I see… very protective, aren't you?"
Pherrie leaned in closer, his voice low and teasing as he whispered near Yumi's ear, "Protective? Maybe. Flirty? Definitely. And you, my Princess, stay right here with me, got it?"
Yumi's heart fluttered, her cheeks warming. "I… got it," she whispered.
Throughout the class, Dani tried to find little ways to engage Yumi—asking her opinion, leaning in slightly, and flashing gentle smiles—but Pherrie was always one step ahead. He whispered jokes, made playful comments, and subtly brushed her hand to ensure her focus stayed on him.
By the end of the lesson, it was clear: Dani didn't stand a chance. Pherrie's teasing, flirty, and protective presence left no room for anyone else to get close to Yumi.
As they walked down the hall together, Pherrie draped an arm lightly around her shoulders, whispering with a mischievous grin, "See, Princess? No one's taking you away. Not him, not anyone."
Yumi laughed softly, a warm blush on her cheeks. "You really are impossible," she murmured.
"And yet," Pherrie teased, brushing a strand of hair from her face, "you wouldn't have it any other way."
Yumi could only shake her head, smiling, as they continued down the hallway. The protective, playful, and flirty bond between them had only grown stronger.