The classroom was buzzing with the usual chatter, but Yumi could barely hear it. Dani, the new transfer student, had spent the morning giving her soft smiles and gentle, flirty comments. Every time she looked up, his eyes seemed to linger a little too long, making her cheeks flush.
Pherrie, sitting right beside her, noticed immediately. His protective glare was subtle, but his teasing smirk made it clear he was aware of every attempt Dani made.
"Princess," Pherrie whispered, leaning close enough that Yumi felt the warmth of his shoulder against hers. "Looks like someone's trying to get your attention again."
"I—I can handle it!" Yumi whispered back, flustered.
"Oh, I know you can," Pherrie said, brushing his fingers lightly over hers in a teasing touch. "But can he handle me?"
Dani sauntered over, leaning casually on her desk. "Hey, Yumi, how about we partner for the next project? I think we'd work really well together." His smile was soft and charming, the kind that made anyone's heart skip a beat.
Pherrie's eyes narrowed slightly, and a low, teasing laugh escaped him. He subtly shifted, placing a protective barrier between Yumi and Dani, his hand brushing hers once again, just enough to claim her space.
"Nice try," Pherrie said smoothly, voice low and teasing. "But the Princess already has a partner. And that partner is me."
Dani's confident smile faltered for a moment, though he tried to maintain composure. "I see… very protective of her, aren't you?"
Pherrie leaned closer to Yumi, his breath brushing her ear as he whispered, "Protective? Maybe. Teasing? Definitely. And you—my Princess—stay close to me, understand?"
Yumi's cheeks burned at the words, her heart fluttering. "I… understand," she whispered softly.
For the rest of the class, Dani tried subtly to engage Yumi in conversation, offering compliments and small gestures of charm. But Pherrie was always one step ahead, whispering playful remarks, brushing lightly against her arm, and keeping her attention firmly on him.
By the end of the day, it was clear: no one—no matter how handsome or charming—stood a chance against Pherrie. Dani's attempts were harmless but utterly futile.
As they walked down the hallway together, Pherrie looped an arm lightly around Yumi's shoulder, his voice low and teasing. "See, Princess? No one's taking you away. Not him, not anyone."
Yumi blushed deeply, a small, happy smile tugging at her lips. "You really are impossible," she murmured.
"And yet," Pherrie whispered, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face, "you love it, don't you?"
Yumi could only shake her head softly, laughter bubbling quietly as they walked toward their next class, the teasing, protective, and playful bond between them stronger than ever.