The classroom buzzed with excitement as students settled in, but Yumi could hardly focus. Dani, the new transfer student, had spent the morning flashing soft smiles and gentle glances her way, making her cheeks flush repeatedly.
Pherrie, sitting right beside her, noticed instantly. His teasing smirk appeared, and he leaned subtly closer, brushing shoulders with her in a way that was protective, flirty, and impossible to ignore.
"Princess," he whispered, low and teasing, "looks like our charming newcomer thinks he can steal your attention again."
"I—I can handle it," Yumi murmured, cheeks heating.
Pherrie grinned. "Oh, I know you can. But can he handle me?"
Dani approached again, his smile soft and inviting. "Yumi, maybe we could partner for the next project? I think we'd work really well together."
Pherrie's eyes narrowed, and he shifted closer, his arm brushing hers. "Nice try," he said smoothly, voice teasing but firm. "The Princess already has a partner—and that partner is me."
Dani's confident grin faltered, though he tried to keep his composure. "Protective, huh?"
Pherrie leaned even closer, voice dropping low so only Yumi could hear. "Protective? Maybe. Flirty? Definitely. And you—my Princess—stay right here with me, got it?"
Yumi's heart fluttered, her cheeks burning. "I… got it," she whispered.
Throughout the lesson, Dani tried again and again to catch Yumi's attention, but Pherrie was always one step ahead. He whispered playful jokes, brushed lightly against her hand, and leaned in close whenever Dani tried to linger.
By the end of class, it was clear: Dani didn't stand a chance. Pherrie's teasing, protective, and flirty presence claimed Yumi's attention completely.
As they left the classroom, Pherrie looped an arm lightly around her shoulder, his smirk playful and possessive. "See, Princess? No one's taking you away. Not him, not anyone."
Yumi's cheeks flushed, a small, happy smile tugging at her lips. "You really are impossible," she murmured.
"And yet," Pherrie teased, brushing a strand of hair from her face, "you love it."
Yumi laughed softly, feeling completely safe and exhilarated with Pherrie by her side. Dani might be charming, but Pherrie's presence left no room for competition.