That morning started like any other. Kouga rose early, prepared bento for himself and Kiana, and the two made their way to school together.
"I can't wait to get close to Mei-senpai before you do, Kouga-senpai," Kiana teased, her grin mischievous.
Kouga gave her a flat look but said nothing, letting the words slide past him as usual.
But as they crossed the school courtyard, something different filled the air—whispers. Everywhere they passed, students huddled in small groups, voices hushed but urgent.
"Did you hear? Raiden Ryoma's under investigation.""They're saying embezzlement—fraud on a massive scale.""No way. He runs ME Corp. If this is true, the whole company's screwed."
Kiana's steps slowed, her expression tightening. "Kouga… Mei-senpai—she must be hearing all this."
Kouga glanced at her, calm but firm. "Go to your class. I'll be there for her."
Kiana hesitated, then nodded reluctantly and broke off down her hall. Kouga continued toward his own classroom.
The moment he entered, he understood.
Instead of the usual circle of admirers fawning over Raiden Mei, there was a half-ring of classmates around her desk. The atmosphere was sharp, suffocating. Mei sat straight-backed, her face composed, but Kouga could read the strain in her stiff posture and downcast eyes.
"I'm telling you," Mei said, her voice even but edged with frustration, "these rumors are false. My father has not embezzled anything. He's not that kind of man."
"Then why's it all over the news feeds?" one boy shot back. "People don't just invent this stuff."
"Yeah," another chimed in, arms crossed. "Did ME Corp pay off the press to keep it quiet before? Everyone knows that project your dad was running disappeared out of nowhere."
The worst came from the trio of girls Kouga recognized—the same ones who once warned him to stay away from Mei. The leader smirked."Face it, Mei. Power corrupts. Your father's just like the rest—using influence to cover his messes. Maybe you've been benefitting from it, too?"
A murmur rippled through the class. Mei's hands clenched faintly on her desk, but she held her chin high. "That is not true."
Kouga had heard enough.
"Ahem."
The single sound cut through the chatter. Heads turned. He stood just outside the circle, hands in his pockets, his gaze cool and unshaken.
"I work directly under Raiden Ryoma," Kouga said evenly, his tone carrying weight. "If you won't take Mei's word, then take mine. There's been no fraud. No embezzlement. Raiden-sama may be strict, but corruption isn't in his character."
The class shifted uncomfortably. Some avoided his eyes, others frowned, unwilling to push further but not ready to back down. Kouga's stare hardened slightly.
"And besides—" his voice dropped, calm but cutting "—do any of you really believe Mei would know if her father was hiding something? Or that she'd lie to protect him from gossip like this?"
The silence that followed was sharp enough to sting. One by one, the students began to retreat, muttering weak excuses as the tension dissolved. The trio of girls exchanged sour looks but said nothing more before stepping back to their seats.
The crowd scattered.
Kouga didn't linger—he simply cast Mei a glance as he moved to his desk.
She met his eyes briefly, her expression unreadable, then looked away with a small glare—quiet but deliberate.
I was helping you, you know, he thought, unfazed, pulling out his notebook.
Class went on as if nothing had happened, but the air between them was heavier than ever.
The lunch bell rang. Kouga rose from his seat, intending to head for the rooftop like always—only for a hand to seize his wrist.
Mei.
She didn't speak, just tugged him along with surprising force. Kouga didn't resist, letting her pull him through the hallway, up the stairwell, until they burst out onto the rooftop.
The door clicked shut behind them. Only then did she release him, folding her arms tight across her chest.
"I understand you were trying to help," Mei said, her voice sharp but controlled. "But that last part was unnecessary."
Kouga tilted his head. "The part about you not knowing?"
"Yes. That." Her gaze flicked aside. "It sounded like you were implying there was something to hide. That doesn't help me."
"I said it to scatter them," Kouga replied flatly. "They weren't going to back off with a simple denial. I gave them a reason to walk away."
She held his eyes for a moment, then let out a quiet sigh. "I suppose you're right. They've been relentless since morning."
Without comment, Kouga set his bento down, opened it, and offered her a piece of side dish with his chopsticks. "Eat. You skipped breakfast, didn't you? Stay here—I'll go grab Kiana. We should eat up here from now on."
Mei hesitated, but finally gave a small nod.
A few minutes later, Kouga returned with Kiana bouncing along beside him. The moment she saw Mei, Kiana raised a fist high. "Don't worry, Mei-senpai! If anyone dares mess with you again, I'll kick their butts!"
Mei blinked in surprise at the declaration, then gave the faintest laugh despite herself.
That afternoon, Kouga headed to work at ME Corp as usual. But as he approached the massive building, a new obstacle awaited him—a throng of protesters.
Handmade signs bobbed in the air: "Expose the Truth!""Justice for the People!""Raiden Ryoma = Fraud!"
The crowd's angry shouts clashed in the air like a storm. Kouga narrowed his eyes. Great. Just what we needed.
He pushed forward, his steady stride carving a path through the sea of bodies. Jeers followed him, but he ignored them.
At that moment, the front doors swung open. Raiden Ryoma stepped out with his security detail in tow, a microphone in hand.
"To those gathered here," Ryoma began, voice carrying with practiced authority, "these accusations are nothing but slander. I ask that you allow ME Corp to continue its operations without interference. Thank you."
With no further comment, he turned and re-entered the building. Kouga slipped in behind him, the noise outside muffling as the doors sealed shut.
Inside was another world—quiet, ordered, clinical. The contrast made Kouga exhale.
"I'm guessing the rumors are spiraling," he said as they walked toward the elevator.
"Worse than you imagine," Ryoma answered, pressing the button. His tone was calm, but there was steel underneath. "And I think I know who's behind it."
Kouga's brow furrowed. "Cocolia?"
Ryoma gave a single nod. "Fabricated documents, manipulated media—she's capable of all of it."
The elevator chimed. As they rose, Kouga leaned against the wall, arms folded. "So why not release proof? An audit would clear your name."
"It's not that simple," Ryoma said, eyes forward. "With Cocolia, disproving one trap only springs another. She plans several moves ahead."
The doors slid open, leading them to the executive floor. In his office, Ryoma immediately sat at his desk, fingers flying across the keyboard.
Kouga stood by, watching. "…So what do you need from me?"
Ryoma paused, then lifted his eyes, gaze heavy with intent. "I need you to watch Mei. Keep her safe. Given the circumstances, she shouldn't be left exposed. She trusts you. And I trust you to provide the stability she needs right now."
Kouga gave a slow nod. "Understood. I'll protect her."
Ryoma allowed a rare, faint smile. "Good. No matter what comes next, I'll rest easier knowing she's in your hands."