Ryoma leaned back in his chair, expression unreadable for a moment. Then he spoke with quiet finality."For now, Mei will stay with you. It's the safest option until this storm passes."
Kouga blinked. "…At my place?"
"Yes." Ryoma's tone left no room for debate. "The company is being watched, and my estate is under scrutiny. The less predictable her location, the better. You already care for Siegfried's daughter—you can manage Mei as well."
Kouga gave a resigned nod. "Understood. I'll make it work."
The next day passed in a blur of whispers and stares at school. Rumors about Ryoma only seemed to spread further, and by the time classes ended, Kouga already knew what he had to do.
That evening, as the sun dipped behind the rooftops, Mei stood in front of Kouga's house for the first time, suitcase in hand.
When they stepped through the front door, her eyes widened slightly.
The outside had looked old, almost neglected. But the inside… polished floors, shelves neatly dusted, a small kitchen spotless and organized. The faint aroma of herbs lingered, hinting at Kouga's cooking. It was simple, yes—but warm. Lived-in.
"…This is… not what I expected," Mei admitted softly, slipping off her shoes.
Kiana, already bounding in, beamed. "Told ya! Kouga-senpai keeps it clean like some kinda neat freak. You should see the bathroom—it sparkles!"
Kouga shot her a flat look. "I just keep it tidy. That's all."
Mei's lips tugged into the faintest smile before she smoothed her expression again. "It's… comfortable."
Later, as night settled, the issue of space became unavoidable. Kouga returned from the storage closet with another futon tucked under his arm. He laid it out beside Kiana's usual bedding in the small room.
"Here," he said, dusting it off. "At least this way you two won't have to share."
Mei knelt down gracefully, adjusting her things with quiet efficiency. Kiana plopped down on her own futon, grinning. "This is gonna be fun! Sleepover every night!"
Kouga lingered at the doorway, arms crossed. His gaze shifted to Kiana. "…Keep your hands to yourself. No trying to hug her in your sleep."
Kiana puffed her cheeks. "What kind of person do you think I am?"
"The kind that kicks blankets off and rolls everywhere," Kouga said dryly.
Mei gave a soft chuckle, hiding it behind her hand. "I'll manage."
Kouga exhaled, turning away. "Alright then. Good night."
As he slid the door shut, he heard Kiana's voice muffled through the paper frame: "Don't worry, Mei-senpai! I'll protect you from Kouga's grumpiness!"
And Mei's soft laugh followed after.
Sunday morning felt different from the rest of the week. For once, there was no rush to school, no heavy whispers following them.
After breakfast, Kouga leaned against the counter, arms crossed."We've been stuck inside long enough," he said. "Let's go out today. What do you two want to do?"
Kiana shot her hand up immediately. "Shopping! Let's go shopping!"
Kouga gave her a flat look. "…Of course that's your idea."
"It's the perfect idea!" Kiana beamed, pointing at Mei. "It'll cheer Mei-senpai up, and she needs some fun after all that rumor nonsense. Plus—" she jabbed a finger toward Kouga, "you'll be carrying our bags."
"…Figures," he muttered.
Mei giggled softly, her tone warmer than usual. "It does sound nice, Kiana-chan. I haven't been shopping in a while."
Kiana's eyes lit up at the chan. "See? Mei-senpai agrees with me!"
By noon, they were at the mall. Bright lights and chatter filled the air, the scent of food stalls drifting through the wide halls. Mei stayed close to Kiana, a little hesitant at first, but Kiana grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the first clothing store.
"C'mon, Mei-senpai, let's find you something cute!" Kiana grinned.
Before long, Mei was trying on outfits she wouldn't have picked herself—casual dresses, light sweaters, even a hair accessory or two. Every time she stepped out of the fitting room, Kiana clapped like an overexcited child.
"Kiana-chan… you don't have to cheer so loudly," Mei said, blushing.
Kiana puffed out her cheeks. "I'm just telling the truth! You look great!"
Meanwhile, Kouga stood outside the store with several bags already hanging from his arms. He let out a sigh as another passerby gave him a sympathetic look."…This is my life now," he muttered under his breath.
When Mei finally came out in a simple pale-blue dress that matched her eyes, Kiana practically shouted, "Perfect! You look amazing!"
Mei flushed faintly, embarrassed but clearly pleased. "D-Don't exaggerate, Kiana-chan."
Kouga glanced over, adjusting the bags in his hands. "…Not bad."
That one small, understated comment seemed to mean more to Mei than Kiana's cheering. She gave a quiet nod, her smile softer than before. "Thank you… Kouga-kun."
On their way back from the mall, Kouga stopped at a vending machine."Wait here. I'll grab something to drink," he said, leaving Mei and Kiana by the sidewalk.
The moment his back was turned, a group of rough-looking men swaggered over."Well, well. Two pretty girls all alone," one of them sneered, reaching for Mei's arm."Why don't you come with us? We'll show you a good time."
Kiana scowled, stepping in front of Mei. "Back off. Now."
The men laughed. "Feisty, huh?" Another reached for her wrist. "Makes it more fun."
Before Kiana could swing her fist, the man gripping her was suddenly launched backward, his face caved in with a fresh fist mark. He crashed to the ground, unconscious. The one holding Mei didn't fare better—sent flying into the wall, collapsing in a heap.
Standing in front of them, fist still smoking with power, was Kouga. His eyes burned with fury."You two okay?" he asked, his voice tight.
Before either could answer, a third man lunged from behind, fist raised toward Kouga's head."Kouga-senpai, look out!"
Kiana shoved him aside and took the blow to her cheek instead.
For a split second, Kouga froze—then the world turned red.
What followed was a blur of violence. Kouga moved like a storm, fists breaking air and bone alike. When he came back to his senses, he heard voices calling his name.
"Kouga-kun!" Mei's voice trembled."Kouga-senpai!" Kiana added, clutching her cheek.
Blinking, Kouga looked down. His hand was gripping the collar of the last man standing—or rather, barely standing. The thug's face was swollen, teeth broken, eyes pleading. Blood dripped down Kouga's knuckles.
"I'm sorry… please… I'll never do it again…" the man croaked.
Kouga's expression didn't soften. Without a word, he dropped the man like trash, picked up their shopping bags, and tugged both girls away from the alley.
Far enough from danger, Kouga finally stopped. He turned toward Kiana, his voice low."You okay?"
Kiana blinked at him in disbelief. "You're asking me? Kouga-senpai, you lost it back there."
"…Yeah," he admitted after a pause. "Sorry."
Mei watched him carefully, concern clear in her eyes. Kouga reached out, cupping Kiana's cheek where the punch had landed. A faint red mark bloomed across her skin."I should've been the one to take that hit, not you," he said quietly.
Kiana flushed, shaking her head quickly. "I-It's fine! Really, I'm fine!"
But his sharp gaze said he wasn't convinced. Without another word, he guided them home.
Later, Mei and Kiana settled into their room, Kiana trying to brush it all off with a grin."Did you see him, Mei-chan? Kouga-senpai looked so badass back there!"
Mei frowned slightly, glancing at her. "…Kiana-chan, you were hurt. Doesn't that worry you at all?"
Kiana waved her off, still smiling. "I told you, I'm fine. Just a scratch. Don't pout, Mei-chan."
Meanwhile, downstairs, Kouga rummaged through the cabinet for bandages and antiseptic. His phone buzzed—a message from Siegfried.
Saw what you did. Damn impressive. Now I'm even more certain I can trust both Kiana and Mei with you.
Kouga rolled his eyes, muttering, "Tch… this guy."
He typed back: What about ME Corp?
Bad. Real bad. But Ryoma and I are doing everything we can.
Kouga stared at the screen for a moment before replying: Good luck. Don't push yourself.
Pocketing the phone, he carried the medicine upstairs, ready to tend to Kiana's cheek himself.