After parting ways with the radiant blonde girl, Ann Takamaki, Ryo Jin didn't head straight home with Momoka.
Ann had actually invited him out for dinner—a bold move that suited her outgoing, half-foreign personality.
It wasn't like Ryo was opposed to the idea…
But the way Momoka was watching him—half smirk, half dagger eyes—made it clear that accepting would've meant eternal teasing.
Besides, he had somewhere to be: picking up the Yoshizawa sisters after practice.
So he politely turned Ann down, promising they could grab a meal another time. Only after hearing that did the bright young woman finally wave goodbye and skip off down the street.
Of course, Ann had no idea that Ryo was also a student at Shujin Academy—and not only that, but that he'd be entering as a second-year like her when the new semester began.
He smirked to himself. That's going to be a fun surprise later.
When the Yoshizawa twins' training session ended, Ryo was already waiting outside the gym, leaning casually against the wall like a self-appointed bodyguard for two blooming roses.
"Ryo-senpai, you look extra cheerful today. Something good happen?"
"Yeah, yeah—your smile's different too! It's like, super radiant now! So cool~! …Ryo-senpai, I love you!"
The two girls crowded in on him from either side, brushing against his arms like affectionate puppies.
Their innocent energy made him smile softly.
"Thanks. I love you too, Sumire. And… everyone."
He patted the younger twin's head without thinking. Her hair was silky and fragrant—she must've showered right after practice.
For a moment, he just enjoyed the texture between his fingers.
Sumire's smile froze mid-expression, her face turning bright red. Kasumi, the older sister, sighed and rubbed her temples.
"Hopeless," she muttered.
But curiosity soon replaced her exasperation.
"So? What happened, Ryo? You really do seem different."
"It's nothing major," Ryo said, scratching his cheek. "I just did something nice for someone today, and they thanked me for it. That's all. You know, like helping an old lady cross the street."
Of course, if you help the wrong old lady, you might end up dragging her back across the same street.
Letting that volleyball girl skip training was only a temporary fix. If her coach really was the abusive type, a delay wouldn't change much.
Still… that old habit of his—the investigative instinct from his Phantom Thief days—was kicking in again.
"Hey, Kasumi, Sumire."
"Hm?"
Both twins turned to him at once, their matching red eyes bright as petals.
"Do you happen to know anyone named Kamoshida? I think he's a PE teacher or coach at Shujin. It's fine if you don't—I just heard the name somewhere."
The twins blinked—then answered in perfect sync:
"Kamoshida Suguru? Of course!"
Ryo froze.
He'd only asked on a whim, but their instant response left no doubt.
Kasumi pulled out her phone, her nimble fingers tapping at lightning speed as she searched the name.
She held the screen out toward him.
Kamoshida Suguru – Former Olympic Gold Medalist.
Captain of the national volleyball team. Led Japan to its first gold medal in the sport two tournaments ago.
"I remember watching that match as a kid," Kasumi said. "He was a big deal back then, right, Sumire?"
Her sister nodded enthusiastically.
"Totally! He was in tons of commercials too. After retiring, he became a coach at Shujin a few years ago. He's in charge of both the boys' and girls' volleyball teams, and his students always rank high nationally."
The Yoshizawas went on to explain something Ryo hadn't known.
Shujin High had been heavily investing in athletics recently—gymnastics, track, swimming, and especially volleyball.
The twins themselves, being elite rhythmic gymnasts who'd taken first and third in the national competition last year, had chosen Shujin specifically because of its sports program. Their parents believed the school's athletic focus would secure their future careers.
And part of that decision, ironically enough, had been influenced by Kamoshida's fame.
Ryo exhaled slowly.
"Small world, huh…?"
So, the coach that Ann had described as a sadistic abuser… turned out to be a celebrity.
And now he was teaching at the very same school Ryo—and the Yoshizawas—were attending.
It almost felt too coincidental.
The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth.
If that man really was the kind of person Ann implied…
If he used his position to manipulate, punish, or even harass his female students…
Then how long until his gaze turned toward these two beautiful, naive sisters?
A cold surge of anger ran through Ryo's chest.
For someone who'd just sworn to "retire" from the Phantom Thief life, his heroic instincts were alarmingly quick to resurrect.
The "dad mode" he thought he'd buried flared back to life, overflowing with protective rage.
"Just curious," Ryo said finally, voice even. "Have you heard any rumors about Kamoshida? Things like… favoritism, sketchy behavior, maybe harassment?"
Kasumi and Sumire exchanged a glance.
Even without words, the silent spark between them said everything.
They'd known Ryo for months now—but this was the first time he'd ever asked them for help.
And the realization made their eyes light up like stars.
"Not really," Kasumi said, her tone suddenly serious. "But I can ask around! Even if we're in different departments, someone must know something about him. Give me a few days, okay?"
"I'll help too!" Sumire chimed in. "I'll ask my dad—he works in sports management! He never talks about work, but if I beg hard enough, he'll tell me something!"
The two sisters spoke with such genuine enthusiasm that Ryo couldn't help smiling.
"Thanks, you two."
As his reward, he reached out and ruffled both their heads at once.
They squealed in delight, laughing and leaning into his hands like happy kittens.
Warm, bright, and innocent—a fragile peace Ryo knew he'd have to protect.