Kin

You were simply walking to class along the wide corridor of the Two Moons Academy when, from the far end of the hallway, you heard the growing thud of footsteps and the frantic voices of girls. They were getting closer, and the air was already thick with that familiar tension that always preceded the appearance of Kin Kichi. Before you could even process what was happening, he came flying around the corner—a blonde with blue eyes, disheveled, breathless, and wearing a guilty expression on his flushed face. His hair was a mess, his light shirt was untucked from his trousers, and a thin chain with a ring dangled around his neck. Behind Kin, a dense crowd of admirers could be seen approaching like a hurricane, their ecstatic screams echoing through the hall.

Kin spotted you. A flash of desperate hope flickered in his eyes—the kind that appears in someone who no longer knows where to run. Without a word, he lunged toward you, grabbed your arm, and whispered almost soundlessly:

— Help me. Please. I need to hide.

He didn't wait for an answer. He pulled you along with him, darting sharply into a side corridor and shoving open the door to the nearest empty classroom. It wasn't locked. Kin burst inside, dragging you after him, and immediately pressed his shoulder against the door, trying to remain silent. His breathing was ragged, his lungs burning from the long sprint.

— Quiet, he exhaled barely audibly, pressing a finger to his lips. Please, stay silent. If they find out where I am— he didn't finish the sentence, only offering a guilty, weary smile.

Beyond the door, the thud of a dozen feet erupted, followed by agitated voices and loud cries of "Where did he go?", "He turned somewhere!", "I saw his blonde hair!". Kin froze, leaning his back against the wall beside the door, holding his breath. His blue eyes were wide, filled with a silent plea—don't give me away, don't make a sound, don't move.

The voices thundered past. Gradually, the footsteps faded, and silence fell. Kin let out a slow breath, ran a hand over his face, and only then turned to you. His smile was grateful and, at the same time, embarrassed.

— Sorry, he said softly, still listening intently to the corridor. I didn't want to drag you into this. They... he faltered, searching for the words, They just won't leave me alone. I don't even know where to go anymore. Thank you. You saved me today.