Renji woke the next morning to the lazy hum of cicadas outside his window. The sky was still hazy with dawn, painted in soft orange streaks. For once, he didn't immediately think about Reina's curves or Rika's heated kisses.
No, his mind replayed the sharp blast of Mayumi's whistle. The way her voice cracked with steel. And beneath it, the fleeting glimpse of something raw and unguarded.
He stretched, rolling his shoulders with the ease of a man twice his "age." His system pulsed faintly, as if echoing his thoughts.
[System Notification: Emotional Sync – Coach Mayumi – Active.]
Sync Level: 5%
Analysis: She displays high resistance. Barrier strength: formidable. Emotional entry points: discipline, abandonment, hidden loneliness.]
~Be careful hun!!! She's a fortress!
Renji chuckled, rubbing his jaw.
"So… a fortress, huh? Perfect."
He dressed casually, slung his bag over his shoulder, and left for school.
